D&D (2024) Command is the Perfect Encapsulation of Everything I Don't Like About 5.5e

[SableWyvern]

Maybe we can have Command replicate other 3rd level spells? "Ignite" can make the foe light himself on fire? "Dispel" can make an enemy caster end his spell early? "Slow" can make them move at half-speed and take only an action OR a bonus action? "Rest" or "Heal" can make the target use a HD? The options are endless when Command is a first level Power Word spell.

You certainly can, if you'd like to.

For myself, I'd only allow ignite if the target has some inherent means of self immolation

 

[FrozenNorth]

"Recant" similarly, for a witness.

"I cannot tell a lie. I did fart a few minutes ago.

« I claimed that Elric was a low-down dirty scoundrel who lies, cheats and steals, and would break into your home to take everything that wasn’t nailed down.

That was incorrect and I recant. A self-respecting thief like Elric would definitely bring a crowbar (it’s in the burglar’s pack) and take stuff that was nailed down as well. »

 

[Micah Sweet]

Maybe we can have Command replicate other 3rd level spells? "Ignite" can make the foe light himself on fire? "Dispel" can make an enemy caster end his spell early? "Slow" can make them move at half-speed and take only an action OR a bonus action? "Rest" or "Heal" can make the target use a HD? The options are endless when Command is a first level Power Word spell.

Again, whatever makes logical sense in the fiction. IMO, that's what matters.

 

[Oofta]

You certainly can, if you'd like to.

For myself, I'd only allow ignite if the target has some inherent means of self immolation

Which would cause immediate harm and is not allowed by the spell and hasn't ever been.

 

[SableWyvern]

Which would cause immediate harm and is not allowed by the spell and hasn't ever been.

Most creatures that can inherently self-immolate aren't harmed by doing so.

But again, whatever. If you wouldn't allow it, great for you. Forbid such use at your table, I'm perfectly OK with that.

As stated however, I would allow it, and the fact you claim it is not allowed has no bearing on that.

 

[Micah Sweet]

Which would cause immediate harm and is not allowed by the spell and hasn't ever been.

Fair enough, but that's the only reason I wouldn't allow it; the principle is sound.

I would certainly allow a command to set something or someone else on fire, if an appropriate circumstance allowed for it.

 

[Oofta]

Most creatures that can inherently self-immolate aren't harmed by doing so.

But again, whatever. If you wouldn't allow it, great for you. Forbid such use at your table, I'm perfectly OK with that.

As stated however, I would allow it, and the fact you claim it is not allowed has no bearing on that.

So you ignore the rule. That's fine, you will have that option if you play the 2024 version as well. Then it's not an issue.

 

[Oofta]

Fair enough, but that's the only reason I wouldn't allow it; the principle is sound.

I would certainly allow a command to set something or someone else on fire, if an appropriate circumstance allowed for it.

I wouldn't because it goes against the clear intent of the spell if you read the example uses we've always had.

 

[Remathilis]

Again, whatever makes logical sense in the fiction. IMO, that's what matters.

Logical sense in the fiction is if you are in the center of a 40 ft sphere of fire, you die. No save, no hit points, death. But fireball has rules for not dying despite the logical sense; heck a high enough HP character can be ground zero for a fireball hot enough to ignite combustibles, fail the save, take full damage, and walk out of the blast as combat capable as when he was born up. And 8 hours of rest later be good as new without scarring or burn trauma.

Logical sense ends when game mechanics begin.

 

[Micah Sweet]

I wouldn't because it goes against the clear intent of the spell if you read the example uses we've always had.

Again, the spell does what the flavor descriptor says it does. Not my fault if their examples are unimaginative.