Phantasmal Killer

• Casting Time: 1 action
• Classes: Wizard
• Components: V S
• Concentration: Yes
• Damage: 4d10
• Damage Type: Psychic
• Duration: Up to 1 minute
• Higher Spell Slot Desc: 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.
• Higher Spell Slot Dice: 1
• Higher Spell Slot Die: d10
• Level: 4
• Name: Phantasmal Killer
• Range: 120 feet
• School: Illusion
• Target: A creature you can see within range

You 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 end 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.

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The SendingStone review

Phantasmal Killer is a spell available to wizards in Dungeons & Dragons that has the potential to be extremely powerful if used correctly. The spell targets a single creature and creates an illusion of their greatest fear, causing them to take psychic damage each turn. The spell's effectiveness increases with higher spell slots, making it a formidable option for high-level wizards.

Some players argue that Phantasmal Killer's reliance on concentration limits its usefulness, as it prevents the caster from using other spells that require concentration. Additionally, the spell's success is dependent on the target's fears, which may not always be predictable or easy to discern. However, when used correctly, Phantasmal Killer has the potential to incapacitate or even kill its target, making it a valuable addition to any wizard's arsenal.

Overall, the opinion on Phantasmal Killer seems to be divided. While some players find it to be a situational spell that is not always reliable, others vouch for its power and effectiveness in the right circumstances. It ultimately comes down to the player's individual playstyle and strategy, as well as the campaign's setting and types of encounters.

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Phantasmal Killer is D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) 5th edition content, but other TTRPGs may have their own version such as a Phantasmal Killer Pathfinder edition. Want to use Phantasmal Killer in a VTT (virtual tabletop)? Try out SendingStone for free today!

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