Maxperson
Morkus from Orkus
In our session today one of the spellcasters tossed out a Charm Monster on one of two cyclops in the first round of our encounter. The DC was 15, but with the -2 WIS modifier it needed a 17 or higher. Even with advantage, is is not surprising it failed its save (only a 36% chance to make the save).
Now, the DM was looking over the spell and a bit flummoxed.
The range is short, only 30 feet. (poor)
Only V,S components. (good)
1 hour duration. (great)
Target any creature. (great)
Target likely gets advantage on saves. (really poor)
Other features:
No concentration. (incredible)
No additional saves. (incredible)
After the failed save the player asked the cyclops to defend them against the other. The DM called for a Charisma (Persuasion) check. The player rolled a 22, beating the DC 20, so the charmed cyclops attacked its comrade.
After the encounter, the DM opened the discussion about the spell. It is too powerful?
The combination of such a long duration without concentration, targeting anything not immune to charm, and no further saves, seems a bit too strong even when you consider the advantage on the save. When you consider also how few creatures have WIS save or even a high WIS, it seems really strong for a 4th level spell.
Granted the player also needed a 13 or higher to get the cyclops to risk its life in a direct fight.
Does it all balance out? Anyone seen Charm Monster in use enough to offer an informed opinion?
The DM allowed too much. The spell just makes it friendly to the caster. It does not stop it from being friendly to its companion. If one of my best friends tried his absolute best to get me to attack one of my other best friends, I'd tell him to stuff it. You only roll if the outcome is in doubt, and in my mind there is no way that cyclops would have attacks its friend, so the attempt would have been an auto failure.