on charm person
Charm person is the best low level spell in odnd; by far. It's straight up easy mode.
Charm Person: This spell applies to all two-legged, generally mammalian ļ¬gures near to or less than man-size, excluding all monsters in the āUndeadā class but including Sprites, Pixies, Nixies, Kobolds, Goblins, Orcs, Hobgoblins and Gnolls. If the spell is successful it will cause the charmed entity to come completely under the inļ¬uence of the Magic-User until such time as the ācharmā is dispelled (Dispel Magic). Range: 12ā.
Dungeons & Dragons (1974): Men & Magic , pg. 23
RAW the spell puts a humanoid under the magic-user's control until the spell is dispelled with the dispel magic spell. It has a range of 120 ft, giving the magic user enough elbow room to cast it before their ops are close enough to attempt a hit. (Which will more than likely be lethal.)
Rules wise, charm person grants you a free successful reaction roll. It's application should be immediately obvious:
Someone else, preferably someone stronger than you, will help you:
- they'll share resources with you. (Information, food, ect...)
- they won't attack you.
- they might attack someone else for you. (Assuming they think they'll survive the encounter.)
These are two ways i used the spell in different games:
- my magic user convinced a hobgoblin share the location it's their lair. this saved the party time and energy.
- one of my magic users casted the spell on a hypnotized comrade, allow them to step out the area of influence of a magical statue.
There's aways a catch, of course. Always remember that the target will well aware of what you did after the spell is dispelled. Always be ready to strike at them first. For they might attack you first. Or worst they might come after you when you least expect it.