Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Mage

Small · Humanoid · CR 6 · Neutral

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

15 (natural armor)

81 (18d8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Humanoid

Alignment Neutral

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

Passive Perception 14

Saving Throws

Strength -1 Dexterity +2 Constitution +0 Intelligence +6 Wisdom +4 Charisma +0

Skills

Arcana +6 History +6 Perception +4

Languages

Common and any three languages

Actions

Arcane Burst

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d8+3 force damage.

Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. or range 120 ft. 16 (3d8 + 3) Force damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The mage makes three Arcane Burst attacks.

Spellcasting

Cost 1

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

At Will: Detect Magic, Light, Mage Armor, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation
2/Day Each: Fireball, Invisibility
1/Day Each: Cone of Cold, Fly

Bonus Actions

Misty Step

3/day

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

Reactions

Protective Magic

3/day

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

About Mage

Mage is a small humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 81 hit points (derived from 18d8).

Mage has communication capabilities including Common and any three 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 Small Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Mage speak?: Mage can communicate in Common and any three languages.