Dissonant Whispers

  • Level & School
    1st-level enchantment
  • Casting Time
    Action
  • Range
    60 feet
  • Components
    V
  • Duration
    Instantaneous
  • Classes
    Bard

One creature of your choice that you can see within range hears a discordant melody in its mind. The target makes a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, it takes 3d6 Psychic damage and must immediately use its Reaction, if available, to move as far away from you as it can, using the safest route. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage only.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 1.

Dissonant Whispers 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version clarifies "hears a discordant melody in its mind" and specifies "using the safest route" for movement. It also states "use its Reaction" with capital R, aligning with current terminology. The damage increase wording is simplified but functionally the same.