Stay the Hand

School: enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting]


Level: Paladin 4



Casting Time: immediate action


Components: V, S, DF


Range: medium (100 feet + 10 feet/level)


Target: creature (1)


Duration: 1 round/level and special (see text)


Saving Throw: Will partial


Spell Resistance: yes


Source: Advanced Player's Guide

Description

You cause a creature's arm to waver and prevent it from striking another creature. You can cast this spell when the target is about to make a melee attack against another creature. On a failed saving throw, the target does not follow through with its attack, and its entire action is wasted for the round. On a successful saving throw, the target can make its attack, forcing its strike though the compulsion but losing both accuracy and power, taking a -5 penalty on its attack and damage rolls. Whether or not the target makes its initial save or not, it is subject to a -2 penalty on attack and damage rolls against the creature it originally targeted for the duration of the spell.