How do you define Familiars IC?
- Thread starter Tonguez
- Start date
Gez
First Post
Normal animals altered by magic. That's how it works in the rules. Could have changed that, but didn't want to, as I prefer this to the other options you've listed. (Summoned animals could work also well, demons wouldn't as it would prevent good and lawful characters to get familiars, and turn what's supposed to be an asset into a Character Screwing Machine (tm).)
Deadguy
First Post
I'm an 'other' 
When I first looked at how I would picture familiars in D&D3e, I imagined the ritual summoning process. I have Wizards and Sorcerers draw up magical circles which in the space of the ritual draws an appropriate animal to the presence of the summoner. Whilst the player decides what familiar she wants, in game it is defined as being a product of the nature of the spellcaster. As such, I suppose that makes the familiar both a creature altered by magic, and an expression of the spellcaster's own power.
The difference is perhaps subtle, and I admit is coloured by a great many years of playing Ars Magica, but that might be said to be a nod of the head to Jonathon Tweet. Familiars are far more than just a magical add-on, they are an insight into the nature of the Wizard.
When I first looked at how I would picture familiars in D&D3e, I imagined the ritual summoning process. I have Wizards and Sorcerers draw up magical circles which in the space of the ritual draws an appropriate animal to the presence of the summoner. Whilst the player decides what familiar she wants, in game it is defined as being a product of the nature of the spellcaster. As such, I suppose that makes the familiar both a creature altered by magic, and an expression of the spellcaster's own power.
The difference is perhaps subtle, and I admit is coloured by a great many years of playing Ars Magica, but that might be said to be a nod of the head to Jonathon Tweet. Familiars are far more than just a magical add-on, they are an insight into the nature of the Wizard.
JoeGKushner
Adventurer
I'll probably look at the EA: Familiar book today and see if I can scrounge up enough funds for it.
I'm real interested to see if it's 3.5 or just 3.5 compatible.
I'm real interested to see if it's 3.5 or just 3.5 compatible.
