Attacks: Some spell descriptions refer to attacking. All offensive combat actions, even those that don't damage opponents, are considered attacks. Attempts to channel energy count as attacks if it would harm any creatures in the area. All spells that opponents resist with saving throws, that deal damage, or that otherwise harm or hamper subjects are attacks. Spells that summon monsters or other allies are not attacks because the spells themselves don't harm anyone.
I would look at invisibility if you're worried.
* Command / Forbid / Murderous Command?
You are messing with a creatures inherent right to their own mind. That is an attack.
* Magic Circle against Evil (with summoned baddies inside the initial radius)?
The area of effect includes a foe, hence its an attack.
* Hold Person?
Definitely attack. You're shutting down a creatures nervous system.
* Archon's Aura?
Area of effect harms a foe and includes a foe. Thats an attack.
* Prayer?
IF there are enemies in the area then its an attack because it gives them a penalty.
* Casting Fireball with baddies in the explosion radius?
Setting people on fire is pretty much the definition of an attack.
No, Prayer will be an attack spell if it hinders enemies. It falls under this clause: "All offensive combat actions, even those that don't damage opponents, are considered attacks."
So casting "Prayer" doesn't break Sanctuary because there is no saving throw even though it hampers.
Nope, its resist with saving throws OR hamper opponents.
More interesting cases would be spells that create obstacles that do hamper, but through physical existence rather than magical effect.
I'm looking at:
Obscuring Mist
Sleet Storm
And what about spells that create damaging or hampering environments but don't include enemies in their area when cast, but enemies enter later?
What happens if a sanctuaried character casts Grease, Stinking Cloud or Flaming Sphere, and the opponent (willingly or forcibly) enters the affected area? Does that automatically break sanctuary?
If obscuring mist is considered to be hampering and restricting, what about wall of stone?
I'd probably let Obscuring Mist slide (maybe Sleet Storm, but I don't have it in front of me -- my gut reaction is that that MIGHT be over the line. Certainly if cast on a foe, rather than into an empty area).
The casting into empty areas thing is intriguing... I think it would be like a summoning spell, really; it's not doing harm, it's just sitting there until some idiot walks into it (or an unfortunate is tossed into it).
Mind you, I don't have Sanctuary in front of me either, just warm, fuzzy memories of being able to run away without getting gacked during my retreat...
The casting into empty areas thing is intriguing... I think it would be like a summoning spell, really; it's not doing harm, it's just sitting there until some idiot walks into it (or an unfortunate is tossed into it).
I agree with this in terms of it's equivalence to summons, which are specifically allowed.
I feel like most of the spells would fall to the GM's discretion, i would probably look at how much they're trying to use sanctuary for it's intended purpose as a rest to rebuff/summon things and how much they're just trying to abuse the immunity it offers.
but if it specifically affects an opponent with damage or hampering effects it should be a no-go
BigNorseWolf already gave good explanations for the listed ones.