Cat summoner wizard with a Cat Familiar and how to play

[flappeercraft]

So by RAW an Awakened cat with Intelligence could take class levels including spellcaster levels if it can speak intelligibly which is possible through permanencied tongues. So I wanted to make a summoner cat wizard as the pet of the BBEG which is also a caster. Could the Cat summoner have another cat as a familiar and how should I play him? He is supposed to be an evil character, loyal to the BBEG and the character concept I have to the moment is a elemental summoner if it helps.

[sleepyphoenixx]

Awakened animals can already speak at least one language. There's no need for Tongues.

You'll probably need Eschew Materials though because cats don't have opposable thumbs, so handling material components could be problematic.
Somatic components is iffy. Humanoids in cat-shape can't do it, but can a cat do it because its the base form? I don't know, but if you want to be sure you can take Surrogate Spellcasting.

And yes, a wizard can have a cat familiar. Even if he's a cat himself.

As for the cat being loyal, no way. It's a cat. It probably sees the BBEG as its pet instead.
Or, if it isn't the true BBEG in the shadows it'll use the heroes as pawns to dispose of his "master" and take the top position for itself.
Play it like a sophisticated, smug Magnificent Bastard too. Like one of those old-school bond villains.

I'm also stealing bond-cat as a villain for my next campaign.

[PrismCat21]

Awakened animals automatically gain 2 HD.
I'd go with a Tibbit instead who just never changes into humanoid form. They're in Dragon Compendium and a +1 LA race.

Edit: They are basically a race of intelligent cats who can take a halfling-like form.

[flappeercraft]

One important aspect I ignored, what magic item slots would cats have to wear item? If you got any info on this please tell me the source.

[Ruethgar]

Awakened animals automatically gain 2 HD.
I'd go with a Tibbit instead who just never changes into humanoid form. They're in Dragon Compendium and a +1 LA race.

Edit: They are basically a race of intelligent cats who can take a halfling-like form.

Even with +2RHD Awakened Cats have an ECL 0, same with Lizards, Rats, Weasels, and Toads.

[The Glyphstone]

There was a Dragon Magazine April Fool's article with Cat-specific feats like Flop (standard action, enemy makes a Will save or is Stunned as they coo over how adorable you are). I don't remember the specific issue # though.

[PrismCat21]

Even with +2RHD Awakened Cats have an ECL 0, same with Lizards, Rats, Weasels, and Toads.

ECL? Or CR? CR I figured would stay about the same. Not ECL though.

Could you tell me where this is at? My interest is peeked. :)

[Troacctid]

One important aspect I ignored, what magic item slots would cats have to wear item? If you got any info on this please tell me the source.
All of them. RC 84.


There was a Dragon Magazine April Fool's article with Cat-specific feats like Flop (standard action, enemy makes a Will save or is Stunned as they coo over how adorable you are). I don't remember the specific issue # though.
http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/fools/20030401c

[Ruethgar]

ECL? Or CR? CR I figured would stay about the same. Not ECL though.

Could you tell me where this is at? My interest is peeked. :)

It is ECL, Dragon #293. Cat, Lizard, Monkey, Rat, Toad all ECL 0. Only animals are viable from the article, everything else was updated in MM 3.5.

[Vortenger]

The Tibbet in Dragon Compendium (3.5) has a race called the Tibbet that are were-kitties. They're a race about the size of a halfling that turns into a housecat as their alternate from. Be a Tibbet wizard or sorcerer, hang out in cat form most of the time with your cat familiar that you can talk cat to.

[flappeercraft]

So to the moment I have this

Zaknafein (Cat Wizard)

Levels: Conjuration Domain Wizard 15/2 Cat RHD
Race: Awakened Cat
Str: 8 Dex: 26 Int: 38 Wis: 17 Con: 15 Cha: 15
Alignment: LE
HP: 41 (15d8 + 2d8/2)
AC: 26 (10 +8 Dex +6 Armor +1 Insight +1 Small)
T-AC: 20 (10 +8 Dex +1 Insight +1 Small)
F-AC: 18 (10 +6 Armor +1 Insight +1 Small)
Init: +8
Armor: Greater mage armor
Saves: Fort: +7 Will: +12 Ref: +13
(9) Feats: Scribe Scroll, Surrogate Spellcasting, Spell focus (Conjuration), Augment Summoning, Rashemi elemental summoning, Rapid Spell, Extend Spell, Imbued summoning and Arcane thesis (Summon Monster VIII)
Spells prepared:
(9) 1st level: Grease, Disguise self, Magic missile, Shield, Charm Person, True casting, Loresong, Vigilant Slumber and Mage armor
(9) 2nd level: Heroics, Invisibility, Whispercast, Phantasmal assailants, Web, Ray of resurgence, Glitterdust, Ray of stupidity and Alter self
(8) 3rd level: Greater mage armor, Fly, Vampiric touch, Stinking cloud, Deep slumber, Hesitate, Explosive runes and Dispel magic
(8) 4th level: Orb of Acid, Otiluke’s resilient sphere, Evard’s black tentacles, Greater mirror image, Friendly fire, Summon Monster IV, Charm monster and Bestow curse
(8) 5th level: Draconic Polymorph, Wall of stone, Greater blink, Sonic shield, Cloudkill, Touch of Vecna, Contact other plane and Wall of force
(7) 6th level: Contingency, Disintegrate, Acid fog, Fleshiver, Endless slumber, Greater dispel magic and Antimagic field
(5) 7th level: Stun ray, Summon monster VII, Bite of the werebear, Spell turning and Avasculate
(4) 8th level: Rapid Extended Imbued summoning Summon monster VIII, Bestow greater curse, Greater celerity and Maze
Spell points: 232
Familiar: Cat
Magic Items: Collar of intelligence +6, Cat Hat of resistance +5, Ring of mighty summons, Bracers of dexterity +6 and Dusty Rose Ioun stone
Permenencied spells: Arcane sight (CL 25)
Contingencies Active: Globe of invulnerability
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elf and Draconic


What do you guys think about this? What should I add and what should I change?

[Inevitability]

So to the moment I have this

Zaknafein (Cat Wizard)

Levels: Conjuration Domain Wizard 15/2 Cat RHD
Race: Awakened Cat
Str: 8 Dex: 26 Int: 38 Wis: 17 Con: 15 Cha: 15
Alignment: LE
HP: 41 (15d8 + 2d8/2)
AC: 26 (10 +8 Dex +6 Armor +1 Insight +1 Small)
T-AC: 20 (10 +8 Dex +1 Insight +1 Small)
F-AC: 18 (10 +6 Armor +1 Insight +1 Small)
Init: +8
Armor: Greater mage armor
Saves: Fort: +7 Will: +12 Ref: +13
(9) Feats: Scribe Scroll, Surrogate Spellcasting, Spell focus (Conjuration), Augment Summoning, Rashemi elemental summoning, Rapid Spell, Extend Spell, Imbued summoning and Arcane thesis (Summon Monster VIII)
Spells prepared:
(9) 1st level: Grease, Disguise self, Magic missile, Shield, Charm Person, True casting, Loresong, Vigilant Slumber and Mage armor
(9) 2nd level: Heroics, Invisibility, Whispercast, Phantasmal assailants, Web, Ray of resurgence, Glitterdust, Ray of stupidity and Alter self
(8) 3rd level: Greater mage armor, Fly, Vampiric touch, Stinking cloud, Deep slumber, Hesitate, Explosive runes and Dispel magic
(8) 4th level: Orb of Acid, Otiluke’s resilient sphere, Evard’s black tentacles, Greater mirror image, Friendly fire, Summon Monster IV, Charm monster and Bestow curse
(8) 5th level: Draconic Polymorph, Wall of stone, Greater blink, Sonic shield, Cloudkill, Touch of Vecna, Contact other plane and Wall of force
(7) 6th level: Contingency, Disintegrate, Acid fog, Fleshiver, Endless slumber, Greater dispel magic and Antimagic field
(5) 7th level: Stun ray, Summon monster VII, Bite of the werebear, Spell turning and Avasculate
(4) 8th level: Rapid Extended Imbued summoning Summon monster VIII, Bestow greater curse, Greater celerity and Maze
Spell points: 232
Familiar: Cat
Magic Items: Collar of intelligence +6, Cat Hat of resistance +5, Ring of mighty summons, Bracers of dexterity +6 and Dusty Rose Ioun stone
Permenencied spells: Arcane sight (CL 25)
Contingencies Active: Globe of invulnerability
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elf and Draconic


What do you guys think about this? What should I add and what should I change?

What does awakened cat give you that tibbit doesn't?

Also, the idea of any intelligent cat not being chaotic is ridiculous. :smalltongue:

[Ualaa]

Take a look at the 'cat' from Sword of Air...

[Bullet06320]

So to the moment I have this

Zaknafein (Cat Wizard)

Levels: Conjuration Domain Wizard 15/2 Cat RHD
Race: Awakened Cat
Str: 8 Dex: 26 Int: 38 Wis: 17 Con: 15 Cha: 15
Alignment: LE
HP: 41 (15d8 + 2d8/2)
AC: 26 (10 +8 Dex +6 Armor +1 Insight +1 Small)
T-AC: 20 (10 +8 Dex +1 Insight +1 Small)
F-AC: 18 (10 +6 Armor +1 Insight +1 Small)
Init: +8
Armor: Greater mage armor
Saves: Fort: +7 Will: +12 Ref: +13
(9) Feats: Scribe Scroll, Surrogate Spellcasting, Spell focus (Conjuration), Augment Summoning, Rashemi elemental summoning, Rapid Spell, Extend Spell, Imbued summoning and Arcane thesis (Summon Monster VIII)
Spells prepared:
(9) 1st level: Grease, Disguise self, Magic missile, Shield, Charm Person, True casting, Loresong, Vigilant Slumber and Mage armor
(9) 2nd level: Heroics, Invisibility, Whispercast, Phantasmal assailants, Web, Ray of resurgence, Glitterdust, Ray of stupidity and Alter self
(8) 3rd level: Greater mage armor, Fly, Vampiric touch, Stinking cloud, Deep slumber, Hesitate, Explosive runes and Dispel magic
(8) 4th level: Orb of Acid, Otiluke’s resilient sphere, Evard’s black tentacles, Greater mirror image, Friendly fire, Summon Monster IV, Charm monster and Bestow curse
(8) 5th level: Draconic Polymorph, Wall of stone, Greater blink, Sonic shield, Cloudkill, Touch of Vecna, Contact other plane and Wall of force
(7) 6th level: Contingency, Disintegrate, Acid fog, Fleshiver, Endless slumber, Greater dispel magic and Antimagic field
(5) 7th level: Stun ray, Summon monster VII, Bite of the werebear, Spell turning and Avasculate
(4) 8th level: Rapid Extended Imbued summoning Summon monster VIII, Bestow greater curse, Greater celerity and Maze
Spell points: 232
Familiar: Cat
Magic Items: Collar of intelligence +6, Cat Hat of resistance +5, Ring of mighty summons, Bracers of dexterity +6 and Dusty Rose Ioun stone
Permenencied spells: Arcane sight (CL 25)
Contingencies Active: Globe of invulnerability
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elf and Draconic


What do you guys think about this? What should I add and what should I change?

instead of conjuration domain wizard, a better route would be conjuration specialist wizard, you can optimize summons more effectively that way
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/specialistWizardVariants.htm#conjurerVariants
especially using the rapid summoning variant, but you lose the familiar, but speeds up your summons, you can always take leadership and get a cat cohort instead

which also opens up the focused specialist ACF

for banned schools 2 or 3 of the following, evocation, necromancy, and illusion. never ban abjuration as a conjuration specialist, you need it for the planar binding line of spells, and you cant ban diviniation, and enchantment is useful for planar binding as well

here's some reading material as well
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?498825-the-Conjurer-s-Handbook&highlight=conjuration%20handbook
in the 5th post in that guide are several more useful links relating to summoners specifically

as a specialist wizard, going into master specialist prc is a good starting point, opens you up to malconvoker, but its a non evil prc

check savage species, I think there are a few feats that get around the nonhumanoid spellcasting of not being able to speak or not having opposable thumbs

[Ruethgar]

What does awakened cat give you that tibbit doesn't?

Awakened Cat gets you 2.5d10 magical beast RHD on an ECL 0 character. Also there is that bit somewhere about native forms being able to cast and, while Tibbits are literally cats that learned to shapeshift, their halfling form is treated as their true form(thus requiring Surragat Spellcasting), which also calls into question whether or not they could take Feline feats.

[flappeercraft]

What does awakened cat give you that tibbit doesn't?

Also, the idea of any intelligent cat not being chaotic is ridiculous. :smalltongue:

The thing of being an actual cat instead of a tibbit is just for the fluff of it, it fits the game storyline slightly better and also due to awaken it gets 2HD

[Inevitability]

The thing of being an actual cat instead of a tibbit is just for the fluff of it, it fits the game storyline slightly better and also due to awaken it gets 2HD

Those two RHD are not an advantage, unless you don't count them against ECL (which you seem to be doing).

[flappeercraft]

Those two RHD are not an advantage, unless you don't count them against ECL (which you seem to be doing).

By RAW it says nothing about ECL coming from those HD so I count it as a 15th level character I just put the RHD by the levels part to justify the amount of HP it has not for ECL

[Jama7301]

Aaaand now I'm totally borrowing a spellcater for a future game. It's such a delightful idea.

[flappeercraft]

Aaaand now I'm totally borrowing a spellcater for a future game. It's such a delightful idea.

Go ahead, just give some credit if it doesn't bother you

[Troacctid]

By RAW it says nothing about ECL coming from those HD so I count it as a 15th level character I just put the RHD by the levels part to justify the amount of HP it has not for ECL
3.0 had different rules for monstrous characters. Level adjustment and ECL as we know them weren't really a thing. If you update the rules to 3.5, the HD will in fact count towards your ECL.

[Jama7301]

Go ahead, just give some credit if it doesn't bother you
No problem. I'll add a note to my current google doc where I'm plotting some stuff out.

[AMX]

By RAW it says nothing about ECL coming from those HD so I count it as a 15th level character I just put the RHD by the levels part to justify the amount of HP it has not for ECL

Hmm, interesting - "To determine the effective character level (ECL) of a monster character, add its level adjustment to its racial Hit Dice and character class levels."

The 2 HD granted by Awaken are obviously neither LA nor class levels, but do they count as racial HD? :smallconfused:
(If I had to rule on it I'd say they do, but RAW it does seem to be ambiguous.)

[flappeercraft]

Hmm, interesting - "To determine the effective character level (ECL) of a monster character, add its level adjustment to its racial Hit Dice and character class levels."

The 2 HD granted by Awaken are obviously neither LA nor class levels, but do they count as racial HD? :smallconfused:
(If I had to rule on it I'd say they do, but RAW it does seem to be ambiguous.)

Well then I guess it's DM's call

[Troacctid]

Hmm, interesting - "To determine the effective character level (ECL) of a monster character, add its level adjustment to its racial Hit Dice and character class levels."

The 2 HD granted by Awaken are obviously neither LA nor class levels, but do they count as racial HD? :smallconfused:
(If I had to rule on it I'd say they do, but RAW it does seem to be ambiguous.)
I don't know if they did under the 3.0 rules, but they certainly do count as racial HD in 3.5.

[flappeercraft]

Well so the cat has infiltrated the party and none of them suspect a thing, they know the cat is a caster but they think that the cat is their pet as he is pretending to want to be their pet. I have to choices to go with and I would like your opinions, first choice is to in a while reveal along the way that the cat is not "Darky" the friendly caster cat who is good and have them find out that he is Zaknafein the bad guy tehy are searching for. Second option is to have him stay as their "Ally" for a while and when they get through the fake Zaknafein the cat put and the next evil guy he will betray them when they face the true BBEG of the whole campaign and attack them. What do you guys think I should do?

[RedMage125]

http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/fools/20030401c
Everything in this link is magical.



Also, the idea of any intelligent cat not being chaotic is ridiculous. :smalltongue:

And Evil.:smallwink:

[Stealth Marmot]

Have the Cat be a Mindbender and have its Thrall be a Human who carries him around and speaks for him most of the time, acting like it's the "Owner" and the cat is the "Familiar"

[Vogie]

Have the Cat be a Mindbender and have its Thrall be a Human who carries him around and speaks for him most of the time, acting like it's the "Owner" and the cat is the "Familiar"

Or the thrall is another larger Awakened Cat or Tibbet.

Added bonus if there's a plotline where the other PCs are trying to smuggle away the "kitten", not knowing
http://i.imgur.com/LBX5EAE.png

[flappeercraft]

Or the thrall is another larger Awakened Cat or Tibbet.

Added bonus if there's a plotline where the other PCs are trying to smuggle away the "kitten", not knowing
http://i.imgur.com/LBX5EAE.png

The cat is currently their pet and they are "protecting" each other, they are searching for the evil guy who is the cat but they think it s a humanoid while the cat is there all about gathering information forhis master, plotting on how to hinder but also strengthen them (The BBEG does not necesarily want them dead but he is testing them to have a rival party) by sieging them and he is just helping with the basics like taking them to a safe room when stunned, etc.