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Message: <blockquote data-quote="fuindordm" data-source="post: 5021145" data-attributes="member: 5435">I just read through the new classes and the summoner is certainly one I'd like to try out in play. I too think it fills a role that has been neglected too long, and I think the specialist wizard doesn't cut it. The summon monster spells simply don't last long enough for you to use the creatures in any way but combat, generally speaking, and that's too bad. You have planar ally for long-term service, but it takes a long time to get to it and there's no middle ground.One problem with the Eidolon is that it's a bit too much like Astral Construct--it comes entirely out of the player's mind, and it's not rooted in the game world. What is the eidolon, really? Is it a monster from the collective unconscious, completely under the summoner's control? Is it an independent entity and ally? If the latter, what does it get out of the arrangement? I'm not saying that the player shouldn't get to build the eidolon--that's a fun aspect of the class--but that the character should know the answers to these questions and that these answers should have an impact on the class. Perhaps in addition to the choice of "form", they should choose the eidolon's source of power.To address both problems (or what I perceive as problems; YMMV), consider the following:The eidolon is an independent patron, capable of manifesting an avatar through its bond with the summoner. This means that while it is closely allied and effectively under the player's control, it also has its own goals and agenda that may create interesting conflict from time to time. (Think 'intelligent weapon' rather than 'willing slave')The other thing the eidolon does is help the summoner form specific relationships with extraplanar creatures capable of being summoned. The summoner can choose one specific creature every other level (for example, Leo the celestial lion) that they can call with a Summon Monster spell of the appropriate level. This creature will remain for 1 minute per level rather than 1 round per level, or perhaps even longer, although it still returns after being reduced to zero HP or performing a major service. The Summon Monster spells can still be used to call any creature on the list, but only Leo will stick around for longer than usual.  If Leo is reduced to zero HP, he can't be called back for a few days.For extra immersion, require the player to match the alignment of the eidolon with the alignment of the named summons--no more than one step difference in any direction.Ben</blockquote>

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