Familiar

a lexica entry by Asazoh Feuergeist

Alternate Names: Familiar Spirits, Animal Guides

Familiars are demonic entities that are often seen at the sides of witches and warlocks, supposedly to assist and support them. Considering their connection to certain people, families, and places and the fact that they are bound to such, they do remind of the nature of Youkai. Though, a familiar doesn’t just settle down wherever to wait for opportunities. Most familiars are summoned, or, as some say, follow a call of a witch or warlock, and after this, it is believed that they are soul-bound.

General appearance
Ranging from common pets to exotic magical creatures and animals, Familiars can come in all forms. However, the probably most common ones are ravens, crows, felines, and canines. Not wanting to get their soul-bound partner into trouble, they would be capable of adjusting well to their environment. One would not spot a flamingo in the snow, and no snow owl in the tropical forest.

Given the variety of possible Familiars, there is no way to generalize any characteristics nor strengths and weaknesses. However, one can definitely note that Familiars are highly loyal beings, and once they decided to follow their call, they would do anything for their partner.

Abilities and Magic
Unfortunately, Familiars are not the most blessed within the fields of magic, though all of them have at least potential and, when taught, can follow and assist their witching partners. Depending on their form, a familiar might have a unique ability, too. So could a fox easily tell a lie from truth, and a snake could poison and cloud a victim’s mind with doubt.

One ability most Familiars seem to share is mind-reading and telepathy when not too far away from their witch or warlock. Furthermore, some Familiars appear to be capable of merging with either the light or the shadows for a short period of time, to be able to move around faster, abusing a parallel dimension. This trait usually turns them into perfect spies and informants for their partners.