Befuddlement

Level & School
8th-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a key ring with no keys)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Druid, Warlock, Wizard

You blast the mind of a creature that you can see within range. The target makes an Intelligence saving throw.

On a failed save, the target takes 10d12 Psychic damage and can’t cast spells or take the Magic action. At the end of every 30 days, the target repeats the save, ending the effect on a success. The effect can also be ended by the Greater Restoration, Heal, or Wish spell. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage only.

Level & School
8th-level enchantment
Casting Time
Action
Range
150 feet
Components
V, S, M (a handful of clay, crystal, glass, or mineral spheres)
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Druid, Warlock, Wizard

You blast the mind of a creature that you can see within range, attempting to shatter its intellect and personality. The target takes 4d6 psychic damage and must make an Intelligence saving throw.

On a failed save, the creature's Intelligence and Charisma scores become 1. The creature can't cast spells, activate magic items, understand language, or communicate in any intelligible way. The creature can, however, identify its friends, follow them, and even protect them.

At the end of every 30 days, the creature can repeat its saving throw against this spell. If it succeeds on its saving throw, the spell ends.

The spell can also be ended by greater restoration, heal, or wish.

Befuddlement 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version increases psychic damage from 4d6 to 10d12, changes the effect to prevent casting spells or taking the Magic action instead of reducing mental scores, and clarifies the saving throw mechanics with half damage on success. The duration and saving throw repetition remain the same.

Spells similar to Befuddlement

  • Dominate Monster

    Both spells exert mental control over the target, rendering them unable to act or cast spells.

  • Power Word Stun

    Both spells incapacitate the target through mental overload, preventing them from taking actions.

  • Bestow Curse

    Both spells impose lasting negative effects on the target, limiting their capabilities.

  • Mind Blank

    Both spells protect against mental influence and psychic damage, but in differing ways.

  • Phantasmal Killer

    Both spells involve creating mental effects that cause damage over time if the target fails a saving throw.