Feat #32: Mage Slayer (5E)

You have practiced techniques useful in melee combat against spellcasters, gaining the following benefits:
When a creature within 5 feet of you casts a spell, you can use your reaction to make a melee weapon attack against that creature.
When you damage a creature that is concentrating on a spell, that creature has disadvantage on the saving throw it makes to maintain its concentration.
You have advantage on saving throws against spells cast by creatures within 5 feet of you.
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[@ChancesSpellbook]

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[@spagandhi]

I only think this feat can be good on highly mobile monks 1. Run up to the enemy mage with your huge amount of movement 2. Punch enemy in the face 3. If the enemy wants to misty step out, punch them again

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I could for sure see mobile and sneaky classes getting a little more out of this!

[@binolombardi]

Spagandhi The reaction attack occurs after the spell is finished casting. With this in mind, mage slayer feat cannot be used to attack after teleport spells. Unless it teleports within your melee attack range I suppose.

[@b3hemoth448]

Hexblade warlock curse teleport booming blade dispell counter spell pretty good anti mage keep them still get to them fast dont let them cast spells

[@Phyrior]

@@binolombardi So no Mage Slayer+Sentinel to 'Where do you think you're going?' on mages?

[@binolombardi]

Phyrior 1. Mage slayers reaction attack goes off after a spell is cast. Most teleportation spells move the caster away after casting, and wouldn’t be within reach for a 5ft melee attack. 2. The mage slayer reaction attack isn’t actually an “attack of opportunity” and wouldn’t turn the creatures movement to 0 if sentinel was involved. 3. Even if mage slayer did count as an opportunity attack, and even if it also happened before the teleportation, turning a creatures movement to 0 wouldn’t prevent the teleportation. Teleportation is the effect of casting a spell or using a feature, it is usually independent from your movement as a resource. Creatures with 0 movement can still teleport.

[@vjm3]

So I'm going to address the biggest argument involving Mage Slayer feat right here and now, just to get it out of the way: 1. The wording of the Mage Slayer feat states that Mage Slayer CAN'T BE USED until AFTER a spell has been cast. So this means for example: Mage casts fireball on a fighter. That fighter catches on fire, takes damage, but immediately after their Mage Slayer triggers and they follow through with their attack. 2. If you're following the rules based on words, and not based on interpretation and "spirit" of the feat, then Mage Slayer initiates ONLY AFTER the spell has been casted. 3. However, now imagine the spirit of what most imagine this feat was meant to do. A mage takes one or two seconds to summon magic from the weave or whatever, and is going to cast the spell. However, a fighter who has gained proficiency in fighting magic users (hence the name Mage Slayer) instantaneously acknowledges that they are about to cast a spell, and uses their Mage Slayer attack to interrupt the spell. Imagine a monk catching a fly in mid air. Did they plan the attack, or did they instantly react (through whatever means) to the fly and catch it? I believe THIS is the spirit of the Mage Slayer feat, as it is a means to dismantle spellcasters via some balancing voodoo at first unbalanced by spellcasting in the first place. HOWEVER, we CAN'T ignore the fact that all the wishful thinking in the universe can't undo words which specifically say "..cast the spell." not "IS casting the spell..." So what do we do!? 1. Ask your DM how THEY feel, and see how they wish to interpret it. THEY HAVE FINAL SAY. This is the second most important rule in D&D (other than "Ensure the players are having fun."). 2. Make it clear that although they grant a reaction to intercept a spell being cast (despite the wording), other lax interpretations of attacks and triggers might not be the same. I no joke read pages of arguments which devolved in to "What constitutes a turn? Six seconds means you have enough time to interrupt a spell via Mage Slayer." which was countered with "Lots of stuff happens in six seconds! Spellcasting happens instantaneously." Which is BOTH flawed. Like, seriously. Stop this. Don't be petty. My final verdict is: "The rules and rule writers wanted this to be a way to completely dismantle spellcasters, however thanks to their short sighted illiteracy, they screwed it up. So now you have to hope your DM is a cool dude, or just learn counterspell since they seemed to at least get THAT right."

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Jeez! Well put! Every DM I've talked to seems to play fast and loose with this feat, I really do think there is space for this play style (especially in high magic settings). I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Feel free to use the Discount Code 'COMMENT', and get a free One Shot at chancesguild.com/collections/job-board!

[@johnconnors6463]

That would be really cool! If the DM felt that it would be too OP you might be able to convince him to make it a concentration saving throw at disadvantage

[@marcusblacknell-andrews1783]

In my argument, a “Monster Slayer” Ranger would have the Most benefits from this feat.

[@emeraldflask8865]

I'm playing Hoard of the Dragon Queen, and there are so many mages that my clerics are taking this feat just to flex on 'em.

[@TDSFounder]

If a mage let you get close in the first place, they're probably screwed anyway.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Depends, there's a lot of ways to create Melee characters with a ton of magical firepower. It also helps with more deadly threats, like liches

[@ArigathanksGozaimuchi]

Well my projected build is a oath of ancient pally and with misty step closing the gap can be easier havent really seen the effectiveness yet because still workshopping it

[@saltypork101]

Put it on a grappler. Even better than the grappler feat imo. If you take this feat, the challenge of each combat will change dramatically. Your role is to get past the guards and get into range with your chosen target. Anything that helps you do that will be invaluable. So yeah, rogue is an obvious pick because of cunning action. Fighter and barbarian can be good too. Oh, look at that. It's all the good grapplers. Put this feat on your grappler.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha I really do find it's a hidden gem!

[@marcusblacknell-andrews1783]

I would definitely recommend this feat for a “Monster Slayer” Ranger. Pair this with the “Investigator” background from Van Ricthen’s Guide to Ravenloft, and you’d have a formidable Hero!

[@jonglasgow1239]

This has all the callings of a Feat for someone like an Oath of Vengeance Paladin. A lich or mage killed they’re village/family and this Paladin is gonna smite the crap out of them!!!

[@grey3247]

With variant human / custom lineage + level 1 feats You can stack mage slayer and fey touched to move up to 90 ft per round and close the distance

[@binolombardi]

Monks/fighters can make use of this to have very high chances to stop multiple foes using concentration due to their high amounts of individual attack rolls. This would work well on a paladin/rogue with their ability to do higher amounts of spike damage, potentially raising the DC of the concentration saving throw that is now being made ad disadvantage. Being able to sneak attack or smite on another creatures turn is very powerful too. The disadvantage to concentration is also caused by any damage roll forced by the feat user, meaning this could be taken advantage of by a spell caster using area of effect spells. Would perhaps be used to great effect by a war cleric. Casting spirit guardians and wading into combat could potentially stop a lot of spells.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I completely agree! I really like where your heads at!

[@dwpetrak]

My Wild Mage sorcerer is using this to good effect. A) He either Quickens a damage cantrip (bonus action) then Steps to melee range or reverse the order. Then has Counterspell ready as a reaction in case of a teleport spell (if he can ID it, otherwise just counters the spell.) B) Alt plan: cast Silence and move or Step in to 5' of caster. I can Subtle Spell my Vampiric Touch, so advantage is mine! He thinks casters are terrible and must be stopped. He has a list of problems, eg: Thinking he was tricked in to being a Warlock by a fae after a drunken harvest ceremony. The magic isn't him, it's that tricksy, capricious faerie and he's had enough! His "friends" in his village convinced him he was sent on a quest by his "patron" and can't go home until it's done. C) This one doesn't involve the feat, but I am considering dipping in to Warlock so I can use Eldritch Smite and/or Kiss of Mephistopheles... just need to be faster than my Barb. D) we are facing more and more Illithids so may instead take 6 levels Pali to get the Aura bonus on saves but that seems painful to do.

[@MultiCommissar]

Really thinking about taking this as a Bladesinger. Popping on top of a mage with your Shadow Blade active is going to make them question their career choices.

[@enfuegobeat7953]

Not a class but an archetype. Eldritch Knights do pretty well in my experience with Mage Slayer since the combination of melee prowess and a few spells to help them get close helps. plus if your campaign gets to 15th level they basically can't escape since your action surge lets you teleport now

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I could certainly see that! Great point!

[@enfuegobeat7953]

@@ChancesSpellbook plus absorb elements, shield as well as the coveted counter spell never hurt

[@michaelmatejka1068]

I’m doing that right now. Just got back from the session Only level 5 though. I’m considering grabbing sentinal with it?

[@enfuegobeat7953]

@@michaelmatejka1068 Are you going for the classic AC Tank Eldritch Knight or another type of build?

[@sshadowzlmao]

Barbarians who fight spellcasters a lot. Works well if they like attacking spellcasters in the back and not anyone in front. Or rogues who hate taking damage.

[@xiongray]

Duerger Rune Knights get a huge boon with Mage Slayer. Save for a teleport, a grappled caster is now in more grave danger, while simultaneously covering more areas within 5ft with enlarged Giant's Might.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Barbarians and Hexblade Worlocks.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I like it!

[@rodneygriffin7666]

@@ChancesSpellbook i enjoy your work. Thank you!

[@thomashamilton2240]

Our DM likes to use magic users pretty heavy in his campaign. Since my barbarian is getting quite sick of these shenanigans, he has taken the mage slayer feat and now effectively stops any attack or healing spells from any NPC within the fray of battle. My tactics: bum rush in and then stay close. With Path of the Storm Herald (desert), that gives 2 fire damage every turn to anything within 10ft of me, and their lack of spell casting without a melee attack, they can never keep concentration long enough to survive

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Thomas Hamilton haha that’s awesome, I think your barbarian just became one of the strongest forces in your DMs world

[@AnimeNPC.]

Arcane Trickster w/Mage Slayer as like a bounty hunter who specializes in hunting wayward magic users.

[@Punkhunter25]

This really works well with a monk that is a speed based build. Spell casters like to hang out at the back of a fight and monks already get an unarmored speed boost and can spend a ki point to take the Dash action as a bonus action. This allows you to cross the battlefield in the first round to potentially be within 5 feet of a spellcaster, and still have a full action and reaction leftover to take full advantage of this feat right at the start of the fight. Of course you would potentially be isolating yourself, so your team mates would need to rush in to keep you from dying. It sure would cause confusion for your DM the first time you do it.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

I 100% agree! The Monk would make great use of it!

[@Randomdudefromtheinternet]

When you have a spellcasting player and you're looking how to nerf them. Let the witch hunt begin >:D

[@Carnerd101]

Wanting to use this on my Oath of Vengeance Paladin. I already have Sentinel. So any Opportunity Attack that hits will reduce their movement speed to 0. So, I'll get an Opportunity Attack if they cast a spell, or if they attempt to Disengage.

[@ForgivenReverend]

A cleric who uses melee attacks often. Also could this pair with war caster to be the ultimate reaction combo? I am interested.

[@rottenredhead6009]

I named my longsword "counterspell"

[@jacawandersmok9043]

i think smaeo of hybrid or mel renger with same teloport abilty add from other book [the tasa's coldorn and xanadr?? guide to ervythhink] or that eladrin abilty to telport in front of a mage

[@alexinfinite7142]

Would mage slayer work well with a ranged attacker? I have a heavy crossbow using ranger that is closing in on level 4. He already has crossbow expert

[@marcusblacknell-andrews1783]

I would say so, perhaps the best subclass to use is the “Monster Slayer” archetype.🤔🤔🤔

[@papajon7007]

I’m thinking of using this with Relentless Hex on a warlock Paladin build to get close and SMITESLAY

[@marcosguzman7858]

I use Mage SLayer on You, "Chance's"! You the only 1 person who have "Spellbook". Yea it a good Feat go against Spell Caster.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

NOOO not Mage Slayer!!! My only weakness!

[@marcosguzman7858]

@@ChancesSpellbook Do too how Weak Wizards are, I can Imagine when they casting Spell. Someone with Mage Slayer just slap their book on, making them sad.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

@@marcosguzman7858 Haha that's pretty much how it works!

[@deathraze9]

Thy life's weight in mana pay.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha I love that! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Feel free to use the Discount Code 'COMMENT', and get a free One Shot at chancesguild.com/collections/job-board!

[@BenjmnButler]

This seems Ungodly good on Bloodhunters Order of the Lycan, you're talking about at level 7 with wood elf having 45 Movement easily getting to the back line, using your curse of binding to not let them shield or absorb any elements, and with 45 movement (increasing at later levels, can likely keep up with misty steps etc) plus its main weakness is magic and silvered weapons so why not make the wizard run for his life?

[@HorrorMetalDnD]

SLAYER!!!!!! \m/ *_* \m/

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Haha nice! I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Feel free to use the Discount Code 'COMMENT', and get a free One Shot at chancesguild.com/collections/job-board!

[@matthewjennings7645]

I'm really thinking about removing the distance requirement on the feat, but I'm not sure if that'd be too powerful.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Hmmm would you make it a ranged weapon attack, or would you just allow reached weapons? I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Feel free to use the Discount Code 'COMMENT', and get a free One Shot at chancesguild.com/collections/job-board!

[@matthewjennings7645]

@@ChancesSpellbook probably still require it to be a melee weapon, so relevant for those with reach. More relevant would be a longer distance to have spell resistance. Now with the easy choice of Satyr and Yuan-Ti, I'd like some other build concepts to be able to use such a feature.

[@ChancesSpellbook]

@@matthewjennings7645 Hmmm very interesting! At the very least it would be worth playtesting!

[@Sannypowa]

Does this feat apply to psionic attacks? It looks really nice

[@ChancesSpellbook]

Well in 5e Psionics are considered to be spells, so I would say yes!

[@Sannypowa]

@@ChancesSpellbook Jolly good! ARRR :D

[@jacawandersmok9043]

hmm i was cout for moer ;[ only for mele contat may be i can be usull aslo if i was moslty uing bow but alo a bit on dex base mele beeig alo fast to get to the wizard hmm...