Questions on Ghoul Touch

[Miscreant]

Ghoul Touch requires you to make a melee touch attack against a target. If this succeeds they are paralyzed for 1D6 + 2 rounds. Additionally those within 10 feet(excluding yourself) are sickened if they fail a fortitude save.

My question is thus: Does the original recipient of the spell get a fortitude save to negate the paralyzation or are they just out of luck if you hit with your touch attack? I was under the impression that if a spell required an attack that no save was given. Clarification would be appreciated.

 

[Alzrius]

Ghoul Touch
Necromancy
Level: Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: Living humanoid touched
Duration: 1d6+2 rounds
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates
Spell Resistance: Yes
Imbuing you with negative energy, this spell allows you to paralyze a single living humanoid for the duration of the spell with a successful melee touch attack.
Additionally, the paralyzed subject exudes a carrion stench that causes all living creatures (except you) in a 10-foot-radius spread to become sickened (Fortitude negates). A neutralize poison spell removes the effect from a sickened creature, and creatures immune to poison are unaffected by the stench.
Material Component: A small scrap of cloth taken from clothing worn by a ghoul, or a pinch of earth from a ghoul’s lair.

Reading the spell description, it seems pretty clear that your take on it is correct. The Fortitude save to negate is only applied to the sickened effect. The paralyzation occurs on a successful touch attack.

As a general rule of thumb, you're right that spells that require an attack roll usually don't give saves.

Also, welcome to EN World, Miscreant!