Originally developed by the Harmonium faction of the Outer Planes, this useful
spell has come into more widespread use in recent years. While the spell is
available as a 2nd-level enchantment for members of the Harmonium, the general
version is not quite as efficient and is considered a 3rd-level spell.
The dictate spell is an improved version of command, affecting up to 6 creatures in a
20-foot cube. The caster is not limited to a single word and can issue an order of
no more than a dozen words in length. All the specified targets who fail their
saving throws must attempt to obey the caster’s instructions. For example, a
priest could issue a dictate such as “Stay here until I return,” “Throw down your
weapons,” or “Seize that elf!” The subjects will continue to obey nonimmediate
orders for up to one round per experience level of the caster.
Subjects who cannot understand the caster are not affected, so characters who
do not understand the caster’s language are immune to this spell. In addition,
the order must create an immediate and obvious course of action for the
subject; a dictate to “Die!” or “Feel sorry for him!” would simply cause the subject to stand
still in confusion for one round. Poorly worded or confusing commands grant the
subjects a +1 to +4 bonus on their saving throws at the DM’s discretion.
Similarly, if after the subject fails his saving throw he is given an obviously
self-destructive dictate, the subject simply loses his next round as he fights off the compulsion.
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