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.

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.