@ChrisPerkinsDnD Is there any info about what familiars are beyond just spirits? My kid is concerned about being a spirit-slaver.
— Michael McCallen (@ShadowoftheGods) February 12, 2017
They are magic in animal form. The familiars serve willingly, if that helps. #WOTCstaff https://t.co/LBk0AkA7mx
— Christopher Perkins (@ChrisPerkinsDnD) February 12, 2017
You can always make your own lore. There was an old, and likely awful scifi movie that had the monster be the physical representation of the ID, the scientists own psychological aspect made into a rather large and invisible and violent force.
another idea is a Homonculous a created being, like a golem, but living.
another idea is use a spell like arcane eye and make it more a magical force than an animal.