Summoned Creature organization

[Invader]

Does anyone know of a good way to keep track of summonable creatures? Specifically it'd be nice if there was a pregenerated list, maybe in an excel spreadsheet, where you could easily adjust stats, duration, etc. based on additional feats and buffs you're likely to give them?

I know I've found a great list for greenbound creatures that adjusted everything for that base feat but currently I'm playing a malconvoker and I want to find the most efficient way to keep track of the summon monster choices.

[bot]

Hmm I'd like to hear suggestions to that as well. Subscribed!

[Adamantrue]

If such a thing doesn't already exist, I wouldn't be opposed to contributing to one.

Crystal keep used to have a series of Indexed PDFs for 3.5, and I believe the Spell Indices had fairly complete lists of Creatures that could be Summoned (how up-to-date they are I don't know offhand). I don't know if they can still be found online anywhere, but nothing really disappears from the Internet completely.

I kinda know my way around Excel, and may be able to set up the general format and formulas for such a project, but it would be slow going, as my free time is complicated by my grand-daughter, and again I'm not really that good with Excel.

However, I am one of the few people I know that actually enjoys mindless data entry. Once a template and format is set up, I'd be happy to input Monster stats as I have free moments in my day.

[HalfQuart]

I'm pretty sure this isn't what you're asking for, since there aren't formulas or anything to auto-adjust for feats or class features, but there's a really nice spreadsheet with basic summary info for all the monsters for the Summon Monster spells at Valgrim the Summoner (http://geek-related.com/session-summaries/rise-of-the-runelords/valgrim-the-summoner/). Follow the link for "Summonable Monster Stats Cheat Sheet".

[Invader]

I'm pretty sure this isn't what you're asking for, since there aren't formulas or anything to auto-adjust for feats or class features, but there's a really nice spreadsheet with basic summary info for all the monsters for the Summon Monster spells at Valgrim the Summoner (http://geek-related.com/session-summaries/rise-of-the-runelords/valgrim-the-summoner/). Follow the link for "Summonable Monster Stats Cheat Sheet".

Not exactly what I was looking for but this is very helpful in its own right and will save me tons of work, thanks! :smallbiggrin:

[Adamantrue]

You know, Valgrim's Spreadsheet is organized in a way that's a perfect starting point for a database (near as I can tell from a cursory look).

It shouldn't be too hard to set up a drop-down menu from his lists that plugs all listed stats, that can be modified based on a series of checklists (Feats like Augment Summoning (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#augmentSummoning) or Spells like Haste (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/haste.htm), maybe even Templates though it'd be a lot more complicated).

It'd probably end up working like The Only Sheet (http://theonlysheet.com/homepage/), which is one of the handiest tools I've ever used. Mind you, I'm not saying I could pull off something nearly as good (most of my Excel experience involves a lot of Google-fu), but its an option.

[Adamantrue]

So, I've started working on the base layout, and the base formulas. Man, my Excel abilities are rusty. I got lost quite a few times before I remembered a few things.

I'm working right now on just information available in the SRD, and even then just Summon Monster I. Only a few creatures are entered at the moment, as a sort of proof of concept. Even then, the numbers will have to be keyed in differently later on, so that they can be adjusted by spells, feats, and the like.

The early-early-early version can be downloaded HERE (https://sites.google.com/site/thecruciblednd35/SummonMonsterPrototype.xlsx?attredirects=0&d=1), if you want to give me suggestions or advice (or even take some of the workload off my hands).

Is this the kind of thing you wanted, invaderk2?

[edit]

Updated the link. Did a little more work last night. Still a long way to go, though...

[Invader]

So, I've started working on the base layout, and the base formulas. Man, my Excel abilities are rusty. I got lost quite a few times before I remembered a few things.

I'm working right now on just information available in the SRD, and even then just Summon Monster I. Only a few creatures are entered at the moment, as a sort of proof of concept. Even then, the numbers will have to be keyed in differently later on, so that they can be adjusted by spells, feats, and the like.

The early-early-early version can be downloaded HERE (https://sites.google.com/site/thecruciblednd35/Summon%20Monster%20Prototype.xlsx?attredirects=0&d=1), if you want to give me suggestions or advice (or even take some of the workload off my hands).

Is this the kind of thing you wanted, invaderk2?

Yeah that looks great, I'm no where near proficient with excel to come anywhere near that. I'll wait till you get all the base stuff in before I make any suggestions in case you have something planned and so I don't overwhelm you lol.

[Adamantrue]

I intend to let people toggle between Summon Monster 1-9, Summon Natures Ally 1-9, and Summon Undead 1-(5? Not a common one for me), toggle their Caster Level, and then check which Feats, Spells and Class Features apply. I'd also like to get around to having the Dispel Magic DC calculated somewhere.

So...things that would be helpful. Spells to include (including the source), and Feats that would effect either the Spell (Range, Duration, Casting Time) or the Creature. Giving me a list of them earlier is better, letting me incorporate them from the door.

[Invader]

Augment Summoning
Enhanced Summoning
Rapid Summoning
Imbued Summoning
Spell Focus Conjuration

[Adamantrue]

OK...I finally had more free time, and ran into my first obstacle...

I've started setting up to include Enhanced Summoning (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/specialistWizardVariants.htm#enhancedSummoning). With that option, you automatically gain Augment Summoning, so I'm trying to find a way to have it automatically select it when you check Enhanced Summoning.

Near as I can tell, the only way to do that involves VB, which I'm completely inexperienced with. I can build in a workaround that ignores the Augment Summoning checkbox once Enhanced Summoning is selected, but it kinda ruins the look.

Its the way I'm going right now, just to make sure the stats operate properly. I'll upload a new version when I'm finished this part, but if anyone can tell me very specifically how to do it (and explain some of the whys, just for my own education), it'd be appreciated.

Though I don't know how many people are actually following this, let alone can help.

[Invader]

Following but not able to help at all lol

[Adamantrue]

Here's the lastest version. (https://sites.google.com/site/thecruciblednd35/Summon%20Monster%20Prototype.xlsx?attredirects=0&d=1)

One of the goals I've been trying to adhere to is keeping the Data Entry intuitive. Simply copying the data right out of the Monster Manual, letting the spreadsheet handle all of the calculations.

The problem I'm currently having is with the Attacks modes. I'm probably going to have to break them down a little, like I did for the Hit Dice, and make it more of a fill-in-the-blank style set-up.

What Feats have an effect on Dispel Magic DCs? Would Fortify Spell or Spell Focus change the Dispel DC?

[bot]

Though I don't know how many people are actually following this, let alone can help.

Also following but mind's busy with other things these weeks (nor are my excel fu all that amazing) - but I would support the idea to make such a tool, as it would be a great help for summoners.