D&D 5E Giving a magic dagger to a sprite familiar?

[Zaran]

I really think this is an instance where you should make your own decision and not worry about what the internet thinks. If the Warlock gave up their own attack action so the fairy can stab someone for 1d4-1 damage, I'd let them. It could definitely add to the story outside of combat about this fairy that is so proud of their huge weapon.

 

[doctorhook]

I really think this is an instance where you should make your own decision and not worry about what the internet thinks. If the Warlock gave up their own attack action so the fairy can stab someone for 1d4-1 damage, I'd let them. It could definitely add to the story outside of combat about this fairy that is so proud of their huge weapon.

I fully appreciate the sentiment, but I already did make my own decision, friend. I come here because asking for input grows my understanding of the game.

FWIW, this is third thread I've posted lately with a series of related questions about familiars/pets. I've already decided to houserule my game so that familiars attack with their own actions, under the DMs control, though the owner can spend a bonus action to issue commands. That said, even if our warlock now has a tiny class-feature-cum-ally who stabs enemies each round for 1d4+1 damage, I don't think it's gonna break the game.

 

[AtomicPope]

I'm playing a Feypact Warlock Catfolk who summons Grandmas (cat ladies). I'm satirizing the Pet Class, flipping the script, where the pet summons owners. Anyway, my DM allowed me to summon an "Animated Armor" as my special familiar or "owner" by wearing a collar that uses an attunement slot. I call her Babushka Yaga. We're 12th Level now and we've come across the same issue you're having with "dud" magic items. As a result, Babushka wears a Winter Cloak (like the boots), carries around a cursed great axe, and wields a magic scimitar (Moon Blade).

Pretty much the only time she fights is when she's making an Attack of Opportunity. Since she has a magic weapon her AoO's can be a credible threat but even then it's not too dangerous because the Prof bonus doesn't scale so her total bonus to hit is only +5. Even with Bounded Accuracy it doesn't make too much of a difference. And that's what you'll discover - giving a magic dagger to a Sprite isn't going to be a game breaking combo. The Paladin's "Find Steed" spell is far superior than the Warlock class ability even after doling out magic weapons. When you're fighting Frost Giants and Ice Devils a 33hp Animated Armor gets pulverized in the blink of an eye. Don't think a Sprite will last much longer. If anything, handing it a dagger is like sending it into the pits of the Colosseum. Expect it to die.

 

[Warmaster Horus]

Sounds fine to me. However make sure to take the Sprite's strength into account (-4 attack/damage modifier) since the dagger would function as a longsword for it (which is not a finesse weapon). Alternatively use the Sprite's +2 to attack and 1hp damage with its' normal longsword but add +1 to both for the weapon's magic bonus.

 

[Jefe Bergenstein]

Sounds fine to me. However make sure to take the Sprite's strength into account (-4 attack/damage modifier) since the dagger would function as a longsword for it (which is not a finesse weapon). Alternatively use the Sprite's +2 to attack and 1hp damage with its' normal longsword but add +1 to both for the weapon's magic bonus.

You guys are going way too harsh an an already underwhelming class feature as written. The imp does considerably more damage, can turn invisible, has a bunch of resistances, etc. Letting the sprite use its dex for this wont break the game.

As noted, the mount from Find Steed gets free attacks as well, and that's not even a class feature that requires you to sacrifice taking a different class feature. I run the imp in the game I DM much as Doctorhook describes. Sometimes he cowers invisibly, usually he tries to help in some way that wont get him squished. But he hates demons and will jump at the chance to attack them.

I also give him extra HD as the warlock advances (and stat bumps). Even at 20th he wont be overshadowing any party members.

 

[Paraxis]

I would rather give my familiar a Wand of Magic Missiles, Bag of Tricks, Necklace of Fireballs, or other interesting magic item that doesn't constitute an attack to use so you can have all your normal actions and have your familiar do a significant amount of damage.

 

[doctorhook]

I would rather give my familiar a Wand of Magic Missiles, Bag of Tricks, Necklace of Fireballs, or other interesting magic item that doesn't constitute an attack to use so you can have all your normal actions and have your familiar do a significant amount of damage.

You are forbidden to speak to my players.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I would rather give my familiar a Wand of Magic Missiles, Bag of Tricks, Necklace of Fireballs, or other interesting magic item that doesn't constitute an attack to use so you can have all your normal actions and have your familiar do a significant amount of damage.

It's a sprite. It really, really needs a Wand of Wonder.

 

[Weiley31]

You are forbidden to speak to my players.

I'm TOTALLY stealing that idea for my one bud's Sprite familiar.

I may also gift them a cloak of invisibility for stealth run touch spell deliveries. Call the cloak "Grace of The Sidhe."

Or just have it gain the ability to to Fly-By, via the cloak, for the heck of it. I don't know, I'm crazy like that and it would only be for a Variant Sprite.

 

[LordEntrails]

I may also gift them a cloak of invisibility for stealth run touch spell deliveries. Call the cloak "Grace of The Sidhe."

You mean a Handkerchief of Invisibility don't you?