Protection from Malevolence (spell)

Protection from malevolence bestows an enhanced armour class (AC) when facing the weaponry and physical assaults of malicious creatures and monsters.

Protection from Malevolence

Range	touch
Duration	6 rounds per level
Area of Effect	1 creature
Casting Time	1 round
Saving Throw	none
Level	cleric (1st); mage (1st)

In the context of this spell, malevolence is defined as an conscious desire to inflict serious harm upon or kill a combatant for personal reasons. Non-thinking creatures cannot be malevolent, as they are merely attempting to secure food for themselves and know no better.

Consequently, the spell is ineffectual against creatures that are merely defending themselves or their homes against player characters who are, in fact, the malevolent force in many situations. That said, certain entities, like the undead or manifestations hailing from the underworld, may be reliably viewed as malevolent, for part of their nature includes a strong desire to cause whatever evil and pain they're able to achieve.

The spell enhances the recipient's armour class by +2 points against malevolent magical assaults or weapons that an enemy employs, with a +2 saving throw also. Against bodily attacks, such as those involving claws, fangs, horns, stings and similar forms, the protection affords a more substantial +4 AC bonus. These bonuses also extend to any items the recipient may be carrying.