Stay the Hand

School enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting]; Level paladin 4

Casting Time 1 immediate action

Components V, S, DF

Range medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)

Target one creature

Duration 1 round/level and special; see text

Saving Throw Will partial; Spell Resistance yes

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.