You craft an illusion that takes root in the mind of a creature that you can see within range. The target must make an Intelligence saving throw. On a failed save, you create a phantasmal assassin that is perceivable only to the target for the duration. The assassin can take the form of any small, medium or large creature, and appears in an unoccupied space within 30 feet of the target.

While a target is affected by the spell, the target treats the phantasmal assassin as if it were real. The target rationalizes any illogical outcomes from interacting with the phantasmal assassin. An affected target is so convinced of the phantasm’s reality that it can even take damage from the illusion. The phantasmal assassin moves with the target, always staying within 30 feet of it. The assassin exists only in the mind of the target. As a result it always knows where the target is, it cannot be harmed and can move through any barrier. Any attempt to attack the assassin will fail as the assassin blocks, parries, dodges or evades spells and attacks.

When you cast the spell, and as a bonus action on subsequent turns, you can move the phantasmal assassin up to 60 feet, but never more than 30 feet from the target, and repeat the attack against the target. The attack can be a percieved as a melee attack, ranged attack or spell. The assassin always hits and deals 4d10 psychic damage.

At the end of each of the target's turns before the spell ends, the target can make an Intelligence saving throw. On a successful save, the spell ends.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d10 for every slot above 4th.