D&D 5E Command and spike growth

[Umbran]

If you commanded them to run into a spike, it wouldn’t be. In the OP’s scenario the target was already in an area affected by Spike Growth and was then Commanded to flee.

So, in the cliff scenario, if you tell them to "run 30' forward," and the cliff edge just happens to be 20' away, you'd call that incidental?

 

[Charlaquin]

Jumping is a special type of movement. When a creature moves...within the area (of Spike Growth), it takes ...damage for every 5 feet it travels.

And spike growth covers the ground in a 20 foot radius. The air is not part of the area of spike growth, so moving through it does not trigger the damage.

 

[Charlaquin]

So, in the cliff scenario, if you tell them to "run 30' forward," and the cliff edge just happens to be 20' away, you'd call that incidental?

“Run 30’ forward” isn’t a command you can give with the Command spell.

 

[Umbran]

“Run 30’ forward” isn’t a command you can give with the Command spell.

But then you can't command them to "run onto a spike" either, which is what you used above.

It seems like a very, very arbitrary distinction you are making.

 

[plisnithus8]

The goblin manages to evade command when a wizard does not? because the wizard is smarter and has access to an arsenal of spells to help him out?

I agree that the the spell says nothing about making assumptions about the target's abilities. If the target were immune to piercing damage, the spell still doesn't work. If the danger were bypassed by AC and the Command cast at higher level on multiple targets, would the spell fail for some but not on others? No, the spell is thwarted because it could do direct damage.

 

[J.Quondam]

I agree that the the spell says nothing about making assumptions about the target's abilities. If the target were immune to piercing damage, the spell still doesn't work. If the danger were bypassed by AC and the Command cast at higher level on multiple targets, would the spell fail for some but not on others? No, the spell is thwarted because it could do direct damage.

But the spell couldn't do direct damage versus a target immune to that damage.

 

[MarkB]

Yeah, so jump as far as you can. Next turn, jump some more.

You're seriously going to tell me you rule that when someone jumps into an area of spike growth they don't take damage for the square they land in?

 

[plisnithus8]

And spike growth covers the ground in a 20 foot radius. The air is not part of the area of spike growth, so moving through it does not trigger the damage.

The OP said the target was in the Spike Growth. If they are within it and move out, they are moving while within Spike Growth which does damage, no matter if the target is on the edge of the growth moving out of it or in the middle flying up or digging down.

 

[Crimson Longinus]

If the target were immune to piercing damage, the spell still doesn't work.

Yes it would. If you're immune to piercing, running through spike growth is not harmful.

 

[plisnithus8]

Yes it would. If you're immune to piercing, running through spike growth is not harmful.

Are you saying the spell knows who is immune to taking certain types of damages and works on some and not on others?