Defending Sword

Defending Sword

Evocation [force]
Level: Magus* 6, Sorcerer*/Wizard * 6
Components: V, S, F (a miniature platinum sword worth 250 gp)
Casting Time: 1 Standard Action
Range: close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect: one sword
Duration: 1 round/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: yes

This spell brings into being a shimmering, sword-like plane of force.

Until the sword is triggered, it hovers in your space without interfering with your actions. While hovering in this way, the sword attempts to defend you from incoming attacks, granting you a +4 Shield Bonus to your AC.

The first time a foe within close range damages you or forces you to attempt a saving throw that you fail, the sword is triggered and begins attacking that target. Once the sword attacks, the Shield Bonus effect ends for the remainder of the spell's duration. The sword attacks its target once each round on your turn. Its attack bonus is equal to your Caster Level + your Intelligence bonus or your Charisma bonus (for wizards/magus or sorcerers, respectively).

As a force effect, it can strike Ethereal and Incorporeal creatures. It deals 3d6 points of force damage, with a threat range of 19-20 and a critical multiplier of x2.

The sword always strikes from your direction. It does not get a bonus for Flanking or help a combatant get one. If its target moves beyond the sword's range, the sword returns to you and hovers until the target is again within range. The sword will not change targets once one has been selected.

The sword cannot be attacked or harmed by physical attacks, but Dispel Magic, Disintegrate, a sphere of annihilation, or a rod of cancellation affects it. The sword's AC is 13 (10, +0 size bonus for Medium object, +3 Deflection Bonus).

If an attacked creature has Spell Resistance, the resistance is Checked the first time the sword strikes it. If the sword is successfully resisted, the spell is dispelled. If not, the sword has its normal full effect on that creature for the duration of the spell.