Multiclassing a Synthesis Summoner

[Vero]

I have seen a lot of threads which talk about multi classing a summoner with another class. All those threads talk about how multi classing with summoners is a bad idea. My question is, what about a synthesis summoner? I was thinking maybe a synthesis summoner with a fighter or a barbarian for more physical combat styles.

[deuxhero]

Synthesist is normally given as an exception, and even then, dips are bad for the no that great physical scores for higher levels (less of a problem for humanoids).

[Gignere]

Paladin + Synthesis Summoner works great.

My recommendation would be 2 summoner/ 2 or 4 pally/ x summoner again.

Monk + Synthesis is badass too, this is my Saint Seiya build.

2 summoner / 3 monk / x summoner.

[ShadowcatX]

Synthesist is still just as bad to multi-class out of as normal summoner, you're giving up your eidolon advancement (which you want) and your casting (which you also want).

If you were going to force me I would say the 2 dip paladin (4 dip for oath of vengeance on the outside) is the best choice but it still isn't as good as straight synthesist.

Monk might be interesting, though I don't think it could ever bring enough to the table to be worth it.

[ashern]

Monk. Monk. Monk, and.... Monk.

Master of many styles 2. You are now a monk, with massive natural armor. You have evasion, better saves, and you still have natural attacks. Pick two styles, go to town!

Edit: making the styles work with you attacks relies on feral combat training. For example, craned riposte and bite them with your powerful bite attack.

[Gignere]

Monk/Synthesist - At level 11

Monastic legacy + monk robe + large size + as many arms as evolutions would allow + multi weapon fight = Pegasis Asteroid Punch.

You are doing unarmed damage as a level 12 monk and you can self cast GMF. Every unarm strike does 3d6 damage with 10ft reach.

This is only if you don't enlarge yourself further. You will be melting faces also your AC and saves will be totally ridiculous. Because you can dump strength and dex and pump wisdom and you get natural armor from your eidolon.

[Qik]

ashern wrote:

Monk. Monk. Monk, and.... Monk.

Thirded. I'm just finishing up playing a Synthesist/Maneuver Master which, in the words of my GM, was defined by "general pwntheworldness." Pounce + three natural attacks + flurry of maneuvers + Dragon Style is absolutely devastating. And as the others have said, the combination of Wis to AC, the natural armor boosts of the Synthesist, and the ability to Mage Armor yourself makes achieving a high AC easy. Plus, you have hit points to spare.

The two classes mesh incredibly well together, and are well worth setting back the synthesist a level or two if built right.

[Vero]

How many levels of monk did you have?

[LazarX]

The more you multi-class, the more that eidolon becomes a balloon that's easy to pop.

[Gignere]

I recommend 3 in monk to qualify for monastic legacy. That feat allows you to count half your summoner levels as monk levels for unarmed damage.

However, if you plan on staying with natural weapons, 2 levels in monk will get you the most bang for your dip.