In D&D, the relationship between a wizard and their familiar is more than just companionship; it’s a magical bond that allows for some unique spellcasting dynamics. According to the core rules, there are two main ways a wizard can share spells with their familiar. Understanding these nuances can significantly enhance your gameplay and strategic options.
Sharing Spells Cast on Yourself
The first scenario involves spells that a wizard casts on themselves. The rules state that a wizard has the option to extend the effect of any spell they cast upon themselves to also affect their familiar. This is a powerful ability, but it comes with a crucial condition: proximity. For the familiar to benefit from the spell, it must be within 5 feet of the wizard at the moment the spell is cast.
Furthermore, if the spell has a duration beyond instantaneous, the familiar must remain within that 5-foot radius to continue benefiting. Should the familiar move further away, the spell’s effect on it ceases, even if it returns to the wizard’s side before the spell’s duration ends. This rule encourages close tactical play and positioning between the wizard and their familiar.
Casting “You” Spells on Your Familiar
The second method of spell sharing is more direct. A wizard can choose to cast a spell with a target of “You” directly onto their familiar instead of themselves. These are spells that normally would only target the caster. In this case, the spell is effectively transferred, becoming a touch range spell directed at the familiar.
Interestingly, spells cast in this manner do not require the familiar to stay within 5 feet of the wizard to maintain the effect. Once cast on the familiar, the spell’s effects remain regardless of the distance between the familiar and the wizard. This provides greater freedom of movement for the familiar while still benefiting from the spell.
Examples in Play: Expeditious Retreat and Dimension Door
Consider the spell Expeditious Retreat. It has a range of Personal and a target of You, granting increased movement speed. A wizard could cast this on themselves and, if their familiar is within 5 feet, the familiar would also become faster, as long as it stays close. Alternatively, the wizard could cast Expeditious Retreat directly on their familiar. In this case, the familiar gains the speed boost and is free to roam without staying close to the wizard.
Now, what about Dimension Door? The spell’s target is “You and touched objects or other touched willing creatures.” The rules interpretation here suggests that a familiar could be considered a “touched object” or “willing creature.” While the rules might be slightly ambiguous (RAW – Rules As Written), a reasonable ruling would be that the familiar counts as a touched recipient but does not count against the limit of additional creatures transported. For instance, a 6th-level wizard could potentially transport themselves, their familiar, and one other medium or smaller creature, provided everyone is in physical contact with each other, directly or indirectly.
Conclusion
Understanding how to spell familiar is just the first step; grasping the nuances of spell sharing is crucial for any wizard and familiar duo in D&D. By utilizing these rules effectively, players can enhance their magical strategies and maximize the synergistic potential of this unique bond. Whether it’s sharing spells cast on oneself or directly targeting the familiar with “You” spells, these options offer tactical flexibility and powerful advantages in your D&D adventures.
