Looking to Optimization of a Battle Summoner (Shin Megami Tensei flavor)

[Seizui]

You know, I considered about the idea of creating a Demon Summoner-type character akin to Shin Megami Tensei. Something d20 modern.

This differs from the whole deal with 'Pokemon' in that the 'trainers' are able to fight too. Of course, you have your users that can use magic and those that are less magic-based. Nevertheless the common idea is that they can summon a demon(using a COMP, but that's more flavor than mechanics).

However, I am trying to figure out the best way to go about it.

I saw Monster Tamer ( http://dungeons.wikia.com/wiki/Monster_Tamer_%283.5e_Class%29 ), but ... well, it seems a bit too Pokemon (I am fond of the idea of the 'summoner fighting as well. Shin Megami Tensei folks tend to do so).


Then, I know there is druid.

Of course, there is always Fighter/Wizard or Sorceror with Summon Monster #.

Any other ideas that could work?

[Acanous]

Your idea screams "Malconvoker" loudly.
It's in Complete Scoundrel.
There's also Diabolist from Pathfinder.
The two stack.
If you're a Wizard, there's a Rapid Summoning ACF in the PHB2.

[Seizui]

Your idea screams "Malconvoker" loudly.
It's in Complete Scoundrel.
There's also Diabolist from Pathfinder.
The two stack.
If you're a Wizard, there's a Rapid Summoning ACF in the PHB2.

Oh wow, those are some neat suggestons! Thanks! :D

[deuxhero]

Problem with Malconvoker is that it is even more quishy than a human in MegaTen thanks to Wizard HD.

Pathfinder's Summoner (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/summoner) is great for your purposes, getting a customizable summoned pet (A spell exists that lets you reconfigure it for a relatively small cost and an Archetype can increase your number of friends, though that one is hard to optimize) and medium BAB, d8 HD and 2 skill points (grumble grumble).

Summoner//(Urban) Ranger (favored terrains Urban and Shadow Plane) is pretty much Raidou in a can in Gestalt PF (not the most solid Gestalt build, but workable).

Even outside of Gestalt, PF Summoner with Ancestral Weapon (Reiki) and using Masterwork Transformation to get it enchantable works OK thanks to medium BAB and not entirely squishy HD, though Summoner's lack of skill points is a pain (Luckily Gather Information falls under Diplomacy).

Pure 3.5 is a lot trickier though.

[Seizui]

Amusingly, malconvoker may work since the character himself may not be so tough. However, PF Summoner is an interesting choice.

The idea that I consider is the character is more than likely to wield a club(crowbar) rather than a sword. I figured 3.5 would be tricky, butI thought it'd be worth a shot. Nevertheless,I do appreciate the info! ....


In fact, Summoner/ Ranger with Urban Terrain is a very good step.

[N. Jolly]

okay kinda depends on what kind of smt youre going for
stuff like nocturne/old smt is gonna be malconvoker and think of picking up the superior summon (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/superior-summoning) feat from pf to really just swarm that board although master summoner (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/summoner/archetypes/paizo---summoner-archetypes/master-summoner) might be good for you too
for like a persona style youd be best going summoner (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/summoner) maybe synthesis (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/summoner/archetypes/paizo---summoner-archetypes/synthesist) if youre feeling like making it more personal and sick nasty
summoner kinda sucks for the smt feel though cause it doesnt get the elemental damage spells but aside from that ist basically perfect

[Seizui]

Hrm! That's pretty neat. Though, one thing that bugs me is that Malconvoker is a PRC that you'll have to get later.

...I will say, the Persona idea that you have is pretty sweet. Nevertheless, I do appreciate the suggestions.

[Acanous]

You can start out as a Wizard (Conjurer) with the Abrupt Jaunt ACF, that will help a great deal with your squishiness. Prestige into Master Specialist ASAP (First level at 4) and into Malconvoker at 7. Stay Malconvoker for the whole run, then jump into Diabolist for your last levels, or back to Master Specialist, your choice.