Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Mage

Medium · Humanoid · CR 6 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

10 (13 with mage armor)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2300

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 11

Saving Throws

Strength -1 Dexterity +0 Constitution +0 Intelligence +6 Wisdom +1 Charisma +0

Languages

any four languages

Traits

Arcane Weapons

The mage's weapon attacks are magical. When the mage hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 3d8 force damage (included in the attack).

Magic Resistance

The mage has advantage on saves against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Arcane Bolt

+6 to hit, range 60 ft (18.3 m). Hit: 3d8+3 force damage.

Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d8+3) force damage.

Dagger

+3 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4 plus 3d8 force damage.

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) force damage.

Multiattack

The mage makes three Dagger or Arcane Bolt attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting.

Spellcasting

The mage casts one of the following spells, using INT as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 14).

At Will: detect magic, light, mage hand, prestidigitation
3/Day Each: fly, mage armor, mirror image
2/Day Each: fireball, haste, slow
1/Day Each: cone of cold, greater invisibility

About Mage

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 10 and possesses 70 hit points (derived from None).

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

GM Tips: Using Mage

3 tips available

When using 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.
Cold Damage Strategy: Cold-based attacks can slow or freeze. Prepare 'Heat Metal' or fire spells as countermeasures. Ice terrain can be used to create difficult terrain for melee characters.

Player Guide: Facing Mage

3 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.
Cold Damage Protection: This creature deals cold damage! Get cold resistance or use fire spells. Avoid water surfaces - they can freeze and create difficult terrain. 'Heat Metal' can counter cold.

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 Mage?: Mage has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Mage?: Mage is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Mage speak?: Mage can communicate in any four languages.