Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Bsauey 02-05-06, 09:32 AM	Can a wizard get a dog as their familiar? What benefits does it give to the master? Wouldn't different breeds of dogs give different benefits such as a weiner dog could give a bonus to fighting in close quarters or cramped spaces?
Ace the Dead 02-05-06, 11:49 AM	PHB familiars: Bat CR 1/10, (blindsense but no attacks), Cat CR 1/4, Hawk CR 1/3 (grants bonus only in bright light), Lizard CR 1/6, Owl CR 1/4 (grants bonus only in shadows), Rat CR 1/8, Raven CR 1/6 (but can talk), CR 1/3, Toad CR 1/10, and weasel CR 1/4. A dog is a CR 1/3, so I suppose it would not be entirely outside the realm of possibility for a familiar but it should not have a particularly good bonus (equivilent to +3 to spot checks only in bright light). What are the qualities one usually associates with dogs? Loyalty (+2 bonus vs. charms & compulusions, maybe, but IIRC something in sandstorm grants +2 will saves). Ferocity/Tenacity (recieves benefit of endurance feat?) Intellegence (+3 to survival checks above ground?) Sense of smell (...+3 craft(alchemy) for keen nose ala gnome, maybe?) Keen senses (other familiars already grant spot/listen bonuses, & all familiars grant alertness so...) As for the different breeds thing: that could be moderately cool if you put in the time and know enough about different breeds of dogs. (Many different breeds fit into the category "wiener dogs," and using my aunt's Bassat(sp?) Hound as a guide, I would be more inclined to give a bonus to grapple checks than a bonus to anything in close quaters). The idea of Chiuaua familiars (esp. for spoiled, rich sorcereresses) really cracks me up.