D&D 5E Silence and wands

[Rexwell]

I think the wand of enemy detection is the only wand in the DMG that specifies a command word is spoken as part of the wands activation. Other than that one, there is no verbal component/requirement for wands? Silence will not effect wand use?

 

[Shiroiken]

Most wands allow you to cast <X>. The verbal component would be dependent on the spell. Enemy Detection is special, because it doesn't have a spell equivalent. Other such wands apparently don't have a verbal requirement.

 

[jaelis]

Spells cast using an item require no components. So no V required.

 

[Nevvur]

Correct.

The Wand of Fear with it's ability to cast Command is an interesting case. The spell requires the target understands your spoken command, so Silence seems like it should render this wand's feature ineffective. I'm curious how other DMs would rule on whether attempting it expends a charge, or whether the activation simply fails.

 

[Blue]

Correct.

The Wand of Fear with it's ability to cast Command is an interesting case. The spell requires the target understands your spoken command, so Silence seems like it should render this wand's feature ineffective. I'm curious how other DMs would rule on whether attempting it expends a charge, or whether the activation simply fails.

By RAW, the spell is cast, and they do not hear a spoken command they understand, just as if you cast the spell without a common language. It can also be cast and fail if targetting undead. The V component and the one word command are not the same thing - one is needed to cast the spell (or not needed in case of a wand or if somehow using the Subtle metamagic) and the one word is just that - a spoken word they obey because of the spell you just cast.

All of that said, if I was DMing and the PC knew they were in silence I'd point this out. At the worst, say for a non-caster who's never used the wand before, I'd make them abort the casting so they waste their action. But in general it's something their characters should be well aware of even if it's possible to lose track of it for the player.

 

[Hawk Diesel]

Correct.

The Wand of Fear with it's ability to cast Command is an interesting case. The spell requires the target understands your spoken command, so Silence seems like it should render this wand's feature ineffective. I'm curious how other DMs would rule on whether attempting it expends a charge, or whether the activation simply fails.

I'd go with a bit of flavor from Dresden Files. Words help to focus the magic's intent and structure, but the actual words and circles and implements are only symbols used to assist a mortal mind in shaping their will well enough to direct the power of their magic. Dresden does not have to shout, "Fuego" to launch bolts of fire nor does he need his blasting rod. Those things just make it easier and the process more efficient.

So I would rule that the command is understood even if in a zone of silence. Though I might have the caster make a relatively easy wisdom check made or some other minor addition if it seemed appropriate for the situation.

 

[Li Shenron]

"Some magic items allow the user to cast a spell from
the item. The spell is cast at the lowest possible spell
level, doesn't expend any of the user's spell slots, and
requires no components, unless the item's description
says otherwise."