Binding Outsiders entry
The first step in calling extraplanar assistance is to determine the method of bringing the outsider to the Material Plane. If the caster is a cleric, the spell of choice is planar ally; wizard, sorcerers, and summoners rely primarily on planar binding (or summon monster, which controls without requiring binding). However, none of these necessarily bind the outsider to the caster’s needs, and a wise spellcaster augments the summoning with additional encouragement, usually in the form of gifts or bargains.
I am aware that is for Binding an Outsider, but it suggests a limitation on what an Elemental or other Outsider can or is willing to do when summoned through the Spell. From what it says in the Summon Monster Spell you can order it to Attack, Not Attack and Attack specific enemies or perform other actions. I think the "other actions" is in regards to combat actions such as Combat maneuvers and etc. If that is not the case then what can it do?
Examples:
Could it scout ahead and report back?
Could it guard a particular party member?
Could it retrieve an item from a location?
Could it catch a falling party member? (air/water elemental)
Could it put out a fire or move a rock out of the way?
I am trying to establish the limitations so there is less confusion amongst my players. Also does it mean A full round action where it says 1 round in regards to casting time? And I assume if this is the case it comes in on your next turn, correct?
Any help in this matter is much appreciated.
I'd read up on the magic chapter for the full-round thing. A 1 round casting time spell requires a full-round action, but the caster can't do anything until right before their next turn. They finish casting the moment before their turn, that is. So if they take damage before their next turn, they could lose the spell.
If the person who summoned the creature can't communicate with the creature, the creature attacks to the best of its abilities. If they caster can communicate with the creature, they can order it to do different, more complicated, things. Like scout, etc. In general, Handle Animal can still be used to have the summoned creature do things, even if the caster can't communicate with the creature. For example, you could use Handle Animal to get a summoned lion to attack a specific enemy, or to get them to *stop* attacking an enemy.
Thanks that helps out a lot. Someone is not going to be happy.
Well, learning celestial, infernal, abyssal, and the 4 elemental languages helps a *lot*. Many of the higher level creatures know that language, so commanding those guys is super easy. Animals are a different story. But as long as they understand one language and the summoner can speak that language...