Herbie Murray
Do familiars need to sleep? This is a question that has been asked by many players of the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on a few factors.
Firstly, it is important to understand that familiars are not considered beasts in the game. They are instead classified as fey, fiend, or celestial creatures that take the form of a beast. This distinction is important because it determines whether or not they have the same needs as a typical animal.
Some players argue that familiars are an extension of the player's mind, and therefore if the player needs to sleep, the familiar should too. On the other hand, others argue that familiars are magical creations and thus do not require sleep, similar to other magical entities in the game such as unseen servants and fireballs.
The game mechanics provide some insight into this debate. Familiars have their own statistics, including hit points, which suggests that they can be injured and need to recover, implying a need for rest. Additionally, the ability to dismiss a familiar into a pocket dimension and resummon them suggests that they may not need to sleep while in this state.
Ultimately, the decision may lie with the Dungeon Master (DM) of the game, who can decide based on the specific circumstances and the needs of the story. The DM may also allow for role-playing opportunities where players can tend to and care for their familiars, adding depth to the game experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Need to sleep | Depends on the DM's ruling |
| Need to eat | Depends on the DM's ruling |
| Need to drink | Depends on the DM's ruling |
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What You'll Learn
Do familiars need to sleep?
The question of whether familiars need to sleep in D&D 5E is a complex one, and the answer ultimately depends on the interpretation of the rules by the Dungeon Master (DM).
Some players argue that familiars are not "real" creatures but magical creations, and thus do not need to sleep. Others counter that familiars are real creatures summoned by magic and therefore do need to sleep, just like any other beast.
The "Find Familiar" spell states that a familiar has the statistics of the chosen form but is a celestial, fey, or fiend instead of a beast. This has led to some debate among players about whether the need to sleep is included in the "statistics" of the chosen form. Some argue that since creatures that do not need sustenance have it called out in their stat descriptions, and familiars do not have this specified, they do not need to sleep.
Additionally, when a familiar is dismissed, it is arguably not in animal form and would just be a spirit that might not need to sleep. However, there are no official rules for the needs of a "spirit" creature in D&D 5E, so this is left to the DM's discretion.
In terms of gameplay, some players suggest that it is not necessary for a familiar to sleep, as it can be dismissed to a pocket dimension where it can rest and recover. However, others argue that familiars should need to rest and regain hit points like players, even if it is just for role-playing purposes.
Ultimately, the question of whether familiars need to sleep in D&D 5E is up to the interpretation of the rules by the DM and the players at the table.
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Do they need to eat?
The question of whether or not a familiar needs to eat is a complex one. On the one hand, some players argue that familiars are an extension of the player's mind, so if the player needs to eat, the familiar should too. On the other hand, others argue that familiars are magical creations and therefore do not need to eat, similar to how unseen servants and fireballs do not require sustenance.
The "Find Familiar" spell conjures a celestial, fey, or fiend spirit that takes the form of a beast. The familiar "has the statistics of the chosen form", and all of the listed forms are natural animals that typically require food. However, the familiar is not a real creature but a spirit that assumes the form of a real creature. This suggests that the familiar's dietary needs may be different from those of a typical animal.
When dismissed, the familiar is sent to a pocket dimension where it awaits the player's summons. There is no time limit on how long a familiar can remain in this pocket dimension, and it is assumed that this dimension can sustain the familiar's needs, including any dietary requirements. As such, it is reasonable to assume that a familiar does not need to eat while in this dimension.
Ultimately, the decision on whether or not a familiar needs to eat is up to the Dungeon Master (DM). Some DMs may require players to feed their familiars regularly, while others may rule that spirits do not require sustenance. It is worth noting that including the act of feeding and tending to a familiar can add depth to the role-playing experience and help develop a player's character.
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Can they be dismissed to a pocket dimension?
In the game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), familiars are creatures that can be summoned by players using magic. The question of whether these familiars need to sleep is a matter of some debate among players. Some argue that familiars are an extension of the player's mind and therefore need sleep when the player does. Others argue that familiars are magical creations and thus do not require sleep.
When it comes to dismissing familiars to a pocket dimension, the rules are somewhat unclear and subject to interpretation by the Dungeon Master (DM). Some players interpret the rules to mean that familiars cannot carry items into the pocket dimension, while others believe that familiars can take small items with them. There is also disagreement over whether the pocket dimension is unique to each familiar or if it is a shared space for all familiars.
One interpretation is that the pocket dimension is a personal space for each familiar, and thus it can be used to store items given to them by their master. This interpretation is supported by the idea that the pocket dimension is created specifically for each familiar when it is dismissed and collapses when the familiar returns. However, official rulings on this matter are scarce, and it is ultimately up to the DM to decide how pocket dimensions work in their game.
Another interpretation is that familiars are spirits that return to their spirit form when dismissed to a pocket dimension. In this form, they may not be able to interact with physical objects and thus cannot carry items with them. This interpretation is supported by the wording of the spell, which states that the familiar "disappears into a pocket dimension" without mentioning any items it may be carrying.
Ultimately, the question of whether familiars can be dismissed to a pocket dimension with items is a matter of gameplay interpretation and will vary depending on the DM and the specific rules they choose to enforce.
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Do they need to be trained?
The training of a familiar in D&D 5e is a nuanced topic. On the one hand, familiars are inherently magical creatures that are summoned and bound to their masters, which suggests a certain level of innate knowledge and obedience. On the other hand, they are often based on beasts and are expected to perform various tasks and functions, which implies some level of training or instruction.
Firstly, it is important to understand the nature of familiars. Familiars are small creatures that complement spellcasters, providing assistance in combat, detecting traps, or simply being a lovable pet. They are typically summoned using the Find Familiar spell, which allows the caster to choose the form of the familiar from a list of options, including bats, cats, crabs, and more. The familiar acts independently but always obeys the commands of its master. This inherent loyalty and magical connection suggest that familiars may not require extensive training in the traditional sense.
However, the Find Familiar spell also states that the familiar has the "statistics of the chosen form". This indicates that the familiar takes on the characteristics and abilities of the creature it is based on. For example, an owl familiar may have the ability to fly and see in the dark, while a crab familiar may have strong claws. These natural abilities suggest that familiars may not need to be trained to perform certain tasks, as their beast forms already possess the necessary skills.
Additionally, familiars are known to have low Intelligence scores, which implies that complex training may be challenging for them. However, this does not mean that they are incapable of learning or adapting to new situations. In fact, familiars can be role-played to have quirks, characteristics, moods, and opinions, adding depth to their personalities. This suggests that while they may not require formal training, they can benefit from guidance and instruction from their masters, especially when it comes to more complex tasks or situations.
Ultimately, the level of training required for a familiar may depend on the specific familiar, the expectations of the master, and the narrative choices made by the Dungeon Master (DM). Some familiars may be content to follow basic commands and act as companions, while others may be more independent and require less direct instruction. It is worth noting that the DM has significant influence over the capabilities and behaviours of familiars, so it is important to communicate with them regarding the role and development of familiars in the game.
In conclusion, while familiars in D&D 5e may not require extensive training due to their magical nature and inherent abilities, they can still benefit from guidance and instruction, especially for more complex tasks. The level of training required may vary depending on the familiar's form, the master's expectations, and the narrative choices made by the DM.
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Can they wake a sleeping PC?
There is some debate as to whether a familiar can wake a sleeping PC. The rules state that a familiar can take an action, and that someone using an action to shake or slap a sleeping PC awake will wake them up. However, some people argue that a familiar would not have the intelligence to know that its master is asleep and needs to be woken up, or that it would not take the initiative to do so.
One person suggests that the familiar's intelligence score is too low for it to understand that its master is asleep and in danger. They also suggest that the familiar would be more likely to hide or attack the enemy than to wake its master. Another person suggests that the familiar and master share an empathic link, and that the familiar would be able to sense its master's anxiety and wake them.
Another person suggests that the familiar would need to be trained to wake its master when they are asleep, and that the master would need to define the conditions under which the familiar should take action. However, someone else points out that familiars are intelligent and self-motivating, and that training is not necessary.
Ultimately, it is up to the DM to decide whether a familiar can wake a sleeping PC.
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Frequently asked questions
Familiars are not "real" beasts, but rather spirits that take the form of beasts. While dismissed, familiars are in a pocket dimension where they do not need to eat or sleep. However, when present in the Prime Material, they will have the same needs as the beast they are emulating.
Yes, a familiar is intelligent enough to know that its master needs to be woken up and can do so.
No, familiars are not animals and are often smarter than the average commoner/turnip farmer. Therefore, they do not need to be trained to wake their masters.
