Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond. Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ thisFAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
I am a lvl 2 human fighter and i am wondering if i can have a pseudodragon as a familiar (i want to use him as a scout) without multi classing.
Familiar. The pseudodragon can serve another creature as a familiar, forming a magic, telepathic bond with that willing companion. While the two are bonded, the companion can sense what the pseudodragon senses as long as they are within 1 mile of each other. While the pseudodragon is within 10 feet of its companion, the companion shares the pseudodragon’s Magic Resistance trait. At any time and for any reason, the pseudodragon can end its service as a familiar, ending the telepathic bond.
Absolutely they can, but...
The Pseudodragon has to choose the PC, so A) you would have to find one, and B) you would have to probably roleplay for it so I hope your CHA is high
You would not gain any of the advantages that a spellcaster would have from a familiar summoned through the spell Find Familiar so, say the pseudodragon died (very likely because of such low HP) it would just be dead, you couldn’t “re-summon” it. You couldn’t “command” the Pseudodragon to do anything, but you could ask. It will always have its own initiative, basically it would be an NPC under the DM’s control that is extremely friendly to your character.
The only way RAW to get one is to multiclass 3 levels into warlock, since only pact of the chain warlocks get the pseudo dragon familiar option.
However, talk it over with your DM. Mention that you want one and why you think it'd be cool for your character. They might consider letting you have one down the road, maybe as a quest reward, maybe as a result in whatever research you might have to do in character to modify the Find Familiar ritual, or maybe you'll just come across a wounded baby pseudodragon in the wild and you can nurse it back to health.
Just because it's not RAW doesn't necessarily mean "no", it just means "talk to your DM about it"
Not quite true. The only way a player could get a Pseudodragon for their character all by themselves is to multiclass into Warlock. That is the option the player themself has to make it so. The DM is free to follow RAW for the Pseudodragon.
RAW, the DM could just decide that the party happens upon a Wild Pseudodragon and if the right RP and checks are made, they could also rule that the Pseudodragon decides to become any character’s familiar. That is still a RAW option, just one outside of the player’s control, and would not have the same benefits of a summoned familiar.
LanguagesUnderstands Common and Draconic but can't speak them
Challenge1/4 (50 XP)
Keen Senses. The pseudodragon has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight, hearing, or smell.
Magic Resistance. The pseudodragon has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Limited Telepathy. The pseudodragon can magically communicate simple ideas, emotions, and images telepathically with any creature within 100 feet of it that can understand a language.
Familiar. The pseudodragon can serve another creature as a familiar, forming a magic, telepathic bond with that willing companion. While the two are bonded, the companion can sense what the pseudodragon senses as long as they are within 1 mile of each other. While the pseudodragon is within 10 feet of its companion, the companion shares the pseudodragon’s Magic Resistance trait. At any time and for any reason, the pseudodragon can end its service as a familiar, ending the telepathic bond.
Actions
Bite.Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Sting.Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 hour. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target falls unconscious for the same duration, or until it takes damage or another creature uses an action to shake it awake.
The elusive pseudodragon dwells in the quiet places of the world, making its home in the hollows of trees and small caves. With its red-brown scales, horns, and a maw filled with sharp teeth, a pseudodragon resembles a tiny red dragon but its disposition is playful.
Quiet and Defensive. Pseudodragons have little interest in other creatures, and they avoid them whenever possible. If it is attacked, a pseudodragon fights back using the poisonous stinger at the tip of its tail, one jab of which can put a creature into a catatonic state that can last for hours.
Draconic Familiars. Mages often seek out pseudodragons, whose agreeable disposition, telepathic ability, and resistance to magic make them superior familiars. Pseudodragons are selective when it comes to choosing companions, but they can sometimes be won over with gifts of food or treasure. When a pseudodragon finds an agreeable companion, it bonds with that person as long as it is treated fairly. A pseudodragon puts up with no ill treatment, and it abandons a manipulative or abusive companion without warning.
Language of Emotion. Pseudodragons can’t speak, but they communicate using a limited form of telepathy that allows them to share basic ideas such as hunger, curiosity, or affection. When it bonds with a companion, a pseudodragon can communicate what it sees and hears even over long distances.
A pseudodragon often vocalizes animal noises. A rasping purr indicates pleasure, while a hiss means unpleasant surprise. A bird-like chirping represents desire, and a growl always means anger or discontent.
Probably, but if I were you I would discuss the whole thing with the DM. Their world might not even have Pseudodragons for all I know. And even if they do, theirs might not behave the same as the ones in the book. They might even be evil. 🤷♂️ Talk to the DM.
Also, they are technically “Dragons” not “Beasts” so animal handling might have nothing to do with it, you might need Arcana? Talk to your DM.
Remember, it won’t be a regular “familiar,” more of a magic pet. You won’t be able to command it the same way, it’ll basically be an NPC you are psychically linked to who may or may not do what you ask, and may or may not leave you if it don’t like what you ask it to do. And it will only ever have 7 HP unless your DM ever bumps it for you. Basically, good luck. If you really want one, Warlock would be your best bet. Maybe Hexblade?
They can do if you want them to and they agree. They are not obligated but have intelligence score of 10, the same as commoner, and can scout and come back and telepathically relay basic info about whether it is safe or not. They cannot give specifics or put a map in your mind or something. So, technically they're less useful as scouts than a Find Familiar, er, familiar or a more dextrous version of commoner, since the pseudodragon cannot tell you what it saw in any detail beyond "safe".
It just doesn't have the abilities of Find Familiar spell: you cannot see through its eyes or hear through it, you cannot dismiss and resummon it and you cannot change it into something else and it can disobey and leave you if it wants to. If it dies, it's dead, unless you have somebody who can cast a resurrection spell.
If you really want a pseudodragon familiar, take a dip into Warlock and get Pact of the Chain. If you're more interested in scouting than the dragon-aesthetic, I recommend Imp instead: it's stealth is better, still can fly, can turn invisible at-will, just as intelligent, also has magic resistance than can be shared with you, and see through magical darkness AND it can transform itself into a rat, raven or spider while keeping all the abilities it has - it's basically a superior scout in every conceivable way.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond. Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ thisFAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
However, talk it over with your DM. Mention that you want one and why you think it'd be cool for your character. They might consider letting you have one down the road, maybe as a quest reward, maybe as a result in whatever research you might have to do in character to modify the Find Familiar ritual, or maybe you'll just come across a wounded baby pseudodragon in the wild and you can nurse it back to health.
Just because it's not RAW doesn't necessarily mean "no", it just means "talk to your DM about it"
Not quite true. The only way a player could get a Pseudodragon for their character all by themselves is to multiclass into Warlock. That is the option the player themself has to make it so. The DM is free to follow RAW for the Pseudodragon.
RAW, the DM could just decide that the party happens upon a Wild Pseudodragon and if the right RP and checks are made, they could also rule that the Pseudodragon decides to become any character’s familiar. That is still a RAW option, just one outside of the player’s control, and would not have the same benefits of a summoned familiar.
Didn't I say that? To reiterate, yes, the DM can give you one, no problem. They just have to be on board.
Probably, but if I were you I would discuss the whole thing with the DM. Their world might not even have Pseudodragons for all I know. And even if they do, theirs might not behave the same as the ones in the book. They might even be evil. 🤷♂️ Talk to the DM.
Also, they are technically “Dragons” not “Beasts” so animal handling might have nothing to do with it, you might need Arcana? Talk to your DM.
Remember, it won’t be a regular “familiar,” more of a magic pet. You won’t be able to command it the same way, it’ll basically be an NPC you are psychically linked to who may or may not do what you ask, and may or may not leave you if it don’t like what you ask it to do. And it will only ever have 7 HP unless your DM ever bumps it for you. Basically, good luck. If you really want one, Warlock would be your best bet. Maybe Hexblade?
Also, the DM can make it a familiar if they want. They can just hand wave something like "as you care for this baby pseudodragon, the two of you develope a close mystical/spiritual/mental connection that allows you to..."
You dont need to say that verbatim, that's just an example. The point is that if the DM is on board, then you can do whatever you want.
However, talk it over with your DM. Mention that you want one and why you think it'd be cool for your character. They might consider letting you have one down the road, maybe as a quest reward, maybe as a result in whatever research you might have to do in character to modify the Find Familiar ritual, or maybe you'll just come across a wounded baby pseudodragon in the wild and you can nurse it back to health.
Just because it's not RAW doesn't necessarily mean "no", it just means "talk to your DM about it"
Not quite true. The only way a player could get a Pseudodragon for their character all by themselves is to multiclass into Warlock. That is the option the player themself has to make it so. The DM is free to follow RAW for the Pseudodragon.
RAW, the DM could just decide that the party happens upon a Wild Pseudodragon and if the right RP and checks are made, they could also rule that the Pseudodragon decides to become any character’s familiar. That is still a RAW option, just one outside of the player’s control, and would not have the same benefits of a summoned familiar.
Didn't I say that? To reiterate, yes, the DM can give you one, no problem. They just have to be on board.
No, you said: “The only way RAW to get one is to multiclass 3 levels into warlock, since only pact of the chain warlocks get the pseudo dragon familiar option.“ Clearly, as I have proven, that is not “The only way RAW....”
Familiar. The pseudodragon can serve another creature as a familiar, forming a magic, telepathic bond with that willing companion. While the two are bonded, the companion can sense what the pseudodragon senses as long as they are within 1 mile of each other. While the pseudodragon is within 10 feet of its companion, the companion shares the pseudodragon’s Magic Resistance trait. At any time and for any reason, the pseudodragon can end its service as a familiar, ending the telepathic bond.
They can do if you want them to and they agree. They are not obligated but have intelligence score of 10, the same as commoner, and can scout and come back and telepathically relay basic info about whether it is safe or not. They cannot give specifics or put a map in your mind or something. So, technically they're less useful as scouts than a Find Familiar, er, familiar or a more dextrous version of commoner, since the pseudodragon cannot tell you what it saw in any detail beyond "safe".
It just doesn't have the abilities of Find Familiar spell: you cannot see through its eyes or hear through it....
That is not technically true:
Familiar. The pseudodragon can serve another creature as a familiar, forming a magic, telepathic bond with that willing companion. While the two are bonded, the companion can sense what the pseudodragon senses as long as they are within 1 mile of each other. While the pseudodragon is within 10 feet of its companion, the companion shares the pseudodragon’s Magic Resistance trait. At any time and for any reason, the pseudodragon can end its service as a familiar, ending the telepathic bond.
You are correct on one thing, the Warlock version is truly better in every way.
I am a lvl 2 human fighter and i am wondering if i can have a pseudodragon as a familiar (i want to use him as a scout) without multi classing.
RAW no.
Speak to the DM they may allow it.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
Absolutely they can, but...
The Pseudodragon has to choose the PC, so A) you would have to find one, and B) you would have to probably roleplay for it so I hope your CHA is high
You would not gain any of the advantages that a spellcaster would have from a familiar summoned through the spell Find Familiar so, say the pseudodragon died (very likely because of such low HP) it would just be dead, you couldn’t “re-summon” it. You couldn’t “command” the Pseudodragon to do anything, but you could ask. It will always have its own initiative, basically it would be an NPC under the DM’s control that is extremely friendly to your character.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
I heared somewhere that you can get one with an elidrich knight subclass is that true?
The Eldritch Knight subclass is a spellcaster, and could learn the spell Find Familiar. However, neither the Pseudodragon nor the Pseudodragon (Familiar Variant) are available as per the spell.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Was all of that clear?
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
The only way RAW to get one is to multiclass 3 levels into warlock, since only pact of the chain warlocks get the pseudo dragon familiar option.
However, talk it over with your DM. Mention that you want one and why you think it'd be cool for your character. They might consider letting you have one down the road, maybe as a quest reward, maybe as a result in whatever research you might have to do in character to modify the Find Familiar ritual, or maybe you'll just come across a wounded baby pseudodragon in the wild and you can nurse it back to health.
Just because it's not RAW doesn't necessarily mean "no", it just means "talk to your DM about it"
Not quite true. The only way a player could get a Pseudodragon for their character all by themselves is to multiclass into Warlock. That is the option the player themself has to make it so. The DM is free to follow RAW for the Pseudodragon.
RAW, the DM could just decide that the party happens upon a Wild Pseudodragon and if the right RP and checks are made, they could also rule that the Pseudodragon decides to become any character’s familiar. That is still a RAW option, just one outside of the player’s control, and would not have the same benefits of a summoned familiar.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Keen Senses. The pseudodragon has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight, hearing, or smell.
Magic Resistance. The pseudodragon has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Limited Telepathy. The pseudodragon can magically communicate simple ideas, emotions, and images telepathically with any creature within 100 feet of it that can understand a language.
Familiar. The pseudodragon can serve another creature as a familiar, forming a magic, telepathic bond with that willing companion. While the two are bonded, the companion can sense what the pseudodragon senses as long as they are within 1 mile of each other. While the pseudodragon is within 10 feet of its companion, the companion shares the pseudodragon’s Magic Resistance trait. At any time and for any reason, the pseudodragon can end its service as a familiar, ending the telepathic bond.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Sting. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 hour. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target falls unconscious for the same duration, or until it takes damage or another creature uses an action to shake it awake.
The elusive pseudodragon dwells in the quiet places of the world, making its home in the hollows of trees and small caves. With its red-brown scales, horns, and a maw filled with sharp teeth, a pseudodragon resembles a tiny red dragon but its disposition is playful.
Quiet and Defensive. Pseudodragons have little interest in other creatures, and they avoid them whenever possible. If it is attacked, a pseudodragon fights back using the poisonous stinger at the tip of its tail, one jab of which can put a creature into a catatonic state that can last for hours.
Draconic Familiars. Mages often seek out pseudodragons, whose agreeable disposition, telepathic ability, and resistance to magic make them superior familiars. Pseudodragons are selective when it comes to choosing companions, but they can sometimes be won over with gifts of food or treasure. When a pseudodragon finds an agreeable companion, it bonds with that person as long as it is treated fairly. A pseudodragon puts up with no ill treatment, and it abandons a manipulative or abusive companion without warning.
Language of Emotion. Pseudodragons can’t speak, but they communicate using a limited form of telepathy that allows them to share basic ideas such as hunger, curiosity, or affection. When it bonds with a companion, a pseudodragon can communicate what it sees and hears even over long distances.
A pseudodragon often vocalizes animal noises. A rasping purr indicates pleasure, while a hiss means unpleasant surprise. A bird-like chirping represents desire, and a growl always means anger or discontent.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Thanks this helps. I guess i will just try to find one in the wild. Would animal handling help with that?
Probably, but if I were you I would discuss the whole thing with the DM. Their world might not even have Pseudodragons for all I know. And even if they do, theirs might not behave the same as the ones in the book. They might even be evil. 🤷♂️ Talk to the DM.
Also, they are technically “Dragons” not “Beasts” so animal handling might have nothing to do with it, you might need Arcana? Talk to your DM.
Remember, it won’t be a regular “familiar,” more of a magic pet. You won’t be able to command it the same way, it’ll basically be an NPC you are psychically linked to who may or may not do what you ask, and may or may not leave you if it don’t like what you ask it to do. And it will only ever have 7 HP unless your DM ever bumps it for you. Basically, good luck. If you really want one, Warlock would be your best bet. Maybe Hexblade?
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
So it wont be able to help scout or anything?
They can do if you want them to and they agree. They are not obligated but have intelligence score of 10, the same as commoner, and can scout and come back and telepathically relay basic info about whether it is safe or not. They cannot give specifics or put a map in your mind or something. So, technically they're less useful as scouts than a Find Familiar, er, familiar or a more dextrous version of commoner, since the pseudodragon cannot tell you what it saw in any detail beyond "safe".
It just doesn't have the abilities of Find Familiar spell: you cannot see through its eyes or hear through it, you cannot dismiss and resummon it and you cannot change it into something else and it can disobey and leave you if it wants to. If it dies, it's dead, unless you have somebody who can cast a resurrection spell.
If you really want a pseudodragon familiar, take a dip into Warlock and get Pact of the Chain. If you're more interested in scouting than the dragon-aesthetic, I recommend Imp instead: it's stealth is better, still can fly, can turn invisible at-will, just as intelligent, also has magic resistance than can be shared with you, and see through magical darkness AND it can transform itself into a rat, raven or spider while keeping all the abilities it has - it's basically a superior scout in every conceivable way.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
Didn't I say that? To reiterate, yes, the DM can give you one, no problem. They just have to be on board.
Also, the DM can make it a familiar if they want. They can just hand wave something like "as you care for this baby pseudodragon, the two of you develope a close mystical/spiritual/mental connection that allows you to..."
You dont need to say that verbatim, that's just an example. The point is that if the DM is on board, then you can do whatever you want.
Alright, thanks.
No, you said: “The only way RAW to get one is to multiclass 3 levels into warlock, since only pact of the chain warlocks get the pseudo dragon familiar option.“ Clearly, as I have proven, that is not “The only way RAW....”
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
All it could do is this:
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
That is not technically true:
You are correct on one thing, the Warlock version is truly better in every way.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
I made a dragonborn warlock.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/smftre512/characters/26795721