Mastering the Malconvoker

[Bullet06320]

Credit goes to Treantmonklvl20 for creating it, and Dan2 for reposting it on BG, and Libertad for reposting on minmax
Mastering the Malconvoker
Or "the ends justify 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:

Legal 3.5 Summonable Monster List - This thread breaks down Summon Monster spells, unlike this one, non-core summons are examined and critiqued.

Summoning Handbook : 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, by Faithless the Wonder Boy - You won't find much in this thread I haven't covered here. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

The Conjurer’s Handbook - not a summoner's thread - but if you are entering Malconvoker through the Conjurer, this can give you a nice guide of spells available 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 isnt a worthy trade. If you are a Wizard/Cleric who specializes in Summon Monster spells this is just too good to pass up.

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 as a Conjurer. If your DM does not allow the Rapid Summoning alternate class feature from UA � go with Cleric or Archivist 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.

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: Cant 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.

Fifth: Should I go into another PrC?

What other PrCs 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 thats 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 PrCs that remove additional spellcasting levels (youve already lost one).

Sixth: What race should I be?

Race Choices:
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 dont 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 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.

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 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 Malconvokers 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.

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.
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.

[Bullet06320]

Spoiler: Summon Monster I

Show

For non-core summonable creatures - please check THIS 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 I, pick Dire Rat, have them flank your summons opponent, and have them Aid another. Thats +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 arent 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.

Treantmonks favourite: The Fiendish spider, its 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.

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.

Spoiler: Summon Monster II

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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.

Treantmonks favourite: The Fiendish wolf. The first battlefield control summons. Wolfs 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 isnt.

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.

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 isnt 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 scorpions better appearances. Dont 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.

Spoiler: Summon Monster III

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Things to know about Summon Monster III:

Tidbits: Now you can summon your first outsider that isnt poor. A Dretch doesnt 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 dont want to provoke an AoO. The Crocs stats are better, but the constrictor does better damage once the grapple is in place.

Treantmonks favourite: The Fiendish ape. Why do I like the ape more than the bison? Well, statistically its almost as good (HP suffer a bit), but you get 3 attacks, it can pick up stuff, and its evil. (Better for after Malconvoker levels)

They wasted our time with: The Fiendish Boar. This doesnt 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 SLAs 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 SLAs, 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: +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)

Spoiler: Summon Monster IV

[b

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Things to know about SM IV:[/b]

Tidbits: SLAs 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 SLAs, 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. Thats 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 -1s add up.

Treantmonks 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 SLAs 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 dont 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 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 SLAs. Wind wall, Gust of wind, Heat metal, Chill metal, Glitterdust, Blur, Melfs 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 isnt 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 isnt 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)
*Works on self only

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)
Melfïs Acid Arrow-(2nd)(Ooze Mephit)(3/x)(1)
Melfïs 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)
Tongues*-(3rd)(Lantern Archon)(14/x)(always on)
Wind Wall (3rd)(Dust Mephit)(6/13)(1)

Spoiler: Summon Monster V

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Now Im assuming Augment Summoning, a Ring of Mighty summons and Infernal Fury for evil creatures

Things to know about SM V:

Tidbits: SLAs 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 the duration of your spell. Since you get deceptive summons thats still 10 rounds (or more, depending on your feats). Long enough for most combats. The ring can be removed if you arent 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 youre 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.

Treantmonks 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 isnt some specific reason to summon a non-evil creature Ill 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 SLAs 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 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. Thats 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 cant summon the croc, and you want improved grab. Thats 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 arent 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 arent 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:


Spell Name (spell level)(Creature who has it as an SLA)(CL/DC)(# times/summon)
*Works on self only

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)

Spoiler: Summon Monster VI

Show

Now Im assuming Augment Summoning, a Ring of Mighty summons and Infernal Fury for evil creatures.

Things to know about SM VI:

Tidbits: Elementals have just become a combat summons possibility, lots of SLAs 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 SLAs, for a few more, check Jannis. 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.

Treantmonks 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 thats 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 SLAs: 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 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 SLAs: 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, theyre screwed, if not, the Chaos beast isnt 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. Thats 4 attacks, +12 to hit, 2d4+6 damage each � crit range 19-20 (with infernal fury). Oh yeah, one skill these guys dont 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:

Spell Name (spell level)(Creature who has it as an SLA)(CL/DC)(# times/summon)
*Works on self only

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)

Spoiler: Summon Monster VII

Show

Now Im assuming Augment Summoning, a Ring of Mighty summons and Infernal Fury for evil creatures.

Things to know about SM VII:

Tidbits: We are now at the point where SLAs 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 SLAs 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 cant even touch on all the SLAs 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.)

Treantmonks 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 Girallons 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 SLAs 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. SLAs 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 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 arent 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 SLAs: 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. Thats it though.

SLA's for SM VII:

Spell Name (spell level)(Creature who has it as an SLA)(CL/DC)(# times/summon)
*Works on self only

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)
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)

Spoiler: Summon Monster VIII

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Things to know about SM VIII:

Now Im assuming Augment Summoning, a Ring of Mighty summons and Infernal Fury for evil creatures.

Tidbits: More combat options here. Again, the SLAs 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: Cant even get into all the SLAs, 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.

Treantmonks favourite: The Vrock. Good SLAs, good combat stats. It is a Flyer. (honourable mention to the Fiendish T-Rex though)

Chicken? If the Vrocks 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 Rhinos instead for a similar effect.

Lillend - 7 HD Large outsider, HP:84, to hit:+13 SLAs: not very impressive (Hallucinatory terrain is at least fairly unique). Bard spells (CL 6) all levels 1 & 2. Diplomacy +16 is a nice feature.

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 arent 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 SLAs 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 its 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 thats 630 HP of summons in one spell nice.

Vrock (demon)(+16) - 10 HD Large outsider, HP:190, To hit:+17 5 attacks/round. SLAs: 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)

Spell Name (spell level)(Creature who has it as an SLA)(CL/DC)(# times/summon)
*Works on self only

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)
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)
Telekinesis (5th)(Blue Slaad)(8/15)(at will)
Telekinesis (5th)(Vrock)(12/16)(at will)

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Spoiler: Summon Monster IX

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Things to know about SM IX:

Tidbits: Its 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 SMVIIIs 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: Leonals 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 arent 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 thats almost 1000 HP of creature summoned with one spell. This puts summon elemental monolith to shame.

Treantmonks 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 thats 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 thats about the best of it. Some SLAs and spells, nothing you havent seen with lower 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, +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 arent 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 SLAs and special abilities with cheaper SMs.

Bebilith (demon)(+16) - 12 HD Huge outsider, HP:240, to hit:+21 The Bebiliths 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.

SLAs 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)
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)
Eagles Splendor (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)
Orders 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)
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 SRs 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 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)

Spoiler: Summon Monster and your other spells:

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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.

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.

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)

Spoiler: Lesser Planar Binding

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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 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 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.

Spoiler: Planar Binding Spell

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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.

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.

Spoiler: Greater Planar Binding

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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
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

Spoiler: Magic Items for your Malconvoker:

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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)

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.

Spoiler: Some Malconvoker Builds

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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)

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 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.

Also see The Summoner's Circle article in Dragon Magazine #302 pg 24 for adding more creatures to your summon monster list for a pretty easy spellcraft check

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.

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 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.

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The Malconvoker Report
originally by Mxyzplk then edited and updated by Endarire

With the lesser planar binding, planar binding, and greater planar binding spells, a Malconvoker has a wide variety of binding options. The merits of a bound creature are quite different from those of a summoned creature.

One – the gloves are off. The only hard limit is a creature’s HD Therefore, even though there’s some pretty big summon monster lists out there, it doesn’t compare to what you can bind – any elemental or outsider, period.

Two – these spells work off HD. Summon Monster roughly works off CR. There are a number of sweet spots where you can get a creature whose CR is far in excess of their HD. But this also means there’s “dead spots”. A 9 HD creature is pretty much off the table for Planar Binds – it’s too high for Lesser, and there’s not a 9 HD creature in existence that is better at anything than the 12-14 HD options with Planar Binding.

Summons are mainly for fighting. They are only around for a minute or two, so their utility for scouting, discussion, etc. is minimal. Also, spell-likes that are 1/day are perfect for summons, because you don’t have to worry about the rest of the day. So if you just need a quick raise dead, summon something that can do it and you’re done – what I call ‘spell replacement’ summons, where you are basically burning a Summon Monster to get a spell you don’t otherwise have on hand.

Binds are for the long haul. You may use them to fight, but you have to worry more about whether they have fast healing/regeneration if you do. Also, “at-will” spell-likes are much more valuable.

Remember the Hit Die limits. It’s 6 HD for lesser planar binding. It’s 12 HD for planar binding, but this limit increases to 14 HD to Malconvoker 8. (Technically lesser planar binding goes to 8 HD at this time as well, but I can’t think of any reason to go back and use LPB at that level unless you just really, really want hot succubus sex.) Similarly, greater planar binding is normally 18 HD, but a Malconvoker 8’s limit is 20 HD.

Also, you’re a Malconvoker, which means you’re better with the evil stuff. But some of the good binds are worthwhile. If you’re looking to maintain a Good alignment, there’s nothing wring with casting planar binding on something good – in fact, when you do it’s a Good spell – but you won’t be able to use a lot of the standard CHA-busting tactics on them. You can always ask nicely, though, and if you’re in a spot where the forces of Good may be tempted to chip in you could get one.

The planar binding spells are open to lots of interpretation. You’ll need to work closely with your DM on them. What books are open for binding, if there’s any requirements they feel are necessary for you to know about/bind a specific monster, their views on good and evil binding, how much control you get vs they get over the binds, how much you’re going to have to work to keep the bound creatures in check, et cetera. Do assert your “WotC-given rights” – the whole point of the class is that summoning, binding, and using evil creatures is NOT inherently evil, and the spells should be as useful as their level and danger merits. A bind normally requires loads of additional spells – magic circle against alignment, dimensional anchor, and various buffs and debuffs – often one or more days of work. If your DM plans to nerf it where it’s not worth it, find out early and don’t go this route.

Handling Planar Binding The ‘Balanced’ Way

• To summon a given monster type you have to be able to identify it with a Knowledge: The Planes check of DC 10 + the monster’s HD. (Helpful hint – the Collector of Stories skill trick gives +5 to Knowledge checks made regarding creatures and their powers.)
• You can only summon specific individuals if you have their truename.
• You can summon Good creatures, but can’t curse, torture, or coerce them – that’s an Evil act. Although an exception should probably be made for divine Quest spells as that’s basically a divine command. Buffing yourself, however, is always OK.
• You can summon Evil creatures and trick/coerce them into serving you without it counting against your alignment per the Malconvoker. You have to be careful, however, not to perform other evil acts (like giving them a sacrifice) yourself or to let them go ravaging about and forwarding their evil ends.
• Malconvoker binds are based on Bluff, which is basically lying to them. Now, this can be mild lies like “I’m EEEVIL! Let’s go do EEEVIL together by killing the lich lord!” Or they can be lies that the bound creature won’t take kindly to like, “I promise you a dozen innocent sacrifices once we kill the lich lord! He’s dead? Whoopsbye! <dismiss>.”
• The question becomes, what’s the realistic chance a given outsider will get a chance to get payback? Obviously every arrowhawk in the Abyss isn’t going to have a chance to do so. A good answer is “anytime it’s dramatically appropriate” – so if you are going up against some baddie and he has a bound succubus, chances are very good it’s the one you screwed over earlier.
• It also goes up with binding level – annoyed barghests are a dime a dozen, but if you get into the habit of cheating Balors someone’s going to eventually make a revenge plan with you starring in it. Anything that has a power that can reach across the planes, or better yet can plane shift, will be very likely to do this in the short term.
• Though the DM may let you “play” the outsider in normal combat as a convenience, they are a separate individual.
• The spell states “Note that a clever recipient can subvert some instructions.” This should not be license for a DM to hose you in every circumstance, but there should be a reasonable chance, depending on how you act and what you’re having it do. Remember, to it the Malconvoker’s a force to be reckoned with too; there’s always the chance you’ll kill it or worse if it’s obviously disobeying you.
• Planar binding doesn’t mean you can automatically get the creature to tell you its truename or give you a wish. You can try to get this as the creature’s single service for a casting, but not part of a “package deal.” And a creature coerced into giving a wish will be in full hose-lawyer mode. Be prepared to out-lawyer the wish granter.
• The planar binding spell says “Impossible demands or unreasonable commands are never agreed to.” As this is a calling, this is anything that would be considered certain death. Don’t get too hung up on “unreasonable” – if it doesn’t fall afoul of “it’ll kill me or keep me here past 1 day/caster level” it’s probably OK. Trying to be more picky as a bound creature isn’t a good play, because you can always just be magically tortured to death.

I’ve gone through every Wizards D&D 3.5e legal book with monsters in it that I could think of, and here’s the report on what you may want to call with planar binding.
Particularly good binds are in blue.

LPB: lesser planar binding (max 6HD, +2HD for a Malconvoker 8)
PB: planar binding (max 14HD, +2HD for a Malconvoker 8)
GPB: greater planar binding (max 18HD, +2HD for a Malconvoker 8)

Spoiler: Summarized List of Best Binds

Show

Lesser Planar Binding (6 HD)

Abishai, Green (6 HD, CR6, CHA 14) - LPB sweet spot. It does fly, but otherwise isn't as good as the bearded devil. Has regeneration, which the steel and bearded devils don't, which may make it better for the long haul if it's coming along on an adventure.

Artaaglith (5 HD, CR6, CHA 13) - servants of Orcus that make good mini undead army generators. Desecrate, animate dead, and casting as a 5th level evil cleric with Evil and Undeath domains. That's a quick 20 HD of undead army for ya.

Bar-Lgura - 6 HD, CR5, CHA 12 - orangutangey, spell-likes, abduction. Has a combat and spell-like edge over the bearded devil and is a good choice for LPB. Also, can teleport party members around all day (one at a time, or all at once if you stuff your party in a Bag of Holding).

Barghest (6 HD, CR4, CHA 14) - Decent for LPB, an OK fighter and a charm monster. But if you can arrange to get it to eat some 7/8/9 HD humanoids, it'll grow! Then it's boss. Getting 7/8/9 HD humanoids can be tough though, pretty much peoples w/class level only. If you can though, that should be a huge bonus to your CHA check.

Bearded Devil (6 HD, CR5, CHA 10) - Decent tank for LPB. Easy to bind!

Bralani Eladrin (6 HD, CR6, CHA 14) - decent LPB combatant.

Canoloth Yugoloth (6 HD, CR5, CHA 12) - perfect for LPB, and you get to say "tongue +11!" Not much in the way of other abilities, but one of the most butch LPBs.

Demon, Maurezhi (5 HD, CR9, CHA 17) - nice CR! It's kinda like a ghoul version of a barghest; advances in the same way, and has paralysis. Animate dead, hold person, invisibility at-will. I declare it better than a barghest.

Demon, Succubus (6 HD, CR7, CHA 26) - if you can hack the CHA, they're hot hot hot! At-will charm monster, suggestion.

Dune Stalker (6 HD, CR9, CHA 11) - Ah, a good one for LPB. Approximate to the barghest, with a little more DR and SR 20. Its spell-likes, shout and kiss of death, will be resisted by anything at this level. It can track... I'd put it in a tossup with the green abishai.

Formian Taskmaster (6 HD, CR7, CHA 19) - dominate monster at-will!

Gadacro (4 HD, CR3, CHA 12) - although a smidge low, these are among my favorite SM4s. With Flyby Attack, Sneak Attack, and Eyethief they can blind many opponents, and with Sudden Escape and mirror image they're hard to hurt. I use them a lot and having them around more permanently would be nice.

Guecubu - (4 HD, CR7, CHA 17) - a great scout and infiltrator. Besides being invisible and flying, it can possess people and use telekinesis/telepathy. As with lots of these you'll need to tell them what abilities not to use on you, but if you want to have it possess some guard who goes in and causes a hellacious disturbance, it's cool.

Gulthir (6 HD, CR6, CHA 18) - Has a very nice trick, which is swallowing Medium or smaller foes, vomiting them out, and they're Dominated. And can digest evil outsiders. Also, spell-likes (ray of enfeeblement, scare x5). A nice possibility for a LPB.
Justice Archon (HD 6, CR6, CHA 14) - nice. Justice strike does the opponent's damage to them. Has super maxed hit points for this HD - 63 hp!

Movanic Deva (6 HD, CR9, CHA 18) - Pretty good, loads of spell-likes including raise dead 1/day!

Nightmare (6 HD, CR5, CHA 12) - ethereal steed!

Steel Devil (6 HD, CR6, CHA 14) - A little butcher than the bearded devil. Solid tank for LPB.

Planar Binding (12 HD)

Angel, Astral Deva (12 HD, CR14, CHA 20) - lots of nice spell-likes and good meleeing too.

Arcanaloth (12 HD, CR 17, CHA 17) - now that's a respectable HD/CR spread! It casts spells as a 12th level sorcerer. Also a universal translator. Sign me up!

Cuprilach Rilmani (12 HD, CR12, CHA 23) - real high CHA. Pretty competitive with other "roguey" PB options (assassin devils et al.) Minor spell-likes.

Demon, Glabrezu (12 HD, CR13, CHA 20) - the PB non-Mal8 benchmark. Kicks ass, good spell-likes. Can grant a wish, though usually that comes with strings - it's unclear to me whether binding lets you "skip to the end" on that.

Demon, Jarilith (10 HD, CR13, CHA 14) - Hmm, only 10 HD but anything with a CR higher than its HD merits looking at. It's definitely more butch on the raw killing than a barbed devil, but without any spell-likes. It's also got hellacious defense (AC 32, DR 30/+3, SR 25).

Demon, Kelvezu (12 HD, CR18, CHA 16) - ooo, spot on for early planar binding before you can go to 14 HD with it. A good assassin option. I don't buy the CR 18 though; it's a two-weapon fighter without high BAB, but it's better than the assassin devil.

Efreeti (10 HD, CR8, CHA 15) - butch, and 3 wishes!

Ghaele Eladrin (10 HD, CR13, CHA 16) - 14th level Clerics! Plus spell-likes and ongoing lesser globe of invulerability.

Gray Slaad (10 HD, CR10, CHA 14) - ok, this one's decent, tough, good spell likes - invisibility, fly, and chaos hammer at-will.

Leonal Guardinal (12 HD, CR12, CHA 15) - butch, plus permanent lesser globe of invulerability and at-will wall of force.

Pleasure Devil (12 HD, CR11, CHA 29) - tough to get because of the CHA, but trap the soul at this level's kinda nice.

Trumpet Archon (12 HD, CR14, CHA 16) - like an astral deva - but also L14 Cleric spellcasting!

Whisper Demon (HD 12, CR9, CHA 20) - it's incorporeal, which is nice. It drives everyone in 60' nuts, which is probably not although has its uses. I'm thinking about a bunch of giant encampments in our current campaign. They kill themselves then rise as allips...

Planar Binding (14 HD)

Angel, Planetar (14 HD, CR 16, CHA 22) - like the astral deva but better. Earthquake!
Lovely L17 priest spellcasting! Now, I know you're a Malconvoker but PB is a [Good] spell if you summon a Good creature! You could just ask it nicely to join you. Failing that, dominate.

Demon, Nalfeshnee (14 HD, CR14, CHA 20) - The PB+Mal8 benchmark. Smite, spell-likes including at-will feeblemind, greater dispel, slow, and plain old killing.

Ice Devil (14 HD, CR13, CHA 20) - it slows people, has a fear aura, and gets cone of cold and ice storm at-will. This is the other PB+Mal8 standard.

Lilitu - 14 HD, CR12, CHA 30 – Succubus++ if you can make the CHA check.

Greater Planar Binding (18 HD)

Paeliryon (18 HD, CR18, CHA 21) - good! Not quite as butch as a balor but easier to get and loads of spell-likes.

Death Slaad (15 HD, CR13, CHA 18) - A good 'un. Bad breakpoint, but good for an easy GPB. Implosion!

Demon, Myrmyxicus (18 HD, CR21, CHA 21) - another good GPB - this one has only a couple spell-likes, it's just about raw ass-kicking in spades. 7 attacks with +3 Unholy Scythes.

Malebranche (16 HD, CR 14, CHA 10) - nice low CHA and it kicks ass. Not subtle, just very deadly.

Paeliryon Demon (18 HD, CR22, CHA 21) - CR 22, now them's big words. Beefwise it's not anywhere in the balor neighborhood, but it's all about the spell-likes.
Let's see: dictum, dispel good, forbiddance, greater command, implosion, imprisonment, soul bind, word of recall, symbol, meteor swarm, blasphemy... Well, that's a respectable spread, and it's 5 CHA lighter than the balor.
It has Quicken Spell-Like Ability but it doesn't say which one. Definitely a worthy choice if you need more magic than raw power.

Devil, Pit Fiend (18 HD, CR20, CHA 26) - the GPB standard. Awesome spell-likes - maybe a wish even! And Lord of the Rings tiebacks.

Rakshasa, Ak'chazar (17 HD, CR15, CHA 22) - 12th level sorcerer with lots of undead creaty goodness. Use with GPB if you need an undead army on short notice.

Sorrowsworn Demon (18 HD, CR17, CHA 21) - on the face of it not as good as a pit fiend, but has interesting debuffs with real high Will saves. And can read minds.

Ultroloth Yugoloth (18 HD, CR13, CHA 19) - right in there with other lower-CHA GPB options - I'd call it equivalent to the death slaad. Symbol of Death!

Xerfilstyx (15 HD, CR15, CHA 21) - just on the bad side of the PB/GPB split, but these are pretty nice and have all kinds of powers - blood drain, breath weapon, fear aura, improved grab, toss, insanity, power word: blind, cone of cold, ice storm, legend lore... Very good in aquatic locales.

Greater Planar Binding (20 HD)

Demon, Balor (20 HD, CR20, CHA 26) - the GPB benchmark. There may be better ones, but you can't go wrong with it. Implosion! Insanity! Kill!

Demon, Klurichir (20 HD, CR25, CHA 23) – Slightly better than Balors. The spell-likes are remarkable and it’s a 10th level sorcerer to boot. Did I mention "vorpal pincers?" And the sad thing is they're 3 CHA points easier to bind than a balor.

Marruspawn Abomination (20 HD, CR19, CHA 25, Sandstorm 173) - the 300 hp and AC 43 caught my eye. Its howls hits everyone in 30’ with flesh to stone (Fort DC 27). It can cast summon monster IX 3/day and quickened flesh to salts. It has fast healing 15. It ended a civilization. I declare it good - even maybe balor good.

Molydeus (19 HD, CR19, CHA 28) - a super badass at the high end. Comparable to the balor.

Titan (20 HD, CR21, CHA 24) - nice, lots of spell-likes. Careful not to do a gate loop!



Spoiler: Monster Manual Report for Malconvokers

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Achaierai (6 HD, CR5, CHA 16) - spot on HD for LPB. But just for melee without a lot of staying power. Summon si! Bind no!
Angel, Astral Deva (12 HD, CR14, CHA 20) - lots of nice spell-likes and good meleeing too.
Angel, Planetar (14 HD, CR 16, CHA 22) - like the astral deva but better. Earthquake!!! Hellacious L17 priest spellcasting! Now, I know you're a malconvoker. But PB is a good spell if you summon a good creature! You can't really geas and curse and dominate it, but you can say "please sir?" and make your CHA check!
Angel, Solar (22 HD) - too high.
Lantern Archon (1 HD) - too low. May be worth it if your DM likes low touch AC foes.
Hound Archon (6 HD, CR4, CHA 12) - nah, sux.
Trumpet Archon (12 HD, CR14, CHA 16) - like an astral deva - but also L14 Cleric spellcasting!
Arrowhawk - no.
Azer (2 HD) - too low.
Barghest (6 HD, CR4, CHA 14) - Decent for LPB, an OK fighter and a charm monster. But if you can arrange to get it to eat some 7/8/9 HD humanoids, it'll grow! Then it's boss. Getting 7/8/9 HD humanoids can be tough though, pretty much peoples w/class level only. If you can though, that should be a huge bonus to your CHA check.
Greater Barghest (9 HD, CR5, CHA 18) - mass bull's strength and mass enlarge are nice. Never ever spend a PB on this though. But if you can beef up a LPB - awesome!
Abyssal Greater Basilisk (18 HD, CR12, CHA 15) - What!?! A pit fiend flosses with these!
Chaos Beast (8 HD, CR7, CHA 10) - though the corporeal instability is cute, there's not a lot of application here.
Couatl (9 HD, CR10, CHA 17) - casts as a 9th level sorcerer and has psionics, so you know it's unbalanced. But that's a hard spot inside the LPB/PB split.
Demon, Babau (7 HD, CR6, CHA 16) - one above the LPB marker, so bah.
Demon, Balor (20 HD, CR20, CHA 26) - the GPB benchmark. There may be better ones, but you can't go wrong with it. Implosion! Insanity! Kill!
Demon, Bebilith (12 HD, CR10, CHA 13) - mmm, just a meleer. Not worth it.
Demon, Dretch (2 HD) - too low.
Demon, Glabrezu (12 HD, CR13, CHA 20) - the PB non-Mal8 benchmark. Kicks ass, good spell-likes. Can grant a wish, though usually that comes with strings - it's unclear to me whether binding lets you "skip to the end" on that.
Demon, Hezrou (10 HD, CR11, CHA 18) - less than a glabrezu.
Demon, Marilith (16 HD, CR17, CHA 24) - they are good at killin'! Normally I'd say don't do it for a GPB, but my old bladeling character had a marilith girlfiend he thinks fondly of... If "banged in the tavern bathroom" means girlfriend in Abyssal, which I'm pretty sure it does...
Demon, Nalfeshnee (14 HD, CR14, CHA 20) - The PB+Mal8 benchmark. Smite, spell-likes including at-will feeblemind, greater dispel, slow, and plain old killing.
Demon, Quasit (3 HD) - too low.
Demon, Succubus (6 HD, CR7, CHA 26) - if you can hack the CHA, they're hot hot hot! At-will charm monster, suggestion.
Demon, Vrock (10 HD, CR9, CHA 16) - not all that good.
Barbed Devil (12 HD, CR11, CHA 18) - good fighter, some spell-likes. Not all that competitive at this level.
Bearded Devil (6 HD, CR5, CHA 10) - Decent tank for LPB. Easy to bind!
Bone Devil (10 HD, CR9, CHA 14) - a little low for PB.
Chain Devil (8 HD, CR6, CHA 12) - real low for PB.
Erinyes (9 HD, CR8, CHA 20) - low for PB.
Hellcat (9 HD, CR7, CHA 10) - even lower for PB.
Horned Devil (15 HD, CR16, CHA 22) - great fighters. one HD above PB boundary, which sux.
Ice Devil (14 HD, CR13, CHA 20) - it ***** slow people, has a fear aura, cone of cold and ice storm at-will. This is the other PB+Mal8 standard.
Imp (3 HD) - too low.
Lemure (2 HD) - too retarded.
Pit Fiend (18 HD, CR20, CHA 26) - the GPB standard. Awesome spell-likes - maybe a wish even! And super asskicking.
Bralani Eladrin (6 HD, CR6, CHA 14) - decent LPB combatant.
Ghaele Eladrin (10 HD, CR13, CHA 16) - 14th level Clerics! Plus spell-likes and ongoing lesser globe of invulerability.
Fiendish creature - it's worth mentioning that "fiendish" can be put on any aberration, animal, dragon, fey, giant, humanoid, magical beast, monstrous humanoid, ooze, plant or vermin. And then it's an evil outsider and bindable. So LPB - fiendish blue dragon wyrmling!
Formian Worker (1 HD) - too low.
Formian Warrior (4 HD) - too low.
Formian Taskmaster (6 HD, CR7, CHA 19) - dominate monster at-will!
Formian Myrmarch (12 HD, CR10, CHA 17) - fast healing, at-will charm monster, clairaud/clairivoyance - not really enough for PB.
Formian Queen (20 HD, CR17, CHA 21) - a 17th level sorcerer that you get to carry.
Djinni (7 HD, CR5, CHA 15) - if you can arrange for a noble djinn, you get 3 wishes!
Efreeti (10 HD, CR8, CHA 15) - butcher, and 3 wishes!
Janni (6 HD, CR4, CHA 13) - indifferent LPB.
Avoral Guardinal (7 HD, CR9, CHA 16) - decent, but righ ton the bad side of LPB.
Leonal Guardinal (12 HD, CR12, CHA 15) - butch, plus permanent lesser globe and at-will wall of force.
Hell Hound (4 HD) - too low.
Nessian Warhound (12 HD, CR9, CHA 6) - well, easy to bind. Not much use except some combat.
Howler (6 HD, CR3, CHA 8) - drive your party nuts! Literally!
Lillend (7 HD, CR7, CHA 18) - 6th level bard. And one off LPB.
Mephits (3 HD) - too low.
Night Hag (8 HD, CR9, CHA 12) - nah. Some spell-likes but nothing to spend a PB on.
Nightmare (6 HD, CR5, CHA 12) - ethereal steed!
Planetouched - bind a tiefling buddy!
Rakshasa (7 HD, CR10, CHA 17) - 7th level sorcerer plus more. Right on the bad side of LPB.
Rast (4 HD) - too low.
Ravid (3 HD) - too low.
Salamander (4, 9, and 15 HD versions) - no.
Shadow Mastiff (4 HD) - too low.
Red Slaad (7 HD) - wrong side of line.
Blue Slaad (8 HD, CR8, CHA 10) - closer
Green Slaad (9 HD) - cloooser, good spell-likes
Gray Slaad (10 HD, CR10, CHA 14) - ok, this one's decent, tough, good spell likes - invis, fly, chaos hammer at-will.
Death Slaad (15 HD, CR13, CHA 18) - A good 'un. Bad breakpoint, but good for an easy GPB. Implosion!
Titan (20 HD, CR21, CHA 24) - nice, lots of spell-likes.
Tojanida (various) - no.
Triton - too low.
Vargouille - too low.
Xill (5 HD, CR6, CHA 11) - many attacks, bot not much else to recommend it.
Xorn - no.
Yeth Hound (3 HD) - too low.



Spoiler: Monster Manual II Report for Malconvokers

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Bladeling (1 HD, CR1, CHA 10) - too low unless you happen to know a named one. Try calling my old 9th level bladeling from our Sigil campaign. You'll get your money's worth!
Cervidal Guardinal (4 HD, CR3, CHA 16) - too low
Chaond, Zenythri - more races than monsters, summon one if you know one.
Dune Stalker (6 HD, CR9, CHA 11) - Ah, a good one for LPB. Approximate to the barghest, with a little more DR and SR 20. Its spell-likes, shout and kiss of death, will be resisted by anything at this level. It can track... I'd put it in a tossup with the green abishai.
Durzagon (5 HD, CR4, CHA 8) - oh look, gay derro. No thanks.
Ether Scarab (1 HD) - unintelligent. Although it would almost be useful as a move-the-party-back-and-forth-between-ethereal-and-Prime-at-will item.
Ethereal Slayer (16 HD, CR12, CHA 9) - sucks.
Glimmerskin (12 HD, CR8, CHA 16) - interesting. It's basically a outsider that acts as a boosting cloak. It'll die if away from the positive energy plane more than 7 hours, but it basically gives its "host" fast healing 5, +4 attack bonus, +2 AC, cleave/great cleave/power attack/sunder. A little weak for the level, but just might come in handy.
Lupinal Guardinal (8 HD, CR5, CHA 15) - low for the normal PB.
Marrash (7 HD, CR5, CHA 8) - right on the bad side of the split, and not really comparable to the better LPBs.
Rukarazyll (12 HD, CR14, CHA 18) - nah, it's nicely weird but a hezrou or whatever is 100% better.
Sylph (3 HD, CR5, CHA 17) - only if you're a lonely halfling looking for "company."
Vaporighu (10 HD, CR9, CHA 10) - again, better off with other mainstream options.

Demons
Abyssal Maw (2 HD, CR2, CHA 8) - too low
Abyssal Skulker (2 HD, CR2, CHA 9) - too low
Abyssal Ravager (3 HD, CR5, CHA 8) - too low
Jovoc (4 HD, CR5, CHA 7) - too low
Palrethee (8 HD, CR8, CHA 11) - too low for PB
Zovvut (10 HD, CR9, CHA 14) - again, too low to be a good use of PB. Now I understand why I never use the MMII.
Jarilith (10 HD, CR13, CHA 14) - Hmm, only 10 HD but anything with a CR higher than its HD merits looking at. It's definitely more butch on the raw killing than a barbed devil, but without any spell-likes. It's also got hellacious defense (AC 32, DR 30/+3, SR 25).
Kelvezu (12 HD, CR18, CHA 16) - ooo, spot on for early Planar Binding before you can go to 14 HD with it. A good assassin option. I don't buy the CR 18 though; it's a two-weapon fighter without high BAB. But it's better than the assassin devil.

Devils
Advespa (4 HD, CR3, CHA 10) - too low
Amnizu (9 HD, CR7, CHA 10) - bad placement
Malebranche (16 HD, CR9, CHA 10) - uhhh.... OK, this is also in Fiendish Codex II, slightly different, with a CR of 14. But looking at the two I'm not sure what's 5 CRs worse about this one. Its AC is a lot worse, attacks just slightly worse, and DR better.

Yugoloths
Marraenoloth (10 HD, CR10, CHA 10) - suck.
Arcanaloth (12 HD, CR 17, CHA 17) - now that's a respectable HD/CR spread! It casts spells as a 12th level sorcerer. Also a universal translator. Sign me up!
Yagnoloth (10 HD, CR 10, CHA 16) - way better than the marraenloth but that's not saying much. Pass.



Spoiler: Monster Manual III Report for Malconvokers

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Astral Stalker (12 HD, CR12, CHA 20) - Predator copycat beefcake. Pass.
Arrow Demon (10 HD, CR7, CHA 12) - Uberarcher. Probably low for PB.
Sorrowsworn Demon (18 HD, CR17, CHA 21) - on the face of it not as good as a pit fiend, but has interesting debuffs with real high Will saves and can read minds.
Justicator (17 HD, CR13, CHA 12) - may be easy to convince if you're fighting chaos. But sucks.
Lumi - more of a race than a monster. Is "floating head" really a special ability?
Rakshasa, Ak'chazar (17 HD, CR15, CHA 22) - 12th level sorcerer with lots of undead creaty goodness. Use with GPB if you need an undead army on short notice.
Rakshasa, Naztharune (11 HD, CR11, CHA 15) - another high level thief/assassin. Not as good as the Kelvezu demon for that.
Rejkar (5 HD, CR5, CHA 15) - smart ice goats. Really?
Trilloch (8 HD, CR8, CHA 18) - rage bug. Bah.
Visilight (5 HD, CR5, CHA 14) - don't hate me because I'm pretty, and don't bother with these.
Canoloth Yugoloth (6 HD, CR5, CHA 12) - perfect for LPB, and you get to say "tongue +11!" Not much in the way of other abilities, but one of the most butch LPBs.
Mezzoloth Yugoloth (10 HD, CR6, CHA 14) - a bad HD/CR combo there.
Nycaloth Yugoloth (14 HD, CR10, CHA 16) - Not as good as the nalfeshnee or gelugon.
Ultroloth Yugoloth (18 HD, CR13, CHA 19) - right in there with other lower-CHA GPB options - I'd call it equivalent to the death slaad. Symbol of death!

Spoiler: Monster Manual IV Report for Malconvokers

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Concordant Killer (HD 19, CR19, CHA 24) - not as butch as a balor but is Neutral, which may be useful in some situations.
Deathdrinker Demon - too big.
Kastighur Demon (HD 15, CR11, CHA 8) - well, it's an easy bind, that's for sure. But it's one HD over PB and is meat for any GPB.
Nashrou Demon (HD 4, CR2, CHA 8) - too low
Whisper Demon (HD 12, CR9, CHA 20) - it's incorporeal, which is nice. It drives everyone in 60' nuts, which is probably not although has its uses. I'm thinking about a bunch of giant encampments in our current campaign... They kill themselves then rise as allips...
Dwarf Ancestor (HD 5, CR6, CHA 14) - ok for a LPB brick, depends a lot on its DR 10/adamant though, which at level 9 isn't much.
Justice Archon (HD 6, CR6, CHA 14) - nice. Justice strike does the opponent's damage to them. Has super maxed hit points for this HD - 63 hp!
Lolth-touched - OK, this triggers my cheese alert. The example is a Lolth-touched bebilith, which doesn't have higher HD than a normal bebilith, just a CR+1 in exchange for STR/DEX +6 and some junk. Hmmm, templates are the binder's friend.
Windblades: nah.
Wrackspawn: too low
Yugoloth, Corruptor of Fate - 7 HD, right over the LPB line. That's sad cause it would be a great debuff buddy.
Yugoloth, Voor (5 HD, CR4, Cha 7) - 6 good attacks. With only 37 hp and DR 5 they don't stay crunchy in milk though. A good SMIV, but not really a good LPB.



Spoiler: Monster Manual V Report for Malconvokers

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Arcadian Avenger (8 HD, CR6, CHA 12) - a great summon but hits the bad breakpoint for PB.
Dalmosh (26 HD) - too big.
Ember Guard (13 HD, CR13, CHA 9) - an easy bind, but just a brute, there's much better. Although there's something to be said for a quick low-risk bind to throw a big tank in I guess.
Illurien (20 HD, CR15, CHA 21) - So she's a collector of information and a keeper of secrets, but if you bind her there's nothing in her writeup giving her specific abilities to tell you stuff besides +36 to Knowledge checks.

Demon
Adaru (13 HD, CR10, CHA 18) - limited millipede. Limited millipede. That has pleasing alliteration. Say it with me now. Limited millipede.
Carnage Demon (3 HD) - lamest use of a good name.
Draudnu (14 HD, CR 10, CHA 17) - keep it away from you and yours, but a 60' aura of Will DC 20 or be permanently sickened is nice. And immobilization attacks. Not really all that great but those two tricks are clever.
Gadacro (4 HD, CR3, CHA 12) - although a smidge low, these are among my favorites creatures for summon monster IV. With Flyby Attack, Sneak Attack, and Eyethief they can blind many opponents, and with Sudden Escape and mirror image they're hard to hurt. I use them a lot and having them around more permanently would be nice.
Solamith (11 HD, CR8, CHA 8) - A little low for PB, but they are essentially an infinite 4d6 fireball machine. Versus an orcish army - awwwwww yeah. Otherwise, probably not.

Devil
Gulthir (6 HD, CR6, CHA 18) - Has a very nice trick, which is swallowing Medium or smaller foes, vomiting them out, and they're Dominated. And can digest evil outsiders. Also, spell-likes (ray of enfeeb, scare x5). A nice possibility for a LPB.
Remmanon (18 HD, CR15, CHA 25) - hrm. Not all that good, despite a Will DC 26 Confusion aura. You, sir, are no pit fiend.
Stitched Devil (8 HD, CR9, CHA 17) - Nah.

Spoiler: Fiendish Codex I Report For Malconvokers

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Armanite - 9 HD, CR7, CHA 13 - centaurey, unexceptional.
Bar-Lgura - 6 HD, CR5, CHA 12 - orangutangey, spell-likes, abduction. Has a combat and spell-like edge over the bearded devil and is a good choice for Lesser Planar Binding. Also, can teleport party members around all day (one at a time).
Broodswarm - swarm, don't think it's eligible.
Bulezau - 10 HD, CR8, CHA 10 - goat-head heavy infantry, spell-likes - it's good for its HD but the break points of the Planar Binding spells make it problematic.
Chasme - 9 HD, CR10, CHA 14 - flylike, great spell-likes, several auras are bad for all around though.
Dybbuk - takes over corpses, bleh.
Ekolid - ant that drives everyone around crazy, not good.
Goristro - too high (24 HD).
Guecubu - (4 HD, CR7, CHA 17) - a great scout and infiltrator. Besides being invisible and flying, it can possess people and use telekinesis/telepathy. As with lots of these you'll need to tell them what abilities not to use on you, but if you want to have it possess some guard who goes in and causes a hellacious disturbance, it's cool.
Lilitu - 14 HD, CR12, CHA 30 - an uber succubus. If you could pull off the CHA check it would be like having a succubus++!
Mane - too low (1 HD)
Molydeus - 19 HD, CR19, CHA 28 - a super badass at the high end. Comparable to the balor.
Nabassu - gargoyle with level drain gaze attack that probably affects everyone.
Rutterkin - a little low (5 HD, CR 3).
Sibriex - again, drives everyone around crazy.
Yochlol - 10 HD, CR8, CHA 20 - good infiltrators, but binding one may **** off Lolth.

You know, Juiblex himself is only 21 HD. If you got some other boost you could bind him! He only has a CHA of 18. I suspect this would end poorly but it would be entertaining while it lasted.

Special Note
The Demon Mastery feat gives +2 on CHA checks for all bindings and +1 CL when summoning demons. You can follow that up with Extract Demonic Essence to get the XP for crafting items.
Hey, so do you think you could bind demon lord aspects, like those from the Fiendish Codex I Web Enhancement? They're mostly 8-10 HD which puts them in a bad middle ground between LPB and PB but some of them are pretty cool.

Spoiler: Fiendish Codex II Report For Malconvokers

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Abishai, White (4 HD, CR4, CHA 12)
Abishai, Black (5 HD, CR5, CHA 13)
Abishai, Green (6 HD, CR6, CHA 14) - LPB sweet spot. It does fly, but otherwise isn't as good as the bearded devil. Has regeneration, which the steel and bearded devils don't, which may make it better for the long haul if it's coming along on an adventure.
Abishai, Blue (7 HD, CR7, CHA 15)
Abishai, Red (8 HD, CR8, CHA 16)
Amnizu (9 HD, CR7, CHA 16) - Low for PB. Some quickened fireballs and a penchant for paperwork.
Assassin Devil (14 HD, CR11, CHA 17) - Super sneaky.
Ayperobos Swarm – Technically, a swarm is treated as a single entity, but it may not count. How do you treat with one?
Harvester Devil (9 HD, CR7, CHA 22) - tempters. Not much application.
Hellfire Engine - construct, not summonable
Kalabon - too low (1 HD)
Legion Devil - too low (3 HD)
Malebranche (16 HD, CR 14, CHA 10) - nice low CHA and it kicks ass. Not subtle, just deadly.
Narzugon (7 HD, CR5, CHA 13) - right on the bad side of the LPB border.
Nupperibo - too low (2 HD).
Orthon (7 HD, CR8, CHA 11) - very nice, too bad it's 1 HD too much for LPB.
Paeliryon (18 HD, CR18, CHA 21) - good! Not quite as butch as a balor but easier to get and loads of spell-likes.
Pain Devil (8 HD, CR7, CHA 13) - bad for its bracket.
Pleasure Devil (12 HD, CR11, CHA 29) - tough to get because of the CHA, but trap the soul at this level's kinda nice.
Spined Devil - too low (3 HD).
Steel Devil (6 HD, CR6, CHA 14) - A little butcher than the bearded devil. Solid tank for LPB.
Xerfilstyx (15 HD, CR15, CHA 21) - just on the bad side of the PB/GPB split, but these are pretty nice and have all kinds of powers - blood drain, breath weapon, fear aura, improved grab, toss, insanity, pw: blind, cone of cold, ice storm, legend lore... Very good in aquatic locales.

Spoiler: Fiend Folio Report for Malconvokers

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Aoa Droplet (3 HD) - reflective SR and dispelling touch. I think of this as more of a magic item than a monster - something to SMIV as needed but not really to bind.
Aoa Sphere (13 HD) - Like the droplet but bigger.
Bacchae (2 HD) - Only if you swing that way.
Canomorph, Haraknin (6 HD, CR5, CHA 4) - were-hellhound. Not as cool as other LPBs.
Canomorph, Shadrakul (10 HD, CR11, CHA 10) - were-shadow mastiff. Suffers from being a low PB.
Canomorph, Vultivor (8 HD, CR9, CHA 12) - were-vorr. Suffers even more.
Demodand, Farastu (11 HD, CR11, CHA 16) - fighting and minor spell-likes.
Demodand, Kelubar (13 HD, CR13, CHA 18) - Same deal, not competitive IMO.
Demodand, Shator (15 HD, CR16, CHA 21) - Hm. better defenses than the Nalfeshnee, but way worse spell-likes. Casts as an 8th level sorcerer so you do get some more variety/staying power. Maybe if you'll get a kick out of calling it "Shaggy."
Demon, Alkilith (11 HD, CR14, CHA 15) - an easy PB. A little weak, but can turn into a cloudkill. Your own permanent intelligent one-person cloudkill along might be nice. Loads of spell-likes too including at-will hold monster and wall of ice. Caution, its acid will hurt precious magic items your opponents use.
Demon, Klurichir (20 HD, CR25, CHA 23) - Mother pusbucket! Ok, so their flavor text says they give balors nightmares. Looking at the stats I'm not sure that’s true, but it's certainly a slightly better GPB. The spell-likes are remarkable and is 10th level sorcerer to boot. Did I mention "vorpal pincers?" And the sad thing is they're 3 CHA points easier to bind than a balor.
Demon, Maurezhi (5 HD, CR9, CHA 17) - nice CR! It's kinda like a ghoul version of a barghest; advances in the same way, and has paralysis. Animate dead, hold person, invisibility at-will. I declare it better than a barghest.
Demon, Myrmyxicus (18 HD, CR21, CHA 21) - another good GPB - this one has only a couple spell-likes, it's just about raw ass-kicking in spades. 7 attacks with +3 unholy scythes.
Demon, Skulvyn (4 HD, CR4, CHA 11) - sucks, I don't even SM them.
Demon, Wastrilith (15 HD, CR17, CHA 19) - it can break out of summons, but not out of bindings. Best in the water. Lots of spell-likes including 3 symbols, blasphemy at-will, summon monster IX (aquatic) 3/day... But it's 1 HD too much for PB. Alas.
Monadic Deva (10 HD, CR12, CHA 19) - 3 raise deads. But low HD for PB.
Movanic Deva (6 HD, CR9, CHA 18) - Pretty good, loads of spell-likes including one Raise Dead!
Paeliryon Demon (18 HD, CR22, CHA 21) - CR 22, now them's big words. Beefwise it's not anywhere in the balor neighborhood, but it's all about the spell-likes. Let's see: Dictum, dispel good, forbiddance, greater command, implosion, imprisonment, soul bind, word of recall, symbol, meteor swarm, blasphemy... Well, that's a respectable spread, and it's 5 CHA lighter than the balor. It has Quicken Spell-Like Ability but it doesn't say which one. Definitely a worthy choice if you need more magic than raw power.
Xerfilstyx Demon (15 HD, CR18, CHA 19) - Hmmm, it's nice but bad placement, 1 HD too much for PB.
Formian, Armadon (8 HD, CR8, CHA 11) - meh. Bity bug.
Formian, Observer (9 HD, CR11, CHA 17) - charm monster at-will DC15.
Formian, Winged Warrior (6 HD, CR6, CHA 11) - flying fighter, not worthy of a LPB.
Half-Troll Barbazu - someone mentioned this, but it's type Giant (extraplanar) - not bindable.
Bloodbag Imp (4 HD, CR3, CHA 13) - well, ok, you could have it around and after every battle, suckle from it until everyone's fully healed. Don't expect anyone to take you up on it; I tried with my current party and they declared "death first!"
Euphoric Imp (4 HD, CR3, CHA 13) - yay, heroin imp.
Filth Imp (2 HD) - too low.
Kaorti (2 HD) - too low. An OK summon though.
Keeper (4 HD, CR7, CHA 6) - nah.
Malephant (8 HD, CR10, CHA 15) - nice... blade barrier, baleful polymorph, forgetfulness gas. The problem is the HD, too high for LPB.
Kalareem Nerra (3 HD) - too low for LPB, but one of my faves for summon monster III.
Sillit Nerra (7 HD) - too high.
Varoot Nerra (1 HD) - too low.
Planetouched - more races than monsters, so maybe if you have the names of individuals.
Aurumach Rilmani (16 HD, CR17, CHA 26) - OK, good spell-likes, but they're in the gap.
Cuprilach Rilmani (12 HD, CR12, CHA 23) - real high CHA. Pretty competitive with other "roguey" PB options (assassin devils et al.) Minor spell-likes.
Ferrumach Rilmani (8 HD, CR9, CHA 20) - right on the bad side of the LPB line.
Mud Slaad (6 HD, CR6, CHA 8) - fast healing makes it good for the long haul, but it doesn't *do* much.
Steel Predator (12 HD, CR 13, CHA 12) - much less than a glabrezu.
Yugoloth, Piscoloth (9 HD, CR9, CHA 14) - bad placement.
Yugoloth, Skeroloth (4 HD, CR3, CHA 11) - too low.

Spoiler: Ghostwalk Report for Malconvokers

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Artaaglith (5 HD, CR6, CHA 13) - servants of Orcus that make good mini undead army generators. Desecrate, animate dead, and casting as a 5th level evil cleric with Evil and Undeath domains. That's a quick 20 HD of undead army for ya.
Ghost (template) - they're outsiders so you can bind them; they're incorporal but can't attack. Cheezy use would be on something where you just want the spell-likes anyway. For Malconvokers they put the "tempt" in "template!"

Spoiler: Frostburn Report for Malconvokers

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I’m ignoring elementals since outsiders are cooler and most elementals are cheap filler for you.

Midgard Dwarf - prolly a bad idea cause they'll curse you with their infinite-range curse. If you can get around that, they make spiffy magic item makers.
Genie, Qorrashi (7 HD) - right out of LPB range.

Spoiler: Stormwrack Report for Malconvokers

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Scyllan (16 HD, CR 13, CHA 6) - well, it's a Huge auto-bind. Use it against a navy.
Yugoloth, Echinoloth (8 HD, CR8, CHA 11) - low for a PB and too high for a LPB. Pass.

Spoiler: Sandstorm Report for Malconvokers

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Marruspawn Abomination (20 HD, CR19, CHA 25, Sandstorm 173) - the 300 hp and AC 43 caught my eye. Its howls hits everyone in 30’ with flesh to stone (Fort DC 27). It can cast summon monster IX 3/day and quickened flesh to salts. It has fast healing 15. It ended a civilization. I declare it good - even maybe balor good.
Glass Mephit (3 HD) - too low.
Sulfur Mephit - same deal.

[Bullet06320]

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[Bullet06320]

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[Bullet06320]

this post is left blank for the garden gnomes I bound as payment for their services

[Svata]

Just one complaint. Red is usually used for the worst option in these handbooks. Blue is best, and trap options are pointed out and noted as such.

[Waker]

Color-rankings aside, one other thing I thought was odd was the lack of Sha'ir as a suggested class. It does have the distinction of being from Dragon Compendium which everyone might not own and it's spell retention is dependent upon class level and not caster level, but it has upsides. The same spell list as a Sorcerer/Wizard, Charisma focused and has Bluff and Knowledge (The Planes) as class skills.

[Bullet06320]

Just one complaint. Red is usually used for the worst option in these handbooks. Blue is best, and trap options are pointed out and noted as such.

usually yea, this is just a repost, I thought it was odd, but I left it as I found it

Color-rankings aside, one other thing I thought was odd was the lack of Sha'ir as a suggested class. It does have the distinction of being from Dragon Compendium which everyone might not own and it's spell retention is dependent upon class level and not caster level, but it has upsides. The same spell list as a Sorcerer/Wizard, Charisma focused and has Bluff and Knowledge (The Planes) as class skills.

I may have to look into that option, thanks for the suggestion

[Dingoman]

Thanks for the repost, I'm currently playing a Malconvoker and the original guide was instrumental in me making that decision.

[Bullet06320]

Thanks for the repost, I'm currently playing a Malconvoker and the original guide was instrumental in me making that decision.

no probs, with the minmax boards going down, I been reposting a lot of material that might otherwise drift off into never never land, the same as when the WOTC boards went down, im posting here and at the new minmax forums for duplication sake, including posting some of my older reposts over there too as a backup

and this one is oft quoted and oft used by many players, and probly will for years to come

[Bullet06320]

I added the The Malconvoker Report I was able to get from Endarire, I still have a little formatting left to do with it, but its all there
also did some reformatting and cleaning it up a little to make room for that post