Familiars
A comprehensive master list of official D&D 3.5 familiars, improved options, familiar feats, prestige classes, and native 1st-level extraplanar fauna tailored for the Planesmarches campaign.
Planesmarches Campaign Rules Note: All 1st-level arcane spellcasters (Wizards, Sorcerers, Hexblades, or characters with the Obtain Familiar feat) may choose any standard animal OR any creature from the 1st-Level Planar Familiars list below at character creation without requiring the Improved Familiar feat. Options listed under Improved Familiars still require the feat and specified minimum Caster Level.
1. 1st-Level Planar Familiars (No Feat Required)
These native extraplanar creatures are available to characters in Planesmarchs.
Sigil & The Outlands (The Center)
|
Creature Name |
Plane of Origin |
Source / Ref |
Master Special Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Acolyte Pigeon |
Sigil (Hive District) |
Dragon #323 / Planar HB |
+3 on Sense Motive checks |
Ubiquitous in Sigil’s alleyways. Bred to navigate inter-dimensional portal networks instinctively without losing direction. |
|
Outlands Marmot |
The Outlands |
Dragon #328 |
+2 on Fortitude saves |
A hardy burrowing rodent from the Ringed Mountains encircling the Spire, adapted to survive in fluctuating magic zones. |
Upper Planes (Good Alignment Planes)
|
Creature Name |
Plane of Origin |
Source / Ref |
Master Special Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arboreal Squirrel |
Ysgard / Arborea |
Dragon #323 |
+3 on Climb checks |
Vibrant fey-touched squirrel with a shimmering tail that leaps through the untamed ancient forests of Arborea. |
|
Mount Celestia Dove |
Mount Celestia |
Frostburn / Dragon #323 |
+3 on Diplomacy checks |
Pure white songbird native to the slope of Solania whose soothing coo calms frayed nerves in planar taverns. |
|
Golden Otter |
Elysium / Beastlands |
Stormwrack |
+3 on Swim checks |
A sleek, playful mammal native to the serene waters of the River Oceanus as it flows through Elysium. |
Lower Planes (Evil Alignment Planes)
|
Creature Name |
Plane of Origin |
Source / Ref |
Master Special Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Styx Viper |
River Styx / Hades |
MM I / Stormwrack |
+3 on Bluff checks |
Pale, blind water-serpent accustomed to hunting along the memory-draining shorelines of the Styx. |
|
Gehenna Scavenger Beetle |
Gehenna / Carceri |
Fiend Folio |
+3 on Search checks |
An obsidian-shelled insect that feeds on sulfurous volcanic ash along the slopes of Mungoth. |
|
Grave Rat (Acholichi) |
Abyss / Hades |
Dragon #336 |
+2 Fort saves vs disease/poison |
Scruffy, red-eyed rats that nest near planar portals leading to the Necropolis of Minethys. |
Lawful & Chaotic Planes
|
Creature Name |
Plane of Origin |
Source / Ref |
Master Special Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Clockwork Gear-Beetle |
Mechanus |
Dragon #321 |
+3 on Disable Device |
Tiny metallic insect that lives among the cogs of Mechanus, polishing gear teeth. |
|
Pandemonium Howling Bat |
Pandemonium |
MM I / Dragon #323 |
+3 on Listen checks, immune to deafening wind |
Echolocating bat with thick ear-flaps that adapt to the roaring winds of Phlegethon. |
|
Limbo Chaos-Toad |
Limbo |
Planar HB |
+3 Hit Points, +1 CL to affect Chaos/Raw Matter |
Amphibian whose skin color morphs randomly every 1d4 rounds based on surrounding elemental flux. |
|
Iron-Beak Magpie |
Acheron |
MM I / Dragon #323 |
+3 on Appraise checks |
Bird with reinforced beak tips that feeds on rust parasites across the floating iron cubes of Ocanthus. |
Inner & Elemental Planes
|
Creature Name |
Plane of Origin |
Source / Ref |
Master Special Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ember-Cricket |
Elemental Plane of Fire |
Sandstorm |
Fire Resistance 2 |
Tiny glowing insect from the City of Brass that chirps in rhythm with open flames. |
|
Breeze-Hawk |
Elemental Plane of Air |
Stormwrack |
+3 on Spot checks in bright light |
Feathered flyer that never lands, riding thermal currents in the endless sky. |
|
Gravel-Gecko |
Elemental Plane of Earth |
Races of Stone |
+3 Climb |
Camouflaged lizard with stony scales that clings to cavern roofs in Elemental Earth. |
|
Brine Crab |
Elemental Plane of Water |
Stormwrack |
+3 Swim |
Translucent aquatic crustacean that scavenges the reef-borders of the Water Plane. |
|
Spark-Mouse |
Positive Energy Plane |
Dragon #323 |
+4 on Initiative checks |
Hyperactive rodent with glowing fur that produces static pops when petted. |
|
Umbral Lizard |
Negative Energy / Shadow |
Tome of Magic |
+3 on Hide in shadows |
Dark-skinned reptile that absorbs ambient light around it in dim alleyways. |
Transitive Planes (Astral & Ethereal)
|
Creature Name |
Plane of Origin |
Source / Ref |
Master Special Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Silver-Furred Weasel |
Astral Plane |
Planar HB |
+2 Reflex saves |
Weightless-adapted mammal that pushes off astral color pools to dart through zero gravity. |
|
Phase-Spiderling (Infant) |
Ethereal Plane |
MM I |
+3 on Concentration checks |
Tiny, harmless spiderling that flickers visually as it touches the border Ethereal. |
Prime Material Familiars
|
Creature |
Plane of Origin |
Source |
Master Special Ability / Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bat |
Prime Material |
Player’s Handbook |
Master gains +3 on Listen checks |
|
|
Cat |
Prime Material |
Player’s Handbook |
Master gains +3 on Move Silently checks |
|
|
Hawk |
Prime Material |
Player’s Handbook |
Master gains +3 on Spot checks in bright light |
|
|
Lizard |
Prime Material |
Player’s Handbook |
Master gains +3 on Climb checks |
|
|
Owl |
Prime Material |
Player’s Handbook |
Master gains +3 on Spot checks in shadows/dim light |
|
|
Rat |
Prime Material |
Player’s Handbook |
Master gains +2 on Fortitude saves |
|
|
Raven |
Prime Material |
Player’s Handbook |
Speaks one language; Master gains +3 on Appraise checks |
|
|
Snake (Viper, Tiny) |
Prime Material |
Player’s Handbook |
Master gains +3 on Bluff checks |
|
|
Toad |
Prime Material |
Player’s Handbook |
Master gains +3 hit points |
|
|
Weasel |
Prime Material |
Player me Handbook |
Master gains +2 on Reflex saves |
|
|
Desmodu Bat (Hunting/Guard/Latch) |
Prime Material |
Monster Manual II |
Master gains +3 on Listen checks |
|
|
Hummingbird |
Prime Material |
Dragon Magazine #323 |
Master gains +4 initiative bonus |
|
|
Thrush |
Prime Material |
Frostburn |
Speaks one language; Master gains +3 on Diplomacy checks |
|
|
Fox |
Prime Material |
Dragon Magazine #323 |
Master gains +3 on Reflex saves |
|
|
Ferret |
Prime Material |
Sword and Fist / Dragon #323 |
Master gains +2 on Reflex saves or +3 on Sleight of Hand |
|
|
Sea Snake |
Prime Material |
Stormwrack |
Master gains +3 on Swim checks |
|
|
Penguin |
Prime Material |
Frostburn |
Master gains +3 on Swim checks |
Familiars for Tiny or Smaller Masters
|
Creature |
Plane of Origin |
Source |
Master Special Ability / Benefit |
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Screech Owl |
Prime Material |
DMG |
Master gains +3 on Spot checks in dim light |
|
|
Hedgehog |
Prime Material |
DMG |
Master gains +1 Natural Armor bonus |
|
|
Ferret |
Prime Material |
DMG |
Master gains a +2 bonus on Reflex saves |
|
|
Thrush |
Prime Material |
DMG |
Speaks one language |
|
|
Mouse |
Prime Material |
DMG |
Master gains a +2 bonus on Move Silently checks |
|
|
Toad (Pygmy) |
Prime Material |
Tome and Blood |
Master gains +3 hit points |
|
|
Hairy Spider |
Prime Material |
Dragon #323 |
Master gains +3 on Climb checks |
|
|
Scorpion (Tiny/Fine) |
Prime Material |
Dragon #323 |
Master gains +3 on Hide checks |
|
|
Firefly / Glowworm |
Prime Material |
Dragon #323 |
Master gains +2 on Spot checks; emits dim light in 5ft |
3. Improved Familiars (Feat: Improved Familiar)
The Improved Familiar feat (Dungeon Master’s Guide, p. 200 & supplements) expands choices based on alignment and caster level. These are particularly fitting for a Planescape setting given their outsider/planar natures.
Arcane Caster Level 3+
- Celestial Hawk / Owl / Cat / Rat (DMG / Planar) – Good
- Fiendish Bat / Cat / Rat / Raven (DMG / Planar) – Evil
- Stirge (DMG) – Neutral
- Homunculus (Planar Handbook)
- Krenshar (Complete Warrior) – Neutral +3 BAB
- Worg (Complete Warrior) – Neutral Evil +3 BAB
Arcane Caster Level 5+
- Shocker Lizard (DMG) – Neutral
- Blink Dog (Complete Arcane) – Lawful Good +5 BAB
- Hell Hound (Complete Arcane) – Lawful Evil +5 BAB
- Howler Hound (Pup) (Planar Handbook) – Chaotic Evil
- Winter Wolf (Pup) (Complete Arcane) – Neutral Evil
- Air / Earth / Fire / Water Elemental (Small) (DMG) – Neutral
- Shadow Mastiff (Complete Arcane) – Neutral Evil
Arcane Caster Level 7+
- Imp (DMG) – Lawful Evil
- Quasit (DMG) – Chaotic Evil
- Pseudodragon (DMG) – Neutral Good
- Formian Worker (Planar Handbook) – Lawful Neutral
- Faerie Dragon (Draconomicon) – Chaotic Good
- Couatl (Xiuhcouatl/Small) (Serpent Kingdoms) – Lawful Good
- Mephit (Any: Air, Dust, Fire, Ice, Magma, Ooze, Salt, Steam, Void) (DMG / Planar Handbook) – Neutral
- Lantern Archon (Planar Handbook) – Lawful Good
- Musteval Guardinal (Book of Exalted Deeds / Planar Handbook) – Neutral Good
- Coure Eladrin (Book of Exalted Deeds / Planar Handbook) – Chaotic Good
- Slaymate (Libris Mortis) – Neutral Evil (Boosts Necromancy metamagic)
- Vargouille (Planar Handbook) – Chaotic Evil
- Hippogriff (Complete Warrior) – Neutral +7 BAB
- Howler (Complete Warrior) – Chaotic evil +7 BAB
- Winter wolf (Complete Warrior) – Neutral evil +7 BAB
4. Planar & Exotic Familiars (Planescape Specific)
For a Planesmarches / Sigil-centered campaign, these specific Planar feats and familiar options are thematic additions:
- Planar Familiar Feat (Planar Handbook, p. 41):
- Allows casting planar templates onto base familiars (Celestial, Fiendish, Axiomatic, Anarchic).
- Grants access to planar-native creatures like Lantern Archons, Coure Eladrins, Mustevals, Formian Workers, and Spit Imps.
- Dragon Familiar (Draconomicon):
- Grants Wyrmling dragons (White, Black, Green, Brass, Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc.) as familiars at higher caster levels (CL 9+ to 12+).
- Undead Familiar (Libris Mortis / Dragon #304):
- Grants skeletal or zombified familiars or necromantic constructs.
- Construct / Homunculus Familiars:
- Dedicated Wright, Iron Companion, Packmate, Craft Homunculus (Eberron Campaign Setting / Magic of Eberron).
5. Key Feats That Modify or Enhance Familiars
- Obtain Familiar (Complete Arcane): Allows non-Wizard/Sorcerer arcana classes (like Bards, Warlocks, Duskblades, or Hexblades) to gain a familiar that scales with total Caster Level.
- Improved Familiar (DMG / Complete Arcane): Unlocks magical, outsider, and monster familiars.
- Planar Familiar (Planar Handbook): Gain extraplanar alignment-based familiars natively suited for Sigil and the Outer Planes.
- Celestial / Fiendish / Anarchic / Axiomatic Familiar (Planar Handbook): Applies alignment planar templates to standard animals.
- Combat Familiar (Player’s Handbook II): Allows your familiar to deliver touch spells without provoking attacks of opportunity and grant flanking.
- Spell-Linked Familiar (Player’s Handbook II): Allows familiar and master to share spell slots and cast spells through one another up to 30 ft away.
- Familiar Pocket (Complete Arcane): Creates an extra-dimensional space on your person where your familiar can shelter safely from area-of-effect spells.
- Token Familiar (Dragon #323): Allows compressing a familiar into a tiny statuette/token for safe transport.
6. Prestige Classes with Familiar Synergy
- Alienist (Complete Arcane): Transforms familiar into a Pseudonatural creature (Far Realm flavor).
- Fleshwarper (Lords of Madness): Grants the Secret of the Flesh, grafting aberration traits and mutations onto the familiar.
- Arcane Hierophant (Complete Divine): Merges the Druid’s Animal Companion and Wizard’s Familiar into a single Companion Familiar.
- Mage of the Arcane Order (Complete Arcane): Retains full familiar progression alongside Spellpool access.
- Ultimate Magus (Complete Arcane): Advances familiar abilities alongside dual spontaneous/prepared caster progression.
- Shadowcaster / Shadowsmith (Tome of Magic): Replaces or enhances familiars with Shadow/Umbral templates or Shadow Creatures.
Here is an expanded catalog of creatures sourced across 3.5 Monster Manuals (I–V), Fiend Folio, Planar Handbook, Sandstorm/Frostburn/Stormwrack, and notable Dragon Magazine issues.
These options are specifically curated for a Sigil/Planescape setting, filtering for Tiny-to-Small creatures that fit the flavor of the Outer Planes, the Astral, Sigil’s alleyways, and the elemental borderlands.
7. Planescape Classic & Sigil Street Fauna
These choices capture the gritty, urban planar vibe of Sigil, the Hive District, and the Outlands.
Cranium Rats: Sigil’s hive-mind pests. Source: Forgotten Realms Wiki – Fandom
| Creature | Book / Source | Requirements | Master Benefit / Special Abilities |
| Cranium Rat (Lesser) | Fiend Folio / Dragon #337 | Base or CL 3rd | Master gains +2 on Concentration checks; telepathic link with master up to 1 mile. |
| Acholichi (Grave Rat) | Dragon #336 | Base (Evil) | Master gains +2 on saves against death effects. |
| Tressym (Winged Cat) | Lost Empires of Faerûn | Improved (CL 3rd) | Master gains +3 on Spot checks; immune to poison, detects invisible objects/creatures within 30 ft. |
| Jarglost (Outlands Burrower) | Dragon #328 | Base | Master gains +3 on Survival checks made on the Neutral Planes. |
| Sigil Alley Prowler (Cat Variant) | Planar Handbook | Base | Master gains +3 on Move Silently checks and ignores terrain penalties from Sigil debris. |
8. Lower Planes & Fiendish Options (Evil / Neutral)
Suited for Blood War scouts, Yugoloth contractors, and mages navigating Hades, Gehenna, the Baatorian Hell, or the Abyss.
| Creature | Book / Source | Requirements | Master Benefit / Special Abilities |
| Spit Imp | Planar Handbook | Improved (CL 7th, LE) | Ranged touch acid spit attack; Master gains Fire Resistance 5. |
| Abyssal Maw (Miniature) | Monster Manual II | Improved (CL 5th, CE) | Bite inflicts ongoing rend damage; Master gains +2 on Intimidate checks. |
| Abyssal Lurker (Tiny) | Fiend Folio | Improved (CL 3rd, NE) | Darkvision 60 ft, blend into shadows (+8 Hide in darkness). |
| Hellhound Pup | Planar Handbook | Improved (CL 5th, LE) | Breath weapon (1d6 fire, 30 ft cone); tracking by scent. |
| Ashen Husk (Tiny) | Sandstorm | Improved (CL 3rd, Evil) | Master gains +2 on Fortitude saves against dehydration and ambient heat. |
| Bone Rat | Libris Mortis | Improved (CL 3rd, Evil) | Undead traits; immune to cold and mind-affecting effects. |
9. Upper Planes & Celestial Options (Good)
Ideal for petitioners, Sigil harmonizers, or arcanists affiliated with the Sons of Mercy or Mount Celestia.
| Creature | Book / Source | Requirements | Master Benefit / Special Abilities |
| Lantern Archon | Planar Handbook | Improved (CL 7th, LG) | Light rays (bypass DR), constant Aura of Menace, Teleport (self only). |
| Musteval Guardinal | Book of Exalted Deeds | Improved (CL 7th, NG) | Invisibility at will (self), +4 bonus on Hide/Move Silently; Master gains +2 on Reflex saves. |
| Coure Eladrin | Planar Handbook | Improved (CL 7th, CG) | Incorporeal orb form at will, casts Dancing Lights and Detect Magic. |
| Celestial Firebird (Tiny) | Dragon #322 | Improved (CL 3rd, Good) | Radiates light as a torch; Master gains Fire Resistance 5. |
| Moon Dog Pup | Monster Manual III | Improved (CL 7th, NG) | Bark panics evil extraplanar creatures; Master gains +2 on Listen checks. |
10. Lawful / Chaotic Planes (Axiomatic & Anarchic)
Perfect for Mechanus, Acheron, Limbo, or Pandemonium explorers.
| Creature | Book / Source | Requirements | Master Benefit / Special Abilities |
| Formian Worker | Planar Handbook | Improved (CL 3rd, LN) | Hive mind empathy; Master gains +2 on Craft checks and immune to poison. |
| Chaos Imp | Monster Manual IV | Improved (CL 7th, CN) | Confusing touch attack; Master gains +2 on Wild Surge or Random Table rolls. |
| Slaad Tadpole | Monster Manual | Improved (CL 5th, CN) | Inflicts disease on bite; evolves if released on Limbo. |
| Clockwork Beetle / Homunculus | Monster Manual IV/ MM V | Improved (CL 3rd, Any) | Immune to mind-affecting effects, poison, and fatigue. |
11. Elemental & Boundary Planes (Inner Planes)
For mages specializing in Elemental Earth, Air, Fire, Water, or the Energy Planes (Positive/Negative).
| Creature | Book / Source | Requirements | Master Benefit / Special Abilities |
| Mephit (Air, Dust, Fire, Ice, Magma, Mephitic, Salt, Steam) | DMG / Planar Handbook | Improved (CL 7th, Neutral) | Breath weapon, fast healing in native element, specific spell-like abilities. |
| Gruaghlothor (Tiny Earth Elemental) | Monster Manual IV | Improved (CL 3rd, N) | Earthglide; Master gains +2 on Balance/Stability checks. |
| Emberling (Fire Sprite) | Dragon #347 | Improved (CL 3rd, N) | Ignites flammable materials on touch; Master gains +1 caster level on Fire spells. |
| Ice Serpent (Tiny) | Frostburn | Improved (CL 5th, N) | Cold aura (1d4 cold damage to adjacent foes); Master gains Cold Resistance 5. |
| Spark Fox | Dragon #323 | Improved (CL 3rd, N) | Shocking touch attack; Master gains Electricity Resistance 5. |
12. Exotic, Far Realm & Transitive Planes (Astral / Ethereal / Shadow)
Tressym: Winged magical feline companion. Source: Forgotten Realms Wiki – Fandom
| Creature | Book / Source | Requirements | Master Benefit / Special Abilities |
| Ethereal Filcher (Tiny) | Monster Manual | Improved (CL 5th, N) | Ethereal Jaunt at will; stealing touch attack. |
| Astral Maggot | Fiend Folio | Improved (CL 3rd, N) | Detects silver cords and portals within 60 ft; Master gains +2 on Search checks. |
| Thought Eater | Monster Manual | Improved (CL 7th, N) | Eats power points/spell slots; moves ethereally. |
| Shadow Asp | Fiend Folio | Improved (CL 5th, NE) | Poison deals Strength damage; hides in shadows effortlessly (+12 Hide). |
| Kaorti Parasite / Pseudonatural Toad | Lords of Madness | Improved (CL 5th, Any) | True Strike 1/day, Acid Resistance 10, tentacle attacks. |