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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MostlyHarmless42" data-source="post: 8482268" data-attributes="member: 6845520">A couple of things could answer this:1) Spells (aside from cantrips which are limited in scope/power) come at a resource cost where as ability checks do not. Something like a dominate person spell means the party isn't eating a powerful aoe damage spell and in 5e also often uses the caster's concentration slot so they actively limiting themselves should a fight break out with this NPC against the party.Additionally in regards to just mechanics every spell that asserts any form of mental control over a player's character has a saving throw and follow other rules mechanics like being able to be dispelled. And even with all this players will often read the effects with a fine toothed comb just to see how minimally they have alter the roleplaying to avoid hurting their friend's characters or basically being "left out" a fight (which is objectively understandable).2) For some people with certain traumas certain spells or effects might be off-limits and as a DM you should respect this. You should be having a conversation as part of session zero as to what sort of storylines, monsters, etc are each players hard or soft limits and respect them. We're playing a game for fun, not torturing the arachnophobe by forcing him to fight spiders with graphic pictures and descriptions or the victim of sexual assault from having to relive that by literally taking control of their character's actions. I'm speaking here in extremes because we do have to keep in mind people's different hangups, d&d is a group game. For certain players certain spells might just be off limits.Hell even if we're not talking trauma there are limits, some players might not like the idea of a DM doing something like having a villain dominate person them and go on a murder/crime spree in town. I mean attacking the party for a bit is one thing, but forcing the oath of devotion paladin to burn down an orphanage, or the character who is all about their family kill them with their own hands? Might not be appropriate for all groups.</blockquote>

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