[Riftmaker]

Gladiator, your second question:

If a spell says it gives -4 to saving throw, that means it gives a penalty. If you cast it, then it's a good thing, if it's being cast on you, it's a bad thing.

Opposite for anything that says it gives +(number) to saving throw. Good for them, bad for you.

I believe I'm right about 1 always failing, my save vs. spell with my fighter is like -3, and I still fail hold person saves.