People: Familiars
Familiars are magical beings that take the form of animals. Most mages have them. They are usually gifted with similar sorts of magic as the mages that they are bonded with (never would a mage say own; it is an insult as familiars are regarded as companions). It is not clearly known how powerful familiars are, though some regard a familiar's magic as comparable to a mage's own level of magic.

Familiars also go almost everywhere with their mage and go to school with them. They can be away from their mages and are not always with them, though most stick near. For example, Ete will stay in Garage's office when he's teaching a potentially dangerous class. Ari will spend time with Oz from time to time, even though he's Evie's familiar. Some familiars will stay at home when their mages are working, and so on. Familiars will only leave their mage and go with a mage that they personally trust (or that their mage trusts).

They are very well behaved in human society, though not perhaps seen as beings who can act on their own. They are fiercely protective of their bonded mage and will occasionally go out of their way to help another mage if their bonded desires it.

Most have the ability of speech though they usually only speak with their bonded. They can read if they are taught. I imagine if they could hold a writing utensil that they could also write if taught (or use some sort of magic to make ink hit paper in a way that mimics writing).

Familiars are allergic to faerie dust, which is why faeries and some half-faeries do not have them. It's not enough of an allergy to hurt them, but it is enough of an irritant that they don't like spending inordinate amounts of time with faeries.

Familiars do seem to have an imperceptible connection with their mages and can sense when something is wrong with them. The stronger the bond between them, the stronger the connection.

Weavers can tell if a mage is well matched to their familiar. Sometimes a dismal pairing will result in a split and over time the familiar will simply wander off, perhaps to find another mage better suited. It is not entirely common, but sometimes a mage will find a familiar that they prefer (for looks, form, or abilities), as opposed to the one they should have (simply based on a strong, magical connection).

Familiars are allowed most places with their mages, but some privately owned businesses do not allow them in their buildings (Hotel Mosaique for one). Ask if you're not certain, establish the rule if you're making a new business.

There are no dragons in Aylasia, therefore you couldn't have a dragon for a familiar. Other peculiar creatures are up for debate.

A full listing of familiars in the game can be found here and here.