How does the Staff of the Python work?











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The D&D 5th edition rules about the staff of the python state the following:




You can use an action to speak this staff's command word and throw the staff on the ground within 10 feet of you. The staff becomes a giant constrictor snake under your control and acts on its own initiative count. By using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by the snake.



On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60 feet of you and you aren't incapacitated. You decide what action the snake takes and where it moves during its next turn, or you can issue it a general command, such as to attack your enemies or guard a location.



If the snake is reduced to 0 hit points, it dies and reverts to its staff form. The staff then shatters and is destroyed. If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points, it regains all of them.




I have some doubts about it:




  • Do you need to cast the command spell to tell the snake what to do?

  • If you don't need to cast the command spell to tell the snake what do, do you spend an action to do so?

  • Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and then turn it into a snake again, thus restoring its HP to full?










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  • In the last sentence, when you say "regaining full HP", you're talking about the staff regaining HP, right?
    – Mark Wells
    Nov 22 at 1:50






  • 1




    Another great example why all game terms (spell names in this case) should have been capitalized
    – András
    Nov 22 at 8:17










  • @MarkWells: That is correct.
    – Joao Azevedo
    Nov 22 at 10:55















up vote
3
down vote

favorite
1












The D&D 5th edition rules about the staff of the python state the following:




You can use an action to speak this staff's command word and throw the staff on the ground within 10 feet of you. The staff becomes a giant constrictor snake under your control and acts on its own initiative count. By using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by the snake.



On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60 feet of you and you aren't incapacitated. You decide what action the snake takes and where it moves during its next turn, or you can issue it a general command, such as to attack your enemies or guard a location.



If the snake is reduced to 0 hit points, it dies and reverts to its staff form. The staff then shatters and is destroyed. If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points, it regains all of them.




I have some doubts about it:




  • Do you need to cast the command spell to tell the snake what to do?

  • If you don't need to cast the command spell to tell the snake what do, do you spend an action to do so?

  • Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and then turn it into a snake again, thus restoring its HP to full?










share|improve this question
























  • In the last sentence, when you say "regaining full HP", you're talking about the staff regaining HP, right?
    – Mark Wells
    Nov 22 at 1:50






  • 1




    Another great example why all game terms (spell names in this case) should have been capitalized
    – András
    Nov 22 at 8:17










  • @MarkWells: That is correct.
    – Joao Azevedo
    Nov 22 at 10:55













up vote
3
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
3
down vote

favorite
1






1





The D&D 5th edition rules about the staff of the python state the following:




You can use an action to speak this staff's command word and throw the staff on the ground within 10 feet of you. The staff becomes a giant constrictor snake under your control and acts on its own initiative count. By using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by the snake.



On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60 feet of you and you aren't incapacitated. You decide what action the snake takes and where it moves during its next turn, or you can issue it a general command, such as to attack your enemies or guard a location.



If the snake is reduced to 0 hit points, it dies and reverts to its staff form. The staff then shatters and is destroyed. If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points, it regains all of them.




I have some doubts about it:




  • Do you need to cast the command spell to tell the snake what to do?

  • If you don't need to cast the command spell to tell the snake what do, do you spend an action to do so?

  • Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and then turn it into a snake again, thus restoring its HP to full?










share|improve this question















The D&D 5th edition rules about the staff of the python state the following:




You can use an action to speak this staff's command word and throw the staff on the ground within 10 feet of you. The staff becomes a giant constrictor snake under your control and acts on its own initiative count. By using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by the snake.



On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60 feet of you and you aren't incapacitated. You decide what action the snake takes and where it moves during its next turn, or you can issue it a general command, such as to attack your enemies or guard a location.



If the snake is reduced to 0 hit points, it dies and reverts to its staff form. The staff then shatters and is destroyed. If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points, it regains all of them.




I have some doubts about it:




  • Do you need to cast the command spell to tell the snake what to do?

  • If you don't need to cast the command spell to tell the snake what do, do you spend an action to do so?

  • Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and then turn it into a snake again, thus restoring its HP to full?







dnd-5e magic-items actions






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edited Nov 22 at 15:53









Mark Wells

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asked Nov 22 at 0:17









Joao Azevedo

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  • In the last sentence, when you say "regaining full HP", you're talking about the staff regaining HP, right?
    – Mark Wells
    Nov 22 at 1:50






  • 1




    Another great example why all game terms (spell names in this case) should have been capitalized
    – András
    Nov 22 at 8:17










  • @MarkWells: That is correct.
    – Joao Azevedo
    Nov 22 at 10:55


















  • In the last sentence, when you say "regaining full HP", you're talking about the staff regaining HP, right?
    – Mark Wells
    Nov 22 at 1:50






  • 1




    Another great example why all game terms (spell names in this case) should have been capitalized
    – András
    Nov 22 at 8:17










  • @MarkWells: That is correct.
    – Joao Azevedo
    Nov 22 at 10:55
















In the last sentence, when you say "regaining full HP", you're talking about the staff regaining HP, right?
– Mark Wells
Nov 22 at 1:50




In the last sentence, when you say "regaining full HP", you're talking about the staff regaining HP, right?
– Mark Wells
Nov 22 at 1:50




1




1




Another great example why all game terms (spell names in this case) should have been capitalized
– András
Nov 22 at 8:17




Another great example why all game terms (spell names in this case) should have been capitalized
– András
Nov 22 at 8:17












@MarkWells: That is correct.
– Joao Azevedo
Nov 22 at 10:55




@MarkWells: That is correct.
– Joao Azevedo
Nov 22 at 10:55










3 Answers
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up vote
8
down vote



accepted










The Staff of the Python has nothing to do with the Command spell.



Nowhere does it say you need to use the Command spell. The item says you need to use the command word to activate it's special properties (turning into/back from a snake). The Dungeon Master's Guide rulebook explains these (also described in the basic rules), but they are special words that are unique to each magic item that allow it to be used. If an item says it needs a command word, it will say so in the description (like it does for the Staff of the Python).



Since the description doesn't say it takes an action to control the snake, it doesn't, and you can do it freely on your turn. The snake doesn't act until its own turn, so you need to tell it what to do in advance.



Yes, you can turn the snake back into a staff, then turn it back into a snake, replenishing it's HP, in a single turn.



Note that you need to throw the staff to activate it, so you need to be next to the snake to do this. You would use a bonus action to transform the snake into the staff, an object interaction (first one on a turn is free) to pick up the staff, and then your action to throw the staff and turn it back into a snake.






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  • 3




    Command words are also described here in the DM's basic rules, if you want to link to that in your explanation.
    – V2Blast
    Nov 22 at 1:46


















up vote
3
down vote













The command word to activate the staff is not the Command spell



The relevant part of your quote is this:




You can use an action to speak this staff's command word [...]




The staff's command word is not the command spell, as if that were the case, it would refer to casting command using language relating to spells (such as "cast", "spell" or at least writing command in italics).



Also note that the item "requires attunement by a cleric, druid, or warlock", and many clerics, druids, and warlocks cannot have the command spell (only some archetypes can, such as a warlock with the Fiend patron, or a cleric with the Knowledge domain). It doesn't make sense that an item that only certain classes can use to require a spell that those classes can't learn (unless they have specific archetypes).



As far as I'm aware, no magic item requires the casting of a spell to function. Many items do have command words though. From the DMG, pg. 138:




... the creature gains an intuitive understanding of how to activate any magical properties of the item, including any necessary command words.




And more explicitly stated under Activating an Item (DMG, pg. 141):




Activating some magic items requires a user to do something special, such as holding the item and uttering a command word.




And again under its own section, Command Word (DMG, pg. 141):




A command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken for an item to work.




Hence the command word referred to in the item's description is the kind of command word from these above three quotes, not the spell command.





As for your other questions, it only takes your action to initially change the staff into a snake, as described in the quote at the top of my answer. Controlling the snake thereafter isn't said to use your action, so we can assume it doesn't require any action or bonus action as it doesn't say that it does, and simply says that "you can" do it:




On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60 feet of you and you aren't incapacitated.






Also yes, the staff and therefore the snake will regain all hit points if transformed back into a staff and then into a snake again, as is implied by this part of the description:




If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points, it regains all of them.




And this can all be done on one turn, since:




[b]y using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by the snake.




and then




[y]ou can use an action to speak this staff's command word [... and then t]he staff becomes a giant constrictor snake [...]







share|improve this answer






























    up vote
    2
    down vote













    Commanding the snake doesn't require a spell



    Also, the command word is not the same as the command spell



    While the word "command" is used for all three things, the item description nowhere requires the user of the staff to use the command spell. The mental command to tell the snake what to do does not require an action. To address your nested questions in order:





    1. Do you need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what to do? No


    2. If you don't need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what
      do, do you spend an action to do so?
      No, no action, nor bonus action, is required. You give it a mental command.


    3. Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and
      turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?
      Depends on the order of operations. (see below)


    Detailed discussion.



    Command words are features of some magic items that are often discovered during attunement, or when using the identify spell on an item.




    Command Word

    A Command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken
    for an item to work. A magic item that requires a Command word can’t
    be activated in an area where sound is prevented, as in the area of
    the Silence spell. (DMG)




    You do not have to burn a level 1 spell slot, command, in order to use this staff. The command spell is used against humanoids to try and make them do something1.



    How to make the staff work for you




    use an action to speak this staff's command word and throw the staff
    on the ground within 10 feet of you. The staff becomes a Giant
    Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
    count
    . By using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you
    return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by
    the snake.




    On round 1, you can transform this staff into a snake, and then with a bonus action on any round / turn, return it to its staff form. Both the action and bonus action take place on your turn. The snake has its own turn.



    Using the command word to do that requires an action.




    On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60
    feet of you and you aren't incapacitated. You decide what action the
    snake takes and where it moves during its next turn, or you can issue
    it a general command, such as to attack your enemies or guard a
    location.




    In this case, you are not required to use an action to do this. It's sort of like talking, or "interacting with an object." Just tell the snake what to do. The snake will do that on its turn.



    Command was used in two different ways for this item's description




    1. Using the command word that you find out to activate it.

    2. You tell the snake what to do, which does not require an action, nor a bonus action; it just requires the PC to make a mental effort (so tell the DM what your command to the snake is).


    As to your last question ... depends on the order of operations.




    Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?




    If you use an action to activate the staff into snake form, your problem with trying to use a bonus action to stow it again is that you can't use a bonus action on the snake's turn.

    Giant




    Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
    count
    .




    The Snake gets its own turn to take actions. You just tell it what to do on its turn.



    So no, you can't do it all on the first turn. To do that would require a Reaction (during the Snake's turn) not a Bonus Action (on your turn). On your next turn, you could, if you wished, use your bonus action to restore its staff form.



    But what you can do is:



    Round 1:

    Your Turn 1: command word (action) get a snake. Mentally command it to attack.

    Snake's Turn 1: attacks, also takes damage.
    Round 2:

    Your bonus action Turn 2: snake, become a staff!

    Your action Turn 2: staff, become snake! (command word)

    Mentally Turn 2: tell it what do

    Snake's action Turn 2: whatever you told it to do. (At full HP).




    If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points,
    it regains all of them.




    That all fits into the action economy as built into the game.





    1 Command spell




    Command

    level 1 / enchantment / Casting Time: 1 action /
    Range: 60 feet / Components: V / Duration: 1 round / You speak a
    one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target
    must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its
    next turn.







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    • Regarding the answer to the last question, I was under the impression that you would return the snake to its staff form on your turn, not on the snake's turn.
      – Joao Azevedo
      Nov 22 at 0:49










    • @KorvinStarmast: Then I didn't understand why you mention the snake's turn. Couldn't I use an action to transform the staff into the snake, and then a bonus action to revert it back to the staff form, all in my turn?
      – Joao Azevedo
      Nov 22 at 0:54










    • @JoaoAzevedo The item description spells out that the snake has its own initiative order. It does not act on your turn. It acts on its own turn during the round. You have to wait until it takes its turn before you turn it back into the snake, unless you want it to turn into a snake, and then back into a staff, and have the snake Do Nothing else since it never gets its turn ... which is rather pointless.
      – KorvinStarmast
      Nov 22 at 0:54












    • So what you mean is that I can use my bonus action to speak the command word, but only on the snake's turn will it turn back into the staff?
      – Joao Azevedo
      Nov 22 at 0:56










    • @JoaoAzevedo No. Do you want the snake to obey your mental commands, or not? If you don't let it have a turn, it can't obey any of your mental commands. Turn 1: you use an action to turn staff into snake. Any mental command you give it happens when the snake gets its turn. On your next turn, you use a bonus actionto turn it back into a staff. Unless, you just want to turn it into a snake and then a staff and not get a turn. Which is pointless, but I guess some folks would do it. Is that what you intend to do: turn it into snake, and then staff, and not do anything at all in between?
      – KorvinStarmast
      Nov 22 at 0:57













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    3 Answers
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    3 Answers
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    up vote
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    down vote



    accepted










    The Staff of the Python has nothing to do with the Command spell.



    Nowhere does it say you need to use the Command spell. The item says you need to use the command word to activate it's special properties (turning into/back from a snake). The Dungeon Master's Guide rulebook explains these (also described in the basic rules), but they are special words that are unique to each magic item that allow it to be used. If an item says it needs a command word, it will say so in the description (like it does for the Staff of the Python).



    Since the description doesn't say it takes an action to control the snake, it doesn't, and you can do it freely on your turn. The snake doesn't act until its own turn, so you need to tell it what to do in advance.



    Yes, you can turn the snake back into a staff, then turn it back into a snake, replenishing it's HP, in a single turn.



    Note that you need to throw the staff to activate it, so you need to be next to the snake to do this. You would use a bonus action to transform the snake into the staff, an object interaction (first one on a turn is free) to pick up the staff, and then your action to throw the staff and turn it back into a snake.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 3




      Command words are also described here in the DM's basic rules, if you want to link to that in your explanation.
      – V2Blast
      Nov 22 at 1:46















    up vote
    8
    down vote



    accepted










    The Staff of the Python has nothing to do with the Command spell.



    Nowhere does it say you need to use the Command spell. The item says you need to use the command word to activate it's special properties (turning into/back from a snake). The Dungeon Master's Guide rulebook explains these (also described in the basic rules), but they are special words that are unique to each magic item that allow it to be used. If an item says it needs a command word, it will say so in the description (like it does for the Staff of the Python).



    Since the description doesn't say it takes an action to control the snake, it doesn't, and you can do it freely on your turn. The snake doesn't act until its own turn, so you need to tell it what to do in advance.



    Yes, you can turn the snake back into a staff, then turn it back into a snake, replenishing it's HP, in a single turn.



    Note that you need to throw the staff to activate it, so you need to be next to the snake to do this. You would use a bonus action to transform the snake into the staff, an object interaction (first one on a turn is free) to pick up the staff, and then your action to throw the staff and turn it back into a snake.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 3




      Command words are also described here in the DM's basic rules, if you want to link to that in your explanation.
      – V2Blast
      Nov 22 at 1:46













    up vote
    8
    down vote



    accepted







    up vote
    8
    down vote



    accepted






    The Staff of the Python has nothing to do with the Command spell.



    Nowhere does it say you need to use the Command spell. The item says you need to use the command word to activate it's special properties (turning into/back from a snake). The Dungeon Master's Guide rulebook explains these (also described in the basic rules), but they are special words that are unique to each magic item that allow it to be used. If an item says it needs a command word, it will say so in the description (like it does for the Staff of the Python).



    Since the description doesn't say it takes an action to control the snake, it doesn't, and you can do it freely on your turn. The snake doesn't act until its own turn, so you need to tell it what to do in advance.



    Yes, you can turn the snake back into a staff, then turn it back into a snake, replenishing it's HP, in a single turn.



    Note that you need to throw the staff to activate it, so you need to be next to the snake to do this. You would use a bonus action to transform the snake into the staff, an object interaction (first one on a turn is free) to pick up the staff, and then your action to throw the staff and turn it back into a snake.






    share|improve this answer














    The Staff of the Python has nothing to do with the Command spell.



    Nowhere does it say you need to use the Command spell. The item says you need to use the command word to activate it's special properties (turning into/back from a snake). The Dungeon Master's Guide rulebook explains these (also described in the basic rules), but they are special words that are unique to each magic item that allow it to be used. If an item says it needs a command word, it will say so in the description (like it does for the Staff of the Python).



    Since the description doesn't say it takes an action to control the snake, it doesn't, and you can do it freely on your turn. The snake doesn't act until its own turn, so you need to tell it what to do in advance.



    Yes, you can turn the snake back into a staff, then turn it back into a snake, replenishing it's HP, in a single turn.



    Note that you need to throw the staff to activate it, so you need to be next to the snake to do this. You would use a bonus action to transform the snake into the staff, an object interaction (first one on a turn is free) to pick up the staff, and then your action to throw the staff and turn it back into a snake.







    share|improve this answer














    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer








    edited Nov 22 at 16:17

























    answered Nov 22 at 0:28









    GreySage

    13.6k44990




    13.6k44990








    • 3




      Command words are also described here in the DM's basic rules, if you want to link to that in your explanation.
      – V2Blast
      Nov 22 at 1:46














    • 3




      Command words are also described here in the DM's basic rules, if you want to link to that in your explanation.
      – V2Blast
      Nov 22 at 1:46








    3




    3




    Command words are also described here in the DM's basic rules, if you want to link to that in your explanation.
    – V2Blast
    Nov 22 at 1:46




    Command words are also described here in the DM's basic rules, if you want to link to that in your explanation.
    – V2Blast
    Nov 22 at 1:46












    up vote
    3
    down vote













    The command word to activate the staff is not the Command spell



    The relevant part of your quote is this:




    You can use an action to speak this staff's command word [...]




    The staff's command word is not the command spell, as if that were the case, it would refer to casting command using language relating to spells (such as "cast", "spell" or at least writing command in italics).



    Also note that the item "requires attunement by a cleric, druid, or warlock", and many clerics, druids, and warlocks cannot have the command spell (only some archetypes can, such as a warlock with the Fiend patron, or a cleric with the Knowledge domain). It doesn't make sense that an item that only certain classes can use to require a spell that those classes can't learn (unless they have specific archetypes).



    As far as I'm aware, no magic item requires the casting of a spell to function. Many items do have command words though. From the DMG, pg. 138:




    ... the creature gains an intuitive understanding of how to activate any magical properties of the item, including any necessary command words.




    And more explicitly stated under Activating an Item (DMG, pg. 141):




    Activating some magic items requires a user to do something special, such as holding the item and uttering a command word.




    And again under its own section, Command Word (DMG, pg. 141):




    A command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken for an item to work.




    Hence the command word referred to in the item's description is the kind of command word from these above three quotes, not the spell command.





    As for your other questions, it only takes your action to initially change the staff into a snake, as described in the quote at the top of my answer. Controlling the snake thereafter isn't said to use your action, so we can assume it doesn't require any action or bonus action as it doesn't say that it does, and simply says that "you can" do it:




    On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60 feet of you and you aren't incapacitated.






    Also yes, the staff and therefore the snake will regain all hit points if transformed back into a staff and then into a snake again, as is implied by this part of the description:




    If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points, it regains all of them.




    And this can all be done on one turn, since:




    [b]y using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by the snake.




    and then




    [y]ou can use an action to speak this staff's command word [... and then t]he staff becomes a giant constrictor snake [...]







    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      3
      down vote













      The command word to activate the staff is not the Command spell



      The relevant part of your quote is this:




      You can use an action to speak this staff's command word [...]




      The staff's command word is not the command spell, as if that were the case, it would refer to casting command using language relating to spells (such as "cast", "spell" or at least writing command in italics).



      Also note that the item "requires attunement by a cleric, druid, or warlock", and many clerics, druids, and warlocks cannot have the command spell (only some archetypes can, such as a warlock with the Fiend patron, or a cleric with the Knowledge domain). It doesn't make sense that an item that only certain classes can use to require a spell that those classes can't learn (unless they have specific archetypes).



      As far as I'm aware, no magic item requires the casting of a spell to function. Many items do have command words though. From the DMG, pg. 138:




      ... the creature gains an intuitive understanding of how to activate any magical properties of the item, including any necessary command words.




      And more explicitly stated under Activating an Item (DMG, pg. 141):




      Activating some magic items requires a user to do something special, such as holding the item and uttering a command word.




      And again under its own section, Command Word (DMG, pg. 141):




      A command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken for an item to work.




      Hence the command word referred to in the item's description is the kind of command word from these above three quotes, not the spell command.





      As for your other questions, it only takes your action to initially change the staff into a snake, as described in the quote at the top of my answer. Controlling the snake thereafter isn't said to use your action, so we can assume it doesn't require any action or bonus action as it doesn't say that it does, and simply says that "you can" do it:




      On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60 feet of you and you aren't incapacitated.






      Also yes, the staff and therefore the snake will regain all hit points if transformed back into a staff and then into a snake again, as is implied by this part of the description:




      If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points, it regains all of them.




      And this can all be done on one turn, since:




      [b]y using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by the snake.




      and then




      [y]ou can use an action to speak this staff's command word [... and then t]he staff becomes a giant constrictor snake [...]







      share|improve this answer

























        up vote
        3
        down vote










        up vote
        3
        down vote









        The command word to activate the staff is not the Command spell



        The relevant part of your quote is this:




        You can use an action to speak this staff's command word [...]




        The staff's command word is not the command spell, as if that were the case, it would refer to casting command using language relating to spells (such as "cast", "spell" or at least writing command in italics).



        Also note that the item "requires attunement by a cleric, druid, or warlock", and many clerics, druids, and warlocks cannot have the command spell (only some archetypes can, such as a warlock with the Fiend patron, or a cleric with the Knowledge domain). It doesn't make sense that an item that only certain classes can use to require a spell that those classes can't learn (unless they have specific archetypes).



        As far as I'm aware, no magic item requires the casting of a spell to function. Many items do have command words though. From the DMG, pg. 138:




        ... the creature gains an intuitive understanding of how to activate any magical properties of the item, including any necessary command words.




        And more explicitly stated under Activating an Item (DMG, pg. 141):




        Activating some magic items requires a user to do something special, such as holding the item and uttering a command word.




        And again under its own section, Command Word (DMG, pg. 141):




        A command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken for an item to work.




        Hence the command word referred to in the item's description is the kind of command word from these above three quotes, not the spell command.





        As for your other questions, it only takes your action to initially change the staff into a snake, as described in the quote at the top of my answer. Controlling the snake thereafter isn't said to use your action, so we can assume it doesn't require any action or bonus action as it doesn't say that it does, and simply says that "you can" do it:




        On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60 feet of you and you aren't incapacitated.






        Also yes, the staff and therefore the snake will regain all hit points if transformed back into a staff and then into a snake again, as is implied by this part of the description:




        If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points, it regains all of them.




        And this can all be done on one turn, since:




        [b]y using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by the snake.




        and then




        [y]ou can use an action to speak this staff's command word [... and then t]he staff becomes a giant constrictor snake [...]







        share|improve this answer














        The command word to activate the staff is not the Command spell



        The relevant part of your quote is this:




        You can use an action to speak this staff's command word [...]




        The staff's command word is not the command spell, as if that were the case, it would refer to casting command using language relating to spells (such as "cast", "spell" or at least writing command in italics).



        Also note that the item "requires attunement by a cleric, druid, or warlock", and many clerics, druids, and warlocks cannot have the command spell (only some archetypes can, such as a warlock with the Fiend patron, or a cleric with the Knowledge domain). It doesn't make sense that an item that only certain classes can use to require a spell that those classes can't learn (unless they have specific archetypes).



        As far as I'm aware, no magic item requires the casting of a spell to function. Many items do have command words though. From the DMG, pg. 138:




        ... the creature gains an intuitive understanding of how to activate any magical properties of the item, including any necessary command words.




        And more explicitly stated under Activating an Item (DMG, pg. 141):




        Activating some magic items requires a user to do something special, such as holding the item and uttering a command word.




        And again under its own section, Command Word (DMG, pg. 141):




        A command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken for an item to work.




        Hence the command word referred to in the item's description is the kind of command word from these above three quotes, not the spell command.





        As for your other questions, it only takes your action to initially change the staff into a snake, as described in the quote at the top of my answer. Controlling the snake thereafter isn't said to use your action, so we can assume it doesn't require any action or bonus action as it doesn't say that it does, and simply says that "you can" do it:




        On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60 feet of you and you aren't incapacitated.






        Also yes, the staff and therefore the snake will regain all hit points if transformed back into a staff and then into a snake again, as is implied by this part of the description:




        If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points, it regains all of them.




        And this can all be done on one turn, since:




        [b]y using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by the snake.




        and then




        [y]ou can use an action to speak this staff's command word [... and then t]he staff becomes a giant constrictor snake [...]








        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Nov 22 at 13:51

























        answered Nov 22 at 0:26









        NathanS

        22.2k6103241




        22.2k6103241






















            up vote
            2
            down vote













            Commanding the snake doesn't require a spell



            Also, the command word is not the same as the command spell



            While the word "command" is used for all three things, the item description nowhere requires the user of the staff to use the command spell. The mental command to tell the snake what to do does not require an action. To address your nested questions in order:





            1. Do you need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what to do? No


            2. If you don't need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what
              do, do you spend an action to do so?
              No, no action, nor bonus action, is required. You give it a mental command.


            3. Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and
              turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?
              Depends on the order of operations. (see below)


            Detailed discussion.



            Command words are features of some magic items that are often discovered during attunement, or when using the identify spell on an item.




            Command Word

            A Command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken
            for an item to work. A magic item that requires a Command word can’t
            be activated in an area where sound is prevented, as in the area of
            the Silence spell. (DMG)




            You do not have to burn a level 1 spell slot, command, in order to use this staff. The command spell is used against humanoids to try and make them do something1.



            How to make the staff work for you




            use an action to speak this staff's command word and throw the staff
            on the ground within 10 feet of you. The staff becomes a Giant
            Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
            count
            . By using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you
            return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by
            the snake.




            On round 1, you can transform this staff into a snake, and then with a bonus action on any round / turn, return it to its staff form. Both the action and bonus action take place on your turn. The snake has its own turn.



            Using the command word to do that requires an action.




            On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60
            feet of you and you aren't incapacitated. You decide what action the
            snake takes and where it moves during its next turn, or you can issue
            it a general command, such as to attack your enemies or guard a
            location.




            In this case, you are not required to use an action to do this. It's sort of like talking, or "interacting with an object." Just tell the snake what to do. The snake will do that on its turn.



            Command was used in two different ways for this item's description




            1. Using the command word that you find out to activate it.

            2. You tell the snake what to do, which does not require an action, nor a bonus action; it just requires the PC to make a mental effort (so tell the DM what your command to the snake is).


            As to your last question ... depends on the order of operations.




            Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?




            If you use an action to activate the staff into snake form, your problem with trying to use a bonus action to stow it again is that you can't use a bonus action on the snake's turn.

            Giant




            Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
            count
            .




            The Snake gets its own turn to take actions. You just tell it what to do on its turn.



            So no, you can't do it all on the first turn. To do that would require a Reaction (during the Snake's turn) not a Bonus Action (on your turn). On your next turn, you could, if you wished, use your bonus action to restore its staff form.



            But what you can do is:



            Round 1:

            Your Turn 1: command word (action) get a snake. Mentally command it to attack.

            Snake's Turn 1: attacks, also takes damage.
            Round 2:

            Your bonus action Turn 2: snake, become a staff!

            Your action Turn 2: staff, become snake! (command word)

            Mentally Turn 2: tell it what do

            Snake's action Turn 2: whatever you told it to do. (At full HP).




            If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points,
            it regains all of them.




            That all fits into the action economy as built into the game.





            1 Command spell




            Command

            level 1 / enchantment / Casting Time: 1 action /
            Range: 60 feet / Components: V / Duration: 1 round / You speak a
            one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target
            must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its
            next turn.







            share|improve this answer























            • Regarding the answer to the last question, I was under the impression that you would return the snake to its staff form on your turn, not on the snake's turn.
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:49










            • @KorvinStarmast: Then I didn't understand why you mention the snake's turn. Couldn't I use an action to transform the staff into the snake, and then a bonus action to revert it back to the staff form, all in my turn?
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:54










            • @JoaoAzevedo The item description spells out that the snake has its own initiative order. It does not act on your turn. It acts on its own turn during the round. You have to wait until it takes its turn before you turn it back into the snake, unless you want it to turn into a snake, and then back into a staff, and have the snake Do Nothing else since it never gets its turn ... which is rather pointless.
              – KorvinStarmast
              Nov 22 at 0:54












            • So what you mean is that I can use my bonus action to speak the command word, but only on the snake's turn will it turn back into the staff?
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:56










            • @JoaoAzevedo No. Do you want the snake to obey your mental commands, or not? If you don't let it have a turn, it can't obey any of your mental commands. Turn 1: you use an action to turn staff into snake. Any mental command you give it happens when the snake gets its turn. On your next turn, you use a bonus actionto turn it back into a staff. Unless, you just want to turn it into a snake and then a staff and not get a turn. Which is pointless, but I guess some folks would do it. Is that what you intend to do: turn it into snake, and then staff, and not do anything at all in between?
              – KorvinStarmast
              Nov 22 at 0:57

















            up vote
            2
            down vote













            Commanding the snake doesn't require a spell



            Also, the command word is not the same as the command spell



            While the word "command" is used for all three things, the item description nowhere requires the user of the staff to use the command spell. The mental command to tell the snake what to do does not require an action. To address your nested questions in order:





            1. Do you need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what to do? No


            2. If you don't need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what
              do, do you spend an action to do so?
              No, no action, nor bonus action, is required. You give it a mental command.


            3. Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and
              turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?
              Depends on the order of operations. (see below)


            Detailed discussion.



            Command words are features of some magic items that are often discovered during attunement, or when using the identify spell on an item.




            Command Word

            A Command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken
            for an item to work. A magic item that requires a Command word can’t
            be activated in an area where sound is prevented, as in the area of
            the Silence spell. (DMG)




            You do not have to burn a level 1 spell slot, command, in order to use this staff. The command spell is used against humanoids to try and make them do something1.



            How to make the staff work for you




            use an action to speak this staff's command word and throw the staff
            on the ground within 10 feet of you. The staff becomes a Giant
            Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
            count
            . By using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you
            return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by
            the snake.




            On round 1, you can transform this staff into a snake, and then with a bonus action on any round / turn, return it to its staff form. Both the action and bonus action take place on your turn. The snake has its own turn.



            Using the command word to do that requires an action.




            On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60
            feet of you and you aren't incapacitated. You decide what action the
            snake takes and where it moves during its next turn, or you can issue
            it a general command, such as to attack your enemies or guard a
            location.




            In this case, you are not required to use an action to do this. It's sort of like talking, or "interacting with an object." Just tell the snake what to do. The snake will do that on its turn.



            Command was used in two different ways for this item's description




            1. Using the command word that you find out to activate it.

            2. You tell the snake what to do, which does not require an action, nor a bonus action; it just requires the PC to make a mental effort (so tell the DM what your command to the snake is).


            As to your last question ... depends on the order of operations.




            Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?




            If you use an action to activate the staff into snake form, your problem with trying to use a bonus action to stow it again is that you can't use a bonus action on the snake's turn.

            Giant




            Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
            count
            .




            The Snake gets its own turn to take actions. You just tell it what to do on its turn.



            So no, you can't do it all on the first turn. To do that would require a Reaction (during the Snake's turn) not a Bonus Action (on your turn). On your next turn, you could, if you wished, use your bonus action to restore its staff form.



            But what you can do is:



            Round 1:

            Your Turn 1: command word (action) get a snake. Mentally command it to attack.

            Snake's Turn 1: attacks, also takes damage.
            Round 2:

            Your bonus action Turn 2: snake, become a staff!

            Your action Turn 2: staff, become snake! (command word)

            Mentally Turn 2: tell it what do

            Snake's action Turn 2: whatever you told it to do. (At full HP).




            If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points,
            it regains all of them.




            That all fits into the action economy as built into the game.





            1 Command spell




            Command

            level 1 / enchantment / Casting Time: 1 action /
            Range: 60 feet / Components: V / Duration: 1 round / You speak a
            one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target
            must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its
            next turn.







            share|improve this answer























            • Regarding the answer to the last question, I was under the impression that you would return the snake to its staff form on your turn, not on the snake's turn.
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:49










            • @KorvinStarmast: Then I didn't understand why you mention the snake's turn. Couldn't I use an action to transform the staff into the snake, and then a bonus action to revert it back to the staff form, all in my turn?
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:54










            • @JoaoAzevedo The item description spells out that the snake has its own initiative order. It does not act on your turn. It acts on its own turn during the round. You have to wait until it takes its turn before you turn it back into the snake, unless you want it to turn into a snake, and then back into a staff, and have the snake Do Nothing else since it never gets its turn ... which is rather pointless.
              – KorvinStarmast
              Nov 22 at 0:54












            • So what you mean is that I can use my bonus action to speak the command word, but only on the snake's turn will it turn back into the staff?
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:56










            • @JoaoAzevedo No. Do you want the snake to obey your mental commands, or not? If you don't let it have a turn, it can't obey any of your mental commands. Turn 1: you use an action to turn staff into snake. Any mental command you give it happens when the snake gets its turn. On your next turn, you use a bonus actionto turn it back into a staff. Unless, you just want to turn it into a snake and then a staff and not get a turn. Which is pointless, but I guess some folks would do it. Is that what you intend to do: turn it into snake, and then staff, and not do anything at all in between?
              – KorvinStarmast
              Nov 22 at 0:57















            up vote
            2
            down vote










            up vote
            2
            down vote









            Commanding the snake doesn't require a spell



            Also, the command word is not the same as the command spell



            While the word "command" is used for all three things, the item description nowhere requires the user of the staff to use the command spell. The mental command to tell the snake what to do does not require an action. To address your nested questions in order:





            1. Do you need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what to do? No


            2. If you don't need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what
              do, do you spend an action to do so?
              No, no action, nor bonus action, is required. You give it a mental command.


            3. Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and
              turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?
              Depends on the order of operations. (see below)


            Detailed discussion.



            Command words are features of some magic items that are often discovered during attunement, or when using the identify spell on an item.




            Command Word

            A Command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken
            for an item to work. A magic item that requires a Command word can’t
            be activated in an area where sound is prevented, as in the area of
            the Silence spell. (DMG)




            You do not have to burn a level 1 spell slot, command, in order to use this staff. The command spell is used against humanoids to try and make them do something1.



            How to make the staff work for you




            use an action to speak this staff's command word and throw the staff
            on the ground within 10 feet of you. The staff becomes a Giant
            Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
            count
            . By using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you
            return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by
            the snake.




            On round 1, you can transform this staff into a snake, and then with a bonus action on any round / turn, return it to its staff form. Both the action and bonus action take place on your turn. The snake has its own turn.



            Using the command word to do that requires an action.




            On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60
            feet of you and you aren't incapacitated. You decide what action the
            snake takes and where it moves during its next turn, or you can issue
            it a general command, such as to attack your enemies or guard a
            location.




            In this case, you are not required to use an action to do this. It's sort of like talking, or "interacting with an object." Just tell the snake what to do. The snake will do that on its turn.



            Command was used in two different ways for this item's description




            1. Using the command word that you find out to activate it.

            2. You tell the snake what to do, which does not require an action, nor a bonus action; it just requires the PC to make a mental effort (so tell the DM what your command to the snake is).


            As to your last question ... depends on the order of operations.




            Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?




            If you use an action to activate the staff into snake form, your problem with trying to use a bonus action to stow it again is that you can't use a bonus action on the snake's turn.

            Giant




            Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
            count
            .




            The Snake gets its own turn to take actions. You just tell it what to do on its turn.



            So no, you can't do it all on the first turn. To do that would require a Reaction (during the Snake's turn) not a Bonus Action (on your turn). On your next turn, you could, if you wished, use your bonus action to restore its staff form.



            But what you can do is:



            Round 1:

            Your Turn 1: command word (action) get a snake. Mentally command it to attack.

            Snake's Turn 1: attacks, also takes damage.
            Round 2:

            Your bonus action Turn 2: snake, become a staff!

            Your action Turn 2: staff, become snake! (command word)

            Mentally Turn 2: tell it what do

            Snake's action Turn 2: whatever you told it to do. (At full HP).




            If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points,
            it regains all of them.




            That all fits into the action economy as built into the game.





            1 Command spell




            Command

            level 1 / enchantment / Casting Time: 1 action /
            Range: 60 feet / Components: V / Duration: 1 round / You speak a
            one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target
            must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its
            next turn.







            share|improve this answer














            Commanding the snake doesn't require a spell



            Also, the command word is not the same as the command spell



            While the word "command" is used for all three things, the item description nowhere requires the user of the staff to use the command spell. The mental command to tell the snake what to do does not require an action. To address your nested questions in order:





            1. Do you need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what to do? No


            2. If you don't need to cast the Command spell to tell the snake what
              do, do you spend an action to do so?
              No, no action, nor bonus action, is required. You give it a mental command.


            3. Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and
              turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?
              Depends on the order of operations. (see below)


            Detailed discussion.



            Command words are features of some magic items that are often discovered during attunement, or when using the identify spell on an item.




            Command Word

            A Command word is a word or phrase that must be spoken
            for an item to work. A magic item that requires a Command word can’t
            be activated in an area where sound is prevented, as in the area of
            the Silence spell. (DMG)




            You do not have to burn a level 1 spell slot, command, in order to use this staff. The command spell is used against humanoids to try and make them do something1.



            How to make the staff work for you




            use an action to speak this staff's command word and throw the staff
            on the ground within 10 feet of you. The staff becomes a Giant
            Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
            count
            . By using a bonus action to speak the command word again, you
            return the staff to its normal form in a space formerly occupied by
            the snake.




            On round 1, you can transform this staff into a snake, and then with a bonus action on any round / turn, return it to its staff form. Both the action and bonus action take place on your turn. The snake has its own turn.



            Using the command word to do that requires an action.




            On your turn, you can mentally command the snake if it is within 60
            feet of you and you aren't incapacitated. You decide what action the
            snake takes and where it moves during its next turn, or you can issue
            it a general command, such as to attack your enemies or guard a
            location.




            In this case, you are not required to use an action to do this. It's sort of like talking, or "interacting with an object." Just tell the snake what to do. The snake will do that on its turn.



            Command was used in two different ways for this item's description




            1. Using the command word that you find out to activate it.

            2. You tell the snake what to do, which does not require an action, nor a bonus action; it just requires the PC to make a mental effort (so tell the DM what your command to the snake is).


            As to your last question ... depends on the order of operations.




            Can you, in a single turn, return the staff to its normal form and turn it into a snake again, thus regaining full HP?




            If you use an action to activate the staff into snake form, your problem with trying to use a bonus action to stow it again is that you can't use a bonus action on the snake's turn.

            Giant




            Constrictor Snake under your control and acts on its own initiative
            count
            .




            The Snake gets its own turn to take actions. You just tell it what to do on its turn.



            So no, you can't do it all on the first turn. To do that would require a Reaction (during the Snake's turn) not a Bonus Action (on your turn). On your next turn, you could, if you wished, use your bonus action to restore its staff form.



            But what you can do is:



            Round 1:

            Your Turn 1: command word (action) get a snake. Mentally command it to attack.

            Snake's Turn 1: attacks, also takes damage.
            Round 2:

            Your bonus action Turn 2: snake, become a staff!

            Your action Turn 2: staff, become snake! (command word)

            Mentally Turn 2: tell it what do

            Snake's action Turn 2: whatever you told it to do. (At full HP).




            If the snake reverts to staff form before losing all its hit points,
            it regains all of them.




            That all fits into the action economy as built into the game.





            1 Command spell




            Command

            level 1 / enchantment / Casting Time: 1 action /
            Range: 60 feet / Components: V / Duration: 1 round / You speak a
            one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target
            must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its
            next turn.








            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Nov 22 at 1:08

























            answered Nov 22 at 0:22









            KorvinStarmast

            73.3k17227400




            73.3k17227400












            • Regarding the answer to the last question, I was under the impression that you would return the snake to its staff form on your turn, not on the snake's turn.
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:49










            • @KorvinStarmast: Then I didn't understand why you mention the snake's turn. Couldn't I use an action to transform the staff into the snake, and then a bonus action to revert it back to the staff form, all in my turn?
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:54










            • @JoaoAzevedo The item description spells out that the snake has its own initiative order. It does not act on your turn. It acts on its own turn during the round. You have to wait until it takes its turn before you turn it back into the snake, unless you want it to turn into a snake, and then back into a staff, and have the snake Do Nothing else since it never gets its turn ... which is rather pointless.
              – KorvinStarmast
              Nov 22 at 0:54












            • So what you mean is that I can use my bonus action to speak the command word, but only on the snake's turn will it turn back into the staff?
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:56










            • @JoaoAzevedo No. Do you want the snake to obey your mental commands, or not? If you don't let it have a turn, it can't obey any of your mental commands. Turn 1: you use an action to turn staff into snake. Any mental command you give it happens when the snake gets its turn. On your next turn, you use a bonus actionto turn it back into a staff. Unless, you just want to turn it into a snake and then a staff and not get a turn. Which is pointless, but I guess some folks would do it. Is that what you intend to do: turn it into snake, and then staff, and not do anything at all in between?
              – KorvinStarmast
              Nov 22 at 0:57




















            • Regarding the answer to the last question, I was under the impression that you would return the snake to its staff form on your turn, not on the snake's turn.
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:49










            • @KorvinStarmast: Then I didn't understand why you mention the snake's turn. Couldn't I use an action to transform the staff into the snake, and then a bonus action to revert it back to the staff form, all in my turn?
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:54










            • @JoaoAzevedo The item description spells out that the snake has its own initiative order. It does not act on your turn. It acts on its own turn during the round. You have to wait until it takes its turn before you turn it back into the snake, unless you want it to turn into a snake, and then back into a staff, and have the snake Do Nothing else since it never gets its turn ... which is rather pointless.
              – KorvinStarmast
              Nov 22 at 0:54












            • So what you mean is that I can use my bonus action to speak the command word, but only on the snake's turn will it turn back into the staff?
              – Joao Azevedo
              Nov 22 at 0:56










            • @JoaoAzevedo No. Do you want the snake to obey your mental commands, or not? If you don't let it have a turn, it can't obey any of your mental commands. Turn 1: you use an action to turn staff into snake. Any mental command you give it happens when the snake gets its turn. On your next turn, you use a bonus actionto turn it back into a staff. Unless, you just want to turn it into a snake and then a staff and not get a turn. Which is pointless, but I guess some folks would do it. Is that what you intend to do: turn it into snake, and then staff, and not do anything at all in between?
              – KorvinStarmast
              Nov 22 at 0:57


















            Regarding the answer to the last question, I was under the impression that you would return the snake to its staff form on your turn, not on the snake's turn.
            – Joao Azevedo
            Nov 22 at 0:49




            Regarding the answer to the last question, I was under the impression that you would return the snake to its staff form on your turn, not on the snake's turn.
            – Joao Azevedo
            Nov 22 at 0:49












            @KorvinStarmast: Then I didn't understand why you mention the snake's turn. Couldn't I use an action to transform the staff into the snake, and then a bonus action to revert it back to the staff form, all in my turn?
            – Joao Azevedo
            Nov 22 at 0:54




            @KorvinStarmast: Then I didn't understand why you mention the snake's turn. Couldn't I use an action to transform the staff into the snake, and then a bonus action to revert it back to the staff form, all in my turn?
            – Joao Azevedo
            Nov 22 at 0:54












            @JoaoAzevedo The item description spells out that the snake has its own initiative order. It does not act on your turn. It acts on its own turn during the round. You have to wait until it takes its turn before you turn it back into the snake, unless you want it to turn into a snake, and then back into a staff, and have the snake Do Nothing else since it never gets its turn ... which is rather pointless.
            – KorvinStarmast
            Nov 22 at 0:54






            @JoaoAzevedo The item description spells out that the snake has its own initiative order. It does not act on your turn. It acts on its own turn during the round. You have to wait until it takes its turn before you turn it back into the snake, unless you want it to turn into a snake, and then back into a staff, and have the snake Do Nothing else since it never gets its turn ... which is rather pointless.
            – KorvinStarmast
            Nov 22 at 0:54














            So what you mean is that I can use my bonus action to speak the command word, but only on the snake's turn will it turn back into the staff?
            – Joao Azevedo
            Nov 22 at 0:56




            So what you mean is that I can use my bonus action to speak the command word, but only on the snake's turn will it turn back into the staff?
            – Joao Azevedo
            Nov 22 at 0:56












            @JoaoAzevedo No. Do you want the snake to obey your mental commands, or not? If you don't let it have a turn, it can't obey any of your mental commands. Turn 1: you use an action to turn staff into snake. Any mental command you give it happens when the snake gets its turn. On your next turn, you use a bonus actionto turn it back into a staff. Unless, you just want to turn it into a snake and then a staff and not get a turn. Which is pointless, but I guess some folks would do it. Is that what you intend to do: turn it into snake, and then staff, and not do anything at all in between?
            – KorvinStarmast
            Nov 22 at 0:57






            @JoaoAzevedo No. Do you want the snake to obey your mental commands, or not? If you don't let it have a turn, it can't obey any of your mental commands. Turn 1: you use an action to turn staff into snake. Any mental command you give it happens when the snake gets its turn. On your next turn, you use a bonus actionto turn it back into a staff. Unless, you just want to turn it into a snake and then a staff and not get a turn. Which is pointless, but I guess some folks would do it. Is that what you intend to do: turn it into snake, and then staff, and not do anything at all in between?
            – KorvinStarmast
            Nov 22 at 0:57




















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