Cute and magical creatures!

Animal Companions and familiars are not only for hunters and wizards. Imagine playing a hunter, and instead of choosing your animal companion from the player’s handbook, the GM introduces you to a mystical beast with its own tale. Or perhaps you are playing a wizard, looking for something not that ordinary. Now, what if I told you that there is a deck with companions available for every class?

There was a time when I was playing a barbarian who never felt like he belonged among warriors. During the Out of the Abyss campaign, he came across the druidic ways, cared for injured animals and eventually established his own farm. Had a deck like that existed back in that time, I would nudge kindly ask our kind GM to integrate it into our game. After all, to me, animal companions are not combat tools nor scouting assistants, but trusted friends, able to influence a character’s development. You can tell that my excitement was over the top when we received The Game Master’s Deck of Fantastic Familiars & Animal Companions, written by Logan Reese (aka Runesmith) and illustrated by Tim Foley. As an animal lover and a tabletop player, the idea of memorable companions truly spoke to me.

Disclaimer: We were provided with a review copy of this product.

Contents

The deck comes in the form of a foldable box, and once opened, you will find:

• 40 Cards featuring not your average creatures
• 1 mini book filled with rich lore for every creature, and also information on how to use the deck

At the very beginning of the mini book, there is an introduction explaining the how-tos of the deck. Right from the start, the product makes it clear that these cards are meant to act like inspiring companions waiting to leave their mark on your stories. Who said that these are available only for PCs? NPCs, villains and even monsters can have these companions for that extra flavour. There are also suggestions on how to introduce said creatures to your gaming table, whether they appear as unexpected encounters, familiars, or are saved during the adventure. There is also a note that, unlike familiars, animal companions can be harmed and even killed, embracing the fact that they should be treated as living creatures and not as expendable resources.

On one side of each card, you will find an illustration of the featured creature along with its name at the very bottom. The other side contains the stats and actions, along with skills, languages, and resistances. This design balances presentation and usability for game masters who may want to introduce a new companion mid-session, or players who like to have their friend’s information at hand.

Art

The cards are sturdy and easy to read with a clear separation of artwork and mechanics. Each companion is brought to life with its own illustration, with vivid colours and fitting backgrounds. The art truly makes the creatures feel unique, aiding players in forming bonds with their new friends. My personal favourite is the Arcanotter, because otters are the best!

Final Thoughts

I find The Game Master’s Deck of Fantastic Familiars & Animal Companions a lovely addition to any table. Instead of presenting creatures as mechanical companions, it suggests viewing them as characters with their own stories and place in the world. The combination of beautiful artwork and practical design provides inspiration for memorable tales while keeping things simple and practical. And lastly, it reminds us that it’s not the pile of monsters that we defeat, but the bonds we create along every journey that matter. At the time of this review, The Game Master’s Deck of Fantastic Familiars & Animal Companions is available for preorder, as its official release date is on the 8th of September, 2026.

Stay crafty and pet the Arcanotter,
Your new favourite author.

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