You place a finger before your pursed lips and choose one creature that you can see within range to make a Charisma saving throw. If it fails, the target becomes cursed with muteness for the duration of the spell. A cursed target creature is unable to utter a sound, no matter how small. A spellcaster has advantage on the saving throw and can repeat the save with advantage at the end of each of its turns. On a success, the spell ends. A remove curse or greater restoration also ends the spell.

A creature counts as a spellcaster if it can cast a spell using its own features, not a magic item. If you render mute a target in the process of casting a spell that requires a verbal component (e.g., using the Ready action or disrupting a casting time longer than 1 action), the target's spell fails but the spell slot isn't lost.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the duration is concentration, up to 10 minutes. If you use a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the duration is 1 hour. If you use a spell slot of 6th level or higher, the duration is 8 hours. If you use a 8th level spell slot or higher, the spell lasts until it is dispelled. Using a spell slot of 4th level or higher grants a duration that doesn't require concentration.

Optional Prerequisite: Bard (College of Whispers), Cleric (Trickery domain), or Warlock (all Patrons)