Phantasmal Killer
IllusionYou tap into the nightmares of a creature you can see within range and create an illusory manifestation of its deepest fears, visible only to that creature. The target must make a wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target becomes frightened for the duration. At the start of each of the target's turns before the spell ends, the target must succeed on a wisdom saving throw or take 4d10 psychic damage. On a successful save, the spell ends.
At Higher Levels: When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d10 for each slot level above 4th.
Spell Details
Player Guide
Cast Phantasmal Killer on high-value targets with poor Wisdom saves, as it deals 4d10 psychic damage on failed saves and frightens them, preventing reactions and reducing their speed to 0. On subsequent turns, the target takes 4d10 psychic damage again if they fail another save, making concentration maintenance critical. Use this spell when you can safely position yourself away from the target, as melee enemies will struggle to reach you while frightened, and combine with allies controlling the battlefield.
Spell Combos
DM Tips
Phantasmal Killer only affects one creature and requires concentration, so it's a commitment—ensure the target's Wisdom save DC makes it reasonable. The fear condition is tremendously powerful, so consider that frightened enemies become much less threatening and may effectively remove a combatant from the fight for multiple rounds.