Dissonant Whispers
2024 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level enchantment
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Components
- V
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Bard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2024)
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.
2014 Rules
- Level & School
- 1st-level enchantment
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Components
- V
- Duration
- Instantaneous
- Classes
- Bard
- Source
- Player's Handbook (2014)
You whisper a discordant melody that only one creature of your choice within range can hear, wracking it with terrible pain. The target must make 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 as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn't move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage and doesn't have to move away. A deafened creature automatically succeeds on the save.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.
Dissonant Whispers 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences
Dissonant Whispers popularity
How popular is Dissonant Whispers? It is a commonly found spell in the game, and is chosen above nearly all other options when available. This spell is a widely sought-after option.
- #1 picked level 1 Bard spell
- Top 25% of all 5e spells
- Top 50% of all level 1 spells
Read about how this popularity data is calculated.
Spells similar to Dissonant Whispers
Vicious Mockery Enchantment cantrip
The spells share bard access, a ranged Wisdom save, psychic damage, and an immediate offensive combat purpose.
Players prefer Vicious Mockery over Dissonant Whispers
Command 1st-level enchantment
Although it lacks damage, Command closely matches the first-level Enchantment format and can force a creature to move or take a specific action.
Players prefer Dissonant Whispers over Command
Mind Sliver Enchantment cantrip
It delivers ranged psychic damage through a saving throw, making it a lower-level counterpart for attacking an enemy's mind.
Players prefer Dissonant Whispers over Mind Sliver
Raulothim's Psychic Lance 4th-level enchantment
It is a ranged Enchantment spell that deals substantial psychic damage to a single creature, with strong overlap in classes and tactical use.
Players prefer Dissonant Whispers over Raulothim's Psychic Lance
Tasha's Mind Whip 2nd-level enchantment
Both use psychic damage and briefly disrupt an enemy's positioning or actions from a distance.
Players prefer Dissonant Whispers over Tasha's Mind Whip
Antagonize 3rd-level enchantment
This bard-accessible Enchantment also combines psychic damage with pressure that changes how the target behaves in combat.
Players prefer Dissonant Whispers over Antagonize