New Familiars

[Howlando]

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:

1 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.

[dragonfire9000]

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?

[AKMatt]

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.

[Hammerfist0]

A quick recommendation:

Shark- No spells, Water only (Dies if spawned on land), Good combat

Id love to see use of water.

[Relinquish]

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.

[Mort]

Sharks as animal companions!

[SkillFocuspwn]

My only concern is Pixie! A fully intelligent, personalitied fairy as a familiar doesn't fit quite rightly into that list for me.

[Skrillix]

Floating Skulls as familiars = Morte...? :D

[DenGrasse]

Shark- 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... :-)

[Nickless]

Ravens are stealthy! And at night you never see them

[The Crimson Magician]

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.

[Efu_Executioner]

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.

[Echigo]

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

[Howlando]

Guys, suggesting monsters with models that do not exist in NWN is not very helpful.

[JackOfSwords]

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.