Does it actually say A Wizard starts with a Familiar..

[Shallown]

One of my fellow players was looking for a reference where it says a Wizard starts witha familiar not just the ability to call one.

I always assumed they started with one but unlike animal companion for a druid which says they can begin with one I couldn't find a reference to the same for familiars. I mean it cost a 100 gp ( I think) to call one so a starting character sure couldn't afford one to start.

Thanks

Later

 

[Antoine]

Per SRD, he "can obtain a familiar". Never states he does start with one.

 

[DreamChaser]

of course this is like Spellbooks in 2e. There is no way a 1st level character could have afforded even the most basic spellbook by the RAW.

I give players the option if they start at 1st level as a wizard. They can choose to have the cost of the familiar just be part of their starting package and have a familiar at 1st level or they can hold off (like if they want an improved familiar later) but then they have to spend the money. Anyone who multiclasses into wizard also has to pay.

DC

 

[Darklone]

Let him pay

 

[Liquidsabre]

Right, an arcane caster must purchase theri familiar (100 gp) in order to obtain one. It is never automatically granted to the character. That's why it is summon familiar and not BLAMO-Free Familiar.

This means a 1st level arcane caster won't likely have a familiar just yet because they won't likely be able to afford one with starting gold. They will have to earn the money to buy a familiar, just as a fighter must gather gold for their breastplate or fullplate.

 

[the Jester]

Well damn! I never realized that!

Note to self...

 

[TroyXavier]

I let my players have them simply because, they're not even worth a 100 gp after about level 5. Too expensive to the player for rather shoddy benefits (ever since they nerfed toad)

 

[Shallown]

Well I know my Gm allowed the wizard to have one to start. And I am going wizard at 2nd level but the training and all has been built into the character I just haven't quite finished up my schooling yet since I ama caster already I have the skills already.

I was just wondering becuase one player wants to go sorcerer later and he was wondering since he couldn't find a reference to getting it for free.

I guess that will have to be worked out. I am sure the Gm will tell me I have the supplies needed given to me from my mentor since I had always aspired to wizarding.

thanks for the replies

later

 

[Liquidsabre]

I let my players have them simply because, they're not even worth a 100 gp after about level 5. Too expensive to the player for rather shoddy benefits (ever since they nerfed toad)

Gotta be kidding mate: 100 gp = two bonus feats. Anywhere you go THAT's a good deal!

 

[Darth K'Trava]

I know my 1st level wizard can't afford one. Don't know when she can afford it and the party have the downtime for her to summon one. Hopefully before she has to start spending gold on pearls to Identify stuff.