There is a thread about staffs that does something similar, but it's in addition to and not instead of familiars. It also isn't quite what I want...
Another way of doing things is to follow Monte Cook's Magister class (in Arcana Unearthed), but his replaces the spellbook more than the familiar.
I think granting one Feat is a given, at 1st level. The staff should also increase in hardness and hp with levels. And at higher levels, it should give some more benefits - but here I'm at a loss...
So, still waiting for some genuine rules on the matter
If you are looking for alternate rules regarding familiars, I would suggest getting your hands on Mongoose Publishing's Familiars book. Great resource for characters who do not want to have familiars and/or exotic familiars.
If you are looking for alternate rules regarding familiars, I would suggest getting your hands on Mongoose Publishing's Familiars book. Great resource for characters who do not want to have familiars and/or exotic familiars.