From my understanding, shadow familiars are crafted out of pure nether and given semi-life to aid the sorcerer.
The shadow familiar is small, about the size of a housecat. Its inky black, semi-gaseous body is humanoid, with a pair of bat-like wings, fangs, claws, and a barbed tail giving it a malevolent look. Two luminous cold blue points of light stare out from the shadow familiar's face.
To better represent such a model, it would be a cool feature if when an opponent hits a familiar bare-handed, they take a small amount of nether/cold damage.
It hit me that it was odd that things were biting my familiar and not taking damage. You're chewing on nether!
Shadow familiar recoil
Shadow familiar recoil
I have nothing productive to say, therefore, I must be heard!