Spells that specifically shift alignment

[Creamsteak]

What level would you put a spell that's only effect is to move a character's alignment 1 step? Suppose it's a touch range single target spell with an instantaneous duration and a single action cast time. Will save negates.

I think that it's within reason for the D&D spell system, but I'm not sure where. It's stronger than a gaes/suggestion in certain ways, but at the same time not entirely. It's definitely short of a wish (to me at least). It also seems somewhat reasonable to me for a limited wish.

My default assumption is 4th or 5th right now, but that may be high. Could it be much lower? 3rd? 2nd?

 

[Archade]

If I recall, there is a spell out there that turns the subject evil ... it's either in Complete Divine or Lords of Madness ...

 

[Arkhandus]

Compel is an 8th-level Shaman spell in Oriental Adventures that permanently changes the target's alignment. It's close-range, and allows a Will save to negate. You choose the target's new alignment, and the target's attitude and morals and such change appropriately. Certain kinds of creature/character (like paladins) get +4 on their save against it, and other kinds (like demons) are immune to the effect. Only another Compel, or a Wish or Miracle, can reverse the change in alignment.

So......probably base the level of the new spell on that. With what you mentioned, I'd guesstimate 7th-level or 6th-level, depending.

Of course, Compel is probably kinda weak for its level, but it can be used to effectively take creatures out of a fight, by turning them to an alignment that is fairly compatible with the caster's (if desired; since Compel can change the target to any alignment....). So the kind of spell you propose is probably less useful, with its more limited scope.

I dunno. 6th-level maybe, but 7th might also be appropriate. Considering that Geas and such doesn't change alignment, I'd figure that anything lower than 6th-level is probably bad, unless it's a short-lived change (as with Charm spells).