You send a magical spike charged with psychic energy rocketing at an enemy within range onto which to latch. Make a ranged spell attack against that creature. On a hit, the target takes 4d8 psychic damage and must make an Intelligence saving throw as the spike attempts to use its mind like a parasite. On a failed save, the target subtracts 1d6 from any attack rolls, ability checks, or concentration saving throws it makes until the start of your next turn as the spike multiplies and fractures into a spiraling, incomprehensible pattern, striking the minds of others in the area. During that time, any creature that makes an attack roll, ability check, or concentration saving throw within 15 feet of the target subtracts 1d6 from the roll. This effect ends early if the target dies.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th-level or higher, the damage dealt to the initial target on a hit increases by 1d8 for each level of spell slot above 3rd.