Synaptic Static

Level & School
5th-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You cause psychic energy to erupt at a point within range. Each creature in a 20-foot-radius Sphere centered on that point makes an Intelligence saving throw, taking 8d6 Psychic damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.

On a failed save, a target also has muddled thoughts for 1 minute. During that time, it subtracts 1d6 from all its attack rolls and ability checks, as well as any Constitution saving throws to maintain Concentration. The target makes an Intelligence saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Level & School
5th-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

You choose a point within range and cause psychic energy to explode there. Each creature in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on that point must make an Intelligence saving throw. A creature with an Intelligence score of 2 or lower can’t be affected by this spell. A target takes 8d6 psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

After a failed save, a target has muddled thoughts for 1 minute. During that time, it rolls a d6 and subtracts the number rolled from all its attack rolls and ability checks, as well as its Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration. The target can make an Intelligence saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Synaptic Static 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version reduces the muddled thoughts penalty from 1d6 to 1d6 from all attack rolls, ability checks, and Constitution saves, whereas the 2014 version subtracts the rolled number from all those checks and saves. The damage and saving throw mechanics remain consistent.

Spells similar to Synaptic Static

  • Dissonant Whispers

    Both deal psychic damage and impose a detrimental effect based on a failed saving throw.

  • Mind Spike

    Both deal psychic damage and require a saving throw to reduce damage.

  • Vicious Mockery

    Both deal psychic damage and have an effect that hampers the target's abilities.

  • Hold Monster

    Both spells incapacitate a target upon failing a saving throw.

  • Bestow Curse

    Both spells impose a lasting negative effect on the target after a failed saving throw.