We are, obviously, going to have new familiars (unfortunately this will apply to everyone, so I would suggest not getting too attached to your current one).
I'd also like to rebalance them somewhat, keeping them fragile and there being an XP penalty, but less fragile, and capable of each casting one spell a day.
What I have so far is this:
Quote1 Snake (TN) - No casting/Moderate Stealth/good combat (Poisoned Bite)
2 Raven (LN) - Cast Intelligence/No Stealth/No combat
3 Seagull (CN) - Cast Constitution/No stealth/Moderate combat (pecking power, durable)
4 Floating Skull (NE) - Cast Neg Energy Rays/low Stealth/Moderate Combat
5 Rat (TN) - Cast Dexterity/good stealth/no combat (diseased bite)
6 Bat (TN) - Cast Wisdom/good stealth/moderate combat (howls)
7 Eyeball (CE) - Cast Protection from Good/moderate stealth/moderate combat (eye rays)
8 Imp (LE) - Cast endure elemnts/moderate stealth/moderate combat (poisoned claws)
9 Sparkling Light (LG) - Cast Healing/No Stealth/Moderate combat (divine damage)
10 Pixie (CG) - Cast Invisibility/Good Stealth/No combat
11 Parrot (TN) - cast eagle's splendor/no stealth/no combat
But before I went ahead and started the tedious process of making them, I thought I'd check in to see if anyone had any better suggestions or comments.
Additionally, if someone wants to actually solidly commit to spend several hours in the toolset making the familiars (I can tell you what exactly to do, it is just kind of tedious) let me know on IRC, it would certainly be appreciated.
I really like these, especially the parrot. However, I think you should give the parrot a wee bit more credit! I mean, have you ever seen the size of the beak on one of those beasties? Very good-sized, let me tell you. Stealth no, they're very brightly-colored, but definitely give it some combat. Moderate, I would say.
Eh?
I know this is for familiars, but I was just about to post the suggestion that tigers be one of the available animal companions, saw this thread, and figured I'd avoid spamming different topics when one would do.
A quick recommendation:
Shark- No spells, Water only (Dies if spawned on land), Good combat
Id love to see use of water.
I'd like to just say that the "stronger" companion ideas ought to be for animal companions, as the wizard and sorcerer familiars have always been more of a role playing tool.
Sharks as animal companions!
My only concern is Pixie! A fully intelligent, personalitied fairy as a familiar doesn't fit quite rightly into that list for me.
Floating Skulls as familiars = Morte...? :D
Quote from: Hammerfist0;86020Shark- No spells, Water only (Dies if spawned on land), Good combat
good idea.
Monkey - No spells, moderate combat (ranged - throwing)
Seagull - poor combat
In one server where i play are kobolds/goblins as familiars... :-)
Ravens are stealthy! And at night you never see them
I agree with Nickless. I think the druid's wildshape raven should have better stealth as well... but maybe that isn't for this thread, hm?
Edit:
Frogs would be nice as well, if they could be implemented.
I'd suggest an electric eel type of monster. Casts geedlees electric loop, does no physical damage but does some electrical damage, medium AC, electrical resistant, low HP.
I quite like this set up.. And I agree on the Druid Animal Companions posts, as well as the familiar ideas! I really like that floating skull! =]
I'mma so roll one of those >_>
Suggestions, however... I could say; Turtle, great AC, low strength, casts mage armour on self once/day [shrugs]
Tropical island stuff, for the win! =D
Guys, suggesting monsters with models that do not exist in NWN is not very helpful.
I would like to see cats still continued. Like a jaguar or leopard, perhaps?
Also, maybe the "Blink Dog" look could be used for a dingo.
That would keep both the cat people and dog people happy.
Er- are there any turtle models in NwN? >_>
To find out which models are available IG, open your toolset, choose the option to create a creature, then look at all the appearances.
I've seen the new ability to resize a monster used a good deal, both in EfU:A and Arabel, and it gives me an idea. You know them dire deep frogs we always used to run from? (or tame and rule the world with, if we were druids ;) well, scale them down a hair, and you've got yourself a frog familiar. Not sure what it's powers'd be though...
Brainstorm people!
The hypnotoad as a familiar.
I don't think a dingo would be appropriate. As far as I am aware, the Archipelago is not Australia
QuoteI don't think a dingo would be appropriate. As far as I am aware, the Archipelago is not Australia
You've GOT to be kidding? Like any other Earth-based word used to describe an object or being on Faerun makes any more sense??? It certainly never stopped Gary Gygax from taking liberties with most aspects of druids, including the name. (I.e., given your logic, I could argue that druids should not be allowed as a class, because, as far as I'm aware, the Archipelago is not England.)
The Archipelago, being an exotic setting, could certainly use fauna that have exotic names.
You are putting words into my mouth. My logic is simple, Australian animals should be avoided in the Forgotten Realms setting, there are far more desirable animals that I feel fit the theme of the island better. Just because the Archpeliago is exotic, does not mean every 'exotic' animal would be appropriate for it, lest we have an island full of monkeys, kangaroos, meerkats, giraffes, elephants, sea lions and polar bears.
We're not talking about 'every' exotic animal, we're talking about a couple for familiars. In your list, by the way, there's nothing wrong with monkeys, kangaroos or sea lions, were NWN to have them in the toolset. Elephants and giraffes would only be problematic due to the area they would need to graze, while meerkats and polar bears are entirely different climates.
Rather than criticizing my suggestion, how about offering a better alternative? Ravens are hardly better suited on the islands, since they are a Northern Hemisphere creature. Any ideas on something that would give the islands some flavor? The Underdark was full of flora and fauna unique to the setting.
I'm not a very immersive player to begin with, but sharing a discussion with a friend over the "dingo" suggestion led us both to agree with Nickless. However! I like the idea of the blink dog, and would eagerly recommend that.
Quote from: Nickless;86562polar bears.
If you've seen Lost, it's not so out of place as you'd expect!
Another few ideas off the top of my head: Krenshar, Deer, swarm of bees?