[OOC] Sweet Spoilerousness

[DM Surranó]

Let's play adults. I guess we are all seasoned veterans so nobody would be surprised if I said that the effect on Torin was...

... a Dominate Person.
I can't say I worded the command ambiguously by accident; both the DM and the cloaked figure are pretty high on Int but that said I'm not convinced that exact wording has a role here.
The spell description says,

You can control the actions of any humanoid creature through a telepathic link that you establish with the subject’s mind.

If you and the subject have a common language, you can generally force the subject to perform as you desire, within the limits of its abilities. If no common language exists, you can communicate only basic commands, such as “Come here,” “Go there,” “Fight,” and “Stand still.”

While lacking common language limiting the capabilities of the spell suggests (on the first read) that you should word the command it doesn't say anything about you having to word the command exactly. On the contrary, it allows "some" commands without actual words.

Also it doesn't say you learn what language(s) the target understands so how do you choose a language for the commands? I'm inclined to say you don't. You have a telepathic link which kind of makes the creature understand your thoughts not your words. A similar stuff goes to companions and familiars unless I'm mistaken.
The command may have had some nonverbal indicators as well, like the figure's eyes flutter for a moment from Torin to... the... gnome... *cough*.

Again, I'm being ambiguous on purpose and this is because I'd like to see the player explain how Torin interpreted the command without influencing him.


Concerning what Torin should and should not do, regardless of interpretation:

continues to attempt to carry out that command to the exclusion of all other activities except those necessary for day-to-day survival

This doesn't mean he should abort the spell  but he should do his best to apply all his power (including spells already in place; the spell currently being cast; and all other std and move actions) to carry out the command. Thus, bisons in his control should do accordingly. Spiritual weapon in his control should do accordingly. And if it means he has to step back to give way to one of the bisons I'd say he's also obliged to do so (as long as it doesn't put him to imminent danger) and choose follow-up actions that take this into consideration (e.g. apply a ranged spell or ranged attack).

Finally, there's the issue of PfE warding against control. What do you think qualifies as control? Giving a new command? Or exercising the daily control? Or simply the spell should be suppressed completely while target is under protection, thus not obliged to do his best to "kill the gnome"?

What do all of you think?
Remember to respond here and omit spoilers IC or in the Tavern!