I understand that a level 1wizard (for sake of arguement) chooses if he wants a familiar or bonded object and this choice can never be changed. You can get a new familiar or bonded object of the other dies/is destroyed, but you if you had a familiar you can't change your mind and get a bonded object or vice versa.
I was wondering why that was made a rule? Is it a game balance thing or aesthetic choice?
A semi-official answer would be nice, but I'm interested in opinions also.
I would guess it was to prevent players from starting with a bonded item until they are high enough for improved familiar.
Or the other way round to prevent others from benefiting from a familiar until they are high enough to enchant their own bonded items.
But I could be wrong.
Or perhaps they are, simply, antithetical options. It makes rather a difference, don't you think, if you bond to a living creature or an inanimate object? An Arcane Bond is a potent thing, a shaping event; do you chose a tool or a partner?
It doesn't strike me as the sort of choice that can later be undone. While there may have been some concerns regarding vague issues of game balance, I suspect this has more to do with wizards' views on magic, and how those views inform their power.
>clinkclink<
(Coppers in the cup.)
Or perhaps they are, simply, antithetical options. It makes rather a difference, don't you think, if you bond to a living creature or an inanimate object? An Arcane Bond is a potent thing, a shaping event; do you chose a tool or a partner?
It doesn't strike me as the sort of choice that can later be undone. While there may have been some concerns regarding vague issues of game balance, I suspect this has more to do with wizards' views on magic, and how those views inform their power.
>clinkclink<
(Coppers in the cup.)
This may explain why I generally choose a bonded object.
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Well. If you chose bonded item. You can buy a pet.
If you chose familiar. You can have an item with great personal value. Something from your grandparents or crafted by yourself.
Personally I have taken familiar most of the time. Once you get the improved version it becomes really handy and an active part of combats.
It can deliver touch spells n' sh!t.
Heh. Forget touch spells. Six-question Commune once a week? THAT's worth a Feat!
My favorite improved familiar is an air elemental. Flyby attack is great if you have someone else trigger AOO's. also depending in race you can ride it. Its easiest with small races, but even medium races can get permanently reduced (item or permanency) and/or enlarge the elemental.