For Those Who Skulk

The genre of fantasy gives free rein to the imagination. If a GM allows magic in his world, then the possibilities for adventure are vast. Wouldn't the same practices used by the apprentices of wizards and enchantresses be picked up by a more unethical, if not larcenous crowd? Given the temptations that even a little magic can send a person, wouldn't there be petty mages who seek to use their abilities to purloin the riches they believe are so well-deserved?

It is not the purpose of this article to hint at all the ways a bit of magic and a deft hand can achieve greatness in the field of thievery. Rather, this piece discusses how one of the more common conventions in fantasy games, the animal familiar, can enable a person to earn more than their fair share of coin. By granting a familiar, those who tread lightly through the shadows will have a most worthwhile companion.

Consider the traditional roles that the familiar plays: cohort, guard, messenger, scout. The thief by nature is a solitary soul. Even though he may belong to a guild or band, he is truly alone at heart. Who can he trust with his secrets and illgotten gains? Who will watch his back at night or while out on a mission? Another thief?

The idea brings only a sick grin. But a familiar - a faithful animal bonded not only with the soul of the thief but also his heart - is a companion who will never betray. On nights when there is no one else about to safely gloat to about that last grand heist, the familiar will listen and rejoice with the master. During lonely hours when it seems the world has a bounty on that little cutpurse's head, her cat will sympathize with her emotions and give solace.

While mages may stereotypically need a guardian, since most tend to be physically weak or unskilled at melee, a rogue can also be dependent upon his familiar to watch his back. There are many beggars in the streets of a city. It would be ridiculous to imagine that all are well protected against petty theft or the cruelties of the city watch and young drunkards.

But a mangy dog that curls its lip and snarls may keep that poor slumbering soul safe another night. Even that new buccaneer that has yet to prove himself on the high seas needs a warden. His crewmates might have some fun while he sleeps, if not for that godawful parrot who squawks out a warning just before a dagger falls.

A thief also needs the services of a good messenger. Does that fence across town have need of the silver candlesticks that the burglar has found in the estate? Without a familiar to speed the request, he risks carrying excess baggage without truly knowing if he can get any fair coin.

What do the beggars across the city have to say, or the rumormongers at the wells, or the bar maids? That dog that begs for scraps may just keep its ears open for someone else. What happens when the thief is caught and tossed into the dungeon? He can rely upon his rat companion to send word to the guild that in return for bribing the guards, his hidden cache of loot will be revealed to them.

Then there is the role of scout or spy. This is especially crucial to those brigands and outlaws who ply their trade along the highways and wilderness. Is there a fat carriage bearing wealthy travelers ahead? Has the forest been emptied of game? Do the king's men stalk the woods in search of rogues? That squirrel the other brigands laughed at may well save one particular scoundrel's hide. In the city, a familiar can offer much as a scout. That cat peering into a window at night can tell if the house is occupied. Any strange scents in the estate? That acute nose will find poison or hidden guards before the thief does by happenstance. At the crucial meetings of the smithy's guild, the rat hiding in the corner will bring back news of the new shipment of dwarven steel. Above all else, the familiar can act as an alarm, alerting the thief much faster than a human of the presence of the city watch or some stray eye.

Acquisition

Before going further, we should address how a rogue acquires a familiar. The easiest way is to possess some magical ability. This can range from a suddenly tapped latent talent to a practiced multior dual-classed profession. Then all that is necessary is the casting of a summoning spell.

But to those who don't have the knack, there are other ways that can justify the binding of a familiar. Perhaps the thief worships a deity that may reward the character with an animal companion. Or the guild may be in the habit of hiring the services of a mage, who during play may grant a familiar to one of its members in return for some mysterious service.

Finally - and this is my favorite way - perhaps a rogue and a unique animal just cross paths along the way to adventure and soon develop a friendship. The bond between them grows until it has become quite magical. Rather than be the typical master-servant relationship that most familiars undergo, they are two close companions who share similar interests and care for each other's well-being.

So what sort of animal will come to the thief (or the mage seeking a larcenous career)? Rather than rolling on some table, the DM should choose a native animal from the local environment, one which the rogue may naturally encounter. It would no do to have an alley cat helping the career of a corsair, nor would a raccoon like the rather quiet life of a urban fence.

Below are a listing of vocations and suggestions for the sort of familiar that would make a good companion; by no means is this list complete.

BRIGANDS AND OUTLAWS

These rogues rarely step foot inside a city, and then only to sell their loot and buy supplies and luxury items. There are many different sorts of these scoundrels, ranging from desert raiders to highwaymen. The GM should first consider the terrain before choosing the appropriate animal.

Hawk: This raptor is an excellent choice for a cruel, martial sort of outlaw. It lends a sense of physical threat to a thiefs image. Those who would set themselves up as brigand lords would be wise to bear a hawk upon a leather gauntlet.

Raccoon: This animal is sometimes known as the bandit of the forest. Indeed, it even wears a black mask. The raccoon has a curious and mischievous nature, a good companion to those outlaws of a less evil bent.

Weasel: For thieves who are the epitome of sneaky, the weasel can offer a vicious streak amid their sly ways. In ancient times, though, the weasel was considered extremely wise; perhaps its wisdom was simply a knack for never getting caught.

BURGLARS AND CUTPURSES

These thieves stalk the city, whether it be the insides of houses and buildings or amid the alley, ways. Again the local terrain should be taken into consideration, since a community near a swamp would have a different host of animals than one in a desert.

Bat: This is a rare but useful familiar. On quiet leathery wings, the bat can fly about the city, act. ing as a swift and silent messenger. Simple folk are sure to find its appearance almost infernal, thus an asset in frightening away unwanted folk from a site about to be burgled.

Cat: An obvious companion for any thief, but especially for a 'cat burglar.' Perhaps more than any other familiar, a feline can range in emotions from crafty to noble. Thus, a GM can use one to complement or provide a foil to any character's personality.

BEGGARS AND SWINDLERS

These are the not your average thieves, but folk that use pity or chicanery to earn their coin. A beggar's familiar must be hardy enough to survive the rigors of such a Poor life, while a swindler will tend to attract a more mischievous animal. Either profession may be rural or urban based.

Dog: A pariae dog is the natural companion to a beggar. The animal provokes a note of sympathy from passers-by, as well as giving protection and friendship to the rogue. In the real world, dogs are often paired with the destitute; the animal being the only one loyal to any master suffering hard times.

Rat: Here is a companion that will act as a scavenger of foodstuffs, scraps of clothing, trinkets and most importantly information. The rat is often overlooked but can be privy to a dizzying number of secrets - revealing all to aid its master.

Squirrel: Known for their chattering and quick movements, a squirrel offers the wandering swindler both an ear to every scheme and a companion interested in hoarding possessions.

Though this animal is usually only encountered in wilderness and rural settings, it could easily adapt itself to the environs of its human confidant.

SMUGGLERS AND FENCES

These men both deal in the traffic of wanted goods, though smugglers tend to see more 'action' than sedentary fences..To be successful in either endeavor requires keen wits, and a familiar should also express this trait.

Owl: The classic wizard's familiar can also be portrayed as the companion to a fence. The knowledge of the owl in tabulating records, falsifying documents, and appraising goods is considerable. He lends a spooky air to the fence or smuggler, an aura of intimidation that will be an edge when dealing with clients.

Raven: The raven is well known as a collector of shiny objects. The talent here is in the caching of possessions, as well as offering the possibility of a messenger than can actually speak a few words of the common tongue.

Toad: While not one of the more attractive familiars, the toad should not to be overlooked. Steadfast yet silent, the toad bespeaks a solemnity of hidden wisdom. The toad will know the best routes along waterways for boats and skiffs to travel, can explore coves for his master, and find safe water and food in a swamp.

In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, there is one more use that familiars can provide. By association with the animal, a rogue soon learns to refine certain skills that it exemplifies.

This amounts to a small gain in attempted rolls. To gain a 5% bonus on the roll, one must have been in the company of the familiar for a number of months equal to at least three months. After a year, that bonus rises to 10%.

Should the familiar and its master part company for any reason, the bonus is slowly lost as the finer points of the skill fade from memory. The chart on page 25 shows which animals may provide what gains (by no means is this complete, and an imaginative GM or player can certainly provide more instances).

Please note that in this article familiars are presented with more intelligence and perception than normal. In my defense, I can only say that as a mage or rogue grows in confidence and ability, so to should their faithful companion, until the two can practically converse by whispering in each others' ears. Theirs is a bond that runs far deeper than most share; a dependence and caring for the well-being of each other.

Given that, it is not hard to project of bit of personality into a familiar. That cat can be a bit surly at times, especially when robbing the houses of the smelly lower class. The squirrel may con.tantly yearn to see the crowded marketplaces of the city. And the dog may decide that he should have a direct say in his master's traveling confederates. Remember that fantasy knows only the boundaries of the imagination.