Spiritual Hammer (spell)

Spiritual hammer is a spell that conjures one or more mystical warhammer that can be employed by the caster for both close-quarters combat and ranged strikes. However, all attacks must remain within the designated spell's area of influence. The hammer is an extension of the caster's will and can be directed at any target.

Spiritual Hammer

Range	self
Duration	1 round per level; see text
Area of Effect	30 ft.
Casting Time	1 round
Saving Throw	none
Level	cleric (2nd)

The actual hammer is an ethereal essence that pulsates with power and a strong blue glow, visible to the friend and foe alike. It's head is shaped as the caster desires, gleaming with an otherworldly, almost hypnotic gleam.

Attacking

When "throwing" the warhammer, the caster directs the weapon mentally, and therefore cannot take another action at the same time. This requires 2 action points, just as any other attack. The hammer cannot be "thrown" more quickly by a caster with multiple attacks per round, but multiple attacks do apply if the hammer is used in melee.

Use of the hammer can be suspended at will, in which case the warhammer will float invisibly within the caster's grasp or remain held in his or her hand. The spell's duration describes the number of rounds the hammer can be used to attack ... but if it's not used, the magic remains in place for a full hour after discharging, enabling the caster to make use of it later.

Bonuses

When thrown, the warhammer doesn't receive benefits from attacks to the flank or rear. It does when used hand-to-hand. For every two levels above 3rd, i.e. at 5th, 7th and 9th, the hammer acquires a +1 bonus to hit. A 13th level hammer would gain the maximum bonus from this benefit: +5 to hit. The bonus ceases to increase after 13th level.

When used in melee, the spiritual hammer also retains the caster's normal bonuses to hit and damage from strength. Dexterity bonuses don't apply when the hammer is thrown.