Do familiars count for flanking?

Do Familiars Count for Flanking?

When it comes to flanking in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), players often wonder if their familiars can be considered when setting up a flank. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of familiars and explore whether they indeed count for flanking.

Direct Answer

Yes, familiars can count for flanking. According to the official D&D 5th Edition rules, a creature and at least one of its allies must be adjacent to an enemy and on opposite sides of the enemy’s space to flank. Familiars, being creatures under the control of their master, can indeed be considered as allies and therefore, can count towards setting up a flank.

Key Points to Consider

• Familiars are creatures: Familiars are creatures under the control of their master, making them eligible to be considered as allies for the purpose of flanking.
• Familiars can take actions independently: Familiars can take their own actions, including attacking, casting spells, and moving, which means they can contribute to setting up a flank.
• Familiars can provide advantage: When a creature is flanked, they gain advantage on attack rolls against that enemy. Familiars, as allies, can provide this advantage, making them valuable additions to a flanking maneuver.

Types of Familiars

• Animal familiars: Animal familiars, such as owls or spiders, can be considered as allies for the purpose of flanking. These familiars are bound to their master and can take actions independently.
• Spiritual familiars: Spiritual familiars, such as ghosts or specters, are also eligible to be considered as allies for flanking. These familiars are bound to their master and can take actions independently.

Rules for Flanking

• Creatures must be adjacent: Creatures must be adjacent to the enemy and on opposite sides of the enemy’s space to flank.
• At least one ally must be present: At least one ally, including a familiar, must be present to flank an enemy.
• Enemies can be flanked: Enemies can be flanked, but they do not gain advantage on attack rolls against the flanking creature.

Example Scenarios

Conclusion

In conclusion, familiars can indeed count for flanking in D&D. As creatures under the control of their master, they can take actions independently and provide advantage when setting up a flank. By understanding the rules for flanking and the capabilities of familiars, players can create effective and strategic combat scenarios.