Hey everyone,
I hope i got the correct forum here for that kind of question. Have to start with an excuse - english is not my native language, so please excuse any weird formulations or typos. ;)
A lot of input here, but I am a little lost and really glad for any help or hints you guys can offer.
After having seen the final PDF of the APG, I am trying to generate a build for a summoner for our upcoming campaign. The campaign will be epic fantasy, not too munchkinesque, but I do not want to get stuck with a character, that doesn't work and - even more important - i do not want to build and paint my miniatures, in a way, that actually won't play well. ;)
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I will be playing am male gnome. According to my plan the main stats including the gnome template will be:
STR 6, DEX 12, CON 17, INT 14, WIS 10, CHA 19
This should make up a strong caster and a though little bugger, what help with the Damage Sharing with the Eidolon. Alignment will be Chaotic Good, so i will be summoning with the celestial template.
The miniature I will be using is this one:
http://www.battlefield-berlin.de/shop/Media/Shop/e_3035.jpg
from Enigma Miniatures. That is Snæfellsjökull - Gnome Extrordinaire, World-Famous-Traveller, Hero
Feats I thought that would be worth taking are
LVL1 Spellfocus Conjuration
LVL3 Augment Summoning
LVL5 Summoner's Call
After that in no particular order:
Improved Initiative, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Casting
Anything else I should consider? With only having 6 Spellranks the Metamagic Feats seem a little too unaffordable Spell-Rank-wise. Especially with all the new feats I am afraid I am missing something here. Can't be that there are so few feats worth taking for a pure casting summoner, can it?
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Snæfellsjökull will be accompanied by his trusty Eidolon Bárðarbunga (if anyone wonders how I came up with these weird names, check wikipedia for icelandic volcanoes, tons of fun! ;)). But you guys can call them Snæfell and Bunga. ;)
For Bárðarbunga i wanted to use this Miniature:
http://www.battlefield-berlin.de/shop/Media/Shop/cs3017.jpg
from Anima Tactics - i came up with the idea inspired by the Final Fantasy Bestia. I was pretty happy reading in the finished book, that gnomish Summoners tend to forge clockwork creations as their Eidolon. As i want my Eidolon to use Shield and Sword, the Miniature will be getting a shield from a Privateer Press Light Myrmidon Warjack and the Sword of the Pheonix Heavy Myrmidon. As long, as Barda does not have the Large Mutation, I will be using this Miniature with a shield strapped to the back: http://homepage.mac.com/thminiatures/imagesfigurines/gobelins/corbeau.jpg (Goblin Miniature from the old Confrontation Line)
Sorry for all the talk about the minis, but I played tabletops for years... ;)
Creating the Eidolon seems a little complicated for me. I am afraid, that my shield/weapon build will not work that well, but i want something Golem like. I am pretty sure that one can dish out more Attacks by just relying on natural Attacks, especially with the Multiattacxk Feat, which comes for free - and if I get this right - will not help Bunga in any way.
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So here is what I came up with:
Base Form: Biped
Starting Statistics:
Size Medium;
Speed 30 ft.;
AC +2 natural armor;
Attack 2 claws (1d4);
Ability Scores Str 16, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha 11;
I will not be taking the Claws, as i do not like the Idea. He will just have normal hands.
Evolutions for Level 1 (3 Evolution Points)
AC with Heavy Steel Shield: 12 + 1 Dex + 2 Shield = 15
Weapon Training (2 - Simple Weapons)
Reach (1)
Feat (1): Shield Proficiency
Evolutions for Level 2 (4 Evolution Points)
STR/DEX+1
AC with HSS: 12 + 1 Dex + 2 Shield + 2 Armor Bonus = 17
Weapon Training (4 - Martial Weapons - will be wielding a sword from here on)
Feat (1): Shield Proficiency
Evolutions for Level 3 (5 Evolution Points)
STR/DEX+1
AC with HSS: 12 + 1 Dex + 2 Shield + 2 Armor Bonus = 17
Weapon Training (4)
Reach (1)
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack
Evolutions for Level 4 (7 Evolution Points)
STR/DEX+1
AC with HSS: 12 + 1 Dex + 2 Shield + 2 Armor Bonus = 17
Weapon Training (4)
Flight (2)
Reach (1)
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack
Evolutions for Level 5 (8 Evolution Points)
STR +1, STR/DEX+2
AC with HSS: 12 + 2 Dex + 2 Shield + 4 Armor Bonus = 20
Weapon Training (4)
Flight (2)
Reach (1)
Wing Buffet (1)
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack
Evolutions for Level 6 (9 Evolution Points)
STR +1, STR/DEX+2
AC with HSS: 12 + 2 Dex + 2 Shield + 4 Armor Bonus + Evo 2 = 22
Weapon Training (4)
Flight (2)
Reach (1)
Improved Natural Armor (1)
Wing Buffet (1 +0/+0 1W6+4) is this correct??
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack, Step Up
Evolutions for Level 7 (10 Evolution Points)
STR +1, STR/DEX+3
AC with HSS: 12 + 2 Dex + 2 Shield + 6 Armor Bonus = 22
Weapon Training (4)
Flight (2)
Reach (1)
Energy Attacks (Electricity) (2)
Wing Buffet (1) (+1/+1 1W6+5+1W6 Electricity)
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack, Step up
Evolutions for Level 8 (11 Evolution Points)
STR +1, STR +3 STR +8, DEX +3, DEX – 2, CON + 4, AC +1
Ability Scores Str 28, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha 11;
AC with HSS: 12 + 1 Dex + 2 Shield + 8 Armor Bonus -1 Size = 22
Attacks +6 BAB +9STR = +15/+10 (Power Attack +13/+8)
Schaden with Broadsword 2W6+9 (Power Attack 2W6+13)
Weapon Training (4)
Flight (2)
Reach (1)
Size Increase: Large (4)
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack, Step Up
Evolutions for Level 9 (13 Evolution Points)
STR +1, STR/DEX+3
AC with HSS: 12 + 2 Dex + 2 Shield + 6 Armor Bonus = 22
Weapon Training (4)
Flight (2)
Reach (1)
Wing Buffet (1)
Magical Attacks (1)
Size Increase: Large (4)
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack, Step up, Combat Reflexes, Multiattack
Evolutions for Level 10 (14 Evolution Points)
STR +2, STR/DEX+4
AC with HSS: 12 + 3 Dex + 2 Shield + 8 Armor Bonus = 25
Weapon Training (4)
Flight (2)
Reach (1)
Damage Reduction (3 – DR 5)
Size Increase: Large (4)
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack, Step up, Combat Reflexes, Multiattack
Evolutions for Level 11 (15 Evolution Points)
STR +2, STR/DEX+4
AC with HSS: 12 + 3 Dex + 2 Shield + 8 Armor Bonus = 25
Weapon Training (4)
Flight (2)
Reach (1)
Wing Buffet (1)
Damage Reduction (3)
Size Increase: Large (4)
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack, Step up, Combat Reflexes, Stand Still, Multiattack
Evolutions for Level 12 (16 Evolution Points)
STR +2, STR/DEX+5
AC with HSS: 12 + 3 Dex + 2 Shield + 10 Armor Bonus = 27
Weapon Training (4)
Flight (2)
Reach (1)
Damage Reduction (5 – DR 10)
Size Increase: Large (4)
Feats (2): Shield Proficiency, Power Attack, Step up, Combat Reflexes, Stand Still, Multiattack
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The group will include a Cleric (Healing/Nobility: Martyr-Subdomain), a Two-handed-Fighter, a transmutation wizard and my Summoner. The role of me would be a supporting spellcaster with the Eidolon blocking enemies. With 15foot reach, combat reflexes and stand still it should be able to block most enemies from reaching the spellcasters and with step up it can harass anyone who is trying to retreat. The wings should guarantee it can reach it's destination and the AC from the shield usage, my high amount of hitpoints, which I can trade in and the DR along with the rejuvenate spells should help keeping the Eidolon alive.
Is a Broadsword the correct weapon for this Eidolon? What else would be a good choice? Will the Broadsword be large for a large Eidolon and how does that affect the Damage it does?
Do you think this build will work? Or am i missing something? The Eidolon can not wear Armor, right? But i can wield a magical sword and shield as long as i don't, correct? Or would that mean i can actually not carry anything magical in my hands? Any other Feats it should have or other ideas you guys come up with, that would fit the miniature and idea?
Thank you for any advice!
Tim
Hi everyone. Thanks for the feedback so far.
Well, the odd number in CON surely is something to think about. 16 might be enough for CON. It is a point buy, epic fantasy, so 25 points. What would I need Wisdom for? The CHA Stat is odd, because putting it even higher would be too expensive and that way i can reach 20 at level the first ability score increase.
As for the Eidolon... i really know quadruped and pounce is a very strong build, but assuming I really want to go biped - what would be the way to go?
IMO if you know your going to be using martial weapons, then it would be better to just get the Martial Weapon Proficiency feat. 1 feat frees up 4 evolution points. AC is going be a problem if he is targeted. Luckily he is flying around so it just depends on how annoying the DM thinks it is. lol. The eidolon is using just one weapon right?
Couple of things...
1. Reach has to applied to a certain attack. Like Serpentine forms Reach (Bite). Also since it must be applied to an attack, it can't applied to Limbs (hands). If I were GM, I could be speaked to allow to take reach for each invidual arm also ( = Reach (Right Arm) for example ). Reach weapon is also a good chice until your eidolon grows to Large.
2. Did you know that you can also apply Claws to Limbs (Legs)?
3. Flight can't be taken until level 5
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Is a Broadsword the correct weapon for this Eidolon? What else would be a good choice?
If you want a sword and shield eidolon, the other choice is to save evolution points and blow feats (= Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword) ).
Will the Broadsword be large for a large Eidolon and how does that affect the Damage it does?
You will have to find a large broadsword for the eidolon ( Enlarge/Reduce Person spells alter the equipment sizes also, but just being large doesn't). Large broadsword does 2d6 damage.
The Eidolon can not wear Armor, right?
It suffers the armor check penalties to attacks also, if it does. It can start taking Armor feats, but its easier just to cast Mage Armor on it (Mage Armor doesn't stack with normal armor as both give armor bonus)
But i can wield a magical sword and shield
Yes
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Armed eidolon doesn't pay off until it gets magical weapons and shield (Eidolon can also benefit from Shield spell BTW). However I think its good enough for play and don't want to show my munchking side ;)
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Any other Feats it should have or other ideas you guys come up with, that would fit the miniature and idea?
I notice you are missing a rogue in your group. In pre made adventurers you need to sometimes at least detect traps, preferably to disarm them too. Since your eidolon is a clockwork thing, you could reasonably allow it to have Skilled (Perception) and Skilled (Disable Device) evolutions (and put skill ranks in those). It still can't disable magic traps, but after those are detected maybe your wizard can do something to them.
IMO if you know your going to be using martial weapons, then it would be better to just get the Martial Weapon Proficiency feat. 1 feat frees up 4 evolution points. AC is going be a problem if he is targeted. Luckily he is flying around so it just depends on how annoying the DM thinks it is. lol. The eidolon is using just one weapon right?
Correct, yes he is. Plan was Broadsword and Shield. So I could simply take Martial Weapon Proficiency as a Feat and not take it via the Evolution tree? That could be interesting.
Any hints on how to bump up the AC? Maybe i can find a magical shield or something, but i wouldn't count on that too early on.WIS gives WILL saves & Perception checks, both of which you can elect to do without. That does beg the question then.. why the 10WIS?
You can certainly afford the 20CHA to start.
It is okay, when the Gnome does not have any high perception stats. I want him to be a little... how do I say that... inattentive. Childlike. So not having a high Will Save is okay too. I use WIS 10, because i do not want negative Stats in a non-corporeal Ability Score. Actually i only took a low strength, because it fits the character. I want him to be puny, but a tough little bugger. his Charisma is high enough, so maybe i can make him be good at some Social Stats. I like the idea of having physical weaknesses on the Gnome himself, but i guess by taking a low stat in either WIS or INT makes him somewhat... strange.
Does that make any sense?
Also I would note that Summoner does a lot less actual summoning than it sounds. Mostly he just buffs his party members and his eidolon. Your groups wizard and cleric both get better summoning spells than you. So I would not start by taking Spell Focus (conjuration) & Augment Summoning. I would take Improved Initiative first and then see how much summoning I actully do, before using feats to that direction.
Also I would note that Summoner does a lot less actual summoning than it sounds. Mostly he just buffs his party members and his eidolon. Your groups wizard and cleric both get better summoning spells than you. So I would not start by taking Spell Focus (conjuration) & Augment Summoning. I would take Improved Initiative first and then see how much summoning I actully do, before using feats to that direction.
I appreciate your feedback a lot mate. That's some great input you have there for me. I will go through the single points now and would really like to hear you second thought on that. I guess our Wizard and Cleric will not Summon anything with their characters as it does not fit tehir play styles and i am sure they also do not want to start doing something my character should do well. So even if my SUmmons will not be the best possible, i guess they will none the less be the only ones. We are a very idealistic group of players with each player adding to the other ones archetype.
Our Wizard will be an Elf with very high perception stats. We are not playing premade adventures, we are even playing in an own world our GM wrote more than 15 years ago, and that ever grew from there on, called "The Nine Seas". I hope this guy will be enough to help with the traps. Otherwise our own scepticism will have to do. Or our Warrior will have to try the "ROGAR - OF COURSE!"-Method, The Gamers employed. ;)
quote=The PostMonster General] Any hints on how to bump up the AC? Maybe i can find a magical shield or something, but i wouldn't count on that too early on.
You can use shield spell to magically give shield to your eidolon (+4 AC). See eidolons Share Spells ability.
Eidolons AC goes up as you level up faster than anyone elses. So you have just to wait. In the meanwhile don't be too sorry when your eidolon "dies" you can summon a new one next morning in minutes ritual (unlike Druid who has to spend 24 in the right enviroment or Paladin who has to be a crybaby for a month). Its better that your eidolon dies than anyone else in your group dies.
Couple of things...
1. Reach has to applied to a certain attack. Like Serpentine forms Reach (Bite). Also since it must be applied to an attack, it can't applied to Limbs (hands). If I were GM, I could be speaked to allow to take reach for each invidual arm also ( = Reach (Right Arm) for example ). Reach weapon is also a good chice until your eidolon grows to Large.
2. Did you know that you can also apply Claws to Limbs (Legs)?
3. Flight can't be taken until level 5
1. Ouch. Well okay, i guess my GM will let me do it none the less. Would make sense anyway.
2. No... so that are basically 2 free attacks in my current build, without having to change anything, right?
3. D'oh! Okay. Have to exchange some evolutions then. Will have to do that anyway, when i take Exotic Weapon Proficiency "Bastardsword" as a Feat to save those 4 Evolution Points.
The Eidolon can not wear Armor, right?It suffers the armor check penalties to attacks also, if it does. It can start taking Armor feats, but its easier just to cast Mage Armor on it (Mage Armor doesn't stack with normal armor as both give armor bonus)
Makes sense. Good call. So Mage Armor and Shield it is.
But i can wield a magical sword and shieldYes.
Armed eidolon doesn't pay off until it gets magical weapons and shield (Eidolon can also benefit from Shield spell BTW). However I think its good enough for play and don't want to show my munchking side ;)
Okay. As i guess noone in the group will be interested in Shields or Large Bastard Swords, I guess the Eidolon could luck out a little here and there.
Thanks a lot for your feedback!
IMO if you know your going to be using martial weapons, then it would be better to just get the Martial Weapon Proficiency feat. 1 feat frees up 4 evolution points. AC is going be a problem if he is targeted. Luckily he is flying around so it just depends on how annoying the DM thinks it is. lol. The eidolon is using just one weapon right?Correct, yes he is. Plan was Broadsword and Shield. So I could simply take Martial Weapon Proficiency as a Feat and not take it via the Evolution tree? That could be interesting.
Any hints on how to bump up the AC? Maybe i can find a magical shield or something, but i wouldn't count on that too early on.
Yep, there is no prereq for the feat so you can take it whenever. Really all I would do for the AC is just make sure he has Mage armor on him. If you want to bump it up further you can cast Barkskin on him as well. They both have good and decent durations (hour/lvl & 10 min/lvl respectively).
Then I would get the SR evolution with those four free evolution points. Since he is flying around I suspect that his main concern is going to be him being targeted by spells. And if you get it at 9th level the first level you can get it, he will have a minimum of SR 20. It increases from there on.
Ooops, sorry. Actually summoner is good at summonig at high levels. My APG has a typo on level 6 spells ( Instead of Summon Monster IX, there is Summon Monster IV ), so I assumed they wouldn't get high summons. So Augment Summoning will be very handy and you won't suck at summoning compared to Cleric & Wizard.
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Yes Claws on Limbs (Legs) give 2 extra attacks on your build. They are at -5 from sword attack however (-2 after multiattack).
Ooops, sorry. Actually summoner is good at summonig at high levels. My APG has a typo on level 6 spells ( Instead of Summon Monster IX, there is Summon Monster IV ), so I assumed they wouldn't get high summons. So Augment Summoning will be very handy and you won't suck at summoning compared to Cleric & Wizard.
.
Check that again. The APG Summoner does suck at summoning when compared to the other classes. There are plenty of other threads complaining about that fact, and with good reason.
Yes, summoner don't have as many spells and they can't use their special ability when eidolon is present (that is the main complaint of the threads I think). So the other classes are better summoners (with quantity). But I meant that summoner can actually do reasonable summons on higher levels (= doesn't totally suck).
Yes, summoner don't have as many spells and they can't use their special ability when eidolon is present (that is the main complaint of the threads I think). So the other classes are better summoners (with quantity). But I meant that summoner can actually do reasonable summons on higher levels (= doesn't totally suck).
The other problem with the SLA is that you can only have it active one use at a time. So the only advantage the summoner has is the one time you use the SLA, it lasts for min/lvl instead of rounds. Everything else other classes can do better.
As for the Eidolon... i really know quadruped and pounce is a very strong build, but assuming I really want to go biped - what would be the way to go?Are you being honest here? Isn't what you actually want a completely humanoid Eidolon with wings? If so, come out and say so straight away and save people time. Reading between the lines I have a good idea this is what you want, but it could simply be you didn't see you can take limbs more than once ...
Given your stated requirements your method of fighting is silly. You should take limbs(arms) twice and use a greatsword and put the shield on a seperate arm. It fulfils your stated requirements (it's still a biped) and is much more effective.
Or,
You know...
You could...
Read his posts? He put a link to what he wanted to build in the first one?
You could...
you know...
also...
Stop giving him grief and insulting him telling him he's silly? He wants to make a specific eidelon to meet a specific look. That's called roleplay.
Now, to the OP. You've already been given some great advice so far (by other people, note). You might want to consider dropping maker's call, it's not really all that good. It only gives you a bonus on your eidelon for 10 minutes after you summon it. So unless you plan on banishing him every 10 minutes and resummoning him (which is going to get old really fast), it's kind of a waste as a feat. I would suggest going with your other feats (dodge is a good one, as it ups YOUR AC).
As to the biped build, I would when you have the evo points for it, increase your flight speed. You can never move around fast enough. That's a huge benefit. You might also want to get the eidelon Hover eventually (if you do the wings so he qualifies).
I would deffinately go with the large bastard sword wielded one handed (again, spending the feat) if you're going sword and board, and then enchant it at the earliest opportunity. Same with the shield.
You also might want to consider taking the diehard feat chain, it's a huge mess, but at least it keeps your eidelon from going poof if you drop to -1 or less hp in battle.
Wow... okay. That's alot of input. Thanks a lot to everyone in advance. Will try to answer everyones postings now.
Just one thing: We just finished a campaign that was very encounter-heavy. I guess the next campaign will include far more EXP for roleplaying and the like than for wiping out the orc population of a continent. So I can "afford" to play a summoner, that is not that spoiled through to the end, and that's actually what I want to do.
One end of the forum currently complains the Summoner is too weak, the other half wants to see the Eidolon nerfed. I guess the main problem with the Eidolon is, that most of you guys have a really impressive insight to the rules. I as a casual gamer read through the rules of the Eidolon and honestly, it would take me days to figure out how hard the quadruped-pounce-multiplearms build really is. And if I do... well I would NOT play it, because it somehow looks nearly like an exploit. I am a tournament player, when it comes to tabletops. I write army lists, to win and grind my opponents into the ground and I am looking for the hardest stuff here and am not gentleman enough to not exploit rulebugs... but when playing pathfinder, i am playing in a noncompetitive environment. I am not playing to win here, but to have fun. I am a little fluffbunny, that is just there for a good time. I am here to ask if it is possible to build something that fits the miniature and the idea of the little bugger I have in my head, that will work. The only thing I do not want to do is build up a character for months and months just to realize he can't keep up in the encounters. Because even when those are only a small part of the actual game, they are a fun one in which i want to participate in a good, not borken way.
I am really impressed by the insight you guys have into the whole complex rulesset, that's why I am here to ask. Each time i come here i learn tons of new stuff and gather great ideas for playing. But i do not really want to optimize to the last bit, just build something that's fun to play. :)
Just explaining myself, where I come from and why I want to do stuff the way I do it. Everyone plays the game the way it offers the most fun for him, in this campaign, with this character I just want my biped Eidolon with sword and shield if there is any decent way to make it work. ;)
Yep, there is no prereq for the feat so you can take it whenever. Really all I would do for the AC is just make sure he has Mage armor on him. If you want to bump it up further you can cast Barkskin on him as well. They both have good and decent durations (hour/lvl & 10 min/lvl respectively).Then I would get the SR evolution with those four free evolution points. Since he is flying around I suspect that his main concern is going to be him being targeted by spells. And if you get it at 9th level the first level you can get it, he will have a minimum of SR 20. It increases from there on.
Okay i guess taking the Feat for using a sword is set now. Spell Resistance sounds cool. If the Eidolon will really be soaring on the Battleground and not just swooping around from foe to foe, the spell resistance idea is a great one, because it minimizes weaknesses. I like that one. Thanks. Also Barnskin is noted.
Yes and no.
I think that you are looking at the mechanics to draw a line in the sand here. That a 10 doesn't give modifiers one way or the other is just the base line.If instead it gave a -2 and that 14 stats were the base line would you want a 14 WIS?
Hey if it doesn't fit the character then certainly don't do it. But if you want your gnome to be less attentive than normal then you WANT a lower WIS than 10. It fits the smart charismatic but unaware archetype that you are seeing in him.
I would look at the following for stats:
STR 5 (-4pts)
INT 14 (5 pts)
WIS 8 (-2pts)
DEX 12 (2pts)
CON 16 (5pts)
CHA 20 (17pts)Which gives you 2pts to play with. You could raise the STR back to a 6, the WIS back to a 10, the CON back up to a 17 or a 9WIS 13DEX.
The later has the advantage that you will actually qualify for Dodge, which you mentioned wanting to take.
Of course you could lower the CHA to a 19 and have 4 more points to play with, but I would start with the CHA at a 20 and see what is worth giving that up for..
-James
Beaten to it. I guess you are right. I will take the build
STR 5 (-4pts)
INT 14 (5 pts)
WIS 9 (-1pts)
DEX 13 (3pts)
CON 16 (5pts)
CHA 20 (17pts)
you made up, so i can take Dodge, when I want to. Will see if i pump my ability score increases into Charisma, or if i take one additional point of DEX for one more point of AC and more Initiative or pump up the CON even more. Guess the first point into DEX would really make sense.
Yes Claws on Limbs (Legs) give 2 extra attacks on your build. They are at -5 from sword attack however (-2 after multiattack).
I will think about that, but when i count this as just kicking someone or slicing them with the little blades attached to the sides of the legs, i guess this would suffice. These attacks get better with the multiattack feat then? Sorry for then stupid questions about the attacks, but I am not really getting hoe the mix of monster attacks and normal attacks works here. Which attacks gets which attack boni, which ones do more ore less damage and aaaaargh... ;) Guess if have to read through that again completely...
You might want to consider dropping maker's call, it's not really all that good. It only gives you a bonus on your eidelon for 10 minutes after you summon it. So unless you plan on banishing him every 10 minutes and resummoning him (which is going to get old really fast), it's kind of a waste as a feat. I would suggest going with your other feats (dodge is a good one, as it ups YOUR AC).
I was thinking about working with the SLA to summon monster and summon the Eidolon through the spell "Summon Eidolon". This is a conjuration spell, so if I get the rules right, Augment Summoning should add to it, as well as Summoner's Call. That wouldn't let the Eidolon stay around, but it would certainly for an encounter, as it already stays 12 rounds on level 1 and I am still able to summon monsters through my SLA, right? I know this has some serious disadvantages, as the Eidolon will not stick around until slain, but I hope this is a possibility to use both, the SLA and the Eidolon. Actually i choose to play a Summoner months ago, when the first Beta came out and i fell somehwat in love with the concept, so i am afraid, to let that go... (you know... the first idea was throwing little red and white metal balls on the ground when using the Summon Monster SLA and shouting stuff like "I CHOOSE YOU, CELESTIAL DIRE BOAR!", which i dropped by now, because it would be too goofy ;P ).
But i guess someone will now explain me why exactly that won't work. :|
So something a little more helpful. If your DM doesn't allow reach on the sword attack, and you want it mainly for AoOs, why not just use a bite attack? (Not really more incompatible with the mini than clawed feet.) With the bite evolution taken twice it will probably do more damage than your sword to begin with on AoOs (because of the 1-1/2 strength, it works as a primary attack on an AoO).If you then take Grab and your AoO hits you can grapple the opponent and keep him from moving ... which is actually more effective than hitting him with your sword (just release him as a free action on the Eidolon's turn).
I guess it won't be a problem to take reach with the sword. I like the idea of letting the Eidolon bite, but I have no idea how that would actually work.
I guess I have pretty set ideas on the looks and attack mechanics, although the slicing with the legs that Riku pointed out, sounds pretty nifty. I am a graphics guy and when I have an idea in my head i am just trying to make it work... ;)
To see what kind of nerd about the ideas I am... here is a digital painting i started a month ago. Currently only the background and underpainting is done, not the Eidolon or the Summoner are in any way complete... https://files.me.com/wbcenobyte/urjb5o
(this is another never finished painting from my last character... using 3.5 rules this was Ulfgar a Barbarian/Fighter/Frenzied Berserker, now Level 20 and retired after saving the world... :P https://files.me.com/wbcenobyte/qew4zi - this guy was pretty straightforward in what he did. Hitting people with a two handed axe. Leap Attack+Supreme Power Attack for the win! ;) That's why i need a fun-character now.)
Thanks a lot to everyone who participated in fleshing out my idea so far! I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this!
Tim
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I would look at the following for stats:
STR 5 (-4pts)
INT 14 (5 pts)
WIS 8 (-2pts)
DEX 12 (2pts)
CON 16 (5pts)
CHA 20 (17pts)
...Of course you could lower the CHA to a 19 and have 4 more points to play with, but I would start with the CHA at a 20 and see what is worth giving that up for..
-James
Why are you suggesting pumping so much into CHA? Most of the summoners casting doesn't even have a saving throw. The bonus spells aren't a huge deal either and the eidolon doesn't rely on charisma at all.
I would suggest putting the Charisma at 18 or even 15 and using the 7 - 10 points you free up to add to dexterity and wisdom, or don't kill strength to where it will be a handicap.
I was thinking about working with the SLA to summon monster and summon the Eidolon through the spell "Summon Eidolon". This is a conjuration spell, so if I get the rules right, Augment Summoning should add to it, as well as Summoner's Call. That wouldn't let the Eidolon stay around, but it would certainly for an encounter, as it already stays 12 rounds on level 1 and I am still able to summon monsters through my SLA, right? I know this has some serious disadvantages, as the Eidolon will not stick around until slain, but I hope this is a possibility to use both, the SLA and the Eidolon. Actually i choose to play a Summoner months ago, when the first Beta came out and i fell somehwat in love with the concept, so i am afraid, to let that go... (you know... the first idea was throwing little red and white metal balls on the ground when using the Summon Monster SLA and shouting stuff like "I CHOOSE YOU, CELESTIAL DIRE BOAR!", which i dropped by now, because it would be too goofy ;P ).
But i guess someone will now explain me why exactly that won't work. :|
Just remember when using the SLA it is limited to one use at a time, it does not function exactly like the Summon Monster spell. so if you summon your Boar, and then summon something else, the Boar disappears. Unless you use the spell version in which case summon away. Note that you can use the Summon Monster spell while the Eidolon is out, IMO this is a better option, but you have to waste your spells on the same ability that the SLA should give you. That is one of the major complaints of the class right now.