"The Ark" -- how does it work?

[rsolow]

How does The Ark work in combat? Specifically,

1. Are all non-holy creatures 100% likely to be diseased, blinded and damaged (page 280) -- or do they get a saving throw(s)?

2. If they have a saving throw(s), are the non-holy creatures forces to make saving throws every round of combat?

3. Does the length of combat have any impact on the results of being "Arked" ?