The Dark Side of Familiars in Dungeons

As a wizard, having a familiar by your side can be a powerful tool to scout ahead, gather information, and even aid in combat. However, many players often overlook the risks associated with using these magical companions. In this article, we'll delve into the dangers that lurk in the shadows, making familiars a less-than-reliable get-out-of-jail-free card.

Firstly, it's essential to remember that Find Familiar requires costly material components, which can be a significant investment for any party. Unfortunately, the predator may not leave behind a body, leaving no physical evidence of the attack. A good survival skill check might reveal some signs of the attack, but this is no guarantee.

Using a familiar to scout ahead or perform the Help action are excellent uses, but they're far from risk-free. There's always a chance that the familiar will be killed scouting, rendering it unavailable for combat. As DM, you can simply roll a die and inform the wizard that their familiar has met its demise. This harsh reality might not be palatable to players, but it's crucial to set expectations.

Familiars are small, vulnerable creatures, making them easy prey for other animals in the dungeon. Cats, dogs, and other flying predators see them as a snack rather than a threat. Additionally, most AoE spells or traps will instantly kill a familiar, regardless of their ability to pass a save. This can be an opportunity for players to learn from their mistakes.

Summoning another familiar takes time – at least an hour – and if the current one sets off a trap, it's unlikely to survive. While familiars can communicate telepathically with their wizards, they're not intelligent creatures, providing only approximate descriptions of what they see. Even then, they won't understand why they were sent in the first place.

If the party gets attacked while scouting with their familiar, the wizard will remain oblivious until they take damage or are shoved by a party member. To gain insight into what the familiar sees, players must spend an action to use its senses, leaving them blind and deaf during that time.

In my experience, the most common usage of familiars is with owls using their flyby feature to grant advantage on attacks against creatures. Overall, I have few issues with either DMing or using familiars, but it's essential to set realistic expectations for players. With caution and awareness of the risks, familiars can be a powerful tool in any wizard's arsenal.

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