Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Saeviomagy" data-source="post: 1454412" data-attributes="member: 5890">There are two types of DM's, and hence two tactics to take with familiars.1) The DM pays attention to the familiar and allows it to participate - familiars get spot checks, can use scent, are comfortable in areas where their master would be comfortable etc.2) The DM is a prig. The familiar is generally assumed to have no mind of its own. Usually the DM will dispute whether the familiar can think coherently enough for empathic communication to give any information whatsoever. A flying familiar will generally be unable to fly in whatever environment you are currently in (even if it's a bat, and you're in a cave). Certainly, if the familiar can fly, it can't give back any information. A bat familiar will want to be asleep all the time. Any familiar on a scouting mission will typically be rapidly spotted - the DM will assume that the animal simply walks out in front of obvious enemies.In scenario 1), a familiar is a fun, useful addition to the wizard's reportoire. In scenario 2), it's a bit of dead weight with a skill bonus attached.</blockquote>