Paladin Mounts in Armor (among other things)

[Misirlou]

Why is it that a familiar doesn't get feats but a mount does? I just flipped through the PHB, and the sections describing the property of familiars and mounts are nearly identical.

Could somebody please explain the distinction?

 

[Lord Pendragon]

Why is it that a familiar doesn't get feats but a mount does? I just flipped through the PHB, and the sections describing the property of familiars and mounts are nearly identical.

Could somebody please explain the distinction?

Gaining feats are the result of gaining more Hit Die, which both the mount and animal companion do. Note on their chart the line that reads "bonus hit die."

Familiars don't gain any bonus HD. Their hp are calculated based on their master's hp.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

double post

 

[Lord Pendragon]

Actually, a familiar's HD is considered equal to its master's character level. It's the hit points that are half that of the master. But yes, it doesn't gain extra feats, unlike an animal companion or special mount.

Not unless they changed it in 3.5, which I'll now need to check. Previously, the familiar's HD were only considered equal to the master's level for purposes of spell effects.

Hit Dice: For the purpose of effects related to number of Hit Dice, use the master’s character level or the familiar’s normal HD total, whichever is higher.

Note that it does not just gain HD. If it did, it'd gain ability increases and feats. It is only treated as having more HD for the purposes of effects such as the spell Color Spray, et al. It doesn't get HD, and gains hp through a different mechanic.

edit: Waaaaait a second. FireLance was agreeing with me! I totally misread that. My apologies.