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Shadow Elf Mage

Medium · Humanoid · CR 6 · Chaotic Evil

Armor Class
12
Hit Points and Hit Dice
67 (9d8+27)
Challenge Rating CR
6

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
10
+0
DEX
14
+2
CON
16
+3
INT
16
+3
WIS
12
+1
CHA
10
+0

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Humanoid
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 2300
Initiative Bonus +2

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

Darkvision 14120 ft (4303.8 m)
Passive Perception 14

Saving Throws

Intelligence +6 Wisdom +4

Skills

Arcana +6 History +6 Investigation +6 Perception +4

Languages

any three

Traits

Innate spells

The shadow elf magecan innately cast dancing lights as a cantrip and Faerie Fire and Darkness once each per long rest with no material components, using Intelligence as their spellcasting ability.

Spellcasting

The mage is a 9th level spellcaster. Their spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14 +6 to hit with spell attacks). They have the following wizard spells prepared:

  • Cantrips (at will): Fire Bolt, Light, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation
  • 1st-Level (4 slots): Detect Magic, Identify, Mage Armor, Shield
  • 2nd-Level (3 slots): Alter Self, Misty Step
  • 3rd-Level (3 slots): Clairvoyance, Counterspell, Lightning Bolt
  • 4th-Level (3 slots): Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility
  • 5th-Level (1 slot): Cloudkill

Actions

Cloudkill

(5th-Level; V, S, Concentration) A 20-foot-radius sphere of poisonous sickly green fog appears centered on a point within 120 feet. It lasts for 10 minutes. It spreads around corners heavily obscures the area and can be dispersed by a strong wind ending the spell early. Until the spell ends when a creature starts its turn in the area or enters it for the first time on a turn it makes a DC 17 Constitution saving throw taking 22 (5d8) poison damage on a failure or half damage on a success. The fog moves away from the mage 10 feet at the start of each of its turns sinking to the level of the ground in that space.

Dagger

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

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Dimension Door

(4th-Level; V) The mage teleports to a location within 500 feet. They can bring along one willing Medium or smaller creature within 5 feet. If a creature would teleport to an occupied space it takes 14 (4d6) force damage and the spell fails.

Fire Bolt

+6 to hit, range 120 ft (36.6 m). Hit: 2d10 fire damage.

(Cantrip; V, S) Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d10) fire damage.

Greater Invisibility

(4th-Level; V, S, Concentration) The mage or a creature they touch is invisible for 1 minute.

Lightning Bolt

(3rd-Level; V, S, M) A bolt of lightning 5 feet wide and 100 feet long arcs from the mage. Each creature in the area makes a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw taking 28 (8d6) lightning damage on a failure or half damage on a success.

Bonus Actions

Misty Step

(2nd-Level; V) The mage teleports to an unoccupied space they can see within 30 feet. The mage can't cast this spell and a 1st-level or higher spell on the same turn.

Reactions

Counterspell

(3rd-Level; S) When a creature the mage can see within 60 feet casts a spell, the mage attempts to interrupt it. If the creature is casting a 2nd-level spell or lower, the spell fails. If the creature is casting a 3rd-level or higher spell, the mage makes an Intelligence check against a DC of 10 + the spells level. On a success, the spell fails, and the spellcasting creature can use its reaction to try to cast a second spell with the same casting time so long as it uses a spell slot level equal to or less than half the original spell slot. If the mage casts counterspell with a higher spell slot, the interrupted spell fails if its level is less than that of counterspell.

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.

About Shadow Elf Mage

Shadow Elf Mage is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 67 hit points (derived from 9d8+27).

Shadow Elf Mage has communication capabilities including any three. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Shadow Elf Mage

2 tips available

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

  • 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.
  • Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Shadow Elf Mage

2 strategies available

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

  • 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.
  • Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 4,200 XP
  • Hard: 6,300 XP
  • Deadly: 8,400 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 Shadow Elf Mage?
Shadow Elf Mage has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Shadow Elf Mage?
Shadow Elf Mage is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shadow Elf Mage speak?
Shadow Elf Mage can communicate in any three.

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