In the intricate web of spells available in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), few low-level spells pack as much strategic punch as Dis
In the intricate web of spells available in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), few low-level spells pack as much strategic punch as Dissonant Whispers. A 1st-level enchantment spell available to several caster classes, it brings a unique combination of psychic damage and battlefield manipulation, especially useful for controlling enemy movement and opening up opportunities for allies. This guide explores every aspect of Dissonant Whispers—from rules and mechanics to in-game strategy and DM tips—so you can use it to its fullest potential.
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Spell Description
Dissonant Whispers
1st-level enchantment
- Casting Time: 1 action
- Range: 60 feet
- Components: V
- Duration: Instantaneous
- Classes: Bard (and potentially others via feats or subclass features)
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.
The damage increases by 1d6 for each slot level above 1st.
Core Mechanics and Breakdown
1. Psychic Damage
Psychic damage is one of the least resisted damage types in D&D 5e. Unlike fire or cold, very few creatures have resistance or immunity to it, making Dissonant Whispers effective against a wide array of enemies. It deals 3d6 psychic damage at base, scaling by +1d6 per level when cast using a higher-level spell slot.
2. Wisdom Saving Throw
The target must make a Wisdom saving throw. This means the spell is more likely to be effective against creatures with lower Wisdom scores, such as beasts, undead, or many humanoids. However, it’s less effective against clerics, druids, or other creatures with high Wisdom.
3. Forced Movement with Reaction
The most unique and powerful aspect of this spell is its forced movement. On a failed save, the target uses its reaction to move away from you at full speed, avoiding dangerous terrain but not avoiding opportunity attacks. This makes it an excellent tool for manipulating the battlefield and punishing enemies caught in melee range of your allies.
Strategic Applications in Combat
1. Triggering Opportunity Attacks
Because the movement caused by Dissonant Whispers is a reaction, the creature is not considered to be moving of its own volition, but it is still provoking opportunity attacks. This means if an enemy is surrounded by melee allies, this spell can lead to multiple opportunity attacks against them.
Example:
A hobgoblin is engaged in melee with your party’s fighter. You cast Dissonant Whispers. It fails the save and uses its reaction to flee. The fighter, and possibly others, get free attacks on it as it runs.
2. Control and Disruption
You can use this spell to break enemy formations, prevent spellcasters from maintaining concentration, or push enemies into less favorable positions. It’s especially useful for breaking enemy grapples or forcing a frontline enemy to retreat.
3. Combo Potential
Dissonant Whispers pairs well with battlefield control spells like Spike Growth, Web, or Spirit Guardians. You can also combine it with Sentinel-feat allies who can stop the enemy from fleeing, ensuring both damage and battlefield advantage.
Roleplay and Flavor
Beyond mechanics, Dissonant Whispers provides ample roleplaying opportunities. The caster whispers something horrific, maddening, or terrifying—unique to your character. What do they hear? A haunting lullaby? The screams of the damned? Your character’s unique twist can add depth to every casting.
Who Should Use Dissonant Whispers?
Bards
This spell is native to the Bard spell list and fits perfectly with their versatile, control-oriented playstyle. With their high Charisma, they can be at the center of combat while still maintaining distance.
Other Classes
- Warlocks with the Expanded Spell List from the Great Old One patron or certain feats may gain access to it.
- Sorcerers or Wizards may pick it up via Magical Secrets (Bards), feats like Magic Initiate, or subclass abilities.
Scaling the Spell
The damage of Dissonant Whispers increases with spell level:
- 2nd level: 4d6
- 3rd level: 5d6
- And so on.
While the spell scales in damage, its main utility is movement control, which does not scale. Use higher levels if you need the damage, but for control purposes, a 1st-level slot is typically sufficient.
Limitations to Consider
- Single Target: It only affects one creature, so it’s not ideal for crowd control.
- Uses Reaction: If the creature has already used its reaction (e.g., for an opportunity attack), it cannot move.
- No Movement on Save: Even though the spell does half damage on a successful save, the movement effect is negated.
- Only Moves Away: You cannot force the creature to move in a specific direction—just “away from you.”
Dungeon Master Tips
As a DM, you can use Dissonant Whispers creatively for NPC casters to shake up party tactics. Consider having villains whisper chilling truths or use the spell to force players into traps or away from objectives.
If a player uses Dissonant Whispers in an interesting or thematic way, reward that creativity. Perhaps the target flees into a precarious situation or trips over terrain. This adds drama and narrative impact.
Creative Uses Outside Combat
- Scaring Off Guards: In roleplay-heavy campaigns, using this spell to frighten a lone guard or cause chaos can be just as valuable as damage.
- Interrogation or Intimidation: The eerie nature of the whisper might be used to intimidate or unnerve NPCs.
- Breaking Enchantments: In homebrew rulings, some DMs may allow a psychic shock to “snap someone out of it” under the right conditions.
FAQs: Dissonant Whispers 5e
Q: Does the forced movement from Dissonant Whispers provoke opportunity attacks?
A: Yes. Even though the movement is caused by a spell, it is still voluntary movement on the creature’s part and provokes opportunity attacks.
Q: What happens if the creature can’t move away (e.g., grappled, restrained, or surrounded)?
A: If the creature is physically unable to move, it simply remains in place. It still takes the full damage if it failed the saving throw.
Q: Can a creature with no reaction (already used, or incapacitated) move away?
A: No. If the target has already used its reaction this round, or if it is stunned, paralyzed, or otherwise unable to take reactions, it cannot move away.
Q: Can you choose where the creature moves?
A: No. The movement is directly away from you. The target avoids obvious hazards but chooses the most direct path away from your position.
Q: Can the creature move through difficult terrain during this forced movement?
A: Yes. The creature uses its speed, which may be reduced by difficult terrain. It will move as far as it can within those constraints.
Q: What if Dissonant Whispers is cast on a flying or swimming creature?
A: The spell still functions normally. The creature uses its available movement type—flying, swimming, etc.—to move away.
Q: Does the spell work on creatures that don’t understand language?
A: Yes. The spell doesn’t require the creature to understand your words—it’s magical psychic damage, not based on linguistic comprehension.
Conclusion
Dissonant Whispers is a deceptively powerful spell in D&D 5e. While it may not boast massive damage or flashy visuals, its strength lies in its tactical potential and utility. Whether you’re triggering opportunity attacks, forcing enemies out of position, or simply setting a chilling tone, this spell belongs in the arsenal of any cunning caster.
Whether you’re a player seeking to maximize its potential or a Dungeon Master looking to surprise your party with subtle mind games, Dissonant Whispers remains one of the most flavorful and mechanically interesting spells at low levels.
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