I vaguely remember a feat that allowed a summoner to keep a single summon monster/nature ally critter around long term, but I can not remember the source. It is possible that it was a class ability instead. Does anyone recollect anything like this?
Or am I just going crazy (....well, continuing crazy ....oh never mind!)
Nope, not by raw. I allow summon monster to last longer depending on choosing from a lower list though. Pick from one list lower - 1 minute/level, two lists lower - 1 hour/level, three lists lower - 1 day/level, though only once such at a time. It gives some variation from the "additional pets" rule.
On the other hand, we use individual summon spells for each type of summon though.
From SRD wizard class description:
"Conjuration School
The conjurer focuses on the study of summoning monsters and magic alike to bend to his will.
Summoner's Charm (Su): Whenever you cast a conjuration (summoning) spell, increase the duration by a number of rounds equal to 1/2 your wizard level (minimum 1). At 20th level, you can change the duration of all summon monster spells to permanent. You can have no more than one summon monster spell made permanent in this way at one time. If you designate another summon monster spell as permanent, the previous spell immediately ends."
Other then that, all I can think of is extend spell metamagic feat.
The Beta Animal domain worked that way, allowing the caster to keep a summoned critter around all day long.
Ah - that sounds familiar! Drats, I was hoping it was a feat from somewhere. Actually, I like that power more then what the domain gets now (animal companion at -3 levels, I believe).
Well, hope spring-attacks eternal
You can also look into the Planar Binding spells.
I love your mother of monsters! Great flavor - and now we can add 'little Timmy' to the game. A face only a blind mother could love!
I was thinking of a feat 'Bound Summons ritual' that makes a summon monster/nature ally casting last for 24 hours. It requires the expenditure of a spell slot for the summons itself, and a spell slot one level higher in order to use this feat. It takes 20 minutes to complete the ritual and costs 100 gp per level of the summons used to determine the bound ally.
example: use a 5th and 6th level spell slot, gain an ongoing summon nature/monster follower for a 24 hour period. The creature is chosen from the 5th level summon list.
So - for the cost of a feat, a spell slot for the summons, and a higher level slot to maintain it, gain a flunky for a day. Given that a 20th level character with leadership gets an 18th level follower, while this feat costs a 9th and 8th level spell slot and gives you a temporary follower from the 8th level list. Also - a follower is not hedged out by a magic circle, nor prone to banishment.
Ehh.
Too good/average/no good compared to leadership/I'm sorry, I wasn't listening
Technically, a 20th level character can have up to a 17th level cohort. The Leadership table only allows up to a 17th level cohort. Not that the single level is that big of a deal...
The only advantage that this feat has over leadership is that if your cohort dies, you have to pay to get him/her back through some sort of raise dead spell. With the summoning, you just magick up another one tomorrow. Also, you likely don't need to purchase gear for your summon, but you should for your cohort.
Technically, a 20th level character can have up to a 17th level cohort. The Leadership table only allows up to a 17th level cohort. Not that the single level is that big of a deal...
Technically, that's the level of cohort you can attract. They can level up to as much as 2 levels below you...so you could have an 18th level cohort. You just can't attract an 18th level cohort.
Extend Spell?
Persistent Spell?
Technically, a 20th level character can have up to a 17th level cohort. The Leadership table only allows up to a 17th level cohort. Not that the single level is that big of a deal...Technically, that's the level of cohort you can attract. They can level up to as much as 2 levels below you...so you could have an 18th level cohort. You just can't attract an 18th level cohort.
I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing that out. That's going to let my cohort take all ten levels of his prestige class.
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Persistent Spell?
Sadly only affects spells with a fixed or personal range, so summonings are right out. Without metamagic reducers, it would be pretty junky anyway. You could blow a 7th level spell slot to have a Persistant Celestial Monkey or whatever, but really, just Planar Bind a Glabrezu or something with that slot.
Extend isn't too bad, especially if used from a metamagic rod.
The only advantage that this feat has over leadership is that if your cohort dies, you have to pay to get him/her back through some sort of raise dead spell. With the summoning, you just magick up another one tomorrow. Also, you likely don't need to purchase gear for your summon, but you should for your cohort.
Well, it has a few advantages and disadvantages...
If your fellow dies, just do the ritual again, and burn 2 more spell slots.
You can summon a critter that is 'maximized' for the game environ. Your ally breaths water for the deep sea game, or flies for the mountain trip, immune to fire for the volcano adventure.
The sucky part - his equipment, if any, will most likely be minimal.
He can be hedged out.
He will not be as tough as the follower with leadership.
Unless chosen carefully, your summoned ally may do the absolute minimum to help you - a chain devil summoned by a LN summoner will do as commanded, but do not expect him to act as helpful as that follower - who has your best interest at heart. I can imagine your temporary ally standing next to you as you bleed to death - officially waiting for your orders!
Since you will want the best follower you can, you will be expending a spell slot of your two highest levels - ouch!
I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing that out. That's going to let my cohort take all ten levels of his prestige class.Technically, a 20th level character can have up to a 17th level cohort. The Leadership table only allows up to a 17th level cohort. Not that the single level is that big of a deal...Technically, that's the level of cohort you can attract. They can level up to as much as 2 levels below you...so you could have an 18th level cohort. You just can't attract an 18th level cohort.
You're welcome. Once again, Technically Correct proves to be the best kind of correct. :-)