By using this spell, the priest can create a shimmering aura of whirling light that surrounds the chosen creature. This protective aura makes the spell recipient more difficult to hit in hand-to-hand combat by providing a –1 bonus to the subject's Armor Class. Against missile attacks or ranged spells aimed directly at the recipient, the chaos ward is even more effective since it provides a –2 bonus to Armor Class and a +2 bonus to any saving throws required. In addition, there is a chance that missile attacks or directed spells may be deflected or reflected by the chaotic energy of the shield, as shown below:
| d%^1 | Effect |
|---|---|
| 01-85 | No unusual effect, creature gains normal benefits of chaos ward. |
| 86-95 | Spell or attack automatically defeated |
| 96-99 | Spell or attack ricochets, affecting a random creature within 30 feet—normal attack roll or saving throw is rolled for the random creature to be affected |
| 100+ | Spell or attack reflected back at originator, normal attack roll or saving throw applies |
^1 Add the caster's level to the d% roll.
In order to qualify as a spell aimed directly at the recipient, a spell must affect only the subject in question; a spell such as hold person or sleep that happens to include the subject in its area of effect does not count as a directed spell and does not trigger the chaos ward.
The material component is a playing card used by a rogue of chaotic alignment.
Notes: Uncommon for priests with access to the sphere of Chaos (PO:SM).