Taunt (spell)

Taunt empowers the caster to "get under the skin" of a would-be enemy, encouraging them with japes and jeers until they are angered into foolishness. Thereupon they will rush forward, attacking without order or sense, if a saving throw is failed. The spell normally lasts until these creatures make one attack — whereupon, they will be free to act normally. A successful save indicates the creatures have ignored the taunts.

Taunt

Range	self
Duration	1 attack; see below
Area of Effect	1 creature per level; see below
Casting Time	1 round
Saving Throw	negates
Level	bard (1st); mage (1st)

If an enemy rushes into an attack, they will do so angrily and incautiously — because of it, they'll lose the initiative when melee is met, as well as exposing themselves to attacks of opportunity.

In addition and also on account of this anger, victims of the taunt spell will suffer a -3 penalty to their armour class. Finally, taunted creatures will seek hand-to-hand combat, rather than throwing a weapon. If an obstacle prevents this, those affected will shout and scream for one round, exposing themselves, before coming to their senses.

Creatures must be within 60 ft. of the caster, or voice range, to hear the taunts. Creatures with less than 5 intelligence are unaffected by the spell.

See Morale