[RPG] If an attacker targets a creature with the Sanctuary spell cast on them, but fails the Wisdom save, can they choose not to attack anyone else

attackdnd-5espellstargeting

The Sanctuary spell reads:

[…] any creature who targets the warded creature with an attack or a harmful spell must first make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature must choose a new target or lose the attack or spell.

Imagine a case where two orcs (allied to each other) are standing next to each other and next to me (their enemy). One tries to attack me and fails the save. Does he have to attack his Orc friend, or can he choose not to attack anyone?

The spell is ambiguous. You can either read

the creature must choose a new target or lose the attack.

So, you can choose either of these options. Or it can read

the creature must choose a new target or lose the attack.

So the creature needs to choose a new target, and if unable to, it loses the attack.

Best Answer

He can choose not to attack

Either way you put it, there is always the option of "losing the attack", which is ultimately the same as choosing not to attack (if it wasn't an option, it wouldn't be stated).

Repeating your quotes but using brackets to separate the options:

the creature (must choose a new target) or (lose the attack)

the creature must (choose a new target) or (lose the attack)