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Apprentice Mage

Medium · Humanoid · CR 1/2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

11 (2d8+2)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 10

Skills

Arcana +4 History +4

Languages

any one

Traits

Spellcasting

The apprentice mage is a 2nd level spellcaster. Their spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 12 +4 to hit with spell attacks). They have the following wizard spells prepared:

Cantrips (at will): Fire Bolt, Light, Prestidigitation
1st-Level (3 slots): Detect Magic, Magic Missile, Shield

Actions

Dagger

+2 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4 piercing damage.

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) piercing damage.

Fire Bolt

+4 to hit, range 120 ft (36.6 m). Hit: 1d10 fire damage.

(Cantrip; V, S) Ranged Spell Attack: +4 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) fire damage.

Magic Missile

(1st-Level; V, S) Three glowing arrows fly from the mage simultaneously unerringly hitting up to 3 creatures within 120 feet. Each arrow deals 3 (1d4 + 1) force damage.

Reactions

Shield

(1st-Level; V) When the mage is hit by an attack or targeted by magic missile, they gain a +5 bonus to AC (including against the triggering attack) and immunity to magic missile. These benefits last until the start of their next turn.

Whether a student attending a wizard college or serving a crotchety master

Apprentice mage statistics can also be used to represent an older hedge wizard of limited accomplishments.

About Apprentice Mage

Apprentice Mage is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 10 and possesses 11 hit points (derived from 2d8+2).

Apprentice Mage has communication capabilities including any one. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Apprentice Mage

2 tips available

When using Apprentice Mage in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Apprentice Mage

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 75 XP
Hard: 112 XP
Deadly: 150 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Apprentice Mage?: Apprentice Mage has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Apprentice Mage?: Apprentice Mage is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Apprentice Mage speak?: Apprentice Mage can communicate in any one.