No brains
2017-06-30, 06:30 PM
The command spell is a good one. A 1st-level save-or-suck that can definitely deny an enemy a turn and possibly shape an entire encounter. Sure, it is limited by language; only one word commands can be issued and it can't directly hurt the commanded creature, but I think language is also its strength.
Fantasy languages can be interesting. They can have unique rules and ideas, possibly making command even more potent in certain situations. Nuances of imaginary cultures could create the need for new and bizarre imperatives that can be magically abused.
I want to know some weird commands from fantasy (or if adequately weird, foreign) tongues. It would be most helpful if I could get a source on these words so I can convince other players that these ideas are real. Technically I could just claim that there is a word in Dwarven for "drink yourself unconscious", but I think I would have a stronger case if I proved a respected writer also had the same twisted idea.
Here's some examples from just English:
Blab/Confess: Have an enemy captured and want to know their plan? Get 6 seconds of plot for one spell slot! Throw on Zone of Truth if you want, but technically the nuance of the command keeps them from lying already.
Pratfall/Flop/FAIL: Have an enemy take a harmless spill. It ought to get them prone for a turn. If they are on ground they don't realize is rickety and won't take the weight of them flopping, then maybe you can make them fall through.
Chug/Binge: The closest I have to that Dwarven idea. It isn't "harmful" for someone to drink something placed in a cup before them. If it's a proof of liquor too strong for them, or even poisoned, they might not know that. Although it would be hilarious to cast this round after round, I think at some point the spell will fail against the creature's sense. It would work best as a one-shot.
Any ideas? They don't have to be cheesed up like I suggest here, just weird enough to make everyone around the table scratch their heads.
Fantasy languages can be interesting. They can have unique rules and ideas, possibly making command even more potent in certain situations. Nuances of imaginary cultures could create the need for new and bizarre imperatives that can be magically abused.
I want to know some weird commands from fantasy (or if adequately weird, foreign) tongues. It would be most helpful if I could get a source on these words so I can convince other players that these ideas are real. Technically I could just claim that there is a word in Dwarven for "drink yourself unconscious", but I think I would have a stronger case if I proved a respected writer also had the same twisted idea.
Here's some examples from just English:
Blab/Confess: Have an enemy captured and want to know their plan? Get 6 seconds of plot for one spell slot! Throw on Zone of Truth if you want, but technically the nuance of the command keeps them from lying already.
Pratfall/Flop/FAIL: Have an enemy take a harmless spill. It ought to get them prone for a turn. If they are on ground they don't realize is rickety and won't take the weight of them flopping, then maybe you can make them fall through.
Chug/Binge: The closest I have to that Dwarven idea. It isn't "harmful" for someone to drink something placed in a cup before them. If it's a proof of liquor too strong for them, or even poisoned, they might not know that. Although it would be hilarious to cast this round after round, I think at some point the spell will fail against the creature's sense. It would work best as a one-shot.
Any ideas? They don't have to be cheesed up like I suggest here, just weird enough to make everyone around the table scratch their heads.