Otter familiar

[kengar]

I'm going to be starting a 3.5 "Stormwrack" campaign (set in an archipelago) and one player is interested in an otter familiar (she likes otters). The SW book mentions the creature but gives no special benefit/ability for the creature as a wizard's familiar. I was thinking Alertness, does this sound reasonable? Or does anyone have some suggestions?

 

[kirinke]

Otters are very, very quick and very, very agile, not to mention curious and mean. I'd say any feat that revolves around quickness, dexterity and speed would work. Here are some examples from the PHB: alertness, acrobatic, agility, deft hands, dodge, improved feat, improved initiative, improved trip, lightning reflexes, run and probably any bonuses to swim.

 

[Echohawk]

Dragon #280 suggests a +2 bonus to Swim as the special benefit for an otter familiar. That's not a very exciting benefit though...

 

[kengar]

Dragon #280 suggests a +2 bonus to Swim as the special benefit for an otter familiar. That's not a very exciting benefit though...

+2 Swim might be nice in a largely aquatic setting like I have planned, though. I may give the player a choice.

 

[Urklore]

All familairs grant their master's alertness.

Alertness (Ex): While a familiar is within arm’s reach, the master gains the Alertness feat.

 

[dhaga]

+2 bonus to Swim and a +1 bonus to Ref saves?