When Familiar Attack!

[0-hr]

Suppose that I have a hawk (tiny familiar) and want to cast Chill Touch for it to use (over multiple rounds) on an orc while I wade into melee and beat on the orc with my staff.

The hawk has a space of 2 1/2 ft and a reach of zero, so it has to enter the orc's square to attack. I understand that this provokes an AoO. Once the hawk is in there and attaks, I'm assuming that it remains in the square for at least the rest of the round.

Does the hawk provide cover for the orc during this time? Is there a chance of hitting the hawk with a ranged attack at the orc (like firing into a grapple?). Does any of this change if the orc is an ogre (10x10) instead?

If the hawk does provide cover while in the same square as the orc, does it also provide cover for me when it is in my square (which it usually is as we hike through the dungeon)?

What's the best way for the hawk to disengage the orc? Does leaving the orc's square provoke an AoO? What about the next square (where the orc threatens)? It seems to me that doing a withdraw isn't going to work here. Just stepping 5ft prevents the AoO (I think), but then leaves the bird open to a full attack routine next round - so it seems that once the little guy is in combat with the orc, he needs to stay there until the orc dies or takes an AoO for some other reason.

 

[frankthedm]

When Familiar Attack, They Go SPLAT!

Does the hawk provide cover for the orc during this time?

No

Is there a chance of hitting the hawk with a ranged attack at the orc (like firing into a grapple?). Does any of this change if the orc is an ogre (10x10) instead?

No

What's the best way for the hawk to disengage the orc?

Spring attack. Failing that, it will be eating an AoO.

Does leaving the orc's square provoke an AoO? What about the next square (where the orc threatens)?

Yes and yes

It seems to me that doing a withdraw isn't going to work here.

Correct

 

[Darklone]

Your familiar needs tumble. And Vampiric Touch, the only thing that keeps familiars in melee alive

 

[irdeggman]

Quote:
Does leaving the orc's square provoke an AoO? What about the next square (where the orc threatens)?

NoNo
Spring attack. Failing that, it will be eating an AoO. Yes and yes Correct

But only 1 AoO for movment. So if leaving the 1st square (w/o a 5 ft step) it provokes but not for the second. Well actually it provokes both times by the orc can only take 1 AoO for movement so can only make one attack of the hawk is leaving 2 threatened squares.

 

[0-hr]

Thanks for the replies. That's a good idea about Tumble. My mage has 1 rank in Tumble so that gives the bird at least some chance (with his +3 Dex).