[quote=@Lionhearted]
So for the familiars, do they have to be animals? Or can they be like mythical creatures or humans? And are familiars a way of casting magic through like a conduit?
[/quote]

Familiars are capable of appearing in almost any form however they are forbidden from taking human forms. They generally pick animals that will allow them to remain inconspicuous in their current surroundings.

Familiars can be used to cast magic in the place of a conduit. There's no advantage or draw back to casting this way but a price must still be paid the same if you were to cast from a conduit. Familiars are also capable of magic on their own without instruction and most commonly do so to protect their master in the event they were at risk of dying.