A response to Delta’s “Surveys & Samples: Charm Person”

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Charm Person in OD&D (a response to “Surveys & Samples: Charm Person” posted on MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021 at 
http://deltasdnd.blogspot.com/2021/06/surveys-samples-charm-person.html)


The spell can be cast as written without spoiling the fun.  A thoughtful referee can easily check any abuse by a player who is obsessed with the charm person spell.


Here’s my argument, in brief:


  1. First level magic users are exposed and need others to fight for them.  “Charm Person” may be their only effective attack spell in OD&D.  Let the monster fight, and even die, for their new best friend. Although it might be wiser to use the charmed “person” as an underworld guide.
  2. The spell is appropriately limited. An adventure presumably lasts 1 day. (Remember that it is a death wish to spend a night in the OD&D underworld). So only 1 low level monster can be charmed per adventure.
  3. Referees can bring forward a wandering magic user to cast dispel magic.
  4. A referee can alter the physics of the world to limit the potentially long lasting effect of the spell.  E.g. “Don’t try bringing a charmed goblin to town, because they will eventually shrivel up and die.  Same with pixies!” 
  5. If the spell-caster regularly charms tavern wenches or powerful town leaders, then the angry villagers rule can also be applied. “Stop charming everyone in town to serve your base and worldly desires, or we will take you out!”


So there are many ways to deal with the abuse of “charm person” without altering the rules as written or instigating a debate. In sum, allow the magic-users to utilize the full effect of the spell. So long as they ultimately learn about the potential consequences, what is the harm?




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