Vicious Mockery
You unleash a string of insults laced with subtle enchantments at a creature you can see within range. If the target can hear you (though it need not understand you), it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or take 1d4 psychic damage and have disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.
At a Glance
Level
Cantrip
School
Enchantment
Casting Time
1 action
Range
60 feet
Duration
Instantaneous
Concentration
No
How Vicious Mockery Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 60 feet |
| Components | V |
| Duration | Instantaneous |
| Saving Throw | Wisdom |
Available to:
Bard
Damage
1d4 psychic (increases by 1d4 at 5th, 11th, and 17th level)(Wisdom)
At Higher Levels
The spell's damage increases by 1d4 when you reach 5th level (2d4), 11th level (3d4), and 17th level (4d4).
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Target must be able to hear you - doesn't work on deafened creatures
Common Mistake
The disadvantage only applies to the next attack roll, not all attacks that turn
Common Mistake
Disadvantage applies even if the save succeeds - no, it must fail the save for any effect
DM Tips
DM Tip
Encourage players to actually roleplay creative insults for added fun
DM Tip
The disadvantage makes this one of the best defensive cantrips in the game
Sources & Further Reading
- Vicious Mockery — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Vicious Mockery — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Vicious Mockery — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference