You need to chose between either a bonded object or a familiar. You can dismiss a familiar, without suffering any drawbacks. Bonded objects seem less forgiving, your spellcasting seems to be penalized with constant concentration checks if you don't have one.
So, chose familiar, and dismiss it. Done.
I think all the bases are covered but to reiterate:
1) Choose a familiar instead of a bonded object and dismiss/leave familiar in a safe area.
2) Minimize any risk by taking a ring (most people do that already). It can be stolen, doesn't interfere with hand use. People would have to purposefully sunder it to mess with you. Either that or you are rendered helpless and have it stolen while incapacitated. Of course, if that happens you were basically screwed anyways and should be dead in the first place.
3) Choose an archetype that replaces the arcane bond. Exploiter wizard archetype is actually quite powerful and does so.
Well wizards aren't proficient with them for one. They don't have all simple weapons, just a very specific list of simple weapons.
I just can't see why any Wizard wouldn't wear at least a Gauntlet, to, on rare occasion, make an AoO, or provide a flanking bonus.
Yeah, but that only means he takes a penalty to attack rolls. He still threatens, still provides flanking, and isn't inhibited in any way by wearing a gauntlet.
It's benefits with no drawback, except the 2gp to buy it and a 1 lb of weight.
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Well wizards aren't proficient with them for one. They don't have all simple weapons, just a very specific list of simple weapons.
I just can't see why any Wizard wouldn't wear at least a Gauntlet, to, on rare occasion, make an AoO, or provide a flanking bonus.
That doesn't stop them from threatening, providing a flank bonus, or making AoO.
The -4 proficiency makes no difference.
It's still, a bonus to an ally, and a free attack.
What are you giving up for that?
2gp?
The Wizard is one of the least item dependent classes.
They basically rule in low wealth campaigns.
EDIT: Ninja'd!
Well wizards aren't proficient with them for one. They don't have all simple weapons, just a very specific list of simple weapons.
I just can't see why any Wizard wouldn't wear at least a Gauntlet, to, on rare occasion, make an AoO, or provide a flanking bonus.
Yeah, but that only means he takes a penalty to attack rolls. He still threatens, still provides flanking, and isn't inhibited in any way by wearing a gauntlet.
It's benefits with no drawback, except the 2gp to buy it and a 1 lb of weight.
My arcanist has a strength of 7. That 1 lb is quite a drawback! ;)
My arcanist has a strength of 7. That 1 lb is quite a drawback! ;)Well wizards aren't proficient with them for one. They don't have all simple weapons, just a very specific list of simple weapons.
I just can't see why any Wizard wouldn't wear at least a Gauntlet, to, on rare occasion, make an AoO, or provide a flanking bonus.
Yeah, but that only means he takes a penalty to attack rolls. He still threatens, still provides flanking, and isn't inhibited in any way by wearing a gauntlet.
It's benefits with no drawback, except the 2gp to buy it and a 1 lb of weight.
You can alleviate that by not dropping strength so low, only to get an 20 instead of 18 starting int.
Play an Instructor Wizard. You give up Arcane Bond and get to play as TWO Wizards
It really sounds like the PC would rather be a sorcerer, which is possible. He could spend time trying to unlock his innate inner magic so he didn't need to depend on the crutches that wizards use. He could even use the Wildblooded Arcane Sage bloodline to remain Int based.
He could flavor is using his struggles to fuel a way to a "better" magical path that eschewed the trappings which bound him in Nidal.