What Happens to a Familiar When a Wizard Dies Pathfinder?
In the world of Pathfinder, familiars are magical beings that are bound to a wizard, serving as companions, allies, and occasionally even teachers. When a wizard dies, the fate of their familiar is a critical question that has puzzled players and game masters alike. In this article, we will delve into the details of what happens to a familiar when a wizard dies, exploring the various mechanics, rules, and considerations involved.
Familiar Options
Before we dive into the specifics of what happens to a familiar when a wizard dies, it is essential to understand the concept of familiars and their relationship with wizards. In Pathfinder, a wizard can choose to have a familiar, which is an animal that serves as their magical companion. The process of obtaining a familiar typically involves a ritual, after which the wizard and the familiar form a bond, allowing them to communicate with each other and share their magical abilities.
Instantaneous Effect
When a wizard dies, their familiar is immediately affected. The Familiar class feature states that when a wizard’s familiar is lost or dies, it can be replaced 1 week later through a specialized ritual that costs 200 gp per wizard level. This instant effect means that the wizard’s familiar is no longer present, and the ritual process is necessary to restore its existence.
Recovering the Familiar
In the case of a wizard’s death, the process of recovering the familiar becomes crucial. The ritual process, as mentioned earlier, involves a 1-week waiting period and costs 200 gp per wizard level. This may seem like a significant delay, but it allows for the wizard’s familiar to recover and potentially even receive a new master.
Table: Familiar Recovery
| Wizard Level | Ritual Cost (gp) | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | 200 | 1 week |
| 6-10 | 400 | 1 week |
| 11-15 | 600 | 1 week |
| 16+ | 800 | 1 week |
As the wizard’s level increases, the ritual cost increases accordingly, but the waiting period remains the same. This allows for a predictable and manageable process for wizards to recover their familiars.
Communication
One of the most important aspects of a wizard-familiar relationship is communication. When a wizard dies, their familiar is no longer able to communicate with their former master. However, if the wizard’s legacy or reputation is strong, the familiar may still seek out a new master who can understand and appreciate their bond.
New Masters
In the event of a wizard’s death, their familiar may seek out a new master who shares similar magical abilities or ideologies. This can lead to interesting role-playing opportunities and new storylines, as the familiar navigates a new relationship with a different wizard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a wizard dies in Pathfinder, their familiar is immediately affected, and the process of recovering it involves a specialized ritual that costs 200 gp per wizard level and takes 1 week. The ritual allows for the wizard’s familiar to recover and potentially receive a new master, which can lead to new and exciting storylines. Whether you’re a player or a game master, understanding the fate of a familiar when a wizard dies can add depth and complexity to your Pathfinder campaign.