Favored monster

A favored monster was a kind of monster that 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 sent to inform mortals of something but as a means for direct aid. This aid could be to attack or protect against 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 sent 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 monsters who were familiar to them or a favored animal instead.

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