D&D 5E (2014) Discrepancy in player's handbook and the monster manual

[Son of the Serpent]

the relevant entries in the player's handbook say only warlock can choose imp, quasit, pseudodragon, and sprite familiars, but i happened to be looking in the monster manual for unrelated reasons at something else when my eye fell upon the entry for the imp. in the section detailing it as a familiar it clearly states that wizard's can choose them. what gives? is there some errata to clear up which book over rules the other? my gut says the monster manual wins because its a core rule book like the player's handbook, but its also after the player's handbook in development if i remember correctly, so i'd assume its implicitly got revisionist priority. somebody have any idea on the true ruling for this?

 

[cbwjm]

The monster manual entry is a variant, it can be a wizard's familiar if the DM wants, it isn't a core rule like the warlock pact of the chain ability.

 

[Son of the Serpent]

ahhh......thanks. i feel a bit silly now.

 

[Ashrym]

ahhh......thanks. i feel a bit silly now.

Naw, it's been the source of arguments before. Generally the accepted solution is the spells does what it says but those creatures can become familiars when encountered if they choose to accept the character as a master.

 

[Son of the Serpent]

i like that solution

 

[Salthorae]

i like that solution

Note that the Variant options explicitly says that those familiars can leave their "familiar" status at any time for any reason.

Normal familiars and Pact of the Chain familiars don't have that kind of leeway. They're stuck with their masters

 

[Son of the Serpent]

Note that the Variant options explicitly says that those familiars can leave their "familiar" status at any time for any reason.

Normal familiars and Pact of the Chain familiars don't have that kind of leeway. They're stuck with their masters

useful info.

also, OOOO i like that. i'm a sucker for actual roleplay. so i like the idea of actually having to maintain my relationship to the creature. making it worth its while. giving it a reason to actually like my character. be loyal to my character. possibly forging true friendship.