Mastering The Malconvoker

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Min/Max => Handbooks => Topic started by: Dan2 on May 21, 2008, 05:02:20 PM
Title: Treantmonklvl20's Mastering the Malconvoker

Post by: Dan2 on May 21, 2008, 05:02:20 PM
PHEW!
Formattings done!
Alright guys, as you should know, this is a guide by Treantmonklvl20, not me.
HERE (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=918792) is a link.
Here's the guide!
Title: Re: Treantmonklvl20's Mastering the Malconvoker

Mastering the Malconvoker:

(http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/compscoundrel_gallery/102045.jpg)
Or “The end justifies the means”
"Take him my slaves! Drag his soul back to your dark masters!"-Argyll Te'Shea,
servant of Pelor and malconvoker
Quote from Complete Scoundrel
THE MALCONVOKER is a prestige class from Complete Scoundrel that

specializes in Summon Monster spells and Planar Binding spells.
Entry requirements:
Alignment: Any non-evil.
Skills: Bluff 4 ranks, Knowledge (The planes) 4 ranks.
Languages: Celestial, Infernal
Feats: Augment Summoning, Spell Focus (Conjuration)
Special: Ability to cast Summon Monster III
The standard concept of the perpetual war between good and evil is cliched to
some: a black-and-white vision of reality, suitable only for religious sermonizing. A
few who understand the complexity of the battles that rage throughout the planes
have taken up a dangerous path, entering into powerful pacts with the foulest
abominations of the Lower Planes to turn evil against evil. These daring
Summoners are Malconvokers, and they bargain with their lives.
- Complete Scoundrel
First – all Malconvokers should check out these

threads:
3.5 summonable creatures thread (http://forums.gleemax.com

/showthread.php?p=14042017#post14042017) - This thread breaks down
Summon Monster spells, unlike this one, non-core summons are examined and
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http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?PHPSESSID=e8bfb7b72b449323a5c9e67b58cb2743&action=printpage;topic=289.0
critiqued.
The Summoner’s handbook (http://forums.gleemax.com

/showthread.php?t=883099) : A general guide for Summoners of all types. Be
adviced not all general summoning advice applies to Malconvokers.
I would like to aknowledge this thread:

Mastering the summoned monster – a comprehensive guide
(http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=565674) - You won't find much
in this thread I haven't covered here. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
The Conjurer's Handbook (http://forums.gleemax.com

/showthread.php?t=918686) - not a summoner's thread - but if you are entering
Malconvoker through the Conjurer, this can give you a nice guide of spells
avaible and feats to consider.
Second: Why should I play a Malconvoker?

Consider looking through your new splatbook. You see a PrC for casters that
looses a caster level. Already you think "This better have some great class
abilities.", you are ready to turn the page.
The first level ability has a +1 metamagic added to spells for free. You think
"That's not enough to make this worthwhile" - if you weren't bored you would
have already gone to the next PrC.
The fourth level ability effectively doubles one of your specialty feats. You now
think "Still not enough."
The fifth level ability then adds +4 Metamagic to spells for free (thats +5
levels of metamagic for free). You read it again - yes - thats +5 metamagic levels
to spells free.
You must have been reading the Malconvoker.
There are many advantages to playing a Summoner, but if you are willing to
focus completely on summoning - nothing beats a Malconvoker. You may not
have the best HP, BAB, AC, or be as good at the other spells - but when it comes
to Summoning - you will be king.
Up to the time I looked at the Malconvoker I was of the opinion that you should
never consider a PrC that reduces your spellcasting level. The Malconvoker does
this at level 1.
However, level one of the Malconvoker gives an extend spell effect on all
Summon Monster spells where you summon evil creatures as long as you beat
their sense motive with a bluff (free action bluff)
The fourth level of the Malconvoker gives a +2 to damage on all attacks and +2
HP/HD to any evil creatures which were summoned with the first level ability.
The fifth level of Malconvoker adds an extra creature when you summon an evil
creature. That's basically a free Twin Spell. If you use a Summon Monster to
summon lesser level creatures, it works out closer to an empower spell (still very
good).
If you are a Wizard/Cleric who pops off the occasional Summon Monster spell –
this isn’t a worthy trade. If you are a Wizard/Cleric who specializes in Summon
Monster spells – this is just too good to pass up.
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Third: How many levels should I take?

The Malconvoker is a 9 level PrC. The first 5 levels will focus primarily on
Summon Monster spells, the final 4 levels focus more on Planar Binding spells. It
is a decent choice for full 9 level progression – but there are options.
The best ability the Malconvoker gets is Infernal Legion at level 5, this makes
level 5 an ideal breaking point if you want to pick up some different PrC levels.
Level 6 gives you (IMO) the best Planar Binding ability with Deceitful Bargaining.
This gives a decent break point with lots of Summon Monster specialization, and
decent boost to Planar Binding.
Levels 7-9 are decent - nothing spectacular, but you aren't losing spellcasting
levels either - so it's still solid.
Fourth: Which class should I qualify with?

Which class to choose for qualifying for the Malconvoker:
Red: Very strong choice

Blue: Good choice
Green: Fair choice
Cleric: Not a bad choice if you start with the Summoning domain. You will
give up the wizard’s alternate class features in exchange for a better AC and
BAB. Take this if Summoning isn’t your only focus. (Actually, one tactic that can
be excellent for Cleric/Malconvokers is to use Twin Spell or Repeat Spell
metamagic along with Divine Metamagic for extra conjurations. It is a feat
hungry build - but by high levels this can add up to quite a few creatures - at
least comparable with the Master Specialist 10 option for Conjurers - thank you
Sigfried for the suggestion)
Also - there is an alternate class ability in the Planar Handbook for Clerics at
level 4 that allows turning of summoned creatures (which could be handy for
failed bluff rolls) at a penalty of -3 levs for turning undead. This seems to me like
an easy choice.
Wizard: This is my favourite option. Especially when using the various

alternate class features which can improve Summon Monster spells. Obviously,
you should specialize in Conjurer. If your DM does not allow the Rapid
Summoning alternate class feature from UA – go with Cleric or Archavist instead.
It is that one option that makes the Wizard shine as a Malconvoker.
Wizard Class Variants to take/not to take:
Focused Specialist: I would not recommend this for most wizards going into
high level campaigns, but since you will be memorizing at least 3 Summon
Monster spells per level - this is actually a no-brainer. You do have to give up
one more spell school (which hurts) - but alternate casting is the secondary
purpose of your character.
Enhanced Summoning: You get Augment Summoning as a free feat at first
level instead of Scribe Scroll. This is a no-brainer. If you continue Conjurer to
level 5, your summons are harder to dispel (+2 caster level check). If you
continue to level 10, your Augment Summoning bonuses improve to +6/+6. Feel
free to jump ship early on. The first level ability is the best.
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Rapid Summoning:This is a must have. Yes, you must sacrifice Immediate

Magic (which hurts), but you have no choice. You are a summoner first and
foremost. Standard action Summon Monster spells are what makes the Conjurer
Summoner better than the Cleric summoner.
Spontaneous Summoning:This is a bad option. No need for spontaneous
summoning - just memorize it. Your spells lose a whole level by using this
variant - definitely not worth it at any level.
Archivist: This is a pretty strong entry choice. You will be able to cast both
Summon Monster and Summon Nature's Ally (of course none of your
Malconvoker abilities will extend to Summon Nature's ally - but your Summoning
feats/items will). You will need to take one of the other methods to make your
summoning rapid (Feats/magic items). This just means more options when
summoning - and options are always good. Dark Knowledge has excellent
Synergy with Summoned Creatures.
I think flavor-wise this is also a good option. A very nice mix with Malconvoker.
Wu Jen: Not a bad option. You are looking at less spells to cast then a
specialist wizard, and there's no Rapid Spell variant, however, your DM might
consider allowing Rapid Spell as an applicable spell secret since it's a 1 level
metamagic enhancement. This would have to be houseruled though - because in
the RAW it isn't offered.
The most attractive part of the Wu Jen would be the ability to reroll initiative
rolls. That can be a big boost for a Summoner. (only if you are using Rapid
Metamagic though)
Sorcerer: Can’t qualify until level 7, and since you will be casting the same
spell most of the time – spontaneous casting is less of an advantage. (you will
actually have less castings than a focused specialist conjurer as well). However,
Bluff is a class skill, and CHA will be high – which is an advantage to Bluff and to
Planar Binding spells. (Bonzai also points out that Sorcerers can get the
summoning domain with a 5th level substitution level in CC. This gives all the
spells of the domain and the +2 CL for Conjuration (Summoning) spells). The
thing to think about with the sorcerer/wizard choice is this: Do I want the CHA,
or the Rapid Summoning? My personal preference is for the standard action
castings - but there is definitely a counter-argument to be had.
Other Options: Some other options exist in the Splatbooks (such as favoured
soul) – none are particularly better suited than the above.
If you choose one of the non-conjurer options, or your DM does not allow
Unearthed Arcana material (Rapid summoning variant in particular). Then take
the Rapid spell feat, use Metamagic School Focus (Conjuration) to power it 3
times/day. At higher levels, Arcane Thesis can give you unlimited uses with SM
IX and VIII for example.
What NOT to take

(Just because you "can" doesn't mean you "should")
Bard: Yep, the Bard can qualify by level 7. However, you won't get many
summon spells per day, you will get lower level summon spells, and you will
never get access to Summon Monster VII, VIII, or IX. Buffing abilities aside, this
makes the Bard a sub-par summoner.
Beguiler/True Necromancer/Warmage etc: This applies to any arcane caster that

does not have Summon Monster III on their casting list. The "trick" of course is to
take Arcane Disciple feat with the Summoning Domain which will give access to
SM III. Of course you won't get access to SM VI, VIII, or IX - and the rest you can
only cast once per day. Always a terrible option.
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Fifth: Should I go into another PrC?

What other PrC’s mesh nicely with Malconvoker?
The answer is any that boost Summon Monster/Conjuration/Planar binding.
Thaumaturgist(DMG): Extend spell metamagic on all Summon Monster spells

for free is nice (but not huge at high levels)
Master Specialist(CM): The 4th level grants your caster level to HP of

summoned creatures, level 10 allows you to quicken 3 standard action spells/day.
If you have the Rapid Spell conjurer variant – that’s your Summon Monster spells
Paragnostic Apostle(CC): Can give all your summons Fast Healing
Fatespinner (CA): Have your summoned creature reroll its Sense Motive with
"fickle finger of fate", or you could just reroll your Bluff with "resist fate"- or, if
necessary, both. Works for opposed CHA rolls for Planar Binding spells too.
Furthermore - you can add spin to your Bluff checks too. Break at level 4 for
maximum synergy.
Archmage (DMG): Originally I didn't think so - then I thought of using every

High Arcana to switch the Malconvoker's highest spell slots for Summon Monster
SLA's. With 2 uses per day each - that's a whole lot more SM VIII's and IX's.
Qualifying for the PrC is easy enough. A dip into MS gets you Skill Focus
(Spellcraft), you already have Spell Focus (Conjuration)...
Sacred Exorcist (CD): Too easy to qualify for, irregardless of base class. A nice
scaling unnamed bonus to various rolls against evil outsiders that includes
BLUFF. First level gives you Turn Undead - allowing the non-clerics to take the
various divine feats and such. Some other nice features too. Worthy for a 1 level
dip - or a 10 level marathon swim.
Not as good as it sounds:

Nar Demonbinder (UE): Unfortunately, although the flavor of this class is
perfect, the mechanics for spellcasting hurt you too badly to be worth it. You will
give up 9th level spells completely, and you will get 1 casting of an 8th level
spell. When you go back to your previous class - you are building on your
spellcasting from before you took the PrC - making 15th level your best
spellcaster progression. Ouch!
Ultimate Magus (CM): You can actually combine Ultimate Magus with Nar
Demonbinder to make a half decent summoning build. I've actually charted out
the spellcasting for this build - and although it holds its own - it isn't your best
bet. If you are in love with the Ultimate Magus (many are) - it is do-able.
Never take:
Alienist: You just removed all evil Summons from your Summon Monster list.
Now you suck.
Also avoid any PrC’s that remove additional spellcasting levels (you’ve already
lost one).
Sixth: What race should I be?

Race Choices:
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Rather than listing all the good races that could work – let me give you a few
guidelines:
Good: Anything with bonus feats, bonuses to Int, bonuses to Cha, bonuses to
Con
Bad: Anything with a level adjustment. Or minuses to the above stats without a
bonus to another of the above stats.
Easy enough?
(Reneshat points out that an illumian has up to two levels of "practiced

spellcaster" type effect for free - so might save a feat later, also a +2 to CHA
checks is good for Bluff checks for your deceptive summons ability..)
Seventh: What skills should I take?

Skill Choices:
Bluff: Obviously. Get enough to qualify for Malconvoker – then Max it out.
Languages: Infernal and Abyssal, plus Ignan, Terran, Auran, Aquan and
Celestial. Languages are important for communicating with your summoned
creatures. You will get Infernal and Celestial to qualify for Malconvoker - but I
would suggest adding Abyssal and Terran as an absolute minimum. If you have a
high INT build - get all the extraplanar languages.
Knowledges: The Planes and Arcana. A bit of knowledge in what you do.
Spellcraft: Good for any caster. Especially for you - it fortifies your Magic Circle
for planar binding spells.
Concentration: Also good for any caster. If you don’t have the Wizard – rapid
spell variant – then this is twice as important.
Eighth: What Feats should I take?

Feat Choices:
See the Summoning Handbook thread above. In addition:
Summon Elemental (CM): Any summoner should take this Reserve feat as
soon as it's available (CM). This grants a standard action Elemental Summoning.
The Elemental will be Small, Medium or Large depending on the level of the
summoning spell you use to power it - and will last 1 round/level per level of the
spell used to power. See my "Fun with Summon Elemental" rant at the beginning
of the Summon Monster section.
Improved Initiative (PHB): is nice to have in conjunction with Rapid

Summoning. It gives your boys a better chance to hit the enemy flat footed.
Practiced Spellcaster (CA): Get that spellcasting level you lost back
Cloudy Conjuration (CM): Nice ability - summon the creature beside the
opponent and cover your opponent in sickening smoke for free. Keep in mind that
you just granted them concealment (though the right summons ignore that).
Demon Mastery (FC I): Gives +1 CL for summoning demons and +2 on the
CHA check on Planar Binding spells. By RAW the +2 should apply to all Planar
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Bindings whether they be demon or not - but best make sure your DM
understands that before you take the feat. (Thanks to Sir Agenon for the
suggestion and to Nanshork for pointing out the +2 bonus is good for any Planar
Binding by RAW)
Fiendish Summoning Specialist (PH): Allows you to add one evil creature per
level to your summon monster spells. It will require you to be of non-good
alignment though (restricting you to the neutral alignments). (Planar Handbook)
- (thanks to Roccu for this suggestion - very good!)
Item Familiar (UA): This feat is a variant from Unearthed Arcana. It allows you
to "invest" 3 skill points into a magic item, in return the item grants a +1
unnamed bonus to any skill you choose (How about "Bluff"?). You can keep
increasing the bonus up to your actual rank in the skill - so that can create a
HUGE bluff score if you are willing to sacrifice your other skills. (Thanks
Neomikelch for this suggestion)
Divine Metamagic (CD): If you are a Cleric - and combine this with Twin or
Repeat spell - (or potentially both) you can get alot of summoned creatures onto
the board. If your DM allows Nightsticks - this is easily as good as the other
DMM/Nightstick abuses. Without nightsticks - it is still viable on a lesser level. An
Archavist could qualify if Sacred Excorsist levels are taken.
Divine Accuracy (LM): Any Cleric or Malconvoker that has multiclassed with
Sacred Excorcist can easily qualify for this very impressive feat that will allow
you to exchange a turn attempt for re-rolls on missed attacks by you and your
allies. Since summoned creatures sometimes have a decent miss chance - and
you have multiples on the map - this becomes exceedingly good.
Chain Spell: Can't be used for summoning - but can be used for Buffs - an
Archivist might consider chaining a Magic Fang spell for example.
Rapid Spell: (CD) If you don't have Rapid Summoning - this is the way to get
Standard Action castings. You will need to combine it with DMM or Metamagic
School or some other trick to be used without decreasing spell level though.
Metamagic School: (CM): Reduce the cost of Metamagic to conjuration spells

by one three times/day. No minimum level increase - so works with Rapid Spell.
However - also useful with extend at low levels.
Ninth: Aren't Spirit Shamans and Druids better

summoners?
The belief comes from the comparison of Summon Monster vs Summon Nature's
Ally.
The two spell chains have different strengths:
Summon Natures Ally: Most offense and HP as soon as possible
Summon Monster: More defense (DR/resistances), more INT, more SLA

creatures, more choices.
You will see many creatures on the Summon Nature's Ally list show up on the
next level of Summon Monster (For example - the wolf appears on the Summon
Natures Ally I list, but on the Summon Monster II list). The only difference is that
the Fiendish/Celestial template is added.
This template adds to neither TO HIT or to DAMAGE which means that in combat
- well - you do the math.
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It does add to INT however (makes INT 0, 1 or 2 animals/vermin into INT 3

magical beasts). This means the creature can understand the summoner (by RAW
they understand common)- allowing the summoner to issue direct commands;
"Attack that guy", "Grapple", "Grab that weapon off the ground", or "Come
defend me."
Animals from Summon Natures Ally can be directed with "Animal Handling", but
this requires a skill check, doesn't occur until the next round, and has a limited
list available. Even with Speak With Animals, it is likely the DM will restrict you
to the normal actions an animal can be directed to do, though you should be able
to avoid the skill check.
However, if you go to the higher level spells - this ceases to happen. In fact - you
will see Summon Nature's Ally lists become smaller and smaller.
In either Eberron or FR (not greyhawk) there are also more feats available to
enhance creatures summoned with Summon Natures Ally. Greenbound (FR) is
especially potent at low levels - making animal summons much thougher than
there Summon Monster counterparts.
At higher levels these feats become less of a factor. Greenbound only works with
animals (there are less and less available at higher levels) and prevents some of
the better buffs (such as Animal Growth).
Here's the basic truth behind Summoners: At low levels, Spirit Shamans and
Druids are your best summoners. If you go Malconvoker though, at level 10 the
Malconvoker build makes the better summoner.
My suggestion is that a Summon Monster specialist hold off on summoning until

Summon Monster III is available, focusing more on their other spells. From levels
5-9, summoning will be good - but not great. At level 10, it will become great -
and remain so for the rest of the campaign.
Of course with an Archivist you get the best of both worlds - as long as you can
get the Summon Nature's Ally spells into your prayerbook.
So - if your campaign is going to level 9 and that's it - then you are better off
focusing on Summon Nature's Ally - beyond that level - Summon Monster is
where it's at.
As an added note - Fiendish creatures that previously had an INT score of 0

(vermin) recieve Feats and Skills. There is no set way to determine what these
feats and skills should be. Ask your DM - they should probably choose those feats
(if they let you pick - welcome to broken stinky cheese).
Tenth: What's so great about summoning anyways?

There are many reasons to play a malconvoker. First and foremost - maybe you
like the flavor. I love the very idea of the Malconvoker - playing a dangerous
game with dark forces of great power. But let's forget that - these are the Char
Op boards. So in the context of that - this is why summoning (specifically with a
Malconvoker) is great:
1. A Malconvoker can substitute for a party fighter-type: The casting should

be a standard action - and then you have huge expendible blobs of HP blocking
you and your precious caster allies from the baddies.
2. Malconvoker's are masters of Battefield control - Whether you want to

Grapple, Bull Rush, Sunder, or Trip - there is a summoned monster that can do
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it. How's a grapple score of +52 sound to you? You can get this with a summoned
monster - without any buffing at all. Oh yeah - and you get two of them.
3. A Malconvoker can substitute for the party scout: At mid to high levels -
those low level Summon Monsters have to be good for something. You can
summon creatures with excellent Hide/Move silently/Spot/Listen and search
checks. Many also have tremorsense or blindsense for picking up invisible foes.
Have them check stuff out for you - then report back. You've got great durations.
Oh yeah - can your party scout glide through walls? You should have gotten the
malconvoker to send an earth elemental through - have him come back and
report.
4. A Malconvoker has spell versitility: Really you do. Check out the lists
below for some of the Spell Like Abilities available to summoned monsters.
Summon the one you need - and have it cast the spell for you. For example -
how many Walls of Ice can a 14th level Conjurer cast? If you said 2/round for 15
rounds for a total of 30, you would be wrong (if that conjurer happens to be a
Malconvoker)- because the Malconvoker does that with one SM VII (Ice Devilx2),
and he has 3 memorized - so 90 would actually be the correct number.
Oh - wait - I forgot Deceptive Summons. Make that 180. That's without any
magic item enhancements.
And the SLA's available are nearly endless - and since you don't have to pick
which creature (S) you are summoning until you cast the spell - that's spell
versitility.
5. A Malconvoker can check for traps: While the term "trapmonkey" is

normally a metaphorical term - to you it's literal. Oh those poor celestial
monkeys.
6. A Malconvoker saves the Cleric healing spells: There is no better way to

get an opponents attention off you than to grapple him with a summoned
creature. The enemy attacks the creature - and at the end of the combat - if the
creature is still alive - you dismiss it.
7. A Malconvoker can do great damage to opponents: Check out the

Fiendish tiger. Now pretend you summon 2 with Fiendish legion at level 10. Buff
them both up with Augment/Infernal fury. Summon them on either side of your
opponent - and have them both charge - gaining 5 attacks each (one with
flanking bonus). Work out the damage. Yeah - it's huge. Next round they'll keep
attacking and the damage will keep coming.
8. Malconvokers are good against all opponents: If the opponent is a flyer -

summon 2 Giant Wasps, if the opponent is Aquatic, summon 2 giant sharks, if the
opponent is burrowing, summon 2 Dire Weasels, If the opponent is a spellcaster,
summon high SR creatures, etc etc etc. The Summon Monster list is big at all
levels. Lots to choose from for any occassion.
The two main focuses of the

Malconvoker:
Summon Monster Spells
The Malconvoker’s abilities most strongly work to enhance these spells. Deceptive
Summons at level 1, Infernal Fury at level 4, Infernal Legion at level 5,
Resistance at level 7, and Safe Summoning at level 9.
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Hint: When using Infernal Fury you can place both creatures anywhere in your
range. Use them to flank your opponent and both full attack – with flanking
bonuses. Or even better – have the critters on opposite sides of your opponent –
but have one of them 10’ away. Have the one that is 10’ away charge (getting
charge and flanking bonuses) and the other just attack (with flank).
Obviously you should take all 9. Always have many of these spells memorized –
no spell is better for you than this one.
Because of the nature of the Malconvoker – evil creatures tend to be your best
summon. After 5 levels in Malconvoker – Evil creatures will almost always be
your best bet.
Planar Binding Spells:
These are great spells I would suggest that a Malconvoker use even if they break
from the class at level 5.
However, there are some major considerations you must make. Especially if you
are a Conjurer/Malconvoker:
You must have access to Abjuration in order to use Planar Binding spells (For
Magic Circle against evil)
Enchantment school is very helpful (multiple spells will help you in your opposed
CHA check - some might help you avoid it altogether)
Necromancy school has similar bonuses to Enchantment (although less so)
So if you play a Specialist wizard or a Focused specialist wizard - never give up

Abjuration or Enchantment. Necromancy is less important, but still helpful.

Fun with Summon Elemental Reserve Feat:

So I said in the Feat section you should definitely take this. You want it in your
level 9 feat slot - so plan for it. Why is it so great anyways?
All reserve feats tend to work in a specific way - they tend to copy the spell they
are powered by, only much less potent, and often less versitle. However - they
can be used over and over again - as a SU ability. In order to make a Reserve
feat worthwhile - you must exploit the "infinite use" part as much as you can.
Now, when you use the feat - the elemental will be neutral - so you won't get
Infernal Fury, Infernal Legion, Deceptive Summons etc. It does however benefit
from your Augment Summoning ability - this is quite useful.
It does have a lot going for it for a "non-spell" if you think about it. Both for
Combat Use as well as Ulility Use.
When you first get the feat - you will be powering it with a level 4
summon spell (Um - probably SM IV). It will be a standard action to use -
last for 4 rounds, be a small elemental, and you can only have one at a
time. So what do you do with that?
1 ) Use the Earth Elemental to glide through the walls, floor, or ceiling if they
are rock and report what's on the other side.
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2 ) Use the Earth Elemental to open any doors/chests etc you think might be
trapped.
3 ) Use the Earth Elemental to test hallways you think might be trapped.
4 ) Use the Water Elemental to check out the "Murky Water" that seems to be in
every dungeon.
5 ) Use the Water Elemental's Drench ability to put out fires and magical fires
6 ) Use the Fire Elemental to start Large fires
7 ) Combat: Use any elemental to flank
8 ) Combat: Use the Earth or Air Elemental to "Aid Another" on attacks or AC
(90% to succeed)
9 ) Combat: Use the Earth Elemental to Bull Rush - with a touch attack it will
likely hit - the Bull Rush is a long shot of succeeding though - but the chance
isn't that bad (Total Bull Rush +2)
10) Combat: Use any elemental to provoke the attacks of opportunity from your
enemy - now your allies and summoned creatures are no longer in danger unless
the enemy has combat Reflexes. A way to open up your enemy for a Grapple
Attempt by a summoned creature.
Once the Spell that Powers the Feat is 6th level or higher - the Elemental
becomes Medium Sized:
1 ) The Bull rush of the Earth Elemental becomes reasonably good. (Total Bull
Rush +8)
2 ) Chance to Aid Another is now 95% (fails on a one only)
Once the Spell that powers the Feat is 8th level or higher - the Elemental
becomes Large:
1 ) Bull Rush now pretty good (+14 modifier)

2 ) Elemental now has DR 5/-
3 ) Technically - you can use an Air or Water elemental to do the
vortex/whirlwind and move enemies. In more drastic situations - you can have it
move you - though you will take a bit of damage from this manouver.
In all cases the Elemental will not be an overly impactful combatant - it's just too
weak for the level in which you are when you get it. However - lots of useful
things to do with them - both inside and outside of combat. Not a feat for use
when you are fighting the BBEG - but against his minions - this can save you
spells while still giving some Battlefield control, minor buffing, as well as
attracting enemy attacks.
Your "To Hit" will never be high enough to use these elementals for straight
combat - in many cases you will need a 20 to hit. If you do want to make "attack"
manouvers - attempt Trips and Bull Rushes. The touch attack makes it much
easier for you to hit, and opposed STR checks give you a chance of success (on
things like Grapple or Disarm where BAB is added - you have no realistic
chance). Remember - your STR and CON are higher than the MM version by 4
each (Augment Summoning), this will give a measurable boost.
Summon Monster I
For non-core summonable creatures - please check THIS
(http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?p=14042017#post14042017) out.
Things to know about SM I:
Combat: A dog or a badger are decent combatants when you are levels 1 or 2,
but at higher levels they are more for flanking/aiding another.
(A nice tactic is after your original summons are engaging the enemy – cast a SM
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I, pick Dire Rat, have them flank your summons opponent, and have them “Aid
another”. That’s +4 for your main summon to hit.) Their own damages will be too
small to have any effect.
Avoid summoning these against opponents with Cleave!
A small monstrous spider can web a medium creature. Even though the webs
aren’t strong – they take a standard action to remove. That has use even at high
levels (provided they can hit).
Outside Combat: At mid-high levels the SMI spell ceases to be much use in
combat beyond aiding/flanking (and with malconvoker 5, your summoned
creatures are probably already flanking)– however there are other uses.
The main ones are probe/trap monkey. Monstrous Spiders have tremorsense and
can detect invisible foes for you. Celestial Monkeys make trapmonkey a
non-metaphorical term, as they can turn handles and open chests. Poor celestial
monkey. Dire rats are excellent scouts with hide/move silently/spot and listen.
Mixed with the malconvoker: The Spiders will be most useful to you in combat
(as a secondary spell) bring them in to flank or to web. Tremorsense find hidden
foes. Use Dire rats for scouts or aid/flank buddies. With Deceptive summons they
should have time to do the job.
Treantmonk’s favourite: The Fiendish spider – it’s OK off the bat – webbing
remains good for a few more levels. Tremorsense will be useful for a long time.
They wasted our time with: The Scorpion. It can improved grab tiny creatures –
has terrible stats, and has a -3 to hit with poison tail. How did this make the list?
All entries at this level assume you have Augment Summoning
(Bracketed) #'s are Sense Motive totals for evil creatures (for deceptive
summons reference)
Celestial dog - 1 HD Small magical beast, HP:8, to hit +4. Not quite as good as
the badger for combat.
Celestial owl - 1 HD Tiny magical beast, HP:6, to hit +5. Only good as a
low-light scout
Celestial giant fire beetle - 1 HD Small magical beast, HP:6, to hit +3. Slightly
inferior combatant. AC is a little better though.
Celestial porpoise - 2 HD Medium magical beast, HP:15, to hit +4. Very good
aquatic summon.
Celestial badger - 1 HD Small magical beast, HP:10 (raged), to hit +4. Good
combat summon due to Rage and 3 attacks.
Celestial monkey - 1 HD Tiny magical beast, HP:6, to hit +4. Literal

trapmonkey.
Fiendish dire rat(+1) - 1 HD Small magical beast, HP:7, to hit +4. Not bad
combatant – after Malconvoker Lvl 4 this is your best choice. Also a good scout.
Fiendish raven(+2) - 1/4 HD Tiny magical beast, HP:3, to hit +4 Pretty much a
worthless summon until Malconvoker (go owl instead), after malconvoker
extended duration makes this a decent scout in low-light.
Fiendish monstrous centipede, medium(0) - 1 HD Medium magical beast.

HP:6, to hit:+2 Very weak.
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Fiendish monstrous scorpion, small(0) - 1 HD Small magical beast. HP:8, to

hit+2 Very weak.
Fiendish hawk(+2) - 1 HD Tiny magical beast, HP:6, to hit+8 Daylight scout:

Spot +14
Fiendish monstrous spider, small(0) - 1 HD Small magical beast, HP:6, to

hit:+4 Webs, best bug combatant at this level.
Fiendish octopus(+1) - 2 Small HD magical beast, HP:13, to hit +5 Decent

aquatic summons.
Fiendish snake, small viper(+1) - 1 HD Small magical beast, HP:6, to hit+4

Save DC 12 poison – otherwise useless.

Summon Monster II
Things to know about SM II:
Tidbits: You can now summon your first outsider – the Lemure. It blows, but
might have some use if fighting within a darkness spell, inside a fire, or against a
poisonous foe.
Combat: Your best two combatants at this level are the riding dog and the wolf.
The riding dog does a bit more damage/better to hit, the wolf has trip. The large
centipede has a not bad grapple if grappling is what you want to do (it will
provoke an AoO). Medium spiders can web up to large foes.
Outside Combat: Not much here unless you are out of SM I, in which case the
medium spider can fulfill the roll of the small easy enough.
Mixed with the malconvoker: The wolf becomes the best combatant, but purely
secondary compared to what you can summon with higher level spells. The wolf
(augmented) has a +5 to hit and a +3 trip modifier. If you think this can help –
throw them in as a secondary summons.
Treantmonk’s favourite: The Fiendish wolf. The first battlefield control summons.
Wolf’s trip ability saves an otherwise poor SM level.
They wasted our time with: The Celestial giant bee. It dies if it hits with its
attack. For a penalty like that – the rest better be great – it isn’t.
Celestial giant bee- 3 HD Medium magical beast, HP:19, to hit:+4 If you need a
flyer – go with the eagle.
Celestial giant bombardier beetle - 2 HD Medium magical beast, HP:17, to hit

+4 Fire a 10’ acid cone for 1d4+2 damage. Otherwise, not much here.
Celestial riding dog - 2 HD Medium magical beast, HP:17, To hit:+5 Before

SMIII this is your best combatant for straight stats. Not too bad actually.
Celestial eagle - 1 HD Small magical beast, HP:7, To hit:+3 Not a very good
combatant – but the best you have at this level. Also, being small size they are
large enough to threaten/flank/aid another.
Lemure(0) - 2 HD Small outsider, HP:13, to hit:+4 Pretty bad. Can see in

magical darkness and has immunity to fire and poison though.
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Fiendish squid(+1) - 3 HD Medium magical beast, HP:19, to hit: +6 So-so

aquatic choice.
Fiendish wolf(+1) - 2 HD Medium magical beast, HP:17, to hit:+5 2 less

damage per attack than the riding dog and one less AC, but gets a free trip with
every hit. Probably your best combat choice.
Fiendish monstrous centipede, large(0) - 3 HD Large magical beast, HP:19,

To hit:+5 +9 to grapple isn’t bad for a 2nd level summons. Will have the best HP
(slightly), not a bad combat summons overall.
Fiendish monstrous scorpion, medium(0) - 2 HD Medium magical beast,

HP:17, to hit:+4 +4 grapple with improved grab (+4 to hit), damage is OK and 3
attacks/round. One of the scorpion’s better appearances. Don’t expect to hit with
the tail (and therefore the poison) though.
Fiendish shark, medium(+1) - 3 HD magical beast, HP:22, To hit:+5 So-so

aquatic choice.
Fiendish monstrous spider, medium(0) - 2 HD Medium magical beast, HP:15,

to hit:+4 Scorpion is better combatant at this level – but can web up to large
creatures.
Fiendish snake, medium viper(+1) - 2 HD Medium magical beast, HP:13, to

hit:+4 Still not a great summons, but poison DC is 13 and it has a better chance
to hit with it than the scorpion.

Summon Monster III

Things to know about Summon Monster III:
Tidbits: Now you can summon your first outsider that isn’t poor. A Dretch doesn’t
match up to a fiendish ape, but it can cast a stinking cloud and then scare, and
then enter combat – with 3 attacks/round. This is the first level that elementals
become available. Summon Monster III is one of the best Summon Monster spells
for its level.
Combat: Before malconvoker, the Celestial Bison is a star. Afterwards, Fiendish

ape. If you want improved grab, you have two options at this level – the croc is
usually the stronger choice of the two. At this level some creatures have DR
5/magic and some don't. The ones that do are the Celestial Bison, the Fiendish
Ape, the Fiendish Huge Centipede, and the Fiendish Dire Bat. Keep this in mind
when thinking about HP of your summons.
Outside Combat: Earth elementals can glide through walls, come back, and tell
you what they saw. If you have pyromaniac tendancies, the fire elemental/Hell
hound burn stuff real good.
Mixed with the malconvoker: Got to like the fiendish ape. Great chance to hit, 3
attacks/round, good HP. If you want size, the centipede is HUGE, this is your
strongest bet for pure grapple score. Constrictors and Crocs both get improved
grab if you don’t want to provoke an AoO. The Crocs stats are better, but the
constrictor does better damage once the grapple is in place.
Treantmonk’s favourite: The Fiendish ape. Why do I like the ape more than the
bison? Well, statistically it’s almost as good (HP suffer a bit), but you get 3
attacks, it can pick up stuff, and it’s evil. (Better for after Malconvoker levels)
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They wasted our time with: The Fiendish Boar. This doesn’t nearly stack up to the
Bison or the Ape – what were they thinking?
Celestial black bear - 3 HD Medium magical beast, HP:25, To hit:+8 Not very
impressive – go with the bison or ape. If you need a swim speed – go with the
crocodile.
Celestial bison - 5 HD Large magical beast, HP:47, To hit:+10 A very good tank.
HP, to hit, and damage are unequalled at this level, plus DR 5/magic. However,
the fiendish ape will get more attacks.
Celestial dire badger - 3 HD Medium magical beast, HP:40 (raged), To hit: +8

(raged) Has a burrow speed – otherwise not great. Go with the wolverine.
Celestial hippogriff - 3 HD Large magical beast, HP:31, To Hit:+8 100’ move

rate flyer.
Elemental, small - 2 HD Small elemental. HP:13-15, To hit:+3-+7 Purely utility

at this point.
Fiendish ape(+1) - 4 HD Large magical beast, HP:37, to hit:+9 King of the

tanks of SM III. Slightly worse HP and to hit than the bison, though it still gets
the DR 5/magic, what arguably makes it better than the bison is the 3 attacks
per round and that it's evil.
Fiendish dire weasel(+1) - 3 HD Medium magical beast, HP:19, to hit:+8 As a

secondary combatant these can attach and drain con. To hit is only a +6 though.
HP are poor too. Could be useful against a BBEG with low AC.
Hell Hound(0) - 4 HD Medium outsider, HP:30, To hit:+7 Has a 2d4 10 foot

cone fire breath. They also have scent and immunity to fire. Not your best
combat choice unless fighting something where fire is good.
Fiendish snake, constrictor(+1) - 3 HD Medium magical beast, HP:25, To

hit:+7 on a +7 grapple. The only advantage of the snake over the crocodile is
constricting damage.
Fiendish boar(+1) - 3 HD Medium magical beast, HP:31, To hit:+6 Take the

ape – if space is an issue, take the croc or the wolverine.
Fiendish dire bat(+2) - 4 HD Large magical beast, HP:38, to hit:+7 This is

actually a very strong summons. DR, blindsense 40 ft. Good HP, DR 5/magic,
attack +7 (1d8+7). Has hide/move silently/listen and spot.
Fiendish monstrous centipede, huge(0) - 6 HD Huge magical beast, HP:45, to

hit:+7 Grapple is +17 (no improved grapple though). HP are good (not much
better than ape or bison though), including the ever-valuable DR 5/magic. To hit
+7
Fiendish crocodile(+1) - 3 HD Medium magical beast, HP:28, to hit:+8

Improved Grab with grapple +8, +8 to hit. Use for improved grab or aquatic,
otherwise go with the Fiendish Ape.
Dretch(0) - 2 HD Small outsider, HP:17, to hit:+6 The SLA’s are mentioned

above – once those are used you have a creature with 3 attacks/round. Not a lot
of HP though, only summon if you have use of the SLA’s, or need the telepathy.
Fiendish snake, large viper(+1) - 3 HD Large magical beast, HP:19, to hit:+4

Poison is pretty weak – not great in melee. Not much here.
Fiendish wolverine(+1) - 3 HD Medium magical beast, HP:40 (raged), To Hit:
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+8 (raged) Not as strong as the ape in melee, but is med size (if size is an issue)
and has burrow.
SLA's available with SM III:

Spell Name – (spell level)(Creature who has it as an SLA)(CL/DC)(# times/day)
*Works on “self only”
Scare – (3rd)(Dretch)(2/12)(1/x)
Stinking Cloud- (2nd)(Dretch)(2/13)(1)

Summon Monster IV
Things to know about SM IV:
Tidbits: SLA’s and Su abilities are becoming more of a factor. For straight combat
SM IV does not shine above SM III as it did over the previous level.
Combat: For charging the celestial lion is terrific. Dire wolves get trip (with a
decent score) and good HP. Howlers get the terrific quills (and they are
stackable). Against one BBEG, the howlers are the way to go. Against multiples –
the dire wolf is better. If DR of the opponent is a problem – Lantern Archons
ignore it.
Outside Combat, or non melee combat aids: Lantern archons are stuffed with
useful SLA’s, and if summoned close can protect your party with aura of menace
and magic circle against evil. If you are approaching large groups of enemies – a
yeth hound can be sent 305’ ahead and bay. That’s a 300 radius spread!
Mixed with the malconvoker: Summoning 2 dire wolves that begin in flank and
both are making trip attempts is huge. Even after SMV is available this is a
strong option. If the opponent is very large – then go with howlers. The quills
stack, and those -1’s add up.
Treantmonk’s favourite: The howler. Once you can summon 2 at a time those
quills add up. I love that they lower saves too.
They wasted our time with: The Celestial Giant Owl. This is on par with the Dire
Bat of the previous level – how did it ever make SMIV?
Archon, lantern - 1 HD Small outsider, HP:6, to hit:+2 The SLA’s and “always
on” abilities (Circle against evil, tongues, aura of malice, Aid) are the big draws.
The attack only does 1d6 and has a not great chance of hitting (2 per round with
full attack), it is ranged however and ignores DR. Against a high DR critter this
could be a good summons – but don’t count on the +2 attack to hit very often.
More of a defensive choice (for the magic circle and the aura) than an offensive
one.
Celestial giant owl - 4 HD Large magical beast, HP:34, To hit:+9 Go with either
the giant eagle or the giant wasp. If you need the night vision, consider the dire
bat from SM III.
Celestial giant eagle - 4 HD Large magical beast, HP:34, to hit:+9 This has
flyby attack – and evasion. Certainly better than the owl (unless you are flying at
night)
Celestial lion - 5 HD Large magical beast, HP:42, To hit:+9 First 5 atttack
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charger available. Rake, Pounce and improved grab – pretty good.
Mephit (any) - 3 HD Small outsider, HP:19-25, to hit:+6 to +9 These are about

the SLA’s. Wind wall, Gust of wind, Heat metal, Chill metal, Glitterdust, Blur,
Melf’s acid arrow, pyrotechnics.
Fiendish dire wolf(+1) - 6 HD Large magical beast, HP:57, to hit:+11 Great

HP, Good attack, trip. Strong choice.
Fiendish giant wasp(+1) - 5 HD Large magical beast, HP:42, to hit:+8 Only

flyer on current level that has evil alignment and is half decent in melee. Poison
isn’t impressive, however, 60’ fly (good) is. For pure attack, not a great choice.
Fiendish giant praying mantis(+2) - 4 HD Large magical beast, HP:34, to

hit:+8 Improved grab with grapple of +13. 2 attacks/round. To hit isn’t great (+8
with Augment). Not that impressive overall. If you want improved grab though –
this might be your best SM IV bet.
Fiendish shark, large(+1) - 7 HD large magical beast, HP:52, to hit:+9 Pretty

good aquatic summons.
Yeth hound(+2) - 3 HD Medium outsider, HP:25, To hit:+8 Bay ability, flies.

Only summon if you have use of bay, otherwise go with the giant wasp or the
dire wolf (depending whether you need fly)
Fiendish monstrous spider, large(0) - 4 HD Large magical beast, HP:30, to

hit:+6 Now you can web huge creatures. For melee this is weak.
Fiendish snake, huge viper(+1) - 6 HD Huge magical beast, HP:45, to hit:+8

Poison is DC 16 (with augment), not bad. HP are decent, only any good if you
think the poison will hold.
Howler(+2) - 6 HD Large outsider, HP:52, To hit:+12 The advantage of the

howler over the dire wolf is quills. These work better against a single more
powerful opponent since they stack.
SLA's available to SM IV
Spell Name – (spell level)(Creature who has it as an SLA)(CL/DC)(#
times/summon)
Aid-(2nd)(Lantern Archon)(3/x)(at will)

Blur*-(2nd)(Air Mephit)(6/x)(1)
Blur*-(2nd)(Dust Mephit)(6/x)(1)
Blur*-(2nd)(Steam Mephit)(3/x)(1)
Chill Metal-(2nd)(Ice Mephit)(6/14)(1)
Continual Flame-(2nd)(Lantern Archon)(3/x)(at will)
Detect Evil-(1st)(Lantern Archon)(3/x)(at will)
Glitterdust-(2nd)(Salt Mephit)(3/14)(1)
Gust of wind-(2nd)(Air Mephit)(6/14)(1)
Heat Metal-(2nd)(Fire Mephit)(6/14)(1)
Magic Circle Against Evil*-(3rd)(Lantern Archon)(1/x)(always on)
Magic Missile-(1st)(Ice Mephit)(3/x)(1)
Melf’s Acid Arrow-(2nd)(Ooze Mephit)(3/x)(1)
Melf’s Acid Arrow-(2nd)(Water Mephit)(3/x)(1)
Pyrotechnics-(2nd)(Magma Elemental)(6/14)(1)
Scorching ray-(2nd)(Fire Mephit)(3/14)(1)
Soften Earth and Stone-(2nd)(Earth Mephit)(6/x)(1)
Stinking Cloud-(3rd)(Ooze Mephit)(6/15)(1)
Stinking Cloud-(3rd)(Water Mephit)(6/15)(1)
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Tongues*-(3rd)(Lantern Archon)(14/x)(always on)

Wind Wall – (3rd)(Dust Mephit)(6/13)(1)

Summon Monster V
Now I’m assuming Augment Summoning, a Ring of Mighty summons and
Infernal Fury for evil creatures
Things to know about SM V:
Tidbits: SLA’s are less of a star here – but now the star is grapple.
Secondly – assuming at least level 10, it is time to buy a ring of mighty

summons (14,000 gp). It gives your creatures Max HP for their HD, but ½’s
the duration of your spell. Since you get deceptive summons – that’s still 10
rounds (or more, depending on your feats). Long enough for most combats. The
ring can be removed if you aren’t sure.
Combat: Fiendish Giant Crocodiles. They are huge, good attack, improved grab.
The brown bear is just as good, but you already have malconvoker – this is no
choice. If you’re charging the tiger is good, and bearded devils get frenzy which is
nice.
Outside Combat: Not much here.
Mixed with the malconvoker: Flank with the crocs – both attack, both get grapple
attempts – pin and kill. Against big/strong opponents this tactic can still work.
Leaving the flank provokes AoO, once again bringing improved grab into play.
Eventually the grapple will hold. These things have great HP too.
Treantmonk’s favourite: Fiendish Huge Crocodiles. Love to flank with +23 grapple
attacks
They wasted our time with: Fiendish deinonychus. Why is this even here? The
stats blow for SM V. This should have been a SM IV. Same goes for the Fiendish
Dire Ape.
Also: you now have Fiendish legion for certain. No point summoning non-evil
creatures unless there is a specific ability you are after. If there isn’t some specific
reason to summon a non-evil creature – I’ll simply point it out to you with the
prime replacement summon.
Archon, hound - 6 HD Medium outsider, HP:54, To hit:+10 If you want the

SLA’s – get the Lantern Archon cheaper. This guy is more durable if you are
worried about that though.
Celestial Brown Bear- 6 HD Large magical beast, HP:72, to hit:+13 Summon 2

Huge crocs instead. If huge is too big for your environment, then go with 2
fiendish tigers.
Celestial giant stag beetle - 7 HD Large magical beast, HP:91, to hit:+12

Trample is the only reason to summon.
Celestial sea cat - 6 HD Large magical beast, HP:90, To hit: +11 Summon 2
huge sharks instead.
Celestial griffon - 7 HD Large magical beast, HP:105, to hit: +13 The best flyer
you can summon at this level (air elemental only other choice). To make use of
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Fiendish Legion – if you need flyers you will need to go with 1d3+1
Fiendish Giant Wasps (SM IV)
Elemental, medium (any) - 4 HD Medium elemental, HP:48-52, to hit: +8-+10

Earth elemental gets improved bull rush (can bull rush up to large creatures.
Very strong/quadruped creatures may be hard). Use smaller elementals for the
utility stuff – they are much cheaper.
Achaierai(+11) - 6 HD Large outsider, HP:84, to hit:+11 As a combatant the

Archaierai aren’t too bad, but the Black Cloud ability makes this a strong
summons against multiple foes. Throw both into the middle of your enemies and
release the clouds (make sure they are more than 10 feet away from you) Note
that the DC is Con based, and therefore a 17 with Augment Summoning.
Devil, bearded(+9) - 6 HD Medium outsider, HP:102 (raged), to hit:+13

(raged) For combat the croc is better, but the Glaive of the devil is considered
evil aligned and law aligned (which might be good for getting past DR), and they
have telepathy as well. Circumstances can easily make this your best combatant.
Fiendish deinonychus(+1) - 4 HD Large magical beast, HP:64, to hit:+8 The

tiger is just better – unless the 60’ move is going to be a big factor. Yes – this is
the Raptor from the Jurassic Park movies – though even with the fiendish
template it won’t be as smart.
Fiendish dire ape(+1) - 5 HD Large magical beast, HP:73, to hit:+10 Not all
that much better than the Fiendish Apes available with SM III, except for rend
perhaps (At this point reg Fiendish apes have HP:59). You are better off with
1d4+1 of them. This should have been a SM IV summons.
Fiendish dire boar(+1) - 7 HD Large magical beast, HP:104, to hit:+14 Should

have over 100 hp, and fights to -10. That’s really its best feature. Not a terrific
combatant overall.
Fiendish shark, huge(+1) - 10 HD Huge magical beast, HP:140, To hit:+12

Very tough aquatic combatant.
Fiendish monstrous scorpion, large(0) - 5 HD Large magical beast, HP:110,

To hit:+8 A lot of creatures will easily save vs the poison (if it even hits) – only
time you want to summon this – if size is an issue, so you can’t summon the
croc, and you want improved grab. That’s pretty much it.
Shadow mastiff(+1) - 4 HD Medium outsider, HP:60, to hit:+9 Better

combatant statistically than the yeth hound, and still gets bay (higher DC), but
no fly. If you aren’t using bay – summon 1d3 dire wolves instead.
Fiendish dire wolverine(+1) - 5 HD Large magical beast, HP:93 (raged), To

hit: +12 (raged) If you aren’t charging, and want lots of attacks, a raged dire
wolverine is your best choice.
Fiendish giant crocodile(+1) - 7 HD Huge magical beast, HP:112, to hit +13

Improved grab with a grapple of +23 with Augment. Powerful single attack.
Fiendish tiger(+1) - 6 HD Large magical beast, HP:84, to hit:+11 The best

charger in the SM V list. 5 attacks on a charge and improved grab.
SLA's for SM V:

times/summon)
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Aid-(2nd)(Hound Archon)(6/x)(at will)

Continual Flame-(2nd)(Hound Archon)(6/x)(at will)
Detect Evil-(1st)(Hound Archon)(6/x)(at will)
Insanity-(7th)(Achaierai)(16/17)(3)(Reduced range/effect 3 hours)
Magic Circle Against Evil*-(3rd)(Hound Archon)(6/x)(always on)
Message-(0)(Hound Archon)(6/x)(at will)
Tounges*-(3rd)(Hound Archon)(6/x)(always on)

Summon Monster VI
Infernal Fury for evil creatures.
Things to know about SM VI:
Tidbits: Elementals have just become a combat summons possibility, lots of SLA’s
available at this level. Not a huge level for combat tanks.
Combat: If you are charging – the Rhino does great damage and can take a
beating. If you carry around extra chains (you should), the Chain Devil has good
offense. If you have room – the centipede has the best HP and grapple score. The
constrictor snake is now your best all round grappler though (for the first time).
Outside Combat, or non melee combat aids: Lots here. Bralani have lots of SLA’s,
for a few more, check Janni’s. Chain devils can create an effect that gimps your
opponents (-2 mods)
Mixed with the malconvoker: Chain devils can get a lot of attacks (4/round) all
with reach. The giant constrictor is a good grappler and does constrict damage.
The Centipede is gargantuan. As you would assume, that means a heck of a lot of
HP and a great grapple score.
Treantmonk’s favourite: Chain Devil. Dancing chains rocks.
They wasted our time with: Janni. Who thought that this was an equivalent
summon to the Bralani?
Tip: If you carry some different kinds of chains (silver and cold iron) you can use
chain devils to attack creatures that might normally have a DR hard for you to
penetrate. You can carry 4 of each for only 16 lbs (not you of course – that’s
what planar binding is for)
Celestial polar bear - 8 HD Large magical beast, HP:112, to hit:+15 Get the
constrictor snake instead
Celestial orca whale - 9 HD Huge magical beast, HP:138, to hit: +14 Fiendish
Elsasmosaurus is better.
Bralani (eladrin) - 6 HD Medium outsider, HP:68, to hit: +13 SLA’s: Charm

person, gust of wind, mirror image, wind wall. 2/day: lightning bolt, cure serous
wounds. All CL 6. Immune to electricity, has a pretty good ranged attack (good
aligned). Have innate tongues ability.
Celestial dire lion - 8 HD Large magical beast, HP:104, to hit: +15 Strong
charger – puts tigers on previous level to shame. However, the Fiendish Dire
Tiger is just around the corner.
Elemental, large (any) - 8 HD Large elemental, HP:104-112, to hit: +12-+14
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Earth elementals can now bull rush up to huge. An air elemental can now pick up
med creatures in the whirlwind (or water elementals in the vortex). These are
starting to get good.
Janni (genie) - 6 HD Medium outsider, HP:66, to hit:+11 SLA’s: 3/day:

invisibility (self), speak with animals. 1/day create food and water, ethereal jaunt
for 1 hour. Telepathy, Enlarge/reduce person. Not nearly as good as the Bralani
overall.
Chaos beast - 8 HD Medium outsider, HP:101, To hit:+12 Only a decent choice

if your opponent has a decent chance of failing a DC 17 Fort save – if they do,
they’re screwed, if not, the Chaos beast isn’t good for much else.
Devil, chain(0) - 8 HD Medium outsider, HP:112, to hit:+12 Immunity to cold.

Did you bring those chains? Get them within 20’ of the devil, and within 25’ of
the enemy. That’s 4 attacks, +12 to hit, 2d4+6 damage each – crit range 19-20
(with infernal fury). Oh yeah – one skill these guys don’t have (unlike most
devils) – sense motive.
Xill(+8) - 5 HD Medium outsider, HP:70, to hit:+9 4 attacks – not great for

combat – but does have an SR of 21, which is stellar for this level.
Fiendish monstrous centipede, gargantuan(0) - 12 HD Gargantuan magical

beast, HP:156, to hit:+13 Decent combatant – poison DC now 19. Best feature is
a grapple of +29
Fiendish rhinoceros(+1) - 8 HD Large magical beast, HP:136, To hit:+15

Charge +17 for 4d6+30 damage. After that – still OK.
Fiendish elsasmosaurus(+1) - 10 HD Huge magical beast, HP:186, to hit: +15

Good aquatic choice. Can move on land too (20 feet).
Fiendish monstrous spider, huge(0) - 8 HD Huge magical beast, HP:112, to

hit:+11 Can web up to gargantuan. Not great combatant though at this level.
Fiendish snake, giant constrictor(+1) - 11 HD Huge magical beast, HP:146,

to hit:+15 Grapple is +25, Huge size. This is finally the premier grapple choice
for its level. (Centipede has slightly higher grapple score – but no improved
grab).
SLA's for SM VI:

times/summon)
Blur – (2nd)(Bralani, Eladrin)(6/x)(at will)

Charm Person – (1st)(Bralani, Eladrin)(6/13)(at will)
Create food and water – (3rd)(Janni, Genie)(7th/x)(1/day)
Cure Serious Wounds – (3rd)(Bralani, Eladrin)(6/15)(2/day)
Ethereal Jaunt – (7th)(Janni, Genie)(7th/x)(1/day) – 1 hour duration
Gust of Wind – (2nd)(Bralani, Eladrin)(6/14)(at will)
Invisibility* – (2nd)(Janni, Genie)(12/x)(3/day)
Lightning Bolt – (3rd)(Bralani, Eladrin)(6/15)(2/day)
Mirror Image – (2nd)(Bralani, Eladrin)(6/x)(at will)
Speak with animals – (1st)(Janni, Genie)(12/x)(3/day)
Wind Wall – (3rd)(Bralani, Eladrin)(6/x)(at will)

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Summon Monster VII

Things to know about SM VII:
Tidbits: We are now at the point where SLA’s and (Su) abilities are as important
as the combat abilities. More of the summons are for the former than the latter.
Tailoring your summons to your specific opponent becomes more important than
ever.
Combat: Bone devils are great – not just for combat specs, but also for all the
SLA’s that can be used in combat. They also have great saves. If pure HP are
what you are after – the elementals have it.
Outside Combat, and non melee combat abilities: I can’t even touch on all the
SLA’s available at this level. The Avoral has a million alone. Bone devils are also
very good (wall of ice at will – nice!). Babau demons dispel magic at will.
Mixed with the malconvoker: The Bone Devil is your best all round combatant,
they are also good battlefield controllers (2 walls of ice/round is very good).
Babau demons get SA if used to flank. They also get dispel magic at will. That's
two dispel checks per round against enemy spells. (thanks to Ancillary for
pointing out that they can't be used to counterspell though. Oops.)
Treantmonk’s favourite: Bone Devils. For a summon monster VII these are a
huge bargain. They outshine everything else at this level.
Chicken? Among the great abilities of Bone Devils are a high sense motive score
– if this is a concern – A pair of Fiendish Girallon’s will get 10 attacks on your
enemy – then Rend him. (the lower to hit score bothers me a bit though). The
other option is to simply summon the bone devil without Deceptive Summoning –
you might want to remove your Ring of Mighty Summons to keep a decent
duration. They will still rock.
They wasted our time with: The Fiendish Megaraptor. For the same reason the
Raptor sucks, so does its big brother. Tigers are just better – much better.
Celestial elephant - 11 HD Huge magical beast, HP:171, to hit:+18 Summon for

utility if 34 STR will be of use.
Avoral (guardinal) - 7 HD Medium outsider, HP:105, to hit:+15 SLA’s at will:

Aid, Blur (self), Command, detect magic, dimension door, dispel magic, gust of
wind, hold person, light, magic circle against evil (self), magic missile, see
invisibility. 3/day: lightning bolt. CL 8. Immune to electricity and petrification.
Lay on hands for 21 healing. Fear aura and true seeing (standard actions each).
Flies. Has all knowledges at +12, good hide/move silently, and a spot of 21. Good
utility summons.
Celestial baleen whale - 12 HD Gargantuan magical beast, HP:198, to hit:+19

Go with the octopus against med or smaller – this is good against big stuff.
Djinni (genie) - 7 HD Large outsider, HP:84, to hit:+12 Major creation is

permanent if used to create vegetable matter – All craft skills at +12. SLA’s also
include wind walk, persistant image, create wine, create food and water,
invisibility (self). Can assume gaseous form and whirlwind form. Immune to acid,
telepathy.
Elemental, huge (any) - 16 HD Huge elemental, HP:224-240, to hit:+19-+21

Air elemental now a strong flying choice. Earth elementals can bull rush almost
anything. A water elemental has a CL of 16 to dispel magic fires. These are very
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good combatants now.
Invisible stalker - 8 HD Large elemental, HP:80, to hit:+12 Not particularly

strong, not evil – only summon if improved invisibility is really needed. Tracks at
+13.
Slaad, red - 7 HD Large outsider, HP:91, to hit:+13 Immune to sonic. Has

pounce and stun attack. HP aren’t great for a combat selection though.
Devil, bone(+15) - 10 HD Large outsider, HP:170, to hit:+16 Fear aura DC 17,

Poison(Str) DC 22, At will SLA’s: Dimensional anchor, fly, invisibility (self), major
image, wall of ice. CL 12. SR 21, Good combatant, all knowledges at +15, Move
Silently +18, Search +15. 3 good attacks.
Fiendish megaraptor(+2) - 8 HD Huge magical beast, HP:139, to hit:+11 This

is actually not much better than the fiendish tiger you could summon with SM V.
This should be a great charger – but you are better off with 1d4+2 Fiendish
tigers (sad). Speed is 60 if that’s a factor.
Fiendish monstrous scorpion, huge(0) - 10 HD Huge magical beast, HP:150,

To hit:+13 +23 grapple with improved grab (Actually worse than the constrictor
last level – but 2 chances to hit). Summon if tremorsense is going to come into
play.
Babau (demon)(+1) - 7 HD Medium outsider, HP:119, to hit:+14 Sneak attack

+2d6 (on 3 attacks), SLA’s: Darkness, dispel magic, see invisibility. CL 7. A slime
coats this creature that does 1d8 damage to weapons that strike it (ignores
hardness). Also, no sense motive.
Fiendish giant octopus(+1) - 8 HD Large magical beast, HP:107, to hit:+12 8

arm attacks - +17 grapple each. Good aquatic choice against med or smaller
opponents.
Fiendish girallon(+1) - 7 HD Large magical beast, HP:118, To hit:+14 5

attacks/round + rend attack. For pure damage offense this is OK. That’s it
though.
SLA's for SM VII:

times/summon)
Aid – (2nd)(Avoral)(8/x)(at will)

Blur* - (2nd)(Avoral)(8/x)(at will)
Command – (1st)(Avoral)(8/14)(at will)
Create Food and Water – (3rd)(Djinn)(20/x)(at will)
Create Water – (0)(Djinn)(20/x)(at will) – creates wine instead of water
Darkness – (2nd)(Babau)(7/x)(at will)
Detect magic – (0)(Avoral)(8/x)(at will)
Dimension Door – (4th)(Avoral)(8/x)(at will)
Dimensional Anchor – (4th)(Bone Devil)(12/x)(at will)
Dispel Magic – (3rd)(Avoral)(8/x)(at will)
Dispel Magic – (3rd)(Babau)(7/x)(at will)
Fly – (3rd)(Bone Devil)(12/x)(at will)
Gaseous form* – (3rd)(Djinn)(20/x)(1/day) – duration 1 hour
Gust of wind – (3rd)(Avoral)(8/15)(at will)
Hold Person – (3rd)(Avoral)(8/16)(at will)
Invisibility* - (2nd)(Djinn)(20/x)(at will)
Invisibility* - (2nd)(Bone Devil)(12/x)(at will)
Light – (0)(Avoral)(8/x)(at will)
Lightning bolt – (3rd)(Avoral)(8/16)(3/day)
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Magic Circle Against Evil – (3rd)(Avoral)(8/x)(at will)

Magic Missile – (1st)(Avoral)(8/x)(at will)
Major Creation – (5th)(Djinn)(20/x)(1/day) – vegetable matter is permanent
Major Image – (3rd)(Bone Devil)(12/15)(at will)
Persistent Image – (5th)(Djinn)(20/17)(1/day)
See Invisibility – (2nd)(Avoral)(8x)(at will)
See Invisibility – (2nd)(Babau)(7x)(at will)
True Seeing* - (6th)(Avoral)(14/x)(at will) – 1 full round casting time
Wall of Ice – (4th)(Bone Devil)(12/x)(at will)
Wind Walk – (6th)(Djinn)(20/x)(1/day)

Summon Monster VIII

Things to know about SM VIII:

Tidbits: More combat options here. Again, the SLA’s are too numerous to
mention.
Combat: Well, I have to mention that you can now summon a colossal creature
(Centipede), you need lots of room for this guy – but his HP are great, as is his
grapple score. Fiendish Tyrannosaurus offers great offense/defense. A
gargantuan spider can web any size creature. Vrocks are excellent combatants,
and can fly.
Outside Combat or non-melee combat abilities: Can’t even get into all the SLA’s,
however check out the Blue Slaad – some very nice ones there.
Mixed with the malconvoker: Very interesting option if you are willing to cast 2x.
That gives you 4 vrocks – one to attack your enemies, and three to do a dance of
Ruin – thats 20d6 damage – that is not energy damage (no resistances). Vrocks
also get stunning screech, spores, 3 attacks – lots of options.
Treantmonk’s favourite: The Vrock. Good SLA’s, good combat stats. It is a Flyer.
(honourable mention to the Fiendish T-Rex though)
Chicken? If the Vrock’s Sense Motive frightens you – The Fiendish T-Rex has lots
to love too.
They wasted our time with: Hellcat. Sorry – invisibility is not worth 120 HP and
+7 to hit. (the difference between the hellcat and the Fiendish dire tiger)
Celestial dire bear - 12 HD Large magical beast, HP:171, To Hit:+21 You will
find the Dire Tiger the better offensive choice – and still get improved grab.
Celestial cachalot whale - 12 HD Gargantuan magical beast, HP:207, to

hit:+19 Not much better than the Baleen whale last level. The giant squid gives a
good evil summons for aquatic at this level.
Celestial triceratops - 16 HD Huge magical beast, HP:284, to hit:+22 It is

surprising how a triceratops is as tough as a T-Rex. However – you can go with
multiple Rhino’s instead for a similar effect.
Lillend - 7 HD Large outsider, HP:84, to hit:+13 SLA’s: not very impressive

(Hallucinatory terrain is at least fairly unique). Bard spells (CL 6) all levels 1 & 2.
Diplomacy +16 is a nice feature.
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Elemental, greater (any) - 21 HD Huge elemental, HP:294-315, to hit:+23-25

The Earth elemental now has improved sunder, HP have passed the 300 point
barrier – they are benefiting more from your ring and Augment a great deal. As
with last level – these are now good combat summons. Unfortunately they aren’t
evil, so unless you need a specific manouver (sunder/bull rush), or movement
type – you are still better off with the evil combat choices.
Slaad, blue - 8 HD Large outsider, HP:112, to hit:+15 SLA’s at will: hold person,
passwall, telekinisis. 1/day: Chaos hammer. CL 8. A bit weak in melee for the
level though. The passwall at will is the premier feature here.
Fiendish giant squid(+1) - 12 HD Huge magical beast, HP:162, To hit:+17

Statistically, this is a far superior summons than the octopus last level. +31
grapple check.
Hellcat (devil)(+2) - 8 HD Large outsider, HP:120, to hit:+15 I want to like

this – but the Dire Tiger is SO much better. The invisibility has been overrated
IMO.
Fiendish monstrous centipede, colossal(0) - 24 HD Colossal magical beast,

HP:312, to hit: +20 Yes – it’s colossal. You can now grapple with a +44. HP are
very good. Attack is OK (tiger is better). Poison DC is now 25. Not your best
melee option – but the grapple score is great (you can now hope to succeed
grappling huge opponents).
Fiendish dire tiger(+1) - 16 HD Large magical beast, HP:240, to hit:+22 This

is a nice charge summon. With large size it will only grapple Med or smaller
opponents – but 5 charge attacks – 4 of them will be +24 to hit. Not your best
choice against high DR creatures though since the attacks are spread out so
much.
Fiendish monstrous spider, gargantuan(0) - 16 HD Gargantuan magical

beast, HP:224, To hit:+17 Can web any size creature now. Otherwise a so-so
choice.
Fiendish tyrannosaurus(+2) - 18 HD Huge magical beast, HP:315, To hit:+22

Lots of HP. Single strong attack. If the DR is a problem for the Dire Tiger – this
guy can probably pound through it. Yeah – that’s 630 HP of summons in one spell
– nice.
Vrock (demon)(+16) - 10 HD Large outsider, HP:190, To hit:+17 5

attacks/round. SLA’s: mirror image, telekinisis. 1/day: Heroism CL 12. Spores are
free action every 3 rounds. DC 24 30 foot radius stun attack. 3 Vrocks can
attempt dance of ruin (3 rounds) 100 foot radius 20d6 blast.
SLA's for SM VII: (Actual spells included as well)

times/summon)
Chaos Hammer – (4th)(Blue Slaad)(8/14)(1/day)

Charm Person – (1st)(Lillend)(10/15)(1/day)
Dancing Lights – (0)(Lillend)(6/x)(up to 3 times/day)
Darkness – (2nd)(Lillend)(10/x)(3/day)
Daze – (0)(Lillend)(6/x)(up to 3 times/day)
Detect Magic – (0)(Lillend)(6/x)(up to 3 times/day)
Hallucinatory Terrain – (4th)(Lillend)(10/18)(3/day)
Hold Person – (3rd)(Blue Slaad)(8/13)(at will)
Knock – (2nd)(Lillend)(10/x)(3/day)
Light – (0)(Lillend)(10/x)(3/day)
Lullaby – (0)(Lillend)(6/x)(up to 3 times/day)
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Mage hand – (0)(Lillend)(6/x)(up to 3 times/day)

Mirror Image – (2nd)(Vrock)(12/x)(at will)
Read Magic – (0)(Lillend)(6/x)(up to 3 times/day)
Charm Person– (1st)(Lillend)(6/15)(up to 4 times/day)
Cure Light Wounds– (1st)(Lillend)(6/15)(up to 4 times/day)
Heroism – (3rd)(Vrock)(12/x)(1/day)
Identify– (1st)(Lillend)(6/15)(up to 4 times/day)
Sleep– (1st)(Lillend)(6/15)(up to 4 times/day)
Hold Person– (2nd)(Lillend)(6/16)(up to 3 times/day)
Invisibility– (2nd)(Lillend)(6/16)(up to 3 times/day)
Passwall – (5th)(Blue Slaad)(8/x)(at will)
Sound Burst – (2nd)(Lillend)(6/16)(up to 3 times/day)
Speak with Animals – (1st)(Lillend)(10/x)(1/day)
Speak with plants – (3rd)(Lillend)(10/x)(1/day)
Telekinisis – (5th)(Blue Slaad)(8/15)(at will)
Telekinisis – (5th)(Vrock)(12/16)(at will)

Summon Monster IX
Things to know about SM IX:
Tidbits: It’s weird – usually level 9 spells are surprisingly better than 7-8 level
spells, not so with SM. Dissapointing really. You might want to summon 1d3
SMVIII’s for combat. (Except I always roll a one!)
Combat: Because of malconvoker you want to stick with evil. However,

elementals would otherwise be your best bet. For evil – if you have room,
colossal spiders are good, as are gargantuan scorpions. Bebiliths get rend armor
which is always good. Hezrou’s get stench and improved grab.
Outside Combat or non-melee combat abilities: Leonal’s wall of force at will is

worth individual mention.
Mixed with the malconvoker: Bebiliths become your best combat choices unless
you have lots of room (in which case, go with your bugs). HP aren’t as great as
they might be, but mixed with Augment, Infernal Fury, and a ring of mighty
summons – the HP will be multiple hundreds anyways. (Assuming Caster level
20, Bebilith has 260 HP). If space is an issue – the Barbed devil is a decent
combatant for a medium creature (HP will be around 220), and has a nice fear
effect (will save 20)
Deserving special mention: If you have the room – a Colossal Spider summoned
with infernal fury (so easy at this level), a ring of mighty summons, and at least
4 levels of Master Specialist by a 20th level caster (your caster level for
summons may be higher than this at 18th level) will have 468 HP. You can
summon 2 with one spell – that’s almost 1000 HP of creature summoned with
one spell. This puts summon elemental monolith to shame.
Treantmonk’s favourite: Fiendish Colossal Monstrous Spider – The spider starts

and ends the list. They tend to be a weak choice inbetween – but look at it this
level – that’s tough. Colossal size can be a problem though. Still, when you get
the opportunity to summon a pair of these – it will be worth the wait.
They wasted our time with: Couatl, Green Slaad, Night Hag. What are any of
these doing in SM IX? Night hag should be SM VII!
Couatl - 9 HD Large outsider, HP:108, To hit:+14 Use magic device +15 – that’s
about the best of it. Some SLA’s and spells, nothing you haven’t seen with lower
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level summons.
Leonal (guardinal) - 12 HD Medium outsider, HP:180, To hit:+22 Actually a

decent combat choice (except its non-evil alignment!). Decent protection choice
(Protective aura 20’, +4 deflection, +4 resistance – both vs evil, lesser globe of
invulnerability, magic circle against evil.) SLA highlights: At will: Wall of force,
polymorph. 3/day: Cure critical wounds, neutralize poison, remove disease.
1/day: Heal. CL 10. Has Roar ability: 60’ cone holy word spell.
Celestial roc - 18 HD Gargantuan magical beast, HP:306, to hit:+23 Obviously a

possible all-party transport (if you need it at this level). Otherwise, go air
elemental for air combat.
Elemental, elder (any) - 24 HD Huge elemental, HP:336-360, To hit:+27-+29

all that much better than the greater elemental choices. More HP, slightly better
to hit chance.
Slaad, green - 9 HD Large outsider, HP:126, to hit:+16 Not much here to brag
about.
Devil, barbed(+17) - 12 HD Medium outsider, HP:216, to hit:+20 Any creature

it hits makes DC 20 will save vs fear. Has improved grapple (grapple +24) – does
extra damage in grapple.
Fiendish dire shark(+1) - 18 HD Huge magical beast, HP:282, to hit:+20 Not

as good as you might think – but does have swallow whole ability (large size or
smaller).
Fiendish monstrous scorpion, gargantuan(0) - 20 HD Gargantuan magical

beast, HP:300, to hit:+23 Now a DC 25 fort save for poison. Attack scores aren’t
bad for claws, improved grab with +39 grapple check. (Constrict damage is
2d6+12). Not bad at all. Improved grab + Gargantuan is a nice combination.
Night hag(+13) - 8 HD Medium outsider, HP:128, to hit:+14 Can’t see one

reason to summon one. You’ve seen all the decent SLA’s and special abilities with
cheaper SM’s.
Bebilith (demon)(+16) - 12 HD Huge outsider, HP:240, to hit:+21 The

Bebilith’s web (which can trap up to gargantuan creatures) allows no movement
at all. Rend armor is good against heavily armoured foes (If you can hit them at
all – claw attacks +16 – you must hit with both). Poison is DC 26 and delivered
with the +21 bite attack. Not a bad combat choice.
Fiendish monstrous spider, colossal(0) - 32 HD Colossal magical beast,

HP:448, To hit:+28 Poison DC 30 (Str 2d8 loss) is very strong. Grapple is best of
entire list at +52. 30’ reach. HP will be highest you can get too (896 HP on one
summon spell). These are a lot better than the centipedes of last level. Great
melee choice – if you can find the room.
Hezrou (demon)(+2) - 10 HD Large outsider, Sense Motive , HP:213, To

hit:+16 Stench is a good ability. DC 26 Fort or be nauseated (any creature within
10’). Otherwise – with a +16 primary attack – you are in trouble if AC is decent.
SLA’s for Summon Monster IX (Also included regular spells,

psionics that imitate spells, and Su abilities that imitate spells)
Spell Name (Spell level)(Creature that uses spell)(Caster level/DC)(times/day)

*Means self only
Blasphemy-(7th)(Hezrou)(13/21)(3/day)
Chaos Hammer –(4th)(Green Slaad)(9/15)(at will)
Chaos Hammer-(4th)(Hezrou)(13/18)(at will)
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Charm Monster– (4th)(Couatl)(9/17)(up to 4 times/day)

Cure Critical Wounds-(4th)(Leonal)(10/16)(3/day)
Cure Minor Wounds– (0)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 6 times/day)
Cure Moderate Wounds– (2)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 7 times/day)
Daze– (0)(Couatl)(9/13)(up to 6 times/day)
Deeper Darkness–(3rd)(Green Slaad)(9/x)(3/day)
Detect Chaos – (1st)(Couatl)(9/x)(at will)
Detect Chaos – (1st)(Night hag)(8/x)(at will)
Detect Evil– (1st)(Couatl)(9/x)(at will)
Detect Evil-(1st)(Night hag)(8/x)(at will)
Detect Good– (1st)(Couatl)(9/x)(at will)
Detect Good-(1st)(night hag)(8/x)(at will)
Detect Law– (1st)(Couatl)(9/x)(at will)
Detect Law-(1st)(Night hag)(8/x)(at will)
Detect magic–(0)(Green Slaad)(9/x)(at will)
Detect Magic-(0)(Night hag)(8/x)(at will)
Detect Thoughts– (2nd)(Couatl)(9/15)(at will)
Detect Thoughts-(2nd)(Leonal)(10/15)(at will)
Detect Thoughts–(2nd)(Green Slaad)(9/13)(at will)
Dispel Law–(5th)(Green Slaad)(9/16)(3/day)
Disrupt Undead– (0)(Couatl)(9/13)(up to 6 times/day)
Eagle’s Spendor– (2nd)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 7 times/day)
Endure Elements– (1st)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 7 times/day)
Ethereal Jaunt– (7th)(Couatl)(16/x)(at will)
Etherealness-(9th)(Night hag)(16/x)(at will)
Fear–(4th)(Green Slaad)(9/15)(at will)
Fireball-(3rd)(Leonal)(10/15)(at will)
Fireball–(3rd)(Green Slaad)(9/14)(3/day)
Freedom of movement– (4th)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 4 times/day)
Gaseous Form– (3rd)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 7 times/day)
Gaseous Form-(3rd)(Hezrou)(13/x)(3/day)
Globe of Invulnerability, lesser*-(4th)(Leonal)(12/x)(always on)
Heal-(6th)(Leonal)(10/18)(1/day)
Hold Monster-(5th)(Leonal)(10/17)(at will)
Hold Person-(3rd)(Barbed Devil)(12/16)(at will)
Invisibility– (2nd)(Couatl)(9/x)(at will)
Light– (0)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 6 times/day)
Mage Armor– (1st)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 7 times/day)
Magic Circle Against Evil– (3rd)(Couatl)(9/16)(up to 7 times/day)
Magic Circle Against Evil*-(3rd)(Leonal)(12/x)(always on) – includes +4 to
saves and AC
Magic Missile-(1st)(Night hag)(8/x)(at will)
Major Image-(2nd)(Barbed Devil)(12/17)(at will)
Neutralize Poison-(4th)(Leonal)(10/x)(3/day)
Obscuring Mist– (1st)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 7 times/day)
Order’s Wrath-(4th)(Barbed Devil)(12/18)(1/day)
Polymorph*– (4th)(Couatl)(9/x)(at will)
Polymorph-(4th)(Leonal)(10/x)(at will)
Polymorph*-(4th)(Night hag)(8/x)(at will)
Protection from Chaos– (1st)(Couatl)(9/14)(up to 7 times/day)
Protection from Law–(1st)(Green Slaad)(9/x)(at will)
Ray of Enfeeblement-(2nd)(Night hag)(8/12)(at will)
Ray of Frost– (0)(Couatl)(9/13)(up to 6 times/day)
Read Magic– (0)(Couatl)(9/13)(up to 6 times/day)
Remove Disease-(3rd)(Leonal)(10/x)(3/day)
Resistance– (0)(Couatl)(9/13)(up to 6 times/day)
Scorching Ray– (2nd)(Couatl)(9/15)(up to 7 times/day)
Scorching Ray– (2nd)(Barbed Devil)(12/x)(at will) – 2 rays only
See Invisibility–(2nd)(Green Slaad)(9/x)(at will)
Shatter–(2nd)(Green Slaad)(9/13)(at will)
Silence– (2nd)(Couatl)(9/15)(up to 7 times/day)
Sleep-(1st)(Night hag)(8/12)(at will)
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True Strike– (1st)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 7 times/day)

Unholy Blight-(4th)(Barbed Devil)(12/18)(1/day)
Unholy Blight-(4th)(Hezrou Demon)(13/18)(at will)
Wall of force-(5th)(Leonal)(10/x)(at will)
Wind Wall– (1st)(Couatl)(9/x)(up to 7 times/day)

Other Summon Monster tidbits:
Best SR’s by Summon level:
1: Fiendish Octopus/Celestial Porpoise: 7

2: Bee/Centipede/Squid/Shark: 8
3: Fiendish Centipede: 11
4: Shark: 12 (land based: Wolf/Viper: 11)
5: Bearded Devil: 17
6: Xill: 21
7: Avoral: 25
8: Fiendish Colossal Centipede: 25
9: Leonal (Guardinal): 28 (Best evil – Spider: 25)
General guidelines for non-summoning spells and how they

work with your summoned creatures.
Here's the most general guidelines I can give:
Summoned Monsters are intended to keep your enemies away from you, to eat
up their attacks, to prevent their attacks, and ultimately to kill or incapacitate
them.
They are intended to be expendable - never forget that.
A SM that dies has done its job for you.
Vision Obscurement: The spells which cause vision obscurement are too
many to mention, but include fog/mist/darkness spells most commonly.
These can be very helpful spells. Most fog/mist spells will reduce enemy vision to
5'. If the SM is all they can see - it is likely that is what they will attack. This is
good for you and your allies.
Furthermore - SM with Blindsense or Tremorsense (Bats, Scorpions, Spiders) will

be able especially effective in these environments.
Movement reductions: The spells which prevent or slow movement from

your enemies can also be very helpful.
These spells will encourage opponents to focus on the opponents that are closer.
It is your job to ensure said opponent is a SM.
As mentioned before - any attack on a SM is an attack that was not made on

your allies (and even more importantly - you)
Offensive Buffing: The spells which make your SM better offensively are
also very useful for obvious reasons.
Polymorph is the king of these buffs. For a quick example consider a Gargantuan
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Centipede (SM VI) might be turned into a 12-headed hydra - giving 11 extra
attacks.
Haste is probably #2 - but may be #1 if you have lots of summoned creatures on

the ground.
Remember that Str buffs do not stack with augment summoning.
Defensive Buffing: For the most part I would suggest that this isn't
worthwhile.
It is your SM job to take damage after all, and they are all easily replaced. Mage
Armor IS very cheap though (and at high levels, Mage Armor - mass is also quite
cheap) and gives a +4 AC that will be stackable with almost any SM.
I would suggest any Defensive buff that is not at least 2 levels lower than the slot
used to summon the creature in the first place is a waste.
Healing: This is pretty much always a terrible choice.
Save your healing for your allies. Your summons are going to dissapear soon
anyways.
Giving an extra round or two through healing isn't going to pay off in the long
run. (The exception might be a "Heal" spell on a SM IX that is taking loads of HP
damage over an extended period. That's about it)
Summon Monster and your other spells:
Generalizations:
Fog/Mist spells: These all are great when combined with Spiders, Scorpions
and Dire Bats. Your opponents can't see - but they can.
Call Zelekut, Call Marut, Call Kolyarut: See my MYTHS section. These are
inferior spells - honest! Your summoned monsters are much tougher at the same
level - your planar bindings last much longer - and neither require XP.
Level 1:
Grease: Use your Summoned Grappler to grapple the enemy - then cast a
grease underneath them to watch the pair grappling on the ground. This makes it
twice as hard as the BBEG that has a good grapple score to dispatch your
creature as the grapple gets re-engaged and re-engaged again.
Mage Armor: In a wand this is great (since duration of 1/hr is plenty). Your
summoned creatures have Dex and Nat armor, but no actual armor. Mage armor
is perfectly stackable with any of them. Not bad at all.
Obscuring Mist: Any of the mist/fog spells work great when combined with
creatures that use Blindsense/Tremorsense. That includes all the Fiendish
Scorpions, Spiders and Dire Bats. Now they can see your opponent, but your
opponent can't see them (Or you)
Benign Transposition: This spell is so incredibly useful for a summoner it isn't

funny. Your pal is in the jaws of the Purple Worm - ready to be swallowed whole?
Switch him with your perfectly willing first level summoned creature.
Unfortunately for the Purple Worm - that creature will be like chinese food - he'll
be hungry again a few rounds later. Any time you want to get an ally out of
harms way - this spell mixed with a summoned monster is HUGE. Keep in mind
that you can switch yourself with a summoned creature with this spell too.
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Level 2:
Fog Cloud: See obscuring mist

Glitterdust: Throw this on the combat in which your Spider, Scorpion or Dire Bat
is involved. Everyone gets blinded - of course your summoned creatures have
other ways of sensing your opponents.
Web: To be used when your opponents decide they would like to leave the
vicinity of your summoned creatures. (*Nice* - my DM has houseruled that
spiders can traverse web spells. That makes this spell extra tasty. Ask your DM
today)
Baleful Transposition: So who actually wants to switch places with the enemy
caster and be completely surrounded by his bodyguard. Your summoned creature
- that's who.
Chain of Eyes: This is a useful "scouting" spell. Plop it on your summoned

creature and send them ahead - they can pass it off to the next one as needed.
Snake's Swiftness: Give your summoned creature a free attack. Best for use
with the heavy hitters with a single attack.
Level 3:
Stinking Cloud: Don't bother. Use SMIII to summon a Dretch and have it cast
this for you. Then have the Dretch cast scare, then have the Dretch enter melee.
See???
Mage Armor, Mass: The hugeness of this spell after level 5 Malconvoker should
be self-evident. Very good!
Haste: Mass buff that gives all your creatures measurable bonuses. This works
best when combined with single attack creatures.
Mass Snake's Swiftness: This can be a show-stopper. Surround your enemy

with allies and summoned creatures then cast this for lots of fun.
Dimension Step: Move your allies around for maximum tactical advantage
Level 4:
Evard's black tenticles: For non-malconvokers only. You can summon

creatures with just as good grapple scores. By level 10 you can summon multiple
creatures with much higher grapple scores and improved grab - that do more
damage, take hits etc. Isn't being a Malconvoker fun?
Bloodstar: This makes me so happy! *wipes tear from eye*. Imagine this - a
bloodstar over an enemy - then have your 2 Fiendish Tigers charge. One claw -
loose a con point, 2 claw - loose a con point, 1 bite - loose a con point, 1 rake -
loose a con point, 2 rake - loose a con point. That's the first tiger...This might be
a better enhancement for multiple attack critters than polymorph!
Translocation Trick: Your opponent Monk rushes to grapple the caster - wow
this caster is a great grappler - and he squeezes tight too! It's almost like he's a
huge constrictor snake or something...
Polymorph: Almost too obvious to make the list. Look at the Centipedes as your
ultimate polymorph since they always have the most HD for their spell level. You
can use a Gargantuan Centipede to make the viscous 12-headed variety. I
believe by RAW if you haste it, then it will have 24 attacks with a full attack.
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Level 6:
Acid Fog: This combines very nicely with any acid resistant creatures (Devils
and Demons for sure). Have them grapple your foe - then hit them with this.
Even non acid-resistant summons can work this way. So what if your summoned
creature dies along with the opponent?
Level 7:
Brillaint Aura: This will give all your summoned creatures a significant offensive
boost (transmutation)

Lesser Planar Binding

[/size][/b]
The lesser planar binding spell should be available at character level 10 for most
Malconvokers.
You will need a Magic Circle Against X. Magic Circle against evil can be used in
binding any non-good creature, Magic Circle against good can be used to bind any
non-evil creature - so if you have both you have covered all your basis. (Or
against Law and Chaos if you prefer.)
Use your Spellcraft to fortify the circle.
Pick an extradimensional creature with 6 HD or less (preferably one with a lower

CHA score)
Offer them a deal, as in "Serve me unquestioningly for the next 8 days".
You then have a CHA contest with the creature. The DM will give you a positive
modifier if you sweeten the deal.
Spells to use to help you:
Naturally - you shouldn't fight fair. Use these spells to tilt the contest in your
favor:
Enchantment:
2nd: Touch of idiocy (PHB): 1d6 loss to CHA
2nd: Rebuke (SC): Shaken subject (-2 Ability checks)
2rd: Mechanus Mind (SC): Gives a bunch of bonuses, but -2 to CHA checks
3rd: Suggestion (PHB): Possibly just suggest the creature agree to your terms
4th: Charm Monster (PHB): Make the creature want to be your ally
4th: Crushing Despair (PHB): -2 to ability checks
4th: Geas, Lesser (PHB): 1 day/level up to 7HD - force them to accept your terms
Transmutation:
2nd: Eagles Splendor (PHB – Abj): +4 Cha (enhancement)
Necromancy:
1st: Cause Fear: (As Rebuke)
2nd: Scare: (as cause fear or Rebuke)
2nd: Ray of Sickness: Cause sickened effect (-2 to ability checks)
4th: Bestow Curse: Use 2x. Lower CHA by 6, then lower ability checks by 4
4th: Enervation: Negative levels (-1 to ability checks per level lost)
Of course you should get the other casters in the party to help you if possible. I
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have a Beguiler in mine and we have an agreement for Lesser Bindings.
Here's some creatures you might want to consider Binding:
Barghest: Neutral Evil. Cha 14. Has some great SLA's, and good in combat too.
Bearded Devil: Lawful Evil. CHA 10. Good combatant. Can be your bodyguard.
Bralani (Eladrin): Chaotic Good. CHA 14. These guys are great - but your
alignment could be in danger if you start enslaving good outsiders.
Elemental, Medium: Neutral. Cha 11. Not particularly tough - but as scouts
they can be fairly useful.
Formian Taskmaster: Lawful Neutral. CHA 19. The CHA is a little high - but
they get Dominate Monster as a (Su) ability. Wow!
Janni, Genie: Neutral. Cha 13. A decent choice. Invisibility (self), Move silently,
Listen and spot makes them a decent scout. They are OK in combat as well.
Succubus (Demon): Chaotic Evil. CHA 26. The CHA is insane - but if you
complete the spells I suggested above - it is do-able. The SLA's are great -
including Charm Monster at will.
Hell Hound: Lawful Evil. CHA 6. Easy CHA test. Not the toughest choice - but
easier to control.
Howler: Chaotic Evil. CHA 8. Easy CHA test - and pretty tough too. Just a tank
for you.
Nightmare: Neutral Evil. CHA 12. Now you ride in style.
Shadow Mastiff: Neutral Evil. CHA 13. Not bad, you can't even SM these things
yet.
Xill: Lawful Evil. CHA 11. As the Shadow Mastiff.
Binding the Succubus: Treantmonk's guide:
So you want to bind a Succubus, but the 26 CHA scares you? Here's what you do
(lets assume you are a conjurer with a 10 CHA):
You are at least 8th level - so pony up the 4,500 and get a circlet of persuasion.
Cast Magic Circle against evil. Use Spellcraft to fortify it.
Cast Lesser Planar Binding - call the Succubus.
Cast a Geas on her first thing. "Drink a glass of water from the pitcher over
there." Point to a pitcher outside the circle. Wait 4 days.
Cast Eagle's splendor before you return.
Now hit her with Bestow Curse. Her saves are currently at -8 (total will save -1).
As long as you peirce SR you are golden (if not - cast again!). Suddenly her
saves/checks are at -12
Now hit her with Cause Fear. Now she's frightened (or shaken if by some miracle
she saves). Her ability checks are now at -14
Time to propose a deal. No reason to make it lovely. Ask her to serve you for the
remainder of the spell - to follow all your commands, in both word and intent, to
never take action that could harm you, and to give you her true name. - and she
will be released at the end of the spell. This is a crappy deal for her - so you get
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no bonus to negotiation.
Her negotiate modifier: -6

Your negotiate modifier: +5
You should win.
If there's any doubt - go ahead and pony up 3000 gp for a Moment of Prescience
scroll. It's a one shot deal - but the additional +16 to your roll makes this a sure
thing.
Once she agrees -drop the cause fear, the curse, and the circle (so she can have
her drink of water). She's back to normal.
Now you give her the warning. "I know your true name now - if you ever screw
me over - during the duration of the spell, or afterwards - I'll use it to summon
you again. I'll also cast again and summon an IMP. I'll give the imp this deal - "do
whatever you want to this succubus for the duration of the spell - and I expect
nothing in return.", you'll be defensless in one of those circles you were just in,
but I'll let him out of his, I expect the Imp will take the deal - I get the
impression they have LOADS of built up hostility."
Preventing Revenge:
You should expect that the outsider won't be happy you Bound it. It may consider
revenge. Travel to the material plane isn't easy for evil outsiders (which is why
they haven't invaded). However, it may visit this world again - and it will
remember you. You have options as to how to prevent its retaliation:
A) Scare it straight. Demons/Devils have no immunity to fear. If you have it's

true name you can call it again and do something horrible to it. The threat of
such an act (if they believe you) may deter them from attempting revenge. You
do hold the superior hand in this game.
B) Finish the job. Nothing says the Demon/Devil will survive the entire Planar
Binding. Since its a called creature, not a summoned one, if you kill it, it's gone
for good.

Planar Binding Spell
Planar Binding works exactly like lesser planar binding except now the HD limit is
12. It is truly quite amazing the power level of creatures you can call with this
spell. Here's some good options:
(If you've taken the 6th level of Malconvoker - you can effectively drop the CHA
of evil Planar Bindings by 10.)
Creatures that you can call with Planar Binding:
Greater Barghest (lawful evil) - Hmmm...mass enlarge and mass bull's

strength as SLA's - invisibility sphere at will. CHA is 18
Bebilith (Chaotic Evil) - Normally a SM IX summons. CHA is only 13. Great

tank.
Efreeti (Lawful Evil) - Cha 15. Pretty good combatant. Iconically, the Efreeti
are the masters of misinterpretation of commands - so be careful.
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Glabrezu (Chaotic Evil) - Crazy tough. CHA is 20 though. Has permanent True
Seeing too which is nice. How about SMITE?
Bone Devil (Lawful Evil) - useful summons. CHA only 14. Wall of Ice and
Dimensional anchor at will
Nessian Warhound (Lawful Evil) - One tough puppy. CHA is 6 - so super easy
summon.
Night Hag (Chaotic Evil) - CHA 12, pretty easy summon with some decent
SLA's for your level.
Rakshasa (Lawful Evil) - CHA 17. I love that these guys have haste. You
summon - Rakshasa Hastes your summons.
Grey Slaad (Chaotic Neutral) - CHA 14. This is a great Binding. Invisibility and
fly as SLA's at will. Have him Invisible and Fly you and your party and your
summons. Watch out for the flying invisible colossal fiendish centipede!!!
Formain Myrmarch (Lawful Neutral) - CHA 17. Your party's new diviner.
Clairaudience/Clairvoyance, detect thoughts, detect chaos all at will. Oh yeah -
charm monster and magic circle against chaos at will too.
If you've reached Malconvoker 8 - your HD limit is 14, and

you can summon these goliaths
Nalfenshnee (Chaotic Evil) - CHA 20, but can Greater Dispel at will,
feeblemind at will, call lightning at will
Ice Devil (Lawful Evil) - CHA 20, Cone of cold, Ice storm Wall of Ice - all at will
Planetar (good): You're alignment is in trouble - but these are crazy good. I've
avoided good creatures up to now, but the temptation might be too much. Hey,
they aren't that great- they only have 2 9th level spells/day. In addition to the
rest of the Cleric 17th level spells, and loads of SLA's.
Wishes and planar binding: Technically - you can planar bind a Nelfanshee
or an Efreeti and get wishes. Technically. If you have a gullable DM, you might
get away with this campaign-breaker. More likely your DM will wisely Rule 0 it
immediately.

Greater Planar Binding

OK hot shot. Level 16, and Greater Planar Binding has become available. If you
are even going to think about using this spell - you probably should have been
thinking CHA for awhile now.
Lets face it - if you're like me you are thinking PIT FIEND. If you can bind 20 HD
creatures you are thinking BALOR. There aren't alot of choices at this level (at
least in the MM), but those two are the big kahunas.
Here's the possibilities:
Low - CHA bindings:
Abyssal Greater Basalisk: CHA 15 - CR 12, Best feature: DC 21 petrification
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Death Slaad: CHA 18 - CR 13, Best Feature: Implosion 1/day.
High - CHA bindings:
Marilith: CHA 24 - CR 17, best feature: 10 attacks on Full Attack

Horned Devil: CHA 22 - CR 16, best feature: attack causes DC 27 stun effect
Pit Fiend: CHA 26 - CR 20, the best evil Planar Binding for Malconvokers that
broke at lvl 5. Everything is good about these guys.
The 19-20 HD Greater Planar Bindings for those who stuck it out with
Malconvoker:
Balor: CHA 26 - CR 20. The ultimate Planar Binding? WAY too much to cover
here - they rock and we all know it.
Formain Queen: CHA 21 - CR 17. Not evil (but binding her is probably not all
that evil since she isn't good either). She doesn't move - but with a large size she
could be moved. She casts up to 8th level sorcerer spells.
How bad do you want the Balor?
Enough to cast another 8th level spell? Moment of Prescience will do the trick for
you.
So you are rolling with:

+16 MoP
+3 Circlet of Persuasion
+3 Charisma Enhancement bonuses
+1 Charisma Insight bonus (approx by this level)
Total: +23 - with a base CHA of 10 and without getting to cheesy.
The Balor:
+8 Base Cha
So if you roll a 5 or higher - the Balor doesn't even get to roll. If you don't, the
Balor better roll above 15 or there's no point even doing the math.
Thank you vecnagash for the hint

Magic Items for your Malconvoker:

Red: Must have
Blue: High Priority
Green: Nice to have - but you can live without
Rod of Extend, Lesser: This is the first item I suggest you buy. It is fairly cheap
(3000 gp) and will be an invaluable tool right up to level 7. After that - it will still
come in handy to extend the life of your Monstrous Spider and Dire Bat scouts.
Circlet of Persuasion: Once you become a Malconvoker, this should be the next
item on you list. Not too expensive (4500 gp), and it gives a +3 competance
bonus on all CHA checks. That helps both your Bluff and Planar Bindings.
Admiral's Bicorn: This is a magic item for later on as it costs a stiff 51,000 gp.
However, it will give a nice unnamed bonus to CHA checks as well as a morale
bonus to attacks etc. of allies (including your summoned creatures)
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Sandals of the vagabond: Gives a +2 initiative and immunity to exhaustion. It's

the +2 initiative that is the biggest draw for me. Depends on what niche your
Malconvoker is filling.
Ring of Mighty Summons: This item is a no-brainer. 14,000 gp isn't bad for a
ring, and your Deceptive Summoning will cancel out the 1/2 duration penalty. My
suggestion is to get it by level 10. As this is usable 3/day, you might want 2. (Or
3 with a Hand of Glory)
Rod of Silent Spell: Around the mid levels are your best chance to get hit with a
Silence Spell. Therefore the Rod of Silent Spell is the right Metamagic Rod for
those levels. Still not too expensive - and very handy to have.
Magic Staves: Any staff with Summon Monster rocks in your hands. It can also
free up some much appriciated spell slots for other spells: Healing/Conjuration
depending on what kind of spellcaster you are.
Choker of Eloquence, Greater: +10 competance bonus to Bluff (and some other
stuff - who cares?). This doesn't stack with your circlet of Persuasion, but the
extra +7 to bluff makes it a worthy aquisition.
Rod of Maximize, Greater: At the high levels, the metamagic rod you want is this
one. Getting 4 ice devils with a Summon Monster VIII is a great deal.
Headband of Intellect: Obviously a good investment. Get more spells, better DC's
(for those Planar Binding Enchantment/Necromancy enhancers), and more skill
points (can't have too many knowledges). If you use combining rules - combine it
with the Circlet of Persuasion. Otherwise - maybe eyeglasses of intellect?
Cloak of Charisma: Also a good investment. Boost your Bluff and Planar Binding
checks, and completely stackable with the Circlet of Persuasion.
Panic Button: I recommend picking a couple of these up (Dimension Door). You

gave up immediate magic so you could get Rapid Spell. It was a worthy trade, but
leaves a hole - and this is your patch.
Ring of Invisibility: Invisibility + Summoning is a great combination. I think it's

pretty self-evident.
Rod of Rapid Spell, any: For a Cleric build - this could be alot easier than finding
various ways to be able to use the feat for free. Recently another thread pointed
out that not all Arcane casters get to use the UA variants - so for them this is an
option too.
Golden Desert Honey (CM): For 300 gp per dose, it allows any summoning spell
that normally requires a full round action to be cast as if Rapid Spell were placed
upon it. For long term use, this is too cost restrictive - but for emergencies -
carrying 2-3 doses of this could be a very cheap lifesaver.
Ehlonna's Brooch/Natures children:Worthy of special mention. I can't imagine

my Malconvoker worshipping Elhonna/Nature - but if you choose for yours to -
you will get +1 HP/HD on summons, and +1 CL. They cost you next to nothing,
and it's all completely legal - but the cheese reeks from where I'm standing.
Some Malconvoker Builds
If you have any good Cleric malconvoker builds - make sure to post them!
Conjurer (UA variants: Rapid summon, Enhanced Summon) 3/Master

Specialist 10/Malconvoker 6/Paragnostic Apostle 1
(Gets 3 quickened SM IX per day - all summons get Fast Healing 5)
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Conjurer (UA variants: Rapid summon, Enhanced Summon)

10/Malconvoker 5/Master Specialist 4/Paragnostic Apostle 1
(Augment Summoning increases to +6/+6 plus Fast Healing 5)
Conjurer (UA variants: Rapid summon, Enhanced Summon)

5/Malconvoker 5/Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil 7/Archmage 3
Takes advantage of the nice IotSV abilities while maintaining summoning ability.
Conjurer (UA variants as above) 3/Master specialist 4/Malconvoker

6/Paragnostic Apostle 3/Fatespinner 4
(This will probably end up being my current character's final build. A couple extra
levels of Paragnostic Apostle to get some of the other stuff - Fatespinner to
insure against failed Bluff/sense motive tests or Opposed CHA tests)
Conjurer (UA variants as above) 3/Master Specialist 2/Malconvoker

5/Nar Demonbinder 1/Ultimate Magus 9
(Lots of 4th and 5th level spells if you like that. Still gets 9th level casting ability.
The final spellcasting level for your Nar Demonbinder spells is sick.)
Sorcerer 6/Malconvoker 9/Thaumaturgist 5

(All summons are extended for free)
Conjurer (UA variants) 1/Cleric 5/Malconvoker 9/Contemplative 5

(Takes advantage of the Rapid Summoning variant for a Cleric build. This makes
the cleric build more potent on SM spells. However - two spellcasting levels are
lost altogether.)
Conjurer (UA variants) 1/Sorcerer 6/Malconvoker 5/Fatespinner

4/Paragnostic apostle 3
(Takes advantage of the Rapid Summoning variant for a Sorcerer build. Now you
get Rapid Summoning with spontaneous casting. However - two spellcasting
levels are lost - and this is on the Sorcerer "one level behind" chart)
Archivist 11/Malconvoker 9
A simple archavist build that works nicely.
Archivist 9/Malconvoker 9/Sacred Exorcist 1/Paragnostic Apostle 1

Highlights are turn undead and fast healing for summoned creatures - worked
into the Archavist build.
Archivist 9/Malconvoker 9/Sacred Exorcist 1/Contemplative 1

Another Archavist build. This one uses Contemplative to get access to the
Summoning domain.
Archivist 7/Malconvoker 9/Uncanny Trickster 3/Sacred Exorcist 1

This is a build based more on versatility. It will lose 2 spellcasting levels, but will
have a better host of skills/tricks.
(A special thanks to stmunks for his insight into ways to use the Archavist as an
effective base class entry)
Conjurer 3/Master Specialist 2/Malconvoker 5/Master Specialst

3-10/Wyrm Wizard 2:
(Uses Wyrm Wizard to pick up Arcane Fusion, Greater. If your DM rules that you
can add Metamagic for free to Arcane Fusioned spells - you can get a REAL legion
of Bone Devils at level 20. Click HERE (http://forums.gleemax.com
/showpost.php?p=13706628&postcount=18) to see Edzero's build - please check
with your DM before making this build though - for the Arcane Fusion
interpretation is necessary for the build to work.)
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Variant Rules on Page 37 of DMG.
These deserve some special mention. If you are playing any kind of summoner at
all, you should ask your DM on their opinion on these variants. They all are
advantageous to you.
A) Specific Creatures: This is huge - think about SM IV for example. The

difference of the Howler from the Dire Wolf is small. So which to summon? Easy -
roll stats for both and pick the one you got lucky with.
Keep in mind that rolling stats for every creature you summon would be
fantastically time consuming.
Also - the advantage of resummoning the same creature is obvious - Use your
summon elemental reserve feat to summon an earth elemental. Send him
through the wall - listen for carnage ensuing. The next day, you re-summon the
earth elemental:
Malconvoker: "What killed you on the other side of that wall?"

Earth Elemental: "This time it was a Werebear. P.S.: I hate you."
It is so amusing to think that poor celestial monkey I keep summoning to be my

"trapmonkey" is always the same monkey.
B) Replacing Creatures: Wow - this is a no-brainer if your DM allows it. If you

have a sticky DM - you can just take the best Celestial Creatures, and switch
them for Fiendish Creatures -thus applying Fiendish Legion, Infernal Fury, and
Deceptive Summons.
C) Improving Creatures: There may be alignment problems equipping a bunch

of evil creatures to the hilt - but giving your Bearded Devil an adamantium
Glaive is an interesting idea.

Dispelling the mythconceptions and mythtakes about Summon Monster:
Generalizations: Myths usually have some basis in truth. This is the case with
all these myths. First time I looked at Summon Monster I was less then
impressed. A quick flip through the MM revealed that the creatures available
were underwhelming for the level of spell.
I didn't seriously consider specializing in Summon Monster until the Malconvoker.

Infernal Legion was the key. It also is the key to dispelling these common
myth-steps.
Myth #1:
Druids are better summoners than any arcane build.
This is based on the truth that a core Druid makes a better summoner then a
core Cleric/Wizard. What makes this a myth when you include non-core is that a
Druid is not twice as good - which he would need to be to keep pace after
Infernal Legion.
Also, a Cleric (with summoning domain) and a Wizard (Focused Specialist

Conjurer) will be able to summon far more creatures due to the vastly superior
number of castings they have over the Druid.
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Myth #2:
The CR of Summon Monster creatures does not keep up with your level -
so high level Summon Monster spells suck.
This is true - if you aren't specialized. A Malconvoker is doubling the number of

creatures, and increasing their HP by 2 per HD. Augment Summoning is
increasing HP by 2 per HD. Augment Summoning is adding to TO HIT scores.
Augment Summoning and Malconvoker are adding to damage. Master Specialist 4
adds your caster level to the HP of creatures summoned. Add a few of these
things together - and the creature you summoned won't look anything like what
you saw in the MM.
The number you saw beside "CR" in the MM does not nearly define the
creature(s) you just summoned.
Think of it like playing a fighter. If your combat style is always approach enemy -
roll die - roll damage, you will suck. In order to make the fighter work, you must
use your skills and feats to improve your combat ability and options. You must
make sure that the increases to hit and to damage outpace your standard
bonuses for levelling.
It is the same with the Summoner. If you are not focusing on Summon Monster -
you will suck at it. If you focus at it - you can shine
Myth #3
Clerics make better summoners than wizards because they get the same
spells at the same level, but are better in all non-spellcasting ways.
This is definitely true if you are using core-only. However, the addition of
non-core material makes this comparison harder and harder to make. Clerics can
use Divine Metamagic to fuel Rapid Spell, as well as other metamagics (though it
has limited uses per day). Furthermore they get access to the Summoning
Domain (this isn't a huge advantage - but still nice).
Wizards can get Rapid Summoning (this is the big one), Focused Specialist, and
have a range of spells I consider superior when synergized with summoning.
Each has their advantages and disadvantages.
Myth #4
You can't make a good Arcane build if you take a PrC that makes you give
up a caster level
After Complete Arcane came out this was definitely true. The key was that in no
case did the class abilities come close to making up for an entire lost level of
spellcasting. Infernal Legion is what makes this a myth for Summoners. One level
of spellcasting does not double the power of your spells - infernal legion does.
Myth #5
Wizards are useless in an antimagic zone - like the eye ray of a beholder.
Partially True. All casters have a tough time in anti-magic zones. A summoner
has an advantage over other casters though since their pre-summoned creatures
get an SR check vs the anti-magic. This means you should focus on summoning
high SR creatures in these cases (such as the Xill).
Myth #6
Wizards are useless against magic immune creatures - like Golems.
This is based on the idea that spellcasters are bad against golems - which can be
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true. Actually, the opposite is true for any summoner. Most casters are somewhat
gimped by Golems, summoners are not really affected at all since the Golems
magical immunity does not protect them from summoned creatures.
Myth #7
Summon Monster IX sucks - just compare it to Summon Elemental
Monolith:
This is definitely true for most casters. An Elemental Monolith is just tougher
than a Fiendish Colossal Spider. However, if you compare the stats - a pair of
Fiendish Colossal Spiders buffed with Infernal Fury have the combat advantage.
This also doesn't factor in that SM spells are always more versitle then specific
summon spells.
Myth #8
Summon Monster/Planar Binding aren't as good as the Call Inevitable
spells
This is true for a pathetic non-malconvoker - for you it's not.
Call inevitable. Consider the first available - Call Zelekhut. This is a 5th level
spell that summons 1-74 HP creature. No Augment summoning (it's a calling
spell), no Ring of Mighty Summons, No Infernal Fury.
Or - you could summon 2 creatures with an equivalent level spell that each have
100+ hp, better BAB, Better Damage, Better Grapple, etc etc etc. However, you
don't get to spend the 100 xp - sorry.
If Duration is important to you - a Planar Binding, Lesser is the same level. It

also won't cost you any XP, and has a duration of 1 day/level. Call Zelekhut? One
hour.
The others are no better compared to equivalent level spells cast by a

Malconvoker.

Just in case

Alright guys, that didn't take too long did it?
Remember, this is a guide by Treantmonklvl20.

A link HERE (http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=918792)
Discuss.

Post by: AfterCrescent on May 22, 2008, 04:10:50 AM
Excellent formatting job. :clap

Post by: Treantmonklvl20 on May 22, 2008, 06:48:52 PM
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Agreed - great job - +1 Gameology Fu for you!!!

Post by: Tshern on May 22, 2008, 08:16:23 PM
Treantmonklvl20 already rewarded you, but I still want to express my gratitude.

Thanks, nice job!
You ha ve been added...

Post by: sombrastewart on June 20, 2008, 01:25:46 PM
Sheesh, almost makes me want to shelf my epic rogue for a while to make a
summoner.
Almost. :D

Post by: Surreal on December 26, 2008, 08:16:28 PM
Not sure I've seen anyone mention this...
Magical location: Worldmeet Glade (Complete Mage, p.156)

1/day a summoned creature gets +2 hp/hd, +2 to all saves, check, attack rolls
and damage
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Mastering The Malconvoker

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Brilliant Gameologists Forum

Title: Treantmonklvl20's Mastering the Malconvoker

Here's the guide!

Title: Re: Treantmonklvl20's Mastering the Malconvoker

Mastering the Malconvoker:

Or “The end justifies the means”

THE MALCONVOKER is a prestige class from Complete Scoundrel that

First – all Malconvokers should check out these

3.5 summonable creatures thread (http://forums.gleemax.com

The Summoner’s handbook (http://forums.gleemax.com

I would like to aknowledge this thread:

The Conjurer's Handbook (http://forums.gleemax.com

Second: Why should I play a Malconvoker?

You must have been reading the Malconvoker.

Third: How many levels should I take?

Fourth: Which class should I qualify with?

Red: Very strong choice

Wizard: This is my favourite option. Especially when using the various

Wizard Class Variants to take/not to take:

Rapid Summoning:This is a must have. Yes, you must sacrifice Immediate

What NOT to take

Beguiler/True Necromancer/Warmage etc: This applies to any arcane caster that

Fifth: Should I go into another PrC?

Thaumaturgist(DMG): Extend spell metamagic on all Summon Monster spells

Master Specialist(CM): The 4th level grants your caster level to HP of

Paragnostic Apostle(CC): Can give all your summons Fast Healing

Archmage (DMG): Originally I didn't think so - then I thought of using every

Not as good as it sounds:

Sixth: What race should I be?

(Reneshat points out that an illumian has up to two levels of "practiced

Seventh: What skills should I take?

Eighth: What Feats should I take?

Improved Initiative (PHB): is nice to have in conjunction with Rapid

Metamagic School: (CM): Reduce the cost of Metamagic to conjuration spells

Ninth: Aren't Spirit Shamans and Druids better

The two spell chains have different strengths:

Summon Natures Ally: Most offense and HP as soon as possible

Summon Monster: More defense (DR/resistances), more INT, more SLA

It does add to INT however (makes INT 0, 1 or 2 animals/vermin into INT 3

My suggestion is that a Summon Monster specialist hold off on summoning until

As an added note - Fiendish creatures that previously had an INT score of 0

Tenth: What's so great about summoning anyways?

1. A Malconvoker can substitute for a party fighter-type: The casting should

2. Malconvoker's are masters of Battefield control - Whether you want to

5. A Malconvoker can check for traps: While the term "trapmonkey" is

6. A Malconvoker saves the Cleric healing spells: There is no better way to

7. A Malconvoker can do great damage to opponents: Check out the

8. Malconvokers are good against all opponents: If the opponent is a flyer -

The two main focuses of the

Planar Binding Spells:

Necromancy school has similar bonuses to Enchantment (although less so)

So if you play a Specialist wizard or a Focused specialist wizard - never give up

Title: Re: Treantmonklvl20's Mastering the Malconvoker

Fun with Summon Elemental Reserve Feat:

1 ) Bull Rush now pretty good (+14 modifier)

Things to know about SM I:

Avoid summoning these against opponents with Cleave!

All entries at this level assume you have Augment Summoning

Celestial monkey - 1 HD Tiny magical beast, HP:6, to hit +4. Literal

Fiendish monstrous centipede, medium(0) - 1 HD Medium magical beast.

Fiendish monstrous scorpion, small(0) - 1 HD Small magical beast. HP:8, to