Forcefend (Alteration, Incantation)
Level: 4
Range: 30 yards
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 4
Duration: 1 round
Area of Effect: Special
Saving Throw: Special
This spell cloaks its caster with a temporary protection against all hostile spells and magical item discharges that have a specific target — when the intended target is the caster. A forcefend enables the caster to redirect all such magics at another suitable target within spell range. The new target can never be the original source of the attack (for example, this spell does not allow direct reflection of spell attacks) and cannot be a target not valid under the terms of the spell attack. The new target is allowed a saving throw vs. spell; if failed, the magical attack takes its full effect on the new target rather than on the forcefend caster.
If the new target’s saving throw succeeds, the magical attack rebounds to strike at any valid target (except the original source and the forcefend caster) within 30 yards of the intended new target. This secondary target cannot be chosen by the forcefend caster, and if more than one valid target exists, the actual target affected is chosen randomly.
The secondary target is allowed a normal saving throw vs. spell; if failed, the secondary target suffers the full brunt of the original attack. If the secondary target’s saving throw also succeeds, the spell attack fades harmlessly away and is lost, harming nothing and no one.
A forcefend protects its caster against all hostile magics during its round of existence; the caster can redirect multiple attacks against various targets without penalty for “being so busy.” Any spellcasting on the part of the forcefend caster while the forcefend is in effect instantly negates it, but the caster can employ magical items and undertake strenuous or demanding physical activities, including combat, climbing, and readying material components for future magics.
