Confusion balls are magical devices used in the Circle Universe. They are illegal in Emelan, and for good reason according to Wulfric Snaptrap. The balls are creating by mixing spells for addlement and confusion as well as a drug to affect the horses. They presumably trigger upon hitting a target. They are very expensive to buy, which tips Snaptrap off to the fact that the murderers have deep pockets. Confusion balls were used by the assassins on Duke Vedris's guards so they could kill Qasam Rokat.