5E says that the spell makes the target become friendly to the caster. Can the target be commanded? Will the target defend the caster? Is the target friendly only to the caster and no one else?
Can the target be commanded? No. Nothing compels a person with the charmed condition to perform an action. As the condition says, they would be fine doing tasks require no effort or cost, but beyond that is at minimum a check. That would extend towards defending the caster, as to do so does require effort. And this only is the caster. Any allies are not given special consideration.
A charmed individual under the effect of charm person won't attack you but is unlikely to come to your defense in combat because that would be a risk to them selves and would likely involve going against other allies. Based on the conversation reaction rules in the DMG it would likely be a DC20 check with advantage which is better than it being impossible with an indifferent or hostile creature but not easy. The target will also likely have advantage on the saving throw for charm person if you are in combat in which case its likely not worth the effort.
5E says that the spell makes the target become friendly to the caster. Can the target be commanded? Will the target defend the caster? Is the target friendly only to the caster and no one else?
Thanks for comments!
Most likely it's intended to be the same as the DMG definition.
Can the target be commanded? No. Nothing compels a person with the charmed condition to perform an action. As the condition says, they would be fine doing tasks require no effort or cost, but beyond that is at minimum a check. That would extend towards defending the caster, as to do so does require effort. And this only is the caster. Any allies are not given special consideration.
A charmed individual under the effect of charm person won't attack you but is unlikely to come to your defense in combat because that would be a risk to them selves and would likely involve going against other allies. Based on the conversation reaction rules in the DMG it would likely be a DC20 check with advantage which is better than it being impossible with an indifferent or hostile creature but not easy. The target will also likely have advantage on the saving throw for charm person if you are in combat in which case its likely not worth the effort.
Thanks everyone for comments. I wouldn't have considered making checks but it makes sense.