You channel the dark energy of the Shadowfell to rip the soul from a creature, dealing devastating necrotic damage and temporarily weakening their life force.

Effect:
Choose one creature that you can see within range. The target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 6d8 necrotic damage and its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to half the necrotic damage taken. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage, and its hit point maximum is not reduced.

The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. If this effect reduces the target's hit point maximum to 0, the target dies.

At Higher Levels:
When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the necrotic damage increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 4th.

Example of Use:
Casting Soul Rend at 4th level: You target a hostile creature within 60 feet. The creature must make a Constitution saving throw (DC based on your spellcasting ability). If it fails, it takes 6d8 necrotic damage and its hit point maximum is reduced by half the damage dealt.
Roll 6d8 to determine the necrotic damage.
Failed Save: If the creature takes 30 necrotic damage, its hit point maximum is reduced by 15.
Successful Save: The creature takes 15 necrotic damage and suffers no reduction in hit point maximum.