Actions and AoOs for touch abilities

[valo1012]

The cleric domain ability touch of evil reads "You can imbue a target with chaos as a melee touch attack." Several other domain powers also work this way. A few questions about this wording:

1. Does this require a standard action to cast, and then another action to make the melee touch attack, or is it just the touch attack? The section on cleric domain powers says "Unless otherwise noted, activating a domain power is a standard action", but it's somewhat unclear whether the melee touch attack is intended to be the activation action.
2. If it is just a touch attack, does using it provoke attacks of opportunity? It is a spell-like ability, and they do provoke, but its also a charged touch attack, which specifically don't provoke.

I did a bit of digging through forums and FAQs, and nothing seemed to quite answer the question. Different people seemed to have different ways of interpreting it. It seems like a place where the rules don't quite fit together.

[Nefreet]

Touch spells grant a free touch attack. Using the ability provokes. The touch does not.

Best thing to do would be use the ability when you are out of range of your target, "hold the charge", and walk up to deliver the touch.

[valo1012]

Ok, I wasn't sure if it should be treated as a touch spell since it's a spell-like ability, but that makes sense. Thanks!

[SenahBirdR]

Spell-like abilities work just like spells for most purposes. When in doubt, treat it just like a spell unless it fiddles with effective level, spell slots, or metamagic. Spell-like abilities that do not replicate a specific spell, including touch of evil, have a spell level equal to the highest level of spell you can cast. You can attempt to use the ability defensively instead of activating it one round and attacking another if you are confident in your chances.