Melicamp... as pseudo-familiar; and on the subject of animal polymorphs as scouts
Lemernis
Member, Moderator Posts: 4,318
I realize that this is something a modder would most likely take up if interested. But what if there was an option to keep Melicamp in the backpack same as a familiar--and also use him as a familiar, rather than taking him to Thalantyr?
He is a mage adept, after all. So perhaps he could cast a few level 1 spells even in his polymorphed form. A bit of dialogue with him now and then could be fun too.
As for the ability for familiar-Melicamp to scout ahead, I think any animal form should be unmolested by hostile enemies. Imho this should apply to any party member who Polymorphs him/herself into animal form. I realize that the wolf shapeshifted form (eg, via Cloak of the Wolf) can stealth. But enemies should not automatically presume a wild creature to be hostile if spotted. Most forest animals aren't hostile but rather wary, and avoid humanoids. The stealth ability could still come in handy for a thief to backstab with.
He is a mage adept, after all. So perhaps he could cast a few level 1 spells even in his polymorphed form. A bit of dialogue with him now and then could be fun too.
As for the ability for familiar-Melicamp to scout ahead, I think any animal form should be unmolested by hostile enemies. Imho this should apply to any party member who Polymorphs him/herself into animal form. I realize that the wolf shapeshifted form (eg, via Cloak of the Wolf) can stealth. But enemies should not automatically presume a wild creature to be hostile if spotted. Most forest animals aren't hostile but rather wary, and avoid humanoids. The stealth ability could still come in handy for a thief to backstab with.
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I mean, for polymorphed monster forms, I guess they maybe they could understandably be KoS. The level 4 wizard spell Polymorph Self options include gnoll, mustard jelly, ogre, and spider.
But a wolf?
The perfect scout would be a squirrel! But as far as I know you can only polymorph into one as a Wild Mage via a surge.
Hmm, okay, so maybe functioning as a scout isn't one of the advantages that a chicken familiar can offer. But I think there's an attack animation from the GreatGonzo cheat. Maybe a chicken 'roided up on Tensers or something?