Bondbeast

Magical Minions Protecting Spell Slingers

A bondbeast begins as a normal animal that a spellcaster transforms with a rigorous magical ritual. No matter the animal's original size, it gains increased intelligence, becomes the size of a large dog, and employs a magical toxin via a fearsome bite. Although recognizably similar to the animal it once was, each bondbeast bears unique arcane runes on its skin or fur.
During the transformation into a bondbeast, the creature retains its personality, so most prospective bonded spellcasters use an animal that has already demonstrated loyalty and protectiveness. Transferring the bondbeast's loyalty requires an equally complicated magical ritual, which isn't always successful.
Roll or choose a result on the Bondbeast Origins table to determine its original form.

Wizards have a long history of using other creatures, including magical constructs, for protection and assistance. Familiars are the most common magical assistants, and shield guardians are among the most common magical bodyguards. However, rarer creatures exist as magical protectors or companions.
The means of creating, controlling, or bonding with more unusual creatures are often heavily guarded secrets only passed along to trusted allies. Magic-users might learn such secrets as members of a magical organization or faction, but usually only the most powerful, influential, or wealthy members are entrusted with this knowledge.
Bonding with these unique magical bodyguards is not as simple as attuning to a magic item or summoning a familiar. It can take months to create and days to forge a bond with these magical bodyguards. This bonding process requires an expenditure of magical and physical energy that can weaken the creator for many days.