Shield of the God

This spell creates an invisible shield of force in front of the caster that moves to deal with charging foes (one opponent per round, but the priest can move the shield to defend against a different foe at the end of each round, if desired), slowing them to half movement rate and hampering their attacks. The caster chooses one of two additional effects for the shield during casting (the choice cannot be altered thereafter): block or shield.

Block. A shield set to block a foe strikes at THAC0 6, with the choice of blocking the foe's attack (if it hits) or dealing damage (2d4+4 points of damage and item saving throws vs. crushing blow for frontally exposed, fragile items carried by the foe). If the shield misses its block or inflicts damage, the foe's attacks at the shield-easier are unaffected.

Shield. A shield setting tries to block all attacks. It inflicts no damage on the foe, but all of the foe's attacks are at a -3 penalty to attack rolls and a -1 penalty to damage. In addition, the shield-easier has a +2 bonus to all saving throws vs. attacks, including spells (for spells that normally allow a saving throw).

A shield of the god can be set in a doorway or passage to simply block opponents from getting to the caster, who can cast other spells of 4th level or less through it without affecting the shield. If a 5th level (or higher) spell makes contact with the shield (whatever the source of the spell), the shield blocks the attack (if it is a physical attack manifestation, rather than a charm, area of effect, or general effect spell), but fails at the end of that round. The caster can also end the shield at any time by silent act of will.

The material components are a glove and a piece of rock crystal (or clear gemstone in its natural, uncut state).