commandercrud
Hero
Nope.
D&D 5E Using a Familiar for Second Concentration Spell?
- Thread starter DND_Reborn
- Start date
the Jester
Legend
I think it depends on how heavily you weight the power of being able to concentrate on a second effect. In my game, it takes an 8th level spell to do this, so no way would I allow a familiar to offer a similar benefit.
DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
Well, since Swift Quiver and Holy Weapon are both 5th level spells, and a potion of speed is very rare, I don't mind uber-shenanigans if tons of resources are being spent in the process.
Also, a single hit on you OR your familiar (if you read my later suggestions...) could ruin both spells.
Wait a minute, Rangers don't even get Find Familiar....
DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
That's fair. Do you have a home-brew 8th level spell for it then?
jmartkdr2
Hero
Not for nothing, simulacrum is a 7th-level spell that technically lets you do this, although simulacra are technically tougher than familiars.
the Jester
Legend
Ultimate Concentration
8th-level abjuration (bard, cleric, druid, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S
Duration: 1 hour
While this spell persists, you gain a +10 bonus to saving throws and checks made to maintain your concentration. In addition, you can maintain concentration on two spells at once.
At Higher Levels: If you cast this spell using a 9th level slot, you can maintain concentration on three spells at once.
DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
I think the fact they can also cast spells independently and such is a big enough difference to warrant a 7th-level spell, concentration aside.
DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
Hmm... that is pretty good, but since it is 8th level it will rarely see game play at most tables. I mean, it took us 1.5 years and over 70 sessions to reach 15th level. The +10 bonus seems a bit much IMO as we rarely see concentration checks failed...
Anyway, thanks for sharing it!
Find Familiar just requires one of multiple feats (like ritual caster:wizard).Well, since Swift Quiver and Holy Weapon are both 5th level spells, and a potion of speed is very rare, I don't mind uber-shenanigans if tons of resources are being spent in the process.
Also, a single hit on you OR your familiar (if you read my later suggestions...) could ruin both spells.
Wait a minute, Rangers don't even get Find Familiar....
The above is doable by an 11th level Bard, and it can put out rather ridiculous damage output. 12th level if you also want constitution saving throw proficiency. You'll probably also want warcaster.
Another fun option at level 13 is Haste (potion), Tenser's Transformation (self) and Swift Quiver (familiar) (call it 5d8+10d12+75, or 162.5, damage per round).
Especially without the "familiar must remain near caster", you just hide the familiar. Hell, it can jump into a bag of holding for 10 minutes.
All I'm saying is that as described, it becomes a top-tier option for every caster. Concentration spells are really strong.
DND_Reborn
The High Aldwin
Sorry, I thought you were focused on rangers.
Actually, the Bard could do it at level 10, not 11. You don't need Constitution saving throw proficiency because you get it from Tenser's Transformation.
Anyway, it would require two rounds to "get going" as you would need a round for Tenser's Transformation, plus a round for the potion of Speed and bonus action Swift Quiver. So, if you are hit in either round or the familiar is hit, the spells might be gone. Especially if your familiar is hit, as it would most likely die, losing its spell. And having the familiar jump into a bag of holding would take another round, even if you didn't consider it the equivalent of dismissing it. If you doing this in prep before a battle, you could most likely get it off without issue of course.
As I said before, you are basically novaing at this point, using a very rare magic item and two 5th level spells (which at level 18, is all you have unless you want to sack a higher level slot?). Any nova combination is good, but that is the point, isn't it?
Finally, damage calculations that assume 100% hits never impressed me. And if you think you are getting +75 from what? DEX and Sharpshooter? That means you are going to miss even more most of the time.
So, I'm not saying this can't be powerful at higher levels, and NPCs/monsters could exploit it against the PCs, but IMO I think it is a viable way to allow second concentration spells at ALL levels, but carries a risk along with it. Your input has been noted.
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