Master Summoner - Why why why?

[Heimdall666]

Should I take knowledge (planes) as a skill focus with a half-elf build? I can see the intrinsic inclusion for eldritch heritage but not for any other good reason if I'm not going that direction. Why?

[Buri]

Why, what, exactly?

[Heimdall666]

In many of the Master Summoner builds people take this as a half-elf skill focus, just curious as to why? It doesnt seem to convey the same strength as perception for example.

[Buri]

Ah. Well, planar stuff is something a niche for the summoner. A large number of monsters can be identified with it (outsiders). You get several planes-oriented spells. Stuff like that.

[Dragonchess Player]

As to why half-elf in the first place, the alternate favored class bonus for a half-elf summoner is +1/4 evolution pool point per level. More evolution points = better, even if the master summoner's eidolon is less powerful than a normal summoner's eidolon.