With the ominous threat of war, dangers, and havoc-wreaking here and there in the dungeons and dragons game, every party member would kill just to wield the Command Spell.
You just have to say a one-word command to a creature that is within your sight range. This target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its next turn.
In this article, we will be getting you started on how to use this spell effectively. We will also share with you the limitations and when to use the Command spell to get optimum results.
What is the Command Spell?
The command spell is a first-level enchantment spell. You speak a one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its next turn.
It is important to get a player’s handbook. If you don’t already have one, you can get it through this link. If you need the Players handbook with DND dice and a complete printable kit-DND core rule book all in one pack, click this link. This will save you some cash than having to buy them separately but you will have to pay more upfront. However, if you don’t have the funds at this time to purchase one, we got you covered as we will supply you with the most important statistics for the Command spell excerpted from the Player’s handbook.
Spell level: 1st level enchantment spell
Casting time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: Verbal
Duration: 1 round
Classes: The Clerics and Paladins
Attributes
Delving into the Command Spell
Now we will learn about the nitty-gritty that accompanies this spell. Knowing the dos and don’ts will help you to use the spell effectively like a pro.
For starters, You speak a one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its next turn. However, the spell has limitations. We will list the conditions upon which the spell will be invalid in a bit.
There are other commands which you can issue other than the ones stated here. When such commands are given, the Dungeons Master determines how the target will behave under the influence of such commands. However, when the target cannot follow your command, the spell loses its potency and terminates right away.
Here is a list of common commands and their effects
The target moves closer to you by the shortest and direct route terminating its turn if it moves within 5 feet of you.
The target drops the content in their bag or whatever they are holding and terminates its turn.
The target prostrates and terminates its turn
The target spends its turn drifting away from you by the swiftest means
The target remains still and takes no action.
The Command spell at a higher level
Since it is a first-level spell, higher levels represent levels that are greater than level 1. At higher levels, casting this spell with a spell slot will affect one additional creature for each slot level above 1st. The creatures must be within 30 feet of each other when you target them.
Conditions that renders the command spell invalid
The command spells do not work on every creature and at all ranges. Therefore, the spell will not work under the following conditions
If the target is Undead
If the target does not understand your language
If your command is directly harmful to it.
If the target is beyond a 60 feet range
If the spell caster does not mutter a single command, the spell will be invalid. This is because the spell needs a verbal component to trigger its potency.
Who can use the command Spell?
According to the provisions from the Player’s handbook, the command spell is available to the Clerics and the Paladins. The Clerics and the Paladins are known for their justness, dedication, and readiness to institute righteousness in deviant creatures.
Command Spell in combat
I have been asked severally if the command spell can be used in combat owing to the fact that the spell is only available to the classes that have distinctly religious options like the Clerics and the Paladins.
First off, what we need to know is that, inasmuch as the Clerics and Paladins always seek just cause by doing the bidding of their personal god, they engage in combat to enforce righteousness and bring peace and healing. That said, let us see the usefulness of the Command spell in combat and what it can accomplish for you.
In physical combat, you can accomplish a lot with the command spell. You can use it to deactivate a spell that has been done to a party member, or use it to command an enemy to perform a task which they wouldn’t perform were they not under your spell, or even use it to keep enemies at bay.
There are several one-word commands that can be served to your enemies so as to cast your spell. One of the one-word commands I use frequently is the Undress. This is very useful especially when the enemy is covered in a suit that makes penetration almost impossible. The undress will compel the enemy to remove their protective combat armor. This is a good time to turn the fight around to your advantage.