Mascot archetype for familiars (UW version)

[Bellona]

I have a question about the Mascot archetype for familiars (originally in Familiar Folio p. 11, re-printed with some changes in Ultimate Wilderness p. 211). One of my players chose it, but we can't quite figure out how it works in practice.

"Lucky Mascot: Whenever a mascot uses the aid another action to improve a team member’s attack roll or AC, that team member also gains a +1 luck bonus to AC for 1 round. ..."

Am I correct in thinking that this is the normal "melee attack" version of Aid Another (CRB p. 197)? If so, it sounds like it's best for familiars who are big enough to have some sort of fighting capability. Most familiars are so small that they have Reach 0' and therefore are not suited for melee combat.

I hope that someone can me interpret these game mechanics! :)

[Belafon]

It's any version of Aid Another that improves AC that the familiar is capable of using. Which yes, usually means the normal melee attack.

Bear in mind that any creature Tiny or smaller can enter (and share) the square of another creature. But entering does provoke an attack of opportunity. This is how tiny familiars deliver touch spells offensively. They can also make melee attacks in this way.

Many people would agree that most familiars are "not suited for melee combat" because of squishiness and downsides of their death. But it is an option for familiars of any size.