Bones Black: Familiars (4)

Wizards and sorcerers employ arcane rituals and materials to summon and bind familiars to themselves. A familiar is more than an animal servant—it is an extension of a spellcaster's will and senses. The familiar can spy on rivals or spot a would-be assassin before they strike. Some familiars may aid in the laboratory or with rituals; some familiars can deliver spells with a touch. For this reason, enemies will often target familiars in order to weaken the owner or bend them to another's will.

Overheard in a dark corner...
A wizardess named Calitia recently lost her red panda familiar to a gang of sneak thieves. They're holding the beast hostage, forcing the seeress to use her powers to scout potential homes for burglary. She's desperate to recover the familiar and will pay in knowledge as well as gold.