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This thread, the first in a series, is to list the summoning options of the new Summon X spells in the Bestiary and discuss their relative merits. First up, Summon Entity, available only to Occult tradition casters.
Summon Entity (Level 5+):
Level 5: Reefclaw(1), Sinspawn(2), Grothlut(3), Rust Monster(3), Web Lurker(3), Faceless Stalker(4), Mimic (4), Otyugh(4), Cloaker(5), Gibbering Mouther(5)
Level 6: Drider(6), Will-o-wisp(6), Chuul(7),
Level 7: NONE
Level 8: Gug(10), Nilith(10), Ofalth(10)
Level 9: Gogiteth(12),
Level 10: Grikkitog(14), Quelant(15)
I'm not going to bother with the 3rd level and below options, but let's start with the lowest level and work our way up. I'm mostly going to call out special abilities, I won't have a grasp on basic combat numbers per level for a while. If you do, let us know.
Spell Level 5 options
Faceless Stalker(4): It has tongues, so it's a short duration translator if you want to blow a 5th level spell on that. More realistically, it has some DR, grab, and minor sneak attack damage boost. It's spy stuff is wasted as a 1 minute summon, and no action economy boosters.
Mimic(4): You can't use it as a trap given the short duration, but the adhesive makes it a decent crowd control/weapon stripper on things attacking it, maybe.
Otyugh(4): The stench aura is actually bigger than your range, so plug your noses. If you do that, it's a decent debuff chance, I guess? Has grab and reach.
Cloaker(5): Single action to make a target Restrained, the new pinned condition! Two action 30' radius debuff with your choice of Frightened, Sick and prone, or a single target clumsy/stupified effect. I like this one on first glance.
Gibbering Mouther(5): 60' aura that inflicts contusion for 1 round, not party or you friendly. All you get in return is a grab attack with some minor persistent bleed and a ranged acid attack that can dazzle/blind. Avoid, I think.
Spell Level 6 options
Drider(6): Spells! Blasts (fireball, acid arrow, magic missile, etc.), darkness, suggestion, dispel magic. A magical bow! A ranged entanglement web! Also a reach weapon and a poison bite. Not bad? Certainly none of the spells individually are worth a 6th level spell from you, but maybe in sum, plus some bow shots or web shots you'll get your money's worth here.
Will-o-wisp(6): Low HP, but immune to magic and it can go invisible. Only attack is a touch electricity attack. I'm not sure why you don't just cast a cantrip every round if you need electric damage. Not recommended.
Chuul(7): Large with Attack of Opportunity (that I'm pretty sure you can't use because of minion, alas)! And grab and constrict! Paralytic poison to inflict on grabbed opponents! Automatic bite damage on paralyzed opponents! But I'll probably find the math is bad on its attacks or something. Until then, have hope and this might he a decent meat shield.
Spell Level 7 options
None! The only level 8-9 aberration in the Bestiary is uncommon and doesn't qualify.
Spell Level 8 options
Gug(10): Large but squeezes like a medium creature, 15' reach with AoO (which you can't use), rend, has a two action ability to make 4 strikes at different creatures. Some of this is nice, but you're level 15+, is this actually useful? TBD.
Nilith(10): Grab, as with most of these, and it can do a mental attack on those grabbed. Quite a few mental spells, but not very combat applicable, with casting time or triple actions disqualifying several of them in any case. Pick the Gug if you need a meat shield.
Ofalth(10): It's the Otyugh's big cousin. It's not worth an 8th level spell.
Spell Level 9 options
Gogiteth(12): Improved grab and constrict, and a cool two action ability to take three (40') strides and strike up to three different people. Good for soaking up AoOs, maybe, and some decent action economy on offense. Still at least five levels behind you, though. There are a lot better things you could be doing with a 9th level spell, one would think.
Spell Level 10 options
Grikkitog(14): It's Huge, it can immobilize and feed on things it hits, it has earth glide, c'mon man, real tenth level spells are calling. This ain't it.
Quelant(15): It has a bunch of mental effects and spells, it has a two action triple strike against different foes, it looks cool. But no.