Unseen Servant: issue a simple task within the leash

SRD 5.2.1 · Spell decisions

Before casting

At the table

1. Create the force in an unoccupied ground space within range; it has AC 10, 1 Hit Point, Strength 2 and cannot attack.
2. Once on each of your turns, use a Bonus Action to command up to 15 feet of movement and an object interaction.
3. It works at a simple task until completion, then waits; a commanded task moving it more than 60 feet from you ends the spell.

Example decision

A stationary caster orders the servant to fetch an object 70 feet away from the caster. What does the stated task-distance rule do?

The spell ends because the commanded task would move it more than 60 feet away.

The description includes an ongoing commanded-task limit in addition to the initial casting range. A task that would move the servant more than sixty feet from the caster ends the spell. The force’s simple-task abilities therefore need a reachable work area, not just a valid starting position.

Watch for this mistake

The servant cannot attack, and it has only one Hit Point. Do not treat the list of household tasks as permission for unrestricted independent combat or problem-solving.

Ask the table

What is the simple task, what command does it need, and will it remain within the task-distance limit?

Source spell

Level 1 Conjuration (Bard, Warlock, Wizard) Casting Time: Action or Ritual Range: 60 feet Components: V, S, M (a bit of string and of wood) Duration: 1 hour This spell creates an Invisible, mindless, shapeless, Medium force that performs simple tasks at your command until the spell ends. The servant springs into existence in an unoccupied space on the ground within range. It has AC 10, 1 Hit Point, and a Strength of 2, and it can’t attack. If it drops to 0 Hit Points, the spell ends. Once on each of your turns as a Bonus Action, you can mentally command the servant to move up to 15 feet and interact with an object. The servant can perform simple tasks that a human could do, such as fetching things, cleaning, mending, folding clothes, lighting fires, serving food, and pouring drinks. Once you give the command, the servant performs the task to the best of its ability until it completes the task, then waits for your next command. If you command the servant to perform a task that would move it more than 60 feet away from you, the spell ends.

Source: SRD 5.2.1, 171. Online guide.