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Message: <blockquote data-quote="KarinsDad" data-source="post: 2719282" data-attributes="member: 2011">And here I thought we were talking about the Summon Monster spell. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f600.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":D" title="Big grin    :D"  data-smilie="8"data-shortname=":D" /> I think at the top end, you are correct. Any of these spells / powers can pull in something fairly nasty and there is quite a bit of versatility.It is at the mid to bottom end when most summoned creatures (especially if the players / DM try to not cast evil creatures if they are good, etc.) are fairly weak whereas the constructs are not. For example, if a psion needs to fly, pull in a level 1 (for a small character) or level 2 (for a medium character) construct that can fly and carry the character (and actually, a level 1 construct can carry at an encumbered speed most medium sized psions unless they weigh a lot).For Summon Monster, that is level 3 (Hippogriff). For Summon Natures Ally, it is level 2 (also a Hippogriff). A level 2 Summon Monster or level 1 Summon Natures Ally (Celestial) Eagle could carry most small Psions, although probably encumbered.So, if you have 4 PCs where one is a Psion, anywhere from 4 to 12 PP depending will get you to the top of a tower, even though you do not have the Fly or Levitate powers and you can accomplish this by level 3.If you have 4 PCs where one is a Druid, either 4 Summon Natures Ally II spells are needed, or 2 Summon Natures Ally III spells are need (if you roll average). Minimum level 5th.If you have 4 PCs where one is a Sorcerer, either 4 Summon Monster III spells are needed, or 2 Summon Monster III spells are need (if you roll average). Minimum level 4th (and using up all of his highest level spells).If you have 4 PCs where one is a Wizard, either 4 Summon Monster III spells are needed, or 2 Summon Monster III spells are need (if you roll average). Minimum level 4th (and studied explicitly to do this or using scrolls).Plus, the Sorcerer / Wizard needs the appropriate Summon Monster spell. A different Summon Monster spell might not work. The Psion only needs to know one Astral Construct power.Granted, the Hippogriff has a higher fly speed, so you might be able to make more round trips or something. But at specific low levels, 4 rounds is 4 rounds. Not a lot of leeway.But, this is just one example at the lower end. My psion tended to use her constructs more out of combat than in due to the one round manifestation time, but in certain extremely poor lighting conditions (like a large pitch dark cavern), used them a lot. The other classes do not have these types of options. If you want to pull in T-Rexes to grapple, you had better hope there is good light. Sure, you might be able to pull in something with Darkvision, but it probably will not have the other combat options you want.For example, most Summoned Creatures are not immune to criticals. Constructs are.All in all, better AC, darkvision, construct immunities, and totally flexible with regard to "add on" options.The main advantages of Summoned creatures are that you can get more than one lower level one and that some Summoned creatures can cast spells.</blockquote>

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