Is Befuddlement the new Feeblemind?

The new players handbook is in the hands of a few key content creators, but I am not one of them. I did see a video by Chris over at ‪@TreantmonksTemple‬ duscussing changes to spells and one of them caught my eye. Feeblemind is gone and Befuddlement is here...or is it? We are going to discuss whether these are different spells or if Befuddlement has replaced Feeblemind.
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[@sanojo2551]

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Even after 10 years, people are still asking questions on Reddit about the 2014 rules.

[@RaoGung]

The changelog for dndbeyond confirmed feeblemind will be replaced w befuddlement. And branding smite will be replaced with shinning smite.

[@arcturuslight_]

Renaming this spell is weirdly specific. Is feeblemind an offensive term?

[@duanebradway1627]

I love your videos and will continue to watch and see how you grow. I believe that the spell was discussed in one of the WotC interview videos and the WotC staff mentioned that the spell was renamed. I can't recall off the top of my head exactly which one though.

[@hackthedungeon]

Well, that would explain it. I must have missed that video. I would totally allow my players to use that either spell though since they do have enough differences that they would each be useful in different situations.

[@WB3Champ4JD]

Hey mr Hack, I am currently binge-watching your video's and they are really helping my campaign. Thanks for the hard work!

[@hackthedungeon]

Thanks for watching! I hope your campaigns are amazing!

[@artwholly]

Welcome back! While the big channels are drowning us in their hot takes on which class is now the most OP, I've been looking forward to your return so I can get some real DM advice and encounter/campaign ideas.
The rule changes are interesting, but practical tips are (mostly) system agnostic and where I feel you distinguish yourself.

[@hackthedungeon]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. The wife and I took a long trip but we are back and I anticipate more videos to be released again soon.

[@Reepicheep-1]

Keep both there's just enough difference. Befuddle is for in combat. Feeble is social/out of combat, long-term effects.

[@dr0g_Oakblood]

It’ll be interesting to confirm if it actually is a rework of Feeblemind, because if so, that’s a case of them breaking their thing of: “All 2014 PHB spells are returning, same spell name, same spell level”

[@hackthedungeon]

Another comment said they thought it was mentioned in a video. If that is the case then the change requires everyone that plays the game to have watched the video, that is a poor expectation. I can't imagine a reason to change the name of the spell. If you change the mechanics, fine, but why would you need to change the name.

[@jeffreyrankine2533]

@@hackthedungeon likely sensitivity readers pointed out the name Feeblemind might have ableist connotations

[@bradleyhurley6755]

It is. In the D&D Beyond patch notes they specifically mentioned Feeblemind had its name changed to Befuddlement.

[@bradleyhurley6755]

​@@jeffreyrankine2533Befuddlement apparently means 1. the state of being confused, muddled, or perplexed. 2. the condition of being made stupid with drink.
While feeblemind means unable to make intelligent decisions or judgments.
I'm not really sure Befuddlement is any different. But sensitivity readers get paid to offer changes not necessarily for the better or different.

[@jeffreyrankine2533]

@@bradleyhurley6755 Yes, feebleminded also has another meaning when applied to a person, from the same Oxford definition you’re citing: having less than average intelligence. Probably a good idea to separate a spell that leaves one unable to “communicate in any intelligible way” from a connotation like that, I’d say.

[@Meichrob7]

I dont do content creation at all, but a lot of the enjoyment I get from D&D comes from finding cool combos or making unique builds. I came to 5e after it had been out for a few years so I felt like a lot of the things I came up with were ideas that had already been done to death, books like Tasha's and Xanathars were always fun experiences because that stuff came out brand new.

[@Marcus-ki1en]

Have no fear Hackman, I watch you because I enjoy your take on things. The big guys all sound much the same (with a little exception). If the big guys get a gratis copy of a book from the devil, they need to fess-up, up front. Their opinions may be colored by the generosity of the corp or at least appear so. Disclosure is important for credibility.

[@jonothanthrace1530]

Does either version not disable psionics? Seems like a weird oversight. Also I like the idea of a spell that's just weaponized confusion.

[@hackthedungeon]

I dont think so

[@WolforNuva]

I think it's pretty clear that Befuddlement is meant to be the new Feeblemind, the details maybe be a bit different but enough is the same that the intent is pretty obvious imo. I assume they figured that setting your int and cha down to 1 was just awkward to balance and threw that aspect out for more damage. More balanced game, less interesting spells, depending what you're looking for will depend on if you think this is a good or bad change.
It is odd though since I recall them saying that all the old spells will remain with the same names and same spell levels, and there's no obvious reason I can see as to why it happened. Just odd. Looks like a lot of the left and right hands not communicating, or maybe the head just isn't sure what it's doing.

[@hackthedungeon]

I have seen information on DNDBeyond stating that it is the new feeblemind. Part of the reason I made this video is because, as you say it is odd, they did say that they would keep spell levels and names. I think the that while the spells are similar, the differences are pretty major in how the spell works and the different applications you can do with the spells.

[@TakaD20]

All the big channels making lots of - often similar - hour long videos that essentially cover the same stuff in short time, only made me fed up with 5.5e already.

[@hackthedungeon]

I am trying to put a spin of some kind in my videos and not just rehash what everyone else said.

[@TakaD20]

@@hackthedungeon Thanks and that's why I was watching it :D

[@CoffeeSipper555]

Don't worry I almost never agree with those content creators, they always overhype some features and underestimate others.