Sticks and stones might break your bones, but these five words will hurt you– when used as part of the D&D Command spell.
The Command spell is one of those underrated first-level spells. You might not think twice about it until it’s absolutely pivotal to the future of your campaign. It’s a first-level spell that makes one creature obey a one-word command.
It’s a spell intrinsic to most divine casters–Clerics, Paladins, and Warlocks with Fiendish patrons all have access to it, and a number of Cleric Domains and Paladin Oaths can always have it ready to go. It’s a handy spell too: in the basic rules, there are some suggested sample commands.
Approach. The target moves toward you by the shortest and most direct route, ending its turn if it moves within 5 feet of you. Drop. The target drops whatever it is holding and then ends its turn. Flee. The target spends its turn moving away from you by the fastest available means. Grovel. The target falls prone and then ends its turn. Halt. The target doesn’t move and takes no actions. A flying creature stays aloft, provided that it is able to do so. If it must move to stay aloft, it flies the minimum distance needed to remain in the air.
But crucially, the spell also specifies: “you might issue a command other than the ones described here.” With that in mind, here are five great words to use the next time you cast a Command spell.
Answer
Need to get an answer in a hurry? Use this D&D Command spell to force someone to answer a question. You’ll have to time it just right, ask the target a question, then cast the Command spell with the dictate Answer.
It’s no Zone of Truth, but it should at least get you something. For real bonus points here, use the word “Confess” to get your inquisition rolling.
Eat/Drink/Quaff/Imbibe
Need to get someone to eat or drink whatever you have in the vessel with the pestle, the chalice from the palace, or the flagon with the dragon? Lay out a sumptuous, completely innocent and not-poisoned-at-all feast. Then Command someone to Ingest/Eat/Drink and you’re good to go.
Sleep
Another great D&D Command spell, even though it probably won’t force your target to magically slumber. But it’s worth it because whenever you cast the spell you can just say “sleeeeeeeep!”
Dispel
This D&D Command spell is more situational. But if you’ve got an enemy caster maintaining magical effects, you can Command them to “Dispel”.
They should try and dispel whatever magical effects are going on. Make sure to get them to do it before you have visible effects of your own though. It’s hard to specify a target with just one word.
Autodefenestrate
Got a window nearby? What about an enemy? This spell has you covered.
Autodefenestrate doesn’t mean to throw a car out of the window, but rather to throw one’s self out of the window. Just start asking your DM “are there any windows here?”
Happy Adventuring!
Source: Bell of Lost Souls
