I love the idea of a ritual spell, both from an RP perspective and from a mechanical view. Alternatively, Caerth does have Greater Dispel Magic available now.
In fact, going through the list of spells needed (or useful) for the whole ritual, here's what Caerth can and cannot cast:
- Atonement: YES (level 5)
- Death Ward: YES (level 5)
- Hallow: YES (level 5)
- Dispel Magic: YES (level 4)
- Greater Dispel Magic: YES (level 6)
- Break Enchantment: NO
- Remove Curse: NO
- Polymorph: NO
I have only 2 level-5 spell slots, so I will have to choose. I feel Hallow takes too long for our purpose (24 hours). Also, we can really use Commune With Nature and/or Tree Stride (both level 5) to track the fugitives if we do that on the same day.
I will use Atonement, absolutely. Like I said, Caerth has several other spells available, so it's not completely up to Maur otherwise.
But your point is well taken. Caerth can cast something like Guidance or Resistance on Galzadar to give him a little bonus on his saves, or a buff spell (Bear's Endurance etc.) to a stat of our choice (Galzadar's or ours). There aren't many other such protection spells on the druid list.