Familiar Question

[Miquiztli]

I know that a familiar gets tougher and gets more abilites as your character gains levels. But is it only wizard and/or sorcerer levels that are counted or is it the total character level?

 

[Chun-tzu]

It's only levels in Wizard and Sorcerer (these stack, so a Wizard 3/Sorcerer 3, although incomprehensible why anyone would do that, has a 6th level familiar). In theory, prestige classes can advance familair advancement, but I can't think of a single one I've ever seen, out of hundreds, that bothers to advance the familiar.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

Familiars got the shaft.

 

[Pax]

In theory, prestige classes can advance familair advancement, but I can't think of a single one I've ever seen, out of hundreds, that bothers to advance the familiar.

Mystic Wanderer (MoF) levels stack with Sor/Wiz levels for familiar advancement.

Nar Demonbinder (UE) does likewise, but they must have an Imp or Quasit familiar due to a class ability.

Alienist might, depending on how you interpret the Pseudonatural Familiar ability -- IMO the class doesn't give you the ability to summon a familiar if you didn't already have it, but, it's levels stack towards the abilities of a familiar you already HAD the ability to summon.

So, make that 2.5 classes (two definites and one maybe).

 

[Sir Whiskers]

The following abilities are not tied to caster level:
*Hit Dice (equal to master's total)
*Hit Points (half master's total)
*Attack (use master's BAB)
*Saving Throws (use master's or familiar's, whichever is better)
*Skills (use master's or familiar's, whichever is better)

The following are tied to caster levels:

Special Abilities, such as
*Touch
*Speak with master
*Speak with animals of its type
*Spell resistance
*Scry on familiar

 

[Pax]

The following are tied to caster levels:

Special Abilities, such as
*Touch
*Speak with master
*Speak with animals of its type
*Spell resistance
*Scry on familiar

Also:

*Intelligence
*Natural Armor Increase
*Ability to gain an Improved Familiar