Favored monster

A favored monster was a kind of monster, which was favored by a deity.

Description
Deities could show their powers through major manifestations and minor manifestations. The appearance of a monster fell into the latter category.

Unlike other minor manifestations, these manifestations were not send to inform mortals on something but as a means for direct aid. This aid could take the form of protection or attack against the enemies. For example, Vhaeraunite drow were sometimes accompanied by air and earth mephits, shadows, yeth hounds, and shadow dragons, who were servants of Vhaeraun.

Outsider servants were send off with a specific mission for a specific time frame.

Mortals' Reaction
Mortals could react in a fearful manner to a favored monster. Deities generally tried to accommodate these fears by sending off monsters who were familiar to them or a favored animal.

Clerics could summon these monsters by using planar ally or summon monster spells.