Does a surprised creature obey the 1st-level spell Command?Is dropping a weapon “free”?When exactly does combat start and surprise take effect?Can a surprised creature fall prone voluntarily on their turn?If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?Can the spell “Command” be used to cause unwitting damage?False Appearance, Movement, Surprise, and the Unseen Attacker bonusDoes using “Flee” with Command provoke an Opportunity Attack?Would changing Surprise to just give Disadvantage on Initiative checks overlap with any existing sources of Disadvantage?Will this house rule about the command spell unbalance the game?Does a Troll benefit from its Regeneration trait if it is surprised?Can the command of a Command spell be clarified with gestures?If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?Does the Stinking Cloud spell not cause a creature affected by the Sleep spell to wake up?Does a spell caster know whether their non-physical spell has been successful?
Solubility in different pressure conditions
Labeling matrices/rectangles and drawing Sigma inside rectangle
Quote from Leibniz
Why does my circuit work on a breadboard, but not on a perfboard? I am new to soldering
Frame adjustment for engine
return tuple of uncopyable objects
Ito`s Lemma problem
Is 12 minutes connection in Bristol Temple Meads long enough?
Rounding a number extracted by jq to limit the decimal points
Why is it harder to turn a motor/generator with shorted terminals?
Jesus' words on the Jews
Longest Text in Latin
Entering the UK as a British citizen who is a Canadian permanent resident
Area under the curve - Integrals (Antiderivatives)
Can I say: "When was your train leaving?" if the train leaves in the future?
LWC1513: @salesforce/resourceUrl modules only support default imports
On studying Computer Science vs. Software Engineering to become a proficient coder
How to distinguish PICTURE OF ME and PICTURE OF MINE in Chinese?
Does SQL Server allow (make visible) DDL inside a transaction to the transaction prior to commit?
What kind of SATA connector is this?
Wireless headphones interfere with Wi-Fi signal on laptop
How to cope with regret and shame about not fully utilizing opportunities during PhD?
Why was Thor doubtful about his worthiness to Mjolnir?
declared variable inside void setup is forgotten in void loop
Does a surprised creature obey the 1st-level spell Command?
Is dropping a weapon “free”?When exactly does combat start and surprise take effect?Can a surprised creature fall prone voluntarily on their turn?If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?Can the spell “Command” be used to cause unwitting damage?False Appearance, Movement, Surprise, and the Unseen Attacker bonusDoes using “Flee” with Command provoke an Opportunity Attack?Would changing Surprise to just give Disadvantage on Initiative checks overlap with any existing sources of Disadvantage?Will this house rule about the command spell unbalance the game?Does a Troll benefit from its Regeneration trait if it is surprised?Can the command of a Command spell be clarified with gestures?If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?Does the Stinking Cloud spell not cause a creature affected by the Sleep spell to wake up?Does a spell caster know whether their non-physical spell has been successful?
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;
$begingroup$
The description of the Command spell says:
You speak a one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its next turn [...] If the target can't follow your command, the spell ends.
The rules on surprise state:
If you're surprised, you can't move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and you can't take a reaction until that turn ends. A member of a group can be surprised even if the other members aren't.
Does a surprised creature obey the Command spell? If a surprised creature is targeted by the Command spell, what happens?
I'm unsure which effect is more specific, and therefore takes priority. I'm leaning towards Command, simply because Surprise functionally takes away a character's turn from themselves, but doesn't incapacitate them the way a Sleep spell would.
dnd-5e spells actions surprise
edited May 9 at 13:18
KorvinStarmast
86.2k22274463
asked May 9 at 0:36
NicboboNicbobo
2,87311649
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The description of the Command spell says:
You speak a one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its next turn [...] If the target can't follow your command, the spell ends.
The rules on surprise state:
If you're surprised, you can't move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and you can't take a reaction until that turn ends. A member of a group can be surprised even if the other members aren't.
Does a surprised creature obey the Command spell? If a surprised creature is targeted by the Command spell, what happens?
I'm unsure which effect is more specific, and therefore takes priority. I'm leaning towards Command, simply because Surprise functionally takes away a character's turn from themselves, but doesn't incapacitate them the way a Sleep spell would.
dnd-5e spells actions surprise
edited May 9 at 13:18
KorvinStarmast
86.2k22274463
asked May 9 at 0:36
NicboboNicbobo
2,87311649
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
In this case, has the caster rolled a higher initiative than the surprised creature?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
May 9 at 2:33
$begingroup$
Related: If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?, When exactly does combat start and surprise take effect?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 8:35
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The description of the Command spell says:
You speak a one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its next turn [...] If the target can't follow your command, the spell ends.
The rules on surprise state:
If you're surprised, you can't move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and you can't take a reaction until that turn ends. A member of a group can be surprised even if the other members aren't.
Does a surprised creature obey the Command spell? If a surprised creature is targeted by the Command spell, what happens?
I'm unsure which effect is more specific, and therefore takes priority. I'm leaning towards Command, simply because Surprise functionally takes away a character's turn from themselves, but doesn't incapacitate them the way a Sleep spell would.
dnd-5e spells actions surprise
edited May 9 at 13:18
KorvinStarmast
86.2k22274463
asked May 9 at 0:36
NicboboNicbobo
2,87311649
$endgroup$
The description of the Command spell says:
You speak a one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its next turn [...] If the target can't follow your command, the spell ends.
The rules on surprise state:
If you're surprised, you can't move or take an action on your first turn of the combat, and you can't take a reaction until that turn ends. A member of a group can be surprised even if the other members aren't.
Does a surprised creature obey the Command spell? If a surprised creature is targeted by the Command spell, what happens?
I'm unsure which effect is more specific, and therefore takes priority. I'm leaning towards Command, simply because Surprise functionally takes away a character's turn from themselves, but doesn't incapacitate them the way a Sleep spell would.
dnd-5e spells actions surprise
dnd-5e spells actions surprise
edited May 9 at 13:18
KorvinStarmast
86.2k22274463
asked May 9 at 0:36
NicboboNicbobo
2,87311649
edited May 9 at 13:18
KorvinStarmast
86.2k22274463
asked May 9 at 0:36
NicboboNicbobo
2,87311649
edited May 9 at 13:18
KorvinStarmast
86.2k22274463
edited May 9 at 13:18
KorvinStarmast
86.2k22274463
edited May 9 at 13:18
KorvinStarmast
86.2k22274463
86.2k22274463
asked May 9 at 0:36
NicboboNicbobo
2,87311649
asked May 9 at 0:36
NicboboNicbobo
2,87311649
asked May 9 at 0:36
NicboboNicbobo
2,87311649
2,87311649
1
$begingroup$
In this case, has the caster rolled a higher initiative than the surprised creature?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
May 9 at 2:33
$begingroup$
Related: If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?, When exactly does combat start and surprise take effect?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 8:35
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
In this case, has the caster rolled a higher initiative than the surprised creature?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
May 9 at 2:33
$begingroup$
Related: If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?, When exactly does combat start and surprise take effect?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 8:35
1
1
$begingroup$
In this case, has the caster rolled a higher initiative than the surprised creature?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
May 9 at 2:33
$begingroup$
In this case, has the caster rolled a higher initiative than the surprised creature?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
May 9 at 2:33
$begingroup$
Related: If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?, When exactly does combat start and surprise take effect?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 8:35
$begingroup$
Related: If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?, When exactly does combat start and surprise take effect?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 8:35
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
They follow the command if they are able to
The surprised condition prevents a creature from taking an action, moving or using a reaction until the end of their turn. Any command that requires a creature to do one of these thing will count as the target not be able to follow the command. Therefore the spell will fail. Not all command options require an action though. For example the typical commands given in the spell:
Approach: Requires the target to move; the spell ends.
Drop: Dropping an object doesn't require an action; the spell works.
Grovel: A surprised creature cannot voluntarily fall prone; the spell ends.
Halt: Outcome - The target doesn't move and takes no actions. It was going to do this anyway. The spell works but does nothing.
You can also give a command that isn't one of the ones listed. Anything that would not require your action or move would work, such as speaking (or not speaking) or any number of other things the player may think of. Note: you cannot use an Object Interaction, as that must be taken during an action or your movement.
If you are going to cast Command on a surprised creature, make sure it is something they can do without using their action or movement. Otherwise, it will be a waste of a spell.
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
29.1k5105177
answered May 9 at 1:10
linksassinlinksassin
11.8k14185
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
Falling prone does not require movement, only standing up after being prone does. (And you have to use additional movement to move while prone)
$endgroup$
– L0neGamer
May 9 at 6:17
1
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer It does not consume speed but it is still part of your movement I believe. Though the rule is ambiguous on that.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:28
6
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer You raise a valid point though. i'm not sure about the rule so asked a question on it.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:39
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The surprised creature obeys the command. If it can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
While the argument as explored in the answer by Black Spike applies, the creature is still able to do Other Activity on their turn that is neither an action, a reaction, nor movement.
Command, PHB p. 223, does not provide the affected creature/s with the abilities to follow your command. If the creature/s can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
Other Activity on your Turn, PHB p. 190:
Your turn can include a variety of flourishes that require neither
your action nor your move.
You can communicate however you are able, through brief utterances and gestures, as you take your turn.
You can also interact with one object or feature of the environment for free, during either your move or your action.
If the command is as an example "Silence", then the creature would not be able to use their Other Activity to communicate.
The creature does not have an object or environment interaction, because it can't use their movement or their action.
answered May 9 at 1:13
AkixkisuAkixkisu
1,698226
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
They are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Assuming that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to complete:
Command is specific, in that it acknowledges that the target may not be able to follow the Command. It does not provide any method for allowing the target to act when it is otherwise prohibited from taking an action.
Surprise tells you that the creature cannot take an action. Command tells you what to do if the target cannot follow the instruction.
While Surprise is not the same as Sleep, it still stops the surprised creature from acting. Due to this, they are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Result: The Surprised target fails to act, and the Command spell expends the spell slot.
If the Command can be completed without contravening the limitations of Surprise, then the target will fulfil the Command.
answered May 9 at 0:56
Black SpikeBlack Spike
53837
$endgroup$
7
$begingroup$
This assumes that all Command options require an action, movement or reaction. This is an incorrect assumption.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 1:55
$begingroup$
@linksassin well spotted. My answer assumes that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to fulfil. This is an incorrect assumption, and has been addressed in other answers.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 9 at 21:02
2
$begingroup$
@BlackSpike: If you recognize that part of your answer is wrong, you should edit it to address the incorrect portion and correct the inaccuracy. :)
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 22:52
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function()
var channelOptions =
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "122"
;
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
createEditor();
);
else
createEditor();
);
function createEditor()
StackExchange.prepareEditor(
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader:
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
,
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
);
);
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f147686%2fdoes-a-surprised-creature-obey-the-1st-level-spell-command%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
They follow the command if they are able to
The surprised condition prevents a creature from taking an action, moving or using a reaction until the end of their turn. Any command that requires a creature to do one of these thing will count as the target not be able to follow the command. Therefore the spell will fail. Not all command options require an action though. For example the typical commands given in the spell:
Approach: Requires the target to move; the spell ends.
Drop: Dropping an object doesn't require an action; the spell works.
Grovel: A surprised creature cannot voluntarily fall prone; the spell ends.
Halt: Outcome - The target doesn't move and takes no actions. It was going to do this anyway. The spell works but does nothing.
You can also give a command that isn't one of the ones listed. Anything that would not require your action or move would work, such as speaking (or not speaking) or any number of other things the player may think of. Note: you cannot use an Object Interaction, as that must be taken during an action or your movement.
If you are going to cast Command on a surprised creature, make sure it is something they can do without using their action or movement. Otherwise, it will be a waste of a spell.
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
29.1k5105177
answered May 9 at 1:10
linksassinlinksassin
11.8k14185
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
Falling prone does not require movement, only standing up after being prone does. (And you have to use additional movement to move while prone)
$endgroup$
– L0neGamer
May 9 at 6:17
1
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer It does not consume speed but it is still part of your movement I believe. Though the rule is ambiguous on that.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:28
6
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer You raise a valid point though. i'm not sure about the rule so asked a question on it.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:39
add a comment |
$begingroup$
They follow the command if they are able to
The surprised condition prevents a creature from taking an action, moving or using a reaction until the end of their turn. Any command that requires a creature to do one of these thing will count as the target not be able to follow the command. Therefore the spell will fail. Not all command options require an action though. For example the typical commands given in the spell:
Approach: Requires the target to move; the spell ends.
Drop: Dropping an object doesn't require an action; the spell works.
Grovel: A surprised creature cannot voluntarily fall prone; the spell ends.
Halt: Outcome - The target doesn't move and takes no actions. It was going to do this anyway. The spell works but does nothing.
You can also give a command that isn't one of the ones listed. Anything that would not require your action or move would work, such as speaking (or not speaking) or any number of other things the player may think of. Note: you cannot use an Object Interaction, as that must be taken during an action or your movement.
If you are going to cast Command on a surprised creature, make sure it is something they can do without using their action or movement. Otherwise, it will be a waste of a spell.
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
29.1k5105177
answered May 9 at 1:10
linksassinlinksassin
11.8k14185
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
Falling prone does not require movement, only standing up after being prone does. (And you have to use additional movement to move while prone)
$endgroup$
– L0neGamer
May 9 at 6:17
1
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer It does not consume speed but it is still part of your movement I believe. Though the rule is ambiguous on that.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:28
6
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer You raise a valid point though. i'm not sure about the rule so asked a question on it.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:39
add a comment |
$begingroup$
They follow the command if they are able to
The surprised condition prevents a creature from taking an action, moving or using a reaction until the end of their turn. Any command that requires a creature to do one of these thing will count as the target not be able to follow the command. Therefore the spell will fail. Not all command options require an action though. For example the typical commands given in the spell:
Approach: Requires the target to move; the spell ends.
Drop: Dropping an object doesn't require an action; the spell works.
Grovel: A surprised creature cannot voluntarily fall prone; the spell ends.
Halt: Outcome - The target doesn't move and takes no actions. It was going to do this anyway. The spell works but does nothing.
You can also give a command that isn't one of the ones listed. Anything that would not require your action or move would work, such as speaking (or not speaking) or any number of other things the player may think of. Note: you cannot use an Object Interaction, as that must be taken during an action or your movement.
If you are going to cast Command on a surprised creature, make sure it is something they can do without using their action or movement. Otherwise, it will be a waste of a spell.
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
29.1k5105177
answered May 9 at 1:10
linksassinlinksassin
11.8k14185
$endgroup$
They follow the command if they are able to
The surprised condition prevents a creature from taking an action, moving or using a reaction until the end of their turn. Any command that requires a creature to do one of these thing will count as the target not be able to follow the command. Therefore the spell will fail. Not all command options require an action though. For example the typical commands given in the spell:
Approach: Requires the target to move; the spell ends.
Drop: Dropping an object doesn't require an action; the spell works.
Grovel: A surprised creature cannot voluntarily fall prone; the spell ends.
Halt: Outcome - The target doesn't move and takes no actions. It was going to do this anyway. The spell works but does nothing.
You can also give a command that isn't one of the ones listed. Anything that would not require your action or move would work, such as speaking (or not speaking) or any number of other things the player may think of. Note: you cannot use an Object Interaction, as that must be taken during an action or your movement.
If you are going to cast Command on a surprised creature, make sure it is something they can do without using their action or movement. Otherwise, it will be a waste of a spell.
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
29.1k5105177
answered May 9 at 1:10
linksassinlinksassin
11.8k14185
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
29.1k5105177
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
29.1k5105177
edited 2 days ago
V2Blast
29.1k5105177
29.1k5105177
answered May 9 at 1:10
linksassinlinksassin
11.8k14185
answered May 9 at 1:10
linksassinlinksassin
11.8k14185
answered May 9 at 1:10
linksassinlinksassin
11.8k14185
11.8k14185
3
$begingroup$
Falling prone does not require movement, only standing up after being prone does. (And you have to use additional movement to move while prone)
$endgroup$
– L0neGamer
May 9 at 6:17
1
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer It does not consume speed but it is still part of your movement I believe. Though the rule is ambiguous on that.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:28
6
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer You raise a valid point though. i'm not sure about the rule so asked a question on it.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:39
add a comment |
3
$begingroup$
Falling prone does not require movement, only standing up after being prone does. (And you have to use additional movement to move while prone)
$endgroup$
– L0neGamer
May 9 at 6:17
1
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer It does not consume speed but it is still part of your movement I believe. Though the rule is ambiguous on that.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:28
6
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer You raise a valid point though. i'm not sure about the rule so asked a question on it.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:39
3
3
$begingroup$
Falling prone does not require movement, only standing up after being prone does. (And you have to use additional movement to move while prone)
$endgroup$
– L0neGamer
May 9 at 6:17
$begingroup$
Falling prone does not require movement, only standing up after being prone does. (And you have to use additional movement to move while prone)
$endgroup$
– L0neGamer
May 9 at 6:17
1
1
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer It does not consume speed but it is still part of your movement I believe. Though the rule is ambiguous on that.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:28
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer It does not consume speed but it is still part of your movement I believe. Though the rule is ambiguous on that.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:28
6
6
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer You raise a valid point though. i'm not sure about the rule so asked a question on it.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:39
$begingroup$
@L0neGamer You raise a valid point though. i'm not sure about the rule so asked a question on it.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 6:39
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The surprised creature obeys the command. If it can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
While the argument as explored in the answer by Black Spike applies, the creature is still able to do Other Activity on their turn that is neither an action, a reaction, nor movement.
Command, PHB p. 223, does not provide the affected creature/s with the abilities to follow your command. If the creature/s can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
Other Activity on your Turn, PHB p. 190:
Your turn can include a variety of flourishes that require neither
your action nor your move.
You can communicate however you are able, through brief utterances and gestures, as you take your turn.
You can also interact with one object or feature of the environment for free, during either your move or your action.
If the command is as an example "Silence", then the creature would not be able to use their Other Activity to communicate.
The creature does not have an object or environment interaction, because it can't use their movement or their action.
answered May 9 at 1:13
AkixkisuAkixkisu
1,698226
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The surprised creature obeys the command. If it can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
While the argument as explored in the answer by Black Spike applies, the creature is still able to do Other Activity on their turn that is neither an action, a reaction, nor movement.
Command, PHB p. 223, does not provide the affected creature/s with the abilities to follow your command. If the creature/s can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
Other Activity on your Turn, PHB p. 190:
Your turn can include a variety of flourishes that require neither
your action nor your move.
You can communicate however you are able, through brief utterances and gestures, as you take your turn.
You can also interact with one object or feature of the environment for free, during either your move or your action.
If the command is as an example "Silence", then the creature would not be able to use their Other Activity to communicate.
The creature does not have an object or environment interaction, because it can't use their movement or their action.
answered May 9 at 1:13
AkixkisuAkixkisu
1,698226
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The surprised creature obeys the command. If it can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
While the argument as explored in the answer by Black Spike applies, the creature is still able to do Other Activity on their turn that is neither an action, a reaction, nor movement.
Command, PHB p. 223, does not provide the affected creature/s with the abilities to follow your command. If the creature/s can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
Other Activity on your Turn, PHB p. 190:
Your turn can include a variety of flourishes that require neither
your action nor your move.
You can communicate however you are able, through brief utterances and gestures, as you take your turn.
You can also interact with one object or feature of the environment for free, during either your move or your action.
If the command is as an example "Silence", then the creature would not be able to use their Other Activity to communicate.
The creature does not have an object or environment interaction, because it can't use their movement or their action.
answered May 9 at 1:13
AkixkisuAkixkisu
1,698226
$endgroup$
The surprised creature obeys the command. If it can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
While the argument as explored in the answer by Black Spike applies, the creature is still able to do Other Activity on their turn that is neither an action, a reaction, nor movement.
Command, PHB p. 223, does not provide the affected creature/s with the abilities to follow your command. If the creature/s can't follow your command, then the spell ends.
Other Activity on your Turn, PHB p. 190:
Your turn can include a variety of flourishes that require neither
your action nor your move.
You can communicate however you are able, through brief utterances and gestures, as you take your turn.
You can also interact with one object or feature of the environment for free, during either your move or your action.
If the command is as an example "Silence", then the creature would not be able to use their Other Activity to communicate.
The creature does not have an object or environment interaction, because it can't use their movement or their action.
answered May 9 at 1:13
AkixkisuAkixkisu
1,698226
edited May 9 at 2:07
answered May 9 at 1:13
AkixkisuAkixkisu
1,698226
answered May 9 at 1:13
AkixkisuAkixkisu
1,698226
answered May 9 at 1:13
AkixkisuAkixkisu
1,698226
1,698226
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
They are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Assuming that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to complete:
Command is specific, in that it acknowledges that the target may not be able to follow the Command. It does not provide any method for allowing the target to act when it is otherwise prohibited from taking an action.
Surprise tells you that the creature cannot take an action. Command tells you what to do if the target cannot follow the instruction.
While Surprise is not the same as Sleep, it still stops the surprised creature from acting. Due to this, they are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Result: The Surprised target fails to act, and the Command spell expends the spell slot.
If the Command can be completed without contravening the limitations of Surprise, then the target will fulfil the Command.
answered May 9 at 0:56
Black SpikeBlack Spike
53837
$endgroup$
7
$begingroup$
This assumes that all Command options require an action, movement or reaction. This is an incorrect assumption.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 1:55
$begingroup$
@linksassin well spotted. My answer assumes that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to fulfil. This is an incorrect assumption, and has been addressed in other answers.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 9 at 21:02
2
$begingroup$
@BlackSpike: If you recognize that part of your answer is wrong, you should edit it to address the incorrect portion and correct the inaccuracy. :)
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 22:52
add a comment |
$begingroup$
They are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Assuming that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to complete:
Command is specific, in that it acknowledges that the target may not be able to follow the Command. It does not provide any method for allowing the target to act when it is otherwise prohibited from taking an action.
Surprise tells you that the creature cannot take an action. Command tells you what to do if the target cannot follow the instruction.
While Surprise is not the same as Sleep, it still stops the surprised creature from acting. Due to this, they are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Result: The Surprised target fails to act, and the Command spell expends the spell slot.
If the Command can be completed without contravening the limitations of Surprise, then the target will fulfil the Command.
answered May 9 at 0:56
Black SpikeBlack Spike
53837
$endgroup$
7
$begingroup$
This assumes that all Command options require an action, movement or reaction. This is an incorrect assumption.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 1:55
$begingroup$
@linksassin well spotted. My answer assumes that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to fulfil. This is an incorrect assumption, and has been addressed in other answers.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 9 at 21:02
2
$begingroup$
@BlackSpike: If you recognize that part of your answer is wrong, you should edit it to address the incorrect portion and correct the inaccuracy. :)
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 22:52
add a comment |
$begingroup$
They are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Assuming that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to complete:
Command is specific, in that it acknowledges that the target may not be able to follow the Command. It does not provide any method for allowing the target to act when it is otherwise prohibited from taking an action.
Surprise tells you that the creature cannot take an action. Command tells you what to do if the target cannot follow the instruction.
While Surprise is not the same as Sleep, it still stops the surprised creature from acting. Due to this, they are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Result: The Surprised target fails to act, and the Command spell expends the spell slot.
If the Command can be completed without contravening the limitations of Surprise, then the target will fulfil the Command.
answered May 9 at 0:56
Black SpikeBlack Spike
53837
$endgroup$
They are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Assuming that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to complete:
Command is specific, in that it acknowledges that the target may not be able to follow the Command. It does not provide any method for allowing the target to act when it is otherwise prohibited from taking an action.
Surprise tells you that the creature cannot take an action. Command tells you what to do if the target cannot follow the instruction.
While Surprise is not the same as Sleep, it still stops the surprised creature from acting. Due to this, they are unable to follow the Command, and the spell ends.
Result: The Surprised target fails to act, and the Command spell expends the spell slot.
If the Command can be completed without contravening the limitations of Surprise, then the target will fulfil the Command.
answered May 9 at 0:56
Black SpikeBlack Spike
53837
edited May 9 at 23:06
answered May 9 at 0:56
Black SpikeBlack Spike
53837
answered May 9 at 0:56
Black SpikeBlack Spike
53837
answered May 9 at 0:56
Black SpikeBlack Spike
53837
53837
7
$begingroup$
This assumes that all Command options require an action, movement or reaction. This is an incorrect assumption.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 1:55
$begingroup$
@linksassin well spotted. My answer assumes that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to fulfil. This is an incorrect assumption, and has been addressed in other answers.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 9 at 21:02
2
$begingroup$
@BlackSpike: If you recognize that part of your answer is wrong, you should edit it to address the incorrect portion and correct the inaccuracy. :)
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 22:52
add a comment |
7
$begingroup$
This assumes that all Command options require an action, movement or reaction. This is an incorrect assumption.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 1:55
$begingroup$
@linksassin well spotted. My answer assumes that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to fulfil. This is an incorrect assumption, and has been addressed in other answers.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 9 at 21:02
2
$begingroup$
@BlackSpike: If you recognize that part of your answer is wrong, you should edit it to address the incorrect portion and correct the inaccuracy. :)
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 22:52
7
7
$begingroup$
This assumes that all Command options require an action, movement or reaction. This is an incorrect assumption.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 1:55
$begingroup$
This assumes that all Command options require an action, movement or reaction. This is an incorrect assumption.
$endgroup$
– linksassin
May 9 at 1:55
$begingroup$
@linksassin well spotted. My answer assumes that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to fulfil. This is an incorrect assumption, and has been addressed in other answers.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 9 at 21:02
$begingroup$
@linksassin well spotted. My answer assumes that the Command would require an Action (or Movement) to fulfil. This is an incorrect assumption, and has been addressed in other answers.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 9 at 21:02
2
2
$begingroup$
@BlackSpike: If you recognize that part of your answer is wrong, you should edit it to address the incorrect portion and correct the inaccuracy. :)
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 22:52
$begingroup$
@BlackSpike: If you recognize that part of your answer is wrong, you should edit it to address the incorrect portion and correct the inaccuracy. :)
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 22:52
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Role-playing Games Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
Use MathJax to format equations. MathJax reference.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f147686%2fdoes-a-surprised-creature-obey-the-1st-level-spell-command%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
1
$begingroup$
In this case, has the caster rolled a higher initiative than the surprised creature?
$endgroup$
– NautArch
May 9 at 2:33
$begingroup$
Related: If an attack alerts someone to your presence, can their initiative save them from being surprised in time?, When exactly does combat start and surprise take effect?
$endgroup$
– V2Blast
May 9 at 8:35