Simple question.
Can a Synthesist take the Ability Increase evolution and apply it to his own mental scores? In other words, use his bio suit to boost his save DCs of spells?
"While fused with his eidolon, the synthesist uses the eidolon’s physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution), but retains his own mental ability scores (Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma). ...The synthesist also gains access to the eidolon’s special abilities and the eidolon’s evolutions."
Only text that seems relevant. I figure since the eidolon doesn't actually exist as a creature, no feats for example, it would go to you. But would like confirmation.
The eidolon still has its own mental stat, but when combined with the summoner the summoner's mental stats take precedence. If an eidolon with a higher mental score improves his mental stats then its mental score should go up, not the summoners.
edit:I see your point now, but I think that if that the ability should always go to the eidolon or the summoner. Since using that ability boost the eidolon's physical score I think most people would like it better if it always applied to the eidolon instead. If you boosted the summon's physicial scores and they are overtaken by the eidolon then it would not be any good.
Simple Answer. Nope.
Not-so-Simple-Answer. Nope, and here's why.
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So, they made a ruling inconsistent w/ how the synthesist evolution mechanics otherwise work solely to prevent "abuse."
No wonder so many people get confused about the archetype.
I see myself and the rules team came to the same conclusion, but by different means. I like my interpretation better because I think it makes more sense, because both the eidolon and summoner have their own stat scores.
Wraithstrike: I also like your reasoning better. I disagree with it, I think the conglomerate lifeform known as the merged synthesist has one set of physical scores and one set of mentals, and this is in line w/ how the class is worded.
But I can certainly accept that your interpretation also has merit.
While fused with his eidolon, the synthesist uses the eidolon’s physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution), but retains his own mental ability scores (Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma).
That is why I consider them to be two different sets of ability scores.
There is also this.
Summoner: What happens when a synthesist (page 80) takes ability damage or drain while the eidolon is present?
The eidolon takes Str, Dex, and Con damage or drain, the summoner takes Int, Wis, or Cha damage or drain. If this bring's the eidolon's Str or Dex to 0, the fused summoner/eidolon is helpless (though he can still dismiss the eidolon). If this brings the eidolon's Con to 0, it dies and returns to its home plane. If the eidolon goes away (whether dismissed, banished, or killed), the summoner immediately begins using his own Str, Dex, and Con.
There is no "spillover" for extra ability damage or drain beyond what it takes to reduce the eidolon to 0; if an eidolon with Constitution 1 takes 3 points of Con damage and dies, the summoner doesn't take the "extra" 2 points of Con damage. However, ongoing effects (like continuing poison damage) would affect the (non-fused) summoner after the eidolon disappeared.
Remember also that the eidolon does not heal naturally. Just like hit point damage, any ability damage or drain the eidolon has persists between when it is banished/dismissed/killed and when it is resummoned. The exception is an eidolon killed by Con damage (which, if resummoned, would still be at 0 Con and immediately die and vanish); in this situation, the resummoned eidolon is cured of 1 point of ability damage or drain so the amount of damage or drain is 1 less than its actual Constitution score, allowing it to live.
Effects that cure ability damage or drain work on the eidolon's ability scores when it is summoned.
By the book wording and the FAQ wording they each have their own complete stats, but when combined the summoner's mental stats and the eidolon's physical stats take precedence.
edit: In short when they merge the eidolon's mental stats are repressed, and the summoner's physical stats are repressed. It is not much different than putting on some type of power suit, which is a flavor idea I have in mind if I ever play a synthesis.
You can use Aspect to spend two points on yourself to get the evolution though..
You can use Aspect to spend two points on yourself to get the evolution though..
Good point. I guess the rules team version does make sense then.