Can eidolon appearance vary between summonings?

[JDath]

One of my players wants to multiclass to summoner so we have been reviewing all the rules since this is a new class for us. After reading the rules, as well as checking the messageboards, there is one point on which we're not sure. The question deals with "The eidolon forms a link with the summoner, who, forever after, summons an aspect of the same creature." and "The eidolon's physical appearance is up to the summoner, but it always appears as some sort of fantastical creature." from the APG description.

Does this mean that the eidolon has to look exactly the same each time that it is summoned? Or can it appear as any type of the chosen base form? For example, if the chosen base form was quadruped, could it appear one time as some crazy dog creature and another time as a super-fuzzy dire rat?

Any help in clarifying this for us is greatly appreciated.
JD

[Natan Linggod 972]

I don't think it matters. Mechanically they're the same so it's not like it's going to give the Summoner an advantage or anything.

I'd rule it like a Soulknifes mindblade. It can look different if the summoner wants it to.

[Dennis Baker]

My assumption is that since it's the same creature you summon each time and since it has no morphing/ disguise/ shapeshifting abilities it appears the same each time you summon it. Ultimately it's up to the group/ GM though since it's not really specified.

[LazarX]

By the text reading, the Eidlon only changes its appearance when it's level up time and you do your evolution reshaping. or through a transmorgify spell.

[JDath]

Thank you for the replies! After reading all the comments, we've decided to keep the appearance fixed until leveling up. Your perspectives really helped.

[Dysseus]

I cannot find one reference stating it only changes appearance when the Summoner levels. Its evolutions stay the same, but the book says its appearance is up to the summoner.

So you have a quadruped eidolon and lets say its evolution points are spent on improved armor, improved damage and scent...you could summon it as a unicorn looking creature, then next time summon a medium sized badger...the aspect of the creature is the same a quadruped, bu its appearance changes based on your desire. That is why the line about "cannot look like a specific creature" is so important.

now assuming you had a biped...

You cant summon your Eidolon to look like the mayor and give your friend a pardon...but you could make it look human enough to go bail out your rouge friend who got arrested without landing yourself in hot water. Though it would still look fantastical, like an angel or according to Ultimate Magic a bodyguard.

[Velocinox]

Dysseus wrote:

I cannot find one reference stating it only changes appearance when the Summoner levels. Its evolutions stay the same, but the book says its appearance is up to the summoner.

So you have a quadruped eidolon and lets say its evolution points are spent on improved armor, improved damage and scent...you could summon it as a unicorn looking creature, then next time summon a medium sized badger...the aspect of the creature is the same a quadruped, bu its appearance changes based on your desire. That is why the line about "cannot look like a specific creature" is so important.

now assuming you had a biped...

You cant summon your Eidolon to look like the mayor and give your friend a pardon...but you could make it look human enough to go bail out your rouge friend who got arrested without landing yourself in hot water. Though it would still look fantastical, like an angel or according to Ultimate Magic a bodyguard.

I'm not sure they can hear you way back in 2011... What with them getting ready for New Year's and all.

[Dysseus]

Velocinox wrote:

Dysseus wrote:

I cannot find one reference stating it only changes appearance when the Summoner levels. Its evolutions stay the same, but the book says its appearance is up to the summoner.

So you have a quadruped eidolon and lets say its evolution points are spent on improved armor, improved damage and scent...you could summon it as a unicorn looking creature, then next time summon a medium sized badger...the aspect of the creature is the same a quadruped, bu its appearance changes based on your desire. That is why the line about "cannot look like a specific creature" is so important.

now assuming you had a biped...

You cant summon your Eidolon to look like the mayor and give your friend a pardon...but you could make it look human enough to go bail out your rouge friend who got arrested without landing yourself in hot water. Though it would still look fantastical, like an angel or according to Ultimate Magic a bodyguard.

I'm not sure they can hear you way back in 2011... What with them getting ready for New Year's and all.

I just added it for people, like myself, looking for the right answer in the future.