Zala's Lifeforce Guardian

This spell creates an intangible, invisible double of a creature that interposes itself when the creature's lifeforce is in peril. Mere death or magical influences do not qualify; only spells or effects that directly attack or suppress the protected creature's lifeforce are blocked by this spell. Such effects include enervation, strength and energy drain, magic jar and possession, trap the soul, death spell, finger of death, slay living, and destruction. This spell can be cast only on a willing creature.

When the effect or attack is about to take place, the invisible double interposes, and the protected creature makes an unmodified saving throw vs. death magic to avoid the effect, even if no saving throw is normally allowed. Success means the double absorbs the attack, including incidental damage, and is destroyed. Failure means the attack takes place normally.

If the double is destroyed, the protected creature loses hit points depending on its original Hit Dice or level and group, as noted on the table.

Group | Damage Taken ----------------+------------------ Warrior | -3 hp/level Priest, Monster | -2 hp/level or HD Rogue, Wizard | -1 hp/level

If the double has not been destroyed within two rounds per caster level after its creation, then it fades away without further effect.

Notes: Very rare spell. Known to be in the Book of Zala (the Lakharemtolma Zalarem). (Updated from Dragon Magazine.)