Spells - Summon Monster, Your favorites?
- Thread starter joe2435
- Start date
snarfoogle
First Post
Once a player's Celestial Fire Beetle almost killed the BBEG of the adventure. The BBEG just kept misssing and the beetle just kept hitting.
Kunimatyu
First Post
Celestial Bison are good.
Large/Huge Elementals are good.
Mephits are awesome -- they're like a dial-a-spell! Need Stinking Cloud? Ooze Mephit. Glitterdust? Salt Mepht. Acid Arrow -- Water Mephit, etc.
Lantern Archons emit a Magic Circle vs. Evil and shoot little ranged touch beams.
I've heard some of the higher level outsiders are useful, but I've never summoned any.
Large/Huge Elementals are good.
Mephits are awesome -- they're like a dial-a-spell! Need Stinking Cloud? Ooze Mephit. Glitterdust? Salt Mepht. Acid Arrow -- Water Mephit, etc.
Lantern Archons emit a Magic Circle vs. Evil and shoot little ranged touch beams.
I've heard some of the higher level outsiders are useful, but I've never summoned any.
demiurge1138
Inventor of Super-Toast
Summon Monster IV. Howlers. They've got decent hit points, alright AC, but their bite attack does really good damage, and the quills are a nice way to win fights through attrition.
And yes, elementals are really good, at any size, compared to the rest of the choices, usually.
Demiurge out.
And yes, elementals are really good, at any size, compared to the rest of the choices, usually.
Demiurge out.
Herremann the Wise
First Post
Hi Joe2435,
Most low level summonings are pretty useless due to their limited time upon the prime. You can get some interesting reactions however by summoning tiny snakes inside people's clothing or a lemure into a crowded room but on the whole, nothing super effective.
It's at higher levels where things get interesting - understand though that I am currently playing a high level alienist so my perspective is not the best at the moment. However, things that Lucifus Cray likes (*liked - complete arcane and the alienist) to summon were:
IV - Celestial Archons and Howlers
V - Celestial Giant Stag Beetle (great trampler when in good numbers) and Special Mention: Giant Crocodile - Huge and one hell of a grappler/meat shield
VI - Chaos Beast - as good as a tactical pit in a room. Things just don't like getting close to these things (good for roleplaying too and for scaring prisoners)
and then there's Summon Monster VII where things get really interesting:
Elephant - Great Trampler
Avoral - Undead just love this things lay on hands ability as do PCs after a good punch up. Good as a summoners bodyguard
Djinni - See story below for a good laugh of how to use these guys
Elemental - This is the level where Elementals start getting REAL big. All types have their uses although you have to love a Fire Elementals ridiculous number of AoO's and the Air Elementals sucking up ability. Too much fun.
Bone Devil - Wall of Ice anyone? If you can talk to them (Permanent Tongues most likely the best option), then you can go to town in terms of dividing the battlefield. Amazing in numbers.
VIII and IX: There's not a single creature on these lists that can't be used effectively in the right situation. Summoning Nirvana.
*Liked to summon because the alienist does not have full access to the Summon Monster List since the Complete Arcane's inception.
The following is an excerpt from my story hour (see signature below) regarding the selective summoning of a Djinni in a busy tavern to get what you want. Enjoy:
The day had been hectic for Merle, Innkeeper of Gumbil’s Turm in preparation for the evening’s entertainment. An influx of guests and unusual patrons had precipitated the need for a variety of activities, undertakings and exertions. A troupe of dwarven stonemasons fresh from Peronsil, a group of adventurers from Ormond, a rabble of men calling themselves philosophers, a small pilgrimage of the Doldasrin sect and a churlish group of young nobles had all decided upon Gumbil’s Turm for temporary accommodation. In addition, dozens of other guests including a recently arrived levitating wizard, a High Priest of Terrefin and a noble dressed as if he were the Emperor himself were invading the commons room. The stables once capable of catering for an entire cavalry regiment were beginning to fill as well in expectation of the evening performance of one of the most spectacular Bards ever to be seen in Nethendawe.
Chess’ performances were legendary; filled with pathos, tragedy and unexpected joy and triumph. To hear her voice in song or tale was to be loosed into a world of imagination and fantasy; where true and gallant heroes shielded the innocent, struck down the foe and rescued the damsel. Her talent was extraordinary. And also decidedly expensive, difficult to cater for and entirely too much trouble thought Merle at this particular juncture. Arguing with staff, placating disgruntled patrons and regulars, miscalculating stock requirements, taking delivery of unneeded items (the cooper had seen fit to deliver an order of barrels a week early) and generally encountering three problems for every one solved; Merle, his wife, his mistress and the dozen other staff who worked the Turm were spent. And the sun had still not set and the performance was at least five hours distant.
At this point the levitating wizard hovered towards the bar where Merle was chiding one of his serving wenches. Distracted by the wizard’s advance, he dismissed the serving girl with an impatient gesture as his bushy grey eyebrows took in the unusual image before him. Merle himself was a large man with a head of shoulder length hair that was once an ash blonde in his youth; it had since become an uncomfortable grey. An extravagantly full moustache combined with a middle age paunch lent some evidence that he spent the majority of his time behind an Inn’s bar{1}. Currently, Merle was not in the best of moods.
“What do you want?”
“I was seeking accommodation and in fact your best room for this evening.”
Merle just stared at the hovering little man. He almost laughed.
“In addition” Lucifus added, “I’ll be requiring suitable lodging for my staff{2} and concubines, preferably within the vicinity of my own apartment.”
Merle was gobsmacked.
As if sensing a slight reticence on the innkeeper’s part, Lucifus continued, “It will also be for an unfixed period. The duration of my business at the moment is indeterminate.”
Now Merle had dealt with strange and difficult requests before, but this floating magician was asking the near impossible. In addition, Merle had recently been mulcted by a mage much to his financial disadvantage. His response was curt.
“No.”
“No?
“No. I have neither the rooms nor currently the inclination. I suggest your going elsewhere.”
Lucifus cultivated his most ingenious look and unctuous tone, “I can make you rich. Very rich in fact. I am sure you are needing to counterbalance your costs for this evening.” [Lucifus could see he had the Innkeep’s attention now]. “I am certain we could reach an agreement to mutual satisfaction.”
By now, the exchange had garnered quite an audience.
Gruffly, Merle responded, “Exactly how much money are you saying? I can name quite a figure.”
Lucifus at this point started incanting a dweomer of his highest valance. He pointed to the ground just to the side of his own position and with a distinctive whoosh a massive human-like figure appeared. Ten foot tall with arms crossed, skin the colour of deepest ebony and its base replaced by a misty swirling vapour; the figure projected a most daunting appearance. Lucifus’s manner was nonchalant.
“My Djinni friend Mathuzalas may only maintain his presence upon the prime for a few moments. However, I believe he will be more than willing to assist in regards to your financial investments.” [Fear was most obviously evident upon Merle’s face. In fact the entire premises had completely stopped, every eye transfixed upon the appearance of the massive Djinni]. “I have heard that your range and selection of wine at the moment is somewhat limited. I also see that there are a number of fresh kegs carelessly placed at the rear behind you [Merle fearfully swung around, seeing the ten empty barrels]. They are empty I assume [Merle nodded timid assent]. In which case then I will now attempt to persuade Mathuzalas to his best efforts.”
Lucifus began instructing{3} the Djinni to perform a conjuration that would create a very sizeable amount of wine. The Djinii’s voice boomed as its arms swept in a circle, finishing the magic with a flourish and a single nod of its massive head: its black-haired topknot bobbled jauntily. The kegs settled heavily behind the bar, full to bursting.
“May I suggest you test the wine{4} good innkeeper? Mathuzalas like all masters of their craft appreciates considered feedback and critique.”
Merle looked around at the now completely full barrels of good red wine in somewhat of a daze. Lucifus seeing an appropriate receptacle hovered over and scooped a selection from a keg missing its lid. He handed it to Merle. Merle still in shock at the surreal events he had just witnessed took a moment before proffering a trembling hand. Lucifus nodded at Merle, the gesture reminding him to take a sip. The Djinni at this point bent forward, its gaze intensifying as it raised an eyebrow towards the now shaking innkeeper. Whether more of the liquid dribbled down his shuddering chins or throat was uncertain. A moment of silence ensued, the innkeeper too frightened to speak. Lucifus assisted, “I suppose it might be for the more advanced palate?”
Merle nervously nodded before finally finding his voice, his chins jiggling, “excellent… marvellous… outstanding in fact…” [Mathuzalas snapped his head towards Lucifus expecting the translation]. Lucifus spoke again in a language incomprehensible. The Djinni straightened like a peacock, a toothy grin splitting its enormous face. It was obviously quite proud.
“I thank you Mathuzalas for your fine efforts” Lucifus responded as the Djinni left the material with a small, vaporous and cyclonic whirl. The room had been stunned into absolute and complete astonishment. Everywhere, eyes looked upon Lucifus, amazed at the miracle{5} they had just witnessed. People were too scared to break the silence as they awaited the outcome of the exchange. With the exit of the genie, Merle’s disposition had returned only somewhat closer to his normal demeanour. He shifted around slowly and cast an evaluative eye at the barrels behind him. His gaze dulled ever so slightly as his brain attempted to perform calculations surpassing his ability. With his mouth somewhat agape, he faced Lucifus, “Can I take you to your rooms sir?”
***
{1} Most Innkeepers in Nethendawe and indeed across Urth and many of the known Realms were normally identified by a lack of follicles upon their crown. While not bald, Merle at least got the fat part right.
{2} Lucifus had a variety of companions who he took with him when travelling from place to place.
Winter: His raven familiar for over twenty years. (Lucifus himself is thirty four years of age).
Tunthi: A Dermen, half-orc barbarian companion of Lucifus’s for almost two years.
Joald: The dwarven librarian of his enormous catalogue. (This is not his real name. He instead had styled the pseudonym after a myth involving a sea titan who reputedly pulled half a continent into the ocean. Lucifus thought the fanciful moniker ostentatious and gave the dwarf strange looks whenever he introduced himself.)
Melancthe: One of Lucifus’s concubines. Mysterious in appearance, she has an eccentric beauty that has appealed to Lucifus for nearly ten years. She has numerous and a wide variety of piercings from the tasteful to the truly disturbed. (I can remember in one missive I sent to Paul the DM, I described her as the ‘Classic wizard’s groupie’.)
Suldrun: Another of Lucifus’s concubines. She is also attractive but somewhat shy preferring solo encounters with Lucifus rather than some of the more unconventional groupings Lucifus enjoys.
Madouc: Another concubine with fiery red hair.
[As a side note, I could not help but name Lucifus’s companions after the primary female characters in Jack Vance’s Lyonesse Series. The more astute Vancian scholar will identify the capricious use of Joald too.]
{3} As an Alienist, Lucifus plumbs the far reaches of the planar cosmos when summoning various creatures into being. As such, their language use is very much different from their projected appearance.
[Paul the DM ruled that the only way Lucifus could talk to his summonings was through the use of a Tongues spell: something Lucifus had made permanent upon his person.]
{4} Djinn, Wine and You.
Djinn can cast Create Wine rather than the more typical Create Water. As 20th level casters, they not only conjure massive quantities of the stuff (40 Gallons) but due to a general policy of our group that the higher the caster, the better the effect, Mathuzalas is able to Create Wine of almost deific quality. Lucifus due to his selective use of this ability (he had only just discovered the trick) had thus gifted the Gumbil’s Turm with well over 10,000gp worth of wine.
{5} While magic is reasonably common in this world, higher-level accomplishments are extraordinarily rare. As such, Lucifus’s activity on this day was viewed as a modern day miracle. In fact, years from now, The Gumbil’s Turm would still be remembered as the only Inn in Nethendawe possessing wine crafted from a Djinni. Its notoriety increased manyfold.
Most low level summonings are pretty useless due to their limited time upon the prime. You can get some interesting reactions however by summoning tiny snakes inside people's clothing or a lemure into a crowded room but on the whole, nothing super effective.
It's at higher levels where things get interesting - understand though that I am currently playing a high level alienist so my perspective is not the best at the moment. However, things that Lucifus Cray likes (*liked - complete arcane and the alienist) to summon were:
IV - Celestial Archons and Howlers
V - Celestial Giant Stag Beetle (great trampler when in good numbers) and Special Mention: Giant Crocodile - Huge and one hell of a grappler/meat shield
VI - Chaos Beast - as good as a tactical pit in a room. Things just don't like getting close to these things (good for roleplaying too and for scaring prisoners)
and then there's Summon Monster VII where things get really interesting:
Elephant - Great Trampler
Avoral - Undead just love this things lay on hands ability as do PCs after a good punch up. Good as a summoners bodyguard
Djinni - See story below for a good laugh of how to use these guys
Elemental - This is the level where Elementals start getting REAL big. All types have their uses although you have to love a Fire Elementals ridiculous number of AoO's and the Air Elementals sucking up ability. Too much fun.
Bone Devil - Wall of Ice anyone? If you can talk to them (Permanent Tongues most likely the best option), then you can go to town in terms of dividing the battlefield. Amazing in numbers.
VIII and IX: There's not a single creature on these lists that can't be used effectively in the right situation. Summoning Nirvana.
*Liked to summon because the alienist does not have full access to the Summon Monster List since the Complete Arcane's inception.
***
The following is an excerpt from my story hour (see signature below) regarding the selective summoning of a Djinni in a busy tavern to get what you want. Enjoy:
The day had been hectic for Merle, Innkeeper of Gumbil’s Turm in preparation for the evening’s entertainment. An influx of guests and unusual patrons had precipitated the need for a variety of activities, undertakings and exertions. A troupe of dwarven stonemasons fresh from Peronsil, a group of adventurers from Ormond, a rabble of men calling themselves philosophers, a small pilgrimage of the Doldasrin sect and a churlish group of young nobles had all decided upon Gumbil’s Turm for temporary accommodation. In addition, dozens of other guests including a recently arrived levitating wizard, a High Priest of Terrefin and a noble dressed as if he were the Emperor himself were invading the commons room. The stables once capable of catering for an entire cavalry regiment were beginning to fill as well in expectation of the evening performance of one of the most spectacular Bards ever to be seen in Nethendawe.
Chess’ performances were legendary; filled with pathos, tragedy and unexpected joy and triumph. To hear her voice in song or tale was to be loosed into a world of imagination and fantasy; where true and gallant heroes shielded the innocent, struck down the foe and rescued the damsel. Her talent was extraordinary. And also decidedly expensive, difficult to cater for and entirely too much trouble thought Merle at this particular juncture. Arguing with staff, placating disgruntled patrons and regulars, miscalculating stock requirements, taking delivery of unneeded items (the cooper had seen fit to deliver an order of barrels a week early) and generally encountering three problems for every one solved; Merle, his wife, his mistress and the dozen other staff who worked the Turm were spent. And the sun had still not set and the performance was at least five hours distant.
At this point the levitating wizard hovered towards the bar where Merle was chiding one of his serving wenches. Distracted by the wizard’s advance, he dismissed the serving girl with an impatient gesture as his bushy grey eyebrows took in the unusual image before him. Merle himself was a large man with a head of shoulder length hair that was once an ash blonde in his youth; it had since become an uncomfortable grey. An extravagantly full moustache combined with a middle age paunch lent some evidence that he spent the majority of his time behind an Inn’s bar{1}. Currently, Merle was not in the best of moods.
“What do you want?”
“I was seeking accommodation and in fact your best room for this evening.”
Merle just stared at the hovering little man. He almost laughed.
“In addition” Lucifus added, “I’ll be requiring suitable lodging for my staff{2} and concubines, preferably within the vicinity of my own apartment.”
Merle was gobsmacked.
As if sensing a slight reticence on the innkeeper’s part, Lucifus continued, “It will also be for an unfixed period. The duration of my business at the moment is indeterminate.”
Now Merle had dealt with strange and difficult requests before, but this floating magician was asking the near impossible. In addition, Merle had recently been mulcted by a mage much to his financial disadvantage. His response was curt.
“No.”
“No?
“No. I have neither the rooms nor currently the inclination. I suggest your going elsewhere.”
Lucifus cultivated his most ingenious look and unctuous tone, “I can make you rich. Very rich in fact. I am sure you are needing to counterbalance your costs for this evening.” [Lucifus could see he had the Innkeep’s attention now]. “I am certain we could reach an agreement to mutual satisfaction.”
By now, the exchange had garnered quite an audience.
Gruffly, Merle responded, “Exactly how much money are you saying? I can name quite a figure.”
Lucifus at this point started incanting a dweomer of his highest valance. He pointed to the ground just to the side of his own position and with a distinctive whoosh a massive human-like figure appeared. Ten foot tall with arms crossed, skin the colour of deepest ebony and its base replaced by a misty swirling vapour; the figure projected a most daunting appearance. Lucifus’s manner was nonchalant.
“My Djinni friend Mathuzalas may only maintain his presence upon the prime for a few moments. However, I believe he will be more than willing to assist in regards to your financial investments.” [Fear was most obviously evident upon Merle’s face. In fact the entire premises had completely stopped, every eye transfixed upon the appearance of the massive Djinni]. “I have heard that your range and selection of wine at the moment is somewhat limited. I also see that there are a number of fresh kegs carelessly placed at the rear behind you [Merle fearfully swung around, seeing the ten empty barrels]. They are empty I assume [Merle nodded timid assent]. In which case then I will now attempt to persuade Mathuzalas to his best efforts.”
Lucifus began instructing{3} the Djinni to perform a conjuration that would create a very sizeable amount of wine. The Djinii’s voice boomed as its arms swept in a circle, finishing the magic with a flourish and a single nod of its massive head: its black-haired topknot bobbled jauntily. The kegs settled heavily behind the bar, full to bursting.
“May I suggest you test the wine{4} good innkeeper? Mathuzalas like all masters of their craft appreciates considered feedback and critique.”
Merle looked around at the now completely full barrels of good red wine in somewhat of a daze. Lucifus seeing an appropriate receptacle hovered over and scooped a selection from a keg missing its lid. He handed it to Merle. Merle still in shock at the surreal events he had just witnessed took a moment before proffering a trembling hand. Lucifus nodded at Merle, the gesture reminding him to take a sip. The Djinni at this point bent forward, its gaze intensifying as it raised an eyebrow towards the now shaking innkeeper. Whether more of the liquid dribbled down his shuddering chins or throat was uncertain. A moment of silence ensued, the innkeeper too frightened to speak. Lucifus assisted, “I suppose it might be for the more advanced palate?”
Merle nervously nodded before finally finding his voice, his chins jiggling, “excellent… marvellous… outstanding in fact…” [Mathuzalas snapped his head towards Lucifus expecting the translation]. Lucifus spoke again in a language incomprehensible. The Djinni straightened like a peacock, a toothy grin splitting its enormous face. It was obviously quite proud.
“I thank you Mathuzalas for your fine efforts” Lucifus responded as the Djinni left the material with a small, vaporous and cyclonic whirl. The room had been stunned into absolute and complete astonishment. Everywhere, eyes looked upon Lucifus, amazed at the miracle{5} they had just witnessed. People were too scared to break the silence as they awaited the outcome of the exchange. With the exit of the genie, Merle’s disposition had returned only somewhat closer to his normal demeanour. He shifted around slowly and cast an evaluative eye at the barrels behind him. His gaze dulled ever so slightly as his brain attempted to perform calculations surpassing his ability. With his mouth somewhat agape, he faced Lucifus, “Can I take you to your rooms sir?”
***
{1} Most Innkeepers in Nethendawe and indeed across Urth and many of the known Realms were normally identified by a lack of follicles upon their crown. While not bald, Merle at least got the fat part right.
{2} Lucifus had a variety of companions who he took with him when travelling from place to place.
Winter: His raven familiar for over twenty years. (Lucifus himself is thirty four years of age).
Tunthi: A Dermen, half-orc barbarian companion of Lucifus’s for almost two years.
Joald: The dwarven librarian of his enormous catalogue. (This is not his real name. He instead had styled the pseudonym after a myth involving a sea titan who reputedly pulled half a continent into the ocean. Lucifus thought the fanciful moniker ostentatious and gave the dwarf strange looks whenever he introduced himself.)
Melancthe: One of Lucifus’s concubines. Mysterious in appearance, she has an eccentric beauty that has appealed to Lucifus for nearly ten years. She has numerous and a wide variety of piercings from the tasteful to the truly disturbed. (I can remember in one missive I sent to Paul the DM, I described her as the ‘Classic wizard’s groupie’.)
Suldrun: Another of Lucifus’s concubines. She is also attractive but somewhat shy preferring solo encounters with Lucifus rather than some of the more unconventional groupings Lucifus enjoys.
Madouc: Another concubine with fiery red hair.
[As a side note, I could not help but name Lucifus’s companions after the primary female characters in Jack Vance’s Lyonesse Series. The more astute Vancian scholar will identify the capricious use of Joald too.]
{3} As an Alienist, Lucifus plumbs the far reaches of the planar cosmos when summoning various creatures into being. As such, their language use is very much different from their projected appearance.
[Paul the DM ruled that the only way Lucifus could talk to his summonings was through the use of a Tongues spell: something Lucifus had made permanent upon his person.]
{4} Djinn, Wine and You.
Djinn can cast Create Wine rather than the more typical Create Water. As 20th level casters, they not only conjure massive quantities of the stuff (40 Gallons) but due to a general policy of our group that the higher the caster, the better the effect, Mathuzalas is able to Create Wine of almost deific quality. Lucifus due to his selective use of this ability (he had only just discovered the trick) had thus gifted the Gumbil’s Turm with well over 10,000gp worth of wine.
{5} While magic is reasonably common in this world, higher-level accomplishments are extraordinarily rare. As such, Lucifus’s activity on this day was viewed as a modern day miracle. In fact, years from now, The Gumbil’s Turm would still be remembered as the only Inn in Nethendawe possessing wine crafted from a Djinni. Its notoriety increased manyfold.
Aust Diamondew
First Post
Fiendish Dire wolves own. They deal 1d8+10 damage (+11 attack), have the 'trip ability' (+11 bonus I think) and are only summon monster IV. They're a little weak on defense (low AC) but are even better once you can summon 1d4+1 of them with summon monster VI.
Evilhalfling
Adventurer
Summon I - small dog. No really, small dogs are just cute. get it to flank and aid -
nothing like a wolfpack of shelties.
Summon III Dretch - there are just never enough comical pumpkinlike demons around when you need them - plus stinking cloud!
nothing like a wolfpack of shelties.
Summon III Dretch - there are just never enough comical pumpkinlike demons around when you need them - plus stinking cloud!
For summon monster II, I find the celestial riding dog is generally your best bet. Though I am really looking forward to getting summon monster III and the celestial bison. With the 5hd it gets another 10 hp from Augment summoning and since it has only 1 attack it's considered a 2 handed attack so the +4 st gets you +3 on damage. It also gets DR which substantially increases it's survivability.
From looking over the summoning lists. I concluded that SM VI was the point where you really started to get the effective creatures. I would disagree about the Elementals being better at any size the small ones are just too weak to be really useful unless you can effectively employ the whirlwind or the whirlpool effects of the air and water elementals respectively.
From looking over the summoning lists. I concluded that SM VI was the point where you really started to get the effective creatures. I would disagree about the Elementals being better at any size the small ones are just too weak to be really useful unless you can effectively employ the whirlwind or the whirlpool effects of the air and water elementals respectively.
RithTheAwakener
First Post
ohhh man, when i had my cleric around level 9, either SUmmon monster 3 or 4, the Lantern Archons work wonders. their little aura and abilities they get are very useful for that level spell. although i forget EXACTLY what they were, they helped us slay an cave full of frost giants
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