This came from my desire to give my bard an attack cantrip without it feeling like an attack: a reflavor of Vicious Mockery called Discouraging Melody.

I thought of it more as reverse inspiration - a bard can use music to encourage their allies, so they can do the same to discourage their enemies (like Cutting Words but not subclass-specific). I also wanted to give an option not to kill with words. For my own bard, this is a requirement instead of an option, but I left it as a choice for other people who might want the spell.

Thoughts?

I do like the idea, cause sometimes you make a Bard, who just isn't viscous or mocking....

Thanks for the idea! :)

A rose is a rose is a rose.  But by any other name, it would still smell so sweet.  You can reflavor things any way you wish.  I use Prestidigitation, frequently.

I hope your Bards aren’t normally viscous! If they are, I recommend seeing a Cleric.

I would say that since your intention is that it be a less harsh form of Vicious Mockery, it might as well NOT be able to kill.