I tried positng this the other day, but now I can't get back into my own thread. I just get a "page cannot be found" message. More proof of my theory that all computers are chaotic evil. So, feel free to delete the previous post, Paizo.
Anyway, the topic of familiars came up on the boards not long ago, and many people seemed to think they were rather underpowered, especially considering the XP penalty for their death. Rather than reduce the penalty, I'd like to see familiars grant better bonuses to their masters.
For example: Rather than +3 to spot checks in shadow, what if they granted their masters +1 to the save DCs or caster level of all spells with the darkness descriptor, and eagles do the same with Light spells. Ravens might give a similar bonus to divinations, etc. Perhaps they could be made a little more durable while we're at it.
What are other people's thoughts on this? Here's hoping I can actualy see this thread again later!
Quid pro quo. For them to be more powerful, the spell would have to be higher level, or barring that, perhaps the symbiotic sacrifice would have to be greater.
I recall someone mentioned that they thought maybe find familiar would make more sense as a feat than a spell. That makes perfect sense but, applying it to what you are suggesting, it's hard to imagine a single feat leading to finding familiars that are more potent than the standard.
I like the idea of low level characters having familiars but they are awfully easy to kill, even accidentally. Rather than increase their bonuses to assist their masters, I'd prefer to give them a little damage reduction (I can hear the boos) or better AC in order to let them play more fully in the storyline.
I mean, if you're going to have a magic pet... use it.
I'm not picturing the archtype black cat familiar that purrs and walks the eternity symbol through its arcane master's legs up in a tower during contemplative hours of study. I picture a creature that is a dynamic action element; a furry, feathered, or scaly device that factors in advancing a plot in ways that are oft off the beaten path.
As was mentioned in the other thread, if someone has a familiar, I as DM am not going to gun for the critter. Then again, if someone insists on cruelly using the familiar solely as a tool, with no obvious sentimental attachment to the thing, such lack of regard is an invitation for me to snuff the poor thing and guilt them as best I can.
Personally, of all the wizards (magic users) that I have ever played, I believe I have only taken a familiar twice. Once was a wild mage in 2nd ed that had a raven familiar for the bonus language (which I think I took as goblin). And the other was one of the imp/quasit/homonucleus Greater Familiar that was granted at a higher level.
I think you are right in either beefing up the little guy with more hp or better saves or AC (or all 3) and the granting of slightly better bonuses for skills or whatever has a greater chance for players to opt for this risky situation.
Quid pro quo. For them to be more powerful, the spell would have to be higher level, or barring that, perhaps the symbiotic sacrifice would have to be greater.
I recall someone mentioned that they thought maybe find familiar would make more sense as a feat than a spell. That makes perfect sense but, applying it to what you are suggesting, it's hard to imagine a single feat leading to finding familiars that are more potent than the standard.
Firstly, I'm overjoyed that I can actually get back in on my own discussion this time :) Second, I take it that you are referencing a bit of 2e rules? I say that because it is neither a feat nor a spell in 3.x, but a class ability that all wizards and sorcerers get, and I am not familiar with how this worked in older editions.
I was thinking something like this, using the standard familiar list (some of these I am making up as I type, so if they seem awkward or random, that's why):
Bat: +1 caster level on spell with the Sonic descriptor -or- low-light vision
Cat: +1 caster level on glamer illusions or some transmutations
Hawk/eagle: +1 caster level on spells with the Light descriptor
Owl: +1 caster level on spells with the Darkness and/or Shadow descriptor(s)
Rat: +1 to all Necromancy save DCs
Raven: +1 caster level on divinations
Snake: +1 (or +2?) bonus on melee touch attacks
Toad: +1 caster level on spells with the acid descriptor
Weasel: +1 (or +2?) bonus on ranged touch attacks
How does all that sound? Let the critiques begin!
That's actually pretty damn good. I think that it gives a good route to specializing in certain types of spells, and also lets a familiar be a little more useful.
Also, you might consider the Improved Familiar feat. Get a cooler, more useful familiar with just the feat choice.
Your suggestions all sound great.
Btw, the feat thing was referring to that other thread about familiars. It may have been Robert Head who said he thought that having a familiar should entail taking a feat. Then again, it may have been Marc Chin. Then again, it may have been Chris Wissel.
Any familiar that boosts name memory?
I just saw your other thread. Try this link to get back:
http://paizo.com/dungeon/messageboards/dnd/general/betterFamiliars