What is Blackwing?

[Darth Paul]

Why does he seem to be completely and selflessly devoted to the team's quest? He often comes across as a cheerleader in his interactions.

It seems you may have missed out on quite a bit of the character developement between V and Blackwing. Blackwing actually began as a nameless bird, Haley gave him the name (Vaarsuvius' comment was along the lines of "Do you name all of your class features?"). Blackwing actually disappeared back into "familiarspace" rather than act as a diversion in one instance, leaving V hanging. So, the relationship has not always been friendly.

It was only after a lot of turmoil- basically, the events of "Don't Split the Party" (strips #485-672)- that Blackwing and V bonded and the relationship became as we see it now. Blackwing was also quite the deadpan snarker for a while after that as well, not so much a cheerleader.

I believe that B is devoted to V's goals, rather than the party's. But, since Vaarsuvius is dedicated to the party's goal, the distinction is currently meaningless. That could change someday.

Under the D&D 3.5 rules, I'm not sure whether the familiar is magically created or just mystically called and bonded to a master. If it's the latter, then Blackwing began life as a perfectly ordinary raven, until V summoned him to the heroic life. Now there's a thought.