[finn]

Why is Command (Spells, page 53) a blocking spell, and how does it work?

Blocking spells are suppose to be "cast instantly as a defense against a physical attack or another spell".

However, it's not clear how some of the uses listed for the Command spell would work as a defense against a "physical attack or another spell".

I assume "Drop it!" would work as a defense against a physical attack by a melee weapon, and the attack would fail as the weapon drops. That is understandable.

It's unclear if "Look!" foils a physical attack or a spell cast. Looking elsewhere should give a penalty to your opponents's attack roll, but since Command will be cast after a successful attack roll or a spell casting roll, "Look!" should not work as a defense.

"Wait!" should not foil an attack or a spell at all because the effect is that the subject takes the Wait maneuver "next turn", not this turn.

"Look!" and "Wait!" does not seem to make much sense as a defense. Is the intention of the Command spell to be cast only in response to an attack, while frequently not affecting the attack itself?

For "Look!" and "Wait!", it would actually make more sense if Command was a regular spell. That would also allow you to cast the Command spell to subjects who are not attacking or casting spells.

So, why is Command a blocking spell, and how is it supposed it work?