Witch defensive abilities

[James Risner]

What spells, items, or hexes can protect against someone closing to melee on a witch?

I seem to recall something that forces a save on anyone close and if failed shuts them down. But for the life of me I can't google for it with the right phrase.

[Nefreet]

My Witch relies on 1) Flight, 2) as many hit points as possible, 3) being a Wayang with (Su) Invisibility that doesn't provoke, 4) potions of Gaseous Form, and 5) withdrawing behind the Barbarian.

I may eventually add Invulnerability to my Silken Ceremonial Robes as well, and Spell Storing (Bestow Curse) to my Mithral Buckler.

Since I'm usually debuffing, and not actually drawing enough hate from direct damage, I don't get targeted much anyways.

[Nefreet]

Or, oh, did you mean the spell Spite?

[kinevon]

Might have been thinking of sanctuary, but it isn't a Witch spell...

[Anachrony]

Prehensile hair gives you a reach attack with +intelligence instead of strength/dex to hit. Reach means someone approaching you for melee is likely going to provoke an attack of opportunity. If you cast a touch spell you can hold on to it indefinitely. You could save up a touch spell in an earlier round and when you get your attack of opportunity with your hair, if the attack is successful the touch delivers the spell. Bestow curse is always a good touch spell, and it will make it harder for them to attack you.

[James Risner]

Nefreet, good suggestions!

I wasn't thinking Spite, but it is good too.

He had something that forced a sleep save if anyone got adjacent, and didn't need an action to refresh.

[Nefreet]

Ah. That would be the Cloak of Dreams spell.

There's actually a Witch/Bloatmage in a PFS Module that uses that tactic.

[James Risner]

Nefreet wrote:

Ah. That would be the Cloak of Dreams spell.

Thank you!

[Lincoln Hills]

kinevon wrote:

Might have been thinking of sanctuary, but it isn't a Witch spell...

Which is a shame, because it's the sort of defense that seems far more... um... witchy than, say, mage armor.

Ogre: You am squish!!
Witch (making a "Jedi mind trick" gesture): You don't want to attack me.
Ogre: Me no want attack you. Fighter am squish!
Fighter: Ohhhh, great.

[Arbane the Terrible]

Dust Form won't keep an opponent away, but may seriously gimp the damage they can do.

Web and Black Tentacles are good for keeping opponents from getting close. So are Vomit Swarm and Summon Swarm.

Hold Person, and the Slumber, Agony, and Ice Tomb hexes are all good for keeping an enemy from hitting you.

Cloak of Dreams was already mentioned. Call the Void is another good spell for making enemies want to keep their distance. So is Unadulterated Loathing.

[themanfromsaturn]

Everything that has been said here is good. Here are a few more ideas.

Depending on patron, you can get 'mirror image', which is a go-to defensive spell for casters. I think it's the trickery patron, but i'm not certain.

Obscuring mist, fog cloud, etc. are good for concealment.

Flight plus 'protection from arrows' is a solid combo.

Wall of thorns is a good one to protect you from melee, and i don't think it blocks line of effect, so you can cast through it.