Befuddlement

A
Damage

Befuddlement is a Damage spell. Damage spells focus on dealing harm to enemies.

See all Damage spells →
 spell that blasts a creature’s mind with psychic ruin, leaving it unable to cast spells or use magic.

2024 Rules
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.

2014 Rules
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

Damage changed from 4d6 psychic to 10d12 psychic. On a failed save, it no longer drops Int/Cha to 1 or shuts off language, magic items, or communication; it now only stops the target from casting spells or taking the Magic action. On a success, it now deals half damage.

Befuddlement popularity

How popular is Befuddlement? It is a seldom seen spell in the game, and is chosen less than other options when available. This spell may fill a specific niche for a spellbook.

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