Drow Mage

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Drow Mage Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the Underdark, where light is a rare and precious commodity, there exists a creature of both beauty and terror—the Drow Mage. Cloaked in robes as dark as the void itself, this enigmatic figure moves with an eerie grace, its presence heralded by the faint whisper of arcane energies that dance around it like ghostly fireflies. The Drow Mage's skin is a deep obsidian, a stark contrast to its piercing white hair that cascades like a waterfall of moonlight. Its eyes, a vivid shade of violet or crimson, seem to pierce through the darkness, seeing into the very souls of those who dare to meet its gaze.

The Drow Mage is a master of the arcane arts, wielding magic with a precision and power that few can match. It is said that their spells are woven with the very essence of the Underdark, drawing upon the ancient and mysterious forces that dwell within the earth. These mages are often found in the company of other drow, serving as advisors or leaders within their insidious society. However, some choose a solitary path, wandering the labyrinthine tunnels in search of forbidden knowledge and arcane secrets.

The Underdark itself is a realm of perpetual twilight, a vast network of caverns and tunnels that stretch for miles beneath the surface world. It is a place of danger and intrigue, where the air is thick with the scent of damp stone and the distant echoes of unseen creatures. Here, the Drow Mage thrives, using its magic to manipulate the environment to its advantage, creating illusions and traps to ensnare the unwary. Legends speak of entire adventuring parties lost to the cunning and guile of a single Drow Mage, their fates sealed by the mage's dark sorcery.

Among the drow, the mages are both revered and feared, their power a double-edged sword that can bring both glory and ruin. Tales are told of Drow Mages who have risen to great heights, only to be brought low by their own ambition or the treachery of their kin. Yet, despite the dangers, many young drow aspire to master the arcane arts, drawn by the promise of power and the allure of the unknown. For those who encounter a Drow Mage, the experience is one not easily forgotten, a chilling reminder of the darkness that lurks beneath the world and the creatures that call it home.

Drow Mage Skills & Traits

Skills

• Arcana +7
• Deception +5
• Perception +4
• Stealth +7

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 14

Languages

• Elvish
• Undercommon

Abilities

• Fey Ancestry: The drow has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put the drow to sleep.
• Innate Spellcasting: The drow's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: dancing lights
  • 1/day each: darkness, faerie fire, levitate (self only)
• Sunlight Sensitivity: While in sunlight, the drow has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

• Multiattack: The drow makes two attacks with its shortsword or its longbow.
• Shortsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage.
• Longbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage.
• Spellcasting: The drow is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). The drow has the following wizard spells prepared:
  • Cantrips (at will): mage hand, minor illusion, poison spray
  • 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, magic missile
  • 2nd level (3 slots): misty step, suggestion
  • 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fly, lightning bolt
  • 4th level (3 slots): greater invisibility, ice storm
  • 5th level (1 slot): cloudkill

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Battle Tips for a Drow Mage

The Drow Mage is a formidable opponent, wielding both arcane magic and the innate abilities of the drow. Dungeon Masters can use this creature to challenge players with its cunning tactics and powerful spells. Here are some tips for effectively utilizing a Drow Mage in battle:

• Utilize Darkness: The Drow Mage can cast the Darkness spell, which can obscure vision and create confusion among the players. Use this to your advantage by positioning the Drow Mage in areas where it can attack from the shadows, making it difficult for players to retaliate.
• Spell Selection: The Drow Mage has access to a variety of spells. Consider using spells like Faerie Fire to negate invisibility or Levitate to gain a tactical advantage by moving to higher ground. Offensive spells like Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to clustered player characters.
• Mobility and Retreat: The Drow Mage's innate ability to cast Levitate and Dispel Magic can be used to escape dangerous situations. If the battle turns against the Drow Mage, use these spells to retreat and regroup, potentially leading the players into a trap or ambush.
• Team Tactics: When using multiple Drow Mages or combining them with other drow creatures, coordinate their actions to maximize their effectiveness. For example, one Drow Mage can cast Darkness while another uses Faerie Fire to highlight the players, giving the drow an advantage in the obscured area.
• Environmental Advantage: Place the Drow Mage in environments that favor its abilities, such as underground caverns or dimly lit areas. This not only enhances its natural stealth but also allows it to use its spells more effectively.

By leveraging these strategies, a Dungeon Master can create a challenging and memorable encounter with a Drow Mage, testing the players' ability to adapt and overcome magical threats.