# Familiars ## What Are Familiars? Familiars are cute little helpers that provide various bonuses to the hero they are assigned to, allowing the player to collect familiaras to customize each hero to match their play style. Early in the design, we felt it was important to separate the familiar’s form (what it looks like) from it’s function. By doing this, a player is given the choice to select whatever familiars they most like the look of without having to compromise on the familiar’s effect. ## Familiars Lore Devol's act of rebellion against her father leads to the groundbreaking discovery of familiars alongside classified locations and crucial information. This pivotal knowledge provides the Paragon resistance with a significant strategic advantage. Familiars, created initially as augmentative support units for the Dominators, were the precursors to the creation of XE. These entities, crafted from lightweight, durable alloys and designed for versatility, were early experiments infused with Metatech, intended to enhance Dominator capabilities. However, these familiars require a unique bonding process called imprinting, where they possess no innate abilities initially but significantly enhance the capabilities of their chosen host. Over time, it was discovered that specific component parts of familiars experience progressive enhancement through continued exposure to Metatech, strengthening their augmentative abilities with use. In gameplay, these familiars are crucial in boosting a hero's performance during matches. The specific boost provided varies depending on the type of familiar and its rarity, making them a valuable asset for players looking to customize and enhance their strategic approach to combat. This integration of familiars into the game not only deepens the gameplay mechanics but also enriches the narrative's complexity, intertwining Devol's personal rebellion with a broader tactical evolution in the war between Paragon and the Dominators. *** Familiars are essential companions in *The Machines Arena*, each with a unique backstory and capabilities that enhance gameplay. As you explore the game, these companions will not only aid you in battles but also deepen your connection to the game's rich lore. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.themachinesarena.com/familiars.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.