Post/Author/DateTime	Post
dirty_rez 04-08-05, 01:38 PM	Hey, I'm playing an undead character, and the last couple sessions we've had i've run into so clerics who were able to command me. unfortunately, the text in the PHB is not very descriptive... so, i was wondering what exactly happens when a cleric is commanding an undead.. specifically how much control they actually have. this is the situation: cleric took his action to command me to "Blast [my ally] with your most powerful spell". i was going to use a lightning bolt, which was tied as my most powerful, but one of the cleric's allies was in the way as well. the DM forced me to make another decision because apparently i'm supposed to act in the best interest of the person commanding me. however, earlier in the combat, i was allowed to make a reflex save against a spell cast by the cleric's ally. i acted with some free will at that point, but was unable to later. so, my question is... does command undead force an intelligent undead to follow the command to the letter, but still be concious of other factors that might be involved on carrying out that order, while still acting in his own interests? or does an intelligent undead simply become mindless and not to anything at all EXCEPT when given specific orders... or, does the undead become a "willing ally" of the commander and thus act in his commander's best interests? any help would be much appreciated.
lukelightning 04-08-05, 02:29 PM	I'd treat it sort of like the dominate spell; it's a compulsion effect. From the SRD ("Special Abilities and Conditions" secion): "Compulsion is a different matter altogether. A compulsion overrides the subject’s free will in some way or simply changes the way the subject’s mind works. A charm makes the subject a friend of the caster; a compulsion makes the subject obey the caster. Regardless of whether a character is charmed or compelled, he won’t volunteer information or tactics that his master doesn’t ask for. "
dirty_rez 04-10-05, 10:33 PM	hmm.. ok, i shall take this to my DM... any other suggestions?
Kanchelsis17 04-12-05, 03:39 AM	You sound like my kinda guy. When I play, I tend to play clerics or true necromancers. Anyways... On the commanding front: Intelligent undead retain their brains. You are indeed forced to fire your lightning bolt on your friends, but you are not required to spare his guys. Here's a tip for you: If you have Libris Mortis, read through the magic items section, as well as the feats. I believe there is one there that boosts your turn resistance. Another option would to have the party's cleric (if you have an evil one in stock) bolster you before combat. They make their turn roll as normal, but the level+x from table 8-2 or 84 or whatever it is is your new effective HD against turn attempts. It lasts 10 minutes.
LCD2YOU 04-12-05, 07:40 AM	Well, in the DnD game, pretty much as described above. In the "real world", hmm, I can't tell you lest you might try something you shouldn't. :P
Bonzai 04-12-05, 10:39 AM	Command Undead is basically a charm spell for undead. You are free willed, but see the caster as being your most trusted friend. Control Undead is more like a geas, you can't resist, and have no coice to obey the caster to the letter.