Familiars [Archive] - Wizards Community - Pages Merged by Solauren

Familiars [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
moosekickedmysisterstoof
07-10-03, 02:55 PM I'm about to start a campaign in which my character is a human sorcerer. I don't have a familiar yet, but I was wondering if any of you guys had any ideas, 'cause my DM said that I didn't have to use the standard ones. I was kinda leaning towards an otter, but my DM is sorta hesitant about it since the campaign world isn't really around large bodies of water. Please post your familiar ideas. Thanks!!!!!!:D :D :D
Teh Lurv
07-10-03, 11:19 PM About the otter, try this argument with your DM: Isn't possible that the sorcerer was able to purchase the otter from an exotic animal dealer? In T&B, one method described to find a familiar is simply to purchase one from an animal dealer. The book assumes that in most large cities in the campaign world there is at least one businessman who caters to the need for exotic pets from the rich and nobility. Therefore, even if you and the otter are not presently in a location remotely close to a large body of water, it is plausable you a) went to a suitable location to find an otter or b) bought an otter from an animal dealer.

This argument can also be used if you want to find a familiar described in the improved familiar list. Creatures like psuedodragons, tiny elementals, etc are probably coveted by the rich nobility as status symbols of wealth. Therefore, there are dealers who provide this commodity by retriving these creatures when they are eggs or as young. Of course, such a route will cost you a pile of gold (psuedodragon eggs IIRC go for 20,000gp in the MM), but it is easier than spending campaign time hoping to bump into a creature or finding one.

As for familiar ideas, Dragon magazine (IIRC 297 or somewhere around that issue) had an article on alternate familiars, you might want to look that up.
eonblueapocalypse
07-10-03, 11:48 PM You've always got the choice of Imps or Quaists if you're evil. Homunculai' are kinda neat. Mephits can be fun. Stirges is cool. I believe that there is a type of Beholder(either in the MM2 or MoF not sure which one) that is smaller and is often used as a familiar for spellcasters.

My DM has let me use a Vermin(a scorpion) as a familiar once.

Sometimes DMs will let their players use larger than normal familiars, you should ask your DM about this if you want a more varied familiar. I was in a game once with a Wizard who had a Polar Bear as a familiar.

I always thought a Ferret(same stats as a Weasel) would be cool.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
moosekickedmysisterstoof 07-10-03, 02:55 PM	I'm about to start a campaign in which my character is a human sorcerer. I don't have a familiar yet, but I was wondering if any of you guys had any ideas, 'cause my DM said that I didn't have to use the standard ones. I was kinda leaning towards an otter, but my DM is sorta hesitant about it since the campaign world isn't really around large bodies of water. Please post your familiar ideas. Thanks!!!!!!:D :D :D
Teh Lurv 07-10-03, 11:19 PM	About the otter, try this argument with your DM: Isn't possible that the sorcerer was able to purchase the otter from an exotic animal dealer? In T&B, one method described to find a familiar is simply to purchase one from an animal dealer. The book assumes that in most large cities in the campaign world there is at least one businessman who caters to the need for exotic pets from the rich and nobility. Therefore, even if you and the otter are not presently in a location remotely close to a large body of water, it is plausable you a) went to a suitable location to find an otter or b) bought an otter from an animal dealer. This argument can also be used if you want to find a familiar described in the improved familiar list. Creatures like psuedodragons, tiny elementals, etc are probably coveted by the rich nobility as status symbols of wealth. Therefore, there are dealers who provide this commodity by retriving these creatures when they are eggs or as young. Of course, such a route will cost you a pile of gold (psuedodragon eggs IIRC go for 20,000gp in the MM), but it is easier than spending campaign time hoping to bump into a creature or finding one. As for familiar ideas, Dragon magazine (IIRC 297 or somewhere around that issue) had an article on alternate familiars, you might want to look that up.
eonblueapocalypse 07-10-03, 11:48 PM	You've always got the choice of Imps or Quaists if you're evil. Homunculai' are kinda neat. Mephits can be fun. Stirges is cool. I believe that there is a type of Beholder(either in the MM2 or MoF not sure which one) that is smaller and is often used as a familiar for spellcasters. My DM has let me use a Vermin(a scorpion) as a familiar once. Sometimes DMs will let their players use larger than normal familiars, you should ask your DM about this if you want a more varied familiar. I was in a game once with a Wizard who had a Polar Bear as a familiar. I always thought a Ferret(same stats as a Weasel) would be cool.