Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Archmage

Small · Humanoid · CR 12 · Neutral

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

17 (natural armor)

170 (31d8 + 31)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Humanoid

Alignment Neutral

XP 8400

Initiative Bonus +7

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 16

Saving Throws

Strength +0 Dexterity +2 Constitution +1 Intelligence +9 Wisdom +6 Charisma +3

Skills

Arcana +13 History +9 Perception +6

Languages

Common plus five other languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

psychic

Condition Immunities

charmed

Traits

Magic Resistance

The archmage has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Arcane Burst

Cost 1

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 4d10+5 force damage.

Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +9, reach 5 ft. or range 150 ft. 27 (4d10 + 5) Force damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The archmage makes four Arcane Burst attacks.

Spellcasting

Cost 1

The archmage casts one of the following spells, using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 17):

At Will: Detect Magic, Detect Thoughts, Disguise Self, Invisibility, Light, Mage Armor, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation
2/Day Each: Fly, Lightning Bolt
1/Day Each: Cone of Cold, Mind Blank, Scrying, Teleport

Bonus Actions

Misty Step

3/day

The mage casts Misty Step, using the same spellcasting ability as Spellcasting.

Reactions

Protective Magic

3/day

The archmage casts Counterspell or Shield in response to the spell's trigger, using the same spellcasting ability as Spellcasting.

About Archmage

Archmage is a small humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 12. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 170 hit points (derived from 31d8 + 31).

Archmage has communication capabilities including Common plus five other languages. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Archmage

3 tips available

When using Archmage 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.
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.
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 Archmage

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.
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.
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 12.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 16 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 15,600 XP
Hard: 23,400 XP
Deadly: 31,200 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 Archmage?: Archmage has a Challenge Rating of 12, making it appropriate for parties of level 12.0.
What type of creature is Archmage?: Archmage is a Small Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Archmage speak?: Archmage can communicate in Common plus five other languages.