Edition note: This guide targets 2014 5E (legacy PHB-style rules). If your table uses the 2024 Player's Handbook, confirm wording, class lists, and any renamed features before locking a build.
Vicious Mockery is the Bard identity cantrip: a cutting insult that deals psychic damage and, more importantly, gives the target disadvantage on its next attack roll before the end of its next turn.
- Spell Level
- Cantrip
- Spell Type
- Enchantment
- Casting Time
- 1 Action
- Range
- 60 feet
- Component Requirements
- Verbal
- Duration
- Instantaneous (disadvantage rider through end of target's next turn)
- Class
- Bard
How does Vicious Mockery work?
You unleash a string of insults laced with subtle enchantments at a creature you can see within range. If it can hear you, it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or take psychic damage and have disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.
Damage scales with level like other cantrips — confirm breakpoints in your book.
Why disadvantage beats a bigger damage die
Preventing one hit from a multiattack monster often saves more HP than dealing 1d4 psychic. Cast Vicious Mockery at the creature about to swing at your squishy ally, not necessarily at the lowest-HP foe.
Tactical tips
- The target must hear you — silence, deafness, and some monster traits shut it off.
- Verbal-only components mean you can keep a weapon or focus in hand easily.
- Use it when you do not need Bardic Inspiration as a bonus action that turn and have no better leveled play.
Vicious Mockery vs other options
| Option | Job |
|---|---|
| Vicious Mockery | Chip damage + shut down one attack |
| Guidance | Out-of-combat checks (if you multiclass / Magical Secrets access) |
| Weapon attack | When you are a Valor/Swords Bard in melee tempo |
Most Bards keep Vicious Mockery forever because the rider stays relevant while cantrip damage stays modest.
Related hubs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the target need to understand my language?
They need to hear you. Understanding the insult is not required for the magic to work in standard 2014 wording — confirm at your table if the DM is strict about comedy timing.
Can it stop opportunity attacks?
Yes, if the disadvantage still applies to that attack roll and the creature failed the save when you cast it.
Is psychic damage often resisted?
Less than fire, more than force. Against psychic-immune foes, the cantrip is mainly about the disadvantage rider — and only if they fail the save.
