What class can have a familiar 5e?

What Class Can Have a Familiar in 5E?

In the world of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) 5th edition, Wizards are often credited with the ability to have a familiar as a magical companion. However, as we delve deeper, we find that it’s not just the Wizard class that has this privilege. In this article, we will explore the different classes that can have a familiar, when, and why.

Wizards and Familiars

At 1st level, Warlocks can take the Find Familiar spell as a choice from their spellcasting abilities. This Pact of the Tome subclass allows Warlocks to bind to a spirit, which manifests as a normal creature. Familiars are meant to be a symbol of the Warlock’s power and connection to the mysteries of the universe.

Familiars for Non-Warlocks

So, what about the other classes in D&D? Bard and Sorcerers can also acquire a familiar in various ways. The Bardic Magic class feature, specifically "Master of Many Forms" (MMF), offers a temporary familiar form that provides advantages in combat. Meanwhile, some Sorcerer subclass spells enable the creation of temporary or semi-temporary familiars.

However, Rangers, although capable of having animal companions (Ranger Spells, "Wild Shape") don’t quite fit the definition of a Familiar. These animal companions aid Rangers in combat, whereas Familiars are magical entities tied to a class feature or spell.

How Classes Acquire Familiars

It’s essential to understand that acquiring a Familiar in D&D is often an elective choice or tied to class features. Some classes achieve this through spells or pact-writing, while others have more nuanced ties. Druids, known for their connection to nature, might seem like prime candidates for familiars. However, their wild shape allows them to take on animal forms only temporarily, which is dissimilar to a Warlock or bardic familiar.

Here’s an alphabetical breakdown of classes with familiars or similar features:

• Bard (Master of Many Forms, temporary familiar)
• New! Warlocks (Find Familiar, Pact of the Tome; 1st-level Warlocks)
• Sorcerer (specific Subclass spells)

Concordance Table: Classes & Familiars

Limitations & Variations

Some key questions remain: What types of creatures can serve as familiars? Are they strictly specific species or more versatile manifestations? In D&D 5th Edition, Celestials (Fiends and Fey have distinct, powerful connections but not quite identical to their D&D 3.5 iteration. In contrast, some other spellbooks, like those in Warhammer Fantasy RPG, permit certain magical entities as Familiars.

Keep in mind that each World and setting might have deviations in familiar appearances or capabilities. Additionally, GM authority grants the freedom to tailor familiars according to specific game balances, plot requirements, or desired level of complexity.

Conclusion & Tips

In summary, Familiars in D&D 5th edition might be associated with Wizards (most prominently Warlocks), but not exclusively so. Bards, Sorcerers, and occasionally (due to Subclass feature), can also create temporary/semi-temporary familiars. Familiar knowledge comes in many forms – familiarizing yourself with different class features and potential connections will greatly aid the creativity of your campaigns!

In planning, keep in mind that the relationship between the character and the Familiar should be an important aspect. Characters’ personalities, the familiar’s limitations, and the consequences of familiar’s binding are all aspects worth contemplating.

As with all parts of the game, a harmonious familiarity with your players’ and allies’ backstories can strengthen bonds on and off the battlefield.

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Best Regards!