Need some help with a summoner

[crystallos]

like the title says im working on a summoner. my problem isnt with the eidolon its with the actual summoner itself.

we are using 25 pointbuy, are level 7(i only get 6th level gold+1k), id really like to stay a gnome if possible.

the question i run into is since im making my eidolon with a damage dealing focus what am i supposed to do with the actual summoner. shoot a crossbow once a turn and a few spell? it just seems a really passive playstyle i would like to come up with something a bit more active. sorry if its a little vague ill clear things up as i can. thanks in advance guys/gals!

[Darigaaz the Igniter]

I'm working on a similar concept. My gnome is going to be casting a lot of pit spells, while the Eidolon pushes bad guys in. I'm sure there are plenty of spells in the Summoner list to make a replacement "God Wizard" (see Trentmonk's Guide to Wizards).

[Maerimydra]

This is an advice for a melee-focused gnome summoner.

If your eidolon has 10 ft. reach, you could try flanking your opponents with the help of your eidolon like this :

x x x x x
x e o s x
x x x x x

e = eidolon
o = opponent
s = summoner
x = empty square

In that way you would benefit from both Shield Ally (+2 AC, +2 on Reflex saves) and flanking bonus. Give a good Dexterity score and maybe Dodge to your gnome, and you will be really hard to hit (thanks to your size modifier to AC). You could even fight defensively (-4 on attack rolls, +2 AC) or use Combat Expertise while using the aid another action to increase the accuracy of your eidolon while being even more hard to hit at the same time.

Taking some Teamwork Feats with both your eidolon and your summoner wouldn't hurt either. (;

EDIT: Use your spells to buff yourself and your allies, including your eidolon, before battles or during the first round of an encounter and to heal your eidolon between battles.

[crystallos]

i was also considering going half elf. trading skill focus for weapon training for a reach weapon. would that be better to work with or should i keep to my guns and stick with the awesome that is the gnome