What do you think of a new spell on the wizard or sorcerer list that would poly-morph their familiar into the shape of a different familiar? You would not only get the use of the familiars new form but also gain the associated special ability of that familiar as well? 1st level spell?
I think the level of the spell should be dependent on the duration of the spell. This one spell would give so many options: +2 to any save, +4 initiative, +3 to most skill checks, +3 HP, +1 natural armor(stacks with mage armor).
If it was min/level: I would say level 1
10min/level: Could go either way, I would lean towards level 2
Hour/level: I would suggest level 2, just for the sheer flexibility of the spell
Ok, so this is what I've come up with.
Familiar Shift
School transmutation; Level sorcerer/wizard 1, witch 1
CASTING
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
EFFECT
Range personal and your familiar
Target you/your familiar
Duration 1 minute/level
This spell allows you to change your familiar into a different kind of animal. The new form must be allowed as a familiar, and once the spell takes effect, your familiar gains all the physical abilities of the new form including physical characteristics and abilities, but mental characteristics, feats and personality remain unchanged. As a result of this transformation,and while the spell is in effect, the caster gains the special ability that is associated with the familiars new shape but loses the special ability that was associated with the old. (For example, wizards who turn their foxes into cats would lose their +2 bonus on Reflex saves and gain a +3 bonus on Stealth checks.)
Does it work with improved familiars too?
I thought about that. Don't think it quite fits though. Maybe a 2nd or 3rd level spell that allows you to turn a regular familiar into an improved one?