Summoner Help

[Ace Nex]

So, I've got 6 levels to play with here. I know I'm definitely using archivist as my base class. I'm also thinking about going necromancer/Undead master, as the DM would allow me to have any kind of skeleton or zombie I can make/afford (I'm thinking zombie Wyvern would be nice to fly around on). I'm also looking at malconvokers, I like the whole summoning/conjuration thing as it'll add some versatility to combat and utility outside of combat.

The current party consists of a Truenamer, a psion5/sworsage1, a ranger werewolf, a barbarian, and a binder. I was supposed to be a support character, but I feel like I can do better. (We also have no sorc/wizard so I have to pick up the slack in the spell department)

Build I'm thinking of

Lesser Teifling. The charisma hit sucks, but for RP and the bonus to int I feel it's worth it.

Archivist 4/Cloistered Cleric 1/Malconvoker 1
With this I lose a caster level from Cleric (and another through malconvoker), but it gives me Divine Meta Magic through turn attempts, the Deathless domain (I can get through desecrate 6 HD per caster level) and Dragon Below (Free augmented Summoning feat)

OR

Archivist 5/Malconvoker1 and dipping Sacred Exorist at 8th level. This way I don't lose a caster level, but I miss out on my lovely domains.

As much as I like clerics, I really want to give Archivists a try. As I can get nearly every spell in the game, I can do A LOT more. Lightning bolt as a 3rd level spell, Archivists can get that, clerics can't. I know at higher levels they're pretty similar, but again, flavorwise it works with the character I want to build.

FEATS
1: Spell Focus (Conj)[Needed for Malconvoker], Augment Summoning [Needed for Malconvoker, boosts summon monster/NA/U)
3: DMM (if Cleric level was splashed) OR Rapid Spell OR Greenbound
6: Leadership (I really want this feat. Having a cohort is just awesome, especially at higher levels when the level difference isn't all that noticeable.)

So, thoughts or helpful advice? I do want to know what to get as my undead minions or cohort, and any alternatives are also most welcome.

[macdaddy]

Well, you won't like my alternative suggestion... BUT

Wizard 5 / Malconvoker 1
- Focused Specialist Conjurer, take Alternate Class Features (Rapid Summoning, possibly: Augment Summoning). Then you can use your feats on "cool" things.

Wizard 3 / Master Specialist 2 / Malconvoker 1
- Focused Specialist Conjurer, take Alternate Class Features (Rapid Summoning, Augment Summoning). Then you can use your feats on "cool" things.

The Rapid summoning ACF is pure GOLD. Having all your summon spells take 1 standard action instead of a full round is what makes a summoner/malconvoker really shine.

Being a focused specialist conjurer gives you a boat load of spells to play with each day, so you are in no worry of running out. You don't really need inferior spells like lightning bolt, but get good spells like grease, glitterdust, fog clouds, etc al. Battlefield control spells and monster summons == win. Sure, you will forgo Enchantment, Evocation, and either Necro or Illusion (I suggest necro), but you will still be a power house.

I am doing this now, just hit 6th level, and its really starting to come into its own. (SPF(Conf), Extend Spell, Sculpt Spell, MMSF(Conj), Augment Summoning). Sculpt spell for free on glitterdust and/or grease is great. 3rd level spells are DimensionStep, Summonx2, and haste. You own the battlefield with just those!

[Myrddin0001]

wait...someone is actually PLAYING a Truenamer?!?!?!?!?! Well it's your funeral.

I'd definately go Archivist to Malconvoker to Focused Specialist Conj. to Malconvoker. Best advice with summoners and undead controllers alike (I've played A LOT of them in my time) is play them straight. Don't try anything fancy or weird. Pick the necessary feats and focus on popping out monsters. Second best advice, know all the monsters you plan to summon inside and out but keep the list short. Don't him-haw around trying to decide the best meat shield to pop out AFTER combat starts. Choose one or two monsters you'll want for specific tasks: combat, utillity, transport, etc.

And of course have fun with it! :smallbiggrin:

[WhatBigTeeth]

With the malconvoker already losing CL, I'd be hesitant to lose any more.

Of the OP's options, the second would be more robust, but straight Cleric sounds like it would be easier to fit in all the free feats you're after (though it may not be something new).

Depending on the level range you're playing at, fitting some Thaumaturgist in before Malconvoker could be a good idea. It has some very strong abilities class, and it does give you one of the feats you need as a bonus feat (at worst, you could take Augment Summoning early and retrain it for another feat when you hit Thaumaturgist 2). Similarly, dipping Paragnostic Apostle for its healing ability would also be a sound option.