[PF] Strongest build

[ivanbin]

I am going an optimization challenge against a friend of mine who has played Pathfinder way longer than me. I was hoping someone can tell me of a build that can take on multiple opponents and stay amazing from level 1 to lvl 20. We arent doing it PvP style, but we are going through all levels and doing monster encounters, some above your CR some at the CR.

I am looking for something that is very very strong, but is strictly 1st party. So far I had played master summoner, and had some very good results (multiple creatures of my CR died to me in one fight because they were too busy killing my summons). But I am looking for advice if there is anything that is stronger.

I dont actually need the build written out for me, but the general Class/archetype to look at would be a good help. As well as the direction in which to build and feats. (So like telling me to be necromancer cleric and take feats X,Y and Z)

[Hamste]

Synthesist summoner is a great archetype for summoner. Min max all you stats as your eidolan gives you it's physical stats. Essentially, you are a D&d 3.5 druid who gets wildshape at level one, is an arcane caster, has customizable wildshape forms, a lot more hp and is a spontaneous caster with 6 levels of spell (the only bad think about it). It should have all the success of your current build but be better in a lot of ways.

Also half elf all the way for race. You need those customizable points.

[Ailowynn]

Wizard. (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/extras/community-creations/treatmonks-lab/test)

Or maybe a Cleric. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h6-_4HvPvV-Tt7I67Gi_oPhgHmeDVA5SBl-WrJSgf5s/edit?hl=en#) Or, if you want, a Druid (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xrMC87TpmdfjB9xorkhY3_xWz3guOunTaotgWhoKYMA/edit) of (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WLR6brLr0EA3LbQ6UihsliPiyPYSlLjrNbUShPty4bo/edit) sorts (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TUvw-QOBsvCBeMcpUGDlo-0BKsFuEHynDQhgX8HmzKo/edit), if you want to be better at lower levels than the other two (but worse at high levels).

[Squirrel_Dude]

If you don't feel bad about using Paragon surge, the the clear option is a half-elf Oracle.

[ivanbin]

Well, as a master summoner I was able to kill 8 CR 3 creatures by spamming eagles. I dont think thats possible on Wizard, or any other class atleast until later levels. And while Synthesist is indeed VERY strong, once again, I am not sure he compares.

So to be clear. Starting at lvl 1 I want to be the most broken thing ever, and continue to be one until level 20, while sticking to RAW, and 1st party only material.

[Dr. Yes]

How many encounters per day? If longevity is an issue, that's going to make a big difference on what is or isn't effective at lower levels. Assuming multiple encounters before resting, I'd recommend a witch: full casting with all the ridiculous shenanigans that entails, but their hexes mean that they always have potent options even at 1st level. For durability, be a human and take Racial Heritage (Orc) for your bonus feat, and go into the Scarred Witch Doctor archetype to cast from constitution. Pick up Evil Eye first, Cackle second, and Misfortune at 4th level. Grab Accursed Hex as your 3rd level feat. Laugh (completely in-character, mind you) as your enemies struggle to hit or save against anything.

Time and Healing are both excellent patrons; boundaries also gets you some nice goodies.

[Squirrel_Dude]

Well, as a master summoner I was able to kill 8 CR 3 creatures by spamming eagles. I dont think thats possible on Wizard, or any other class atleast until later levels. And while Synthesist is indeed VERY strong, once again, I am not sure he compares.

So to be clear. Starting at lvl 1 I want to be the most broken thing ever, and continue to be one until level 20, while sticking to RAW, and 1st party only material.I stand by Paragon Surging Oracles. Take Battle Mystery for extra punch at early levels. Be lawful good so that at later levels you can cast bestow grace of the champion. From level 11 onward you'll have access to every cleric and wizard spell in the game.

[ivanbin]

1 encounter per day. We make each fight count as a fresh start.

Also, i will go look at that oracle thing.

Well, looked at oracle. What revelations do you suggest? And I assume I would be pretty much playing a gish?

[Squirrel_Dude]

In order:
1. Skill at Arms
3. War Sight
7. Weapon Mastery (What you really want here is Imp. Critical at 8th level for crit feats)
11. Iron Skin
15. Battlefield Clarity
19. Combat Healer


You'll be gishing it up in the early levels, as that's more survivable in one on X fights than being a squishy caster. At higher levels you'll be able to do that, too because Bestow Grace of the Champion (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/bestow-grace-of-the-champion) is loltastic. Really though, with Paragon Surge, and being a full caster, you'll have tons of options available to you.

[ivanbin]

So in other words, I will be able to wear heavy armor, any martial weapon I want, and still be able to cast spells? Hmm... That does look tasty. And while not as OP early levels as master summoner, is definitely strong once he can do his trick.

Definitely my #1 pick so far. But I would like more suggestions, if only because variety is good.

[Hamste]

Well, as a master summoner I was able to kill 8 CR 3 creatures by spamming eagles. I dont think thats possible on Wizard, or any other class atleast until later levels. And while Synthesist is indeed VERY strong, once again, I am not sure he compares.

At level 2 a sythesist has the health of a 4 th level character, full bab, normal level 2 casting and a 50% of any attack against you to just miss (assuming you go down that road, I personally like to as your armor class is already pretty good) along with what ever the base form gave you. At 1 encounter per day you should be able to destroy any challenge of your cr rating easy using magic and investing in armor and miss chance boosting eidolan modifications. Or course none of this holds a stick to an oracle with paragon surge. Spontaneous casting of any spell they want is a very strong ability that no sythesist can match.

[grarrrg]

You'll need the most STR you can get, and a moderate/high CHA.
For this Nagaji (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/other-races/uncommon-races/arg-nagaji), Suli (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/other-races/uncommon-races/arg-suli), or Vishkanya (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/other-races/uncommon-races/arg-vishkanyas) are recommended.
Humans can also get +2 to two different stats by way of an Alt-Trait.

Start with 4 levels of Barbarian (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/barbarian), this gets you Rage, which is +4 Moral to STR.
Choice of archetype is largely up to you.

Then, 1 level of Sorcerer, grab the Draconic bloodline.

Next 4 levels will be in Dragon Disciple (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/core-rulebook/dragon-disciple), for a sweet +4 to STR.

Meanwhile, you'll want to start taking Eldritch (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/eldritch-heritage) Heritage (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/improved-eldritch-heritage) feats, for either the Abyssal (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/sorcerer/bloodlines/bloodlines-from-paizo/abyssal-bloodline) or Orc (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/sorcerer/bloodlines/bloodlines-from-paizo/orc-bloodline) bloodlines (recommend Abyssal). At (character) level 11, get the +2 STR ability, it will scale as you level (Greater Eldritch Heritage is optional).

Now take a couple levels of Alchemist, really only need 1.
This nets you a 1/day (potentially more) Mutagen that can give a +4 Alchemy bonus to STR.
You'll be tempted to take Ragechemist (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist/archetypes/paizo---alchemist-archetypes/ragechemist) for another +2 to that STR bonus, but DON'T! It's a trap.

Then take Barbarian for at least 6 more levels. Once you hit Barbarian 10 (about char level 16), your Rage bonuses will go up another +2 points.

For the last few, more Barbarian, or Dragon Disciple would probably work best.

By level 20 you'll have:
18 point-buy
+2 Race
+6 Rage (Morale)
+4 Mutagen (Alchemical)
+4 Dragon Disciple
+6 Eldritch Heritage > Bloodline (Inherent)
+6 STR Belt (Enchantment)
+5 Level ups

51 STR total.
I do believe this is the strongest build you'll find.

[Hamste]

I think you took strength too literally there :P. They meant strong as in kill anything not strong as in having a high strength score.

[ivanbin]

At level 2 a sythesist has the health of a 4 th level character, full bab, normal level 2 casting and a 50% of any attack against you to just miss (assuming you go down that road, I personally like to as your armor class is already pretty good) along with what ever the base form gave you. At 1 encounter per day you should be able to destroy any challenge of your cr rating easy using magic and investing in armor and miss chance boosting eidolan modifications. Or course none of this holds a stick to an oracle with paragon surge. Spontaneous casting of any spell they want is a very strong ability that no sythesist can match.

The 50% miss is from the "Shadow X" evolutions I take it? Sadly that will make my damage take a hit wont it? Also, I can still be tripped and ganged up on by multiple creatures.

As for "strength" build. That is indeed correct. You did take it too literally, but that is some impressive STR mod.

@Squirrel Btw, what is the recommended curse for that?

[grarrrg]

I think you took strength too literally there :P. They meant strong as in kill anything not strong as in having a high strength score.


As for "strength" build. That is indeed correct. You did take it too literally, but that is some impressive STR mod.

He's grarrrg.
He does that.

[Hamste]

The 50% miss is from the "Shadow X" evolutions I take it? Sadly that will make my damage take a hit wont it? Also, I can still be tripped and ganged up on by multiple creatures.

As for "strength" build. That is indeed correct. You did take it too literally, but that is some impressive STR mod.

@Squirrel Btw, what is the recommended curse for that?

Your damage would take a hit if you used your eidolan's natural weapons... naturally you will be using man made weapons which I am pretty sure are not affected by the half damage thing (go for reach and ranged). Tripping still has to deal with the 50% and your combat maneuver defence which is actually pretty good. Also remember Grease is a summoner spell and is one of the low level crowd control spells to use in swarm situations. Also never forget the mixture of oil and summoned creatures (for your master summoned as well), birds are great for crowd control at low levels just give them oil and a place to light it.

[Squirrel_Dude]

@Squirrel Btw, what is the recommended curse for that?*shrug*

Pick the one you think is most interesting. Clouded vision is probably the worst unless you don't plan on combat taking place with any ranged combatants whatsoever.

[ivanbin]

Your damage would take a hit if you used your eidolan's natural weapons... naturally you will be using man made weapons which I am pretty sure are not affected by the half damage thing (go for reach and ranged). Tripping still has to deal with the 50% and your combat maneuver defence which is actually pretty good. Also remember Grease is a summoner spell and is one of the low level crowd control spells to use in swarm situations. Also never forget the mixture of oil and summoned creatures (for your master summoned as well), birds are great for crowd control at low levels just give them oil and a place to light it.

But i cant summon them while i got my eidolon. And not having him would get me dead very fast.

[gartius]

you cant use your class ability to summon, doesnt say anything about using spells to summon.

my two cents
either a half-elf sorcerer with the spell which grants you a feat while active (my google fu failed me)-you choose expanded arcana, congrats you now have the exact spell necessary to deal with that encounter.

a zen archer has proven very effective, someone on paizo forums ran him against a CR level opponent at different levels, he beat every one of them.

[IronFist]

He's grarrrg.
He does that.
That said, I think you can get higher with Synthesist in there.

[magwaaf]

Wizard. (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/extras/community-creations/treatmonks-lab/test)

Or maybe a Cleric. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h6-_4HvPvV-Tt7I67Gi_oPhgHmeDVA5SBl-WrJSgf5s/edit?hl=en#) Or, if you want, a Druid (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xrMC87TpmdfjB9xorkhY3_xWz3guOunTaotgWhoKYMA/edit) of (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WLR6brLr0EA3LbQ6UihsliPiyPYSlLjrNbUShPty4bo/edit) sorts (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TUvw-QOBsvCBeMcpUGDlo-0BKsFuEHynDQhgX8HmzKo/edit), if you want to be better at lower levels than the other two (but worse at high levels).



after watching buddy play one for 2 years, i'd say a bladebound magus...

magus is an absurdly good class that has been amazing the entire game. i's just been absolutely fantastic and if my character perms i'll be playing a staff magus or just a standard one next

[Andvare]

That said, I think you can get higher with Synthesist in there.

Nope. Most of those bonuses would go to the summoner, not the eidolon suit. And since the eidolon suit's strength is what is used, it would make the build significantly worse.

Edit: Well, significantly is perhaps a strong word. At level 20, you can reach around strength 45, if my math isn't too much off.

[FatherMalkav]

@Squirrel Btw, what is the recommended curse for that?

Dual-Cursed Oracle: Deaf and Wolf-Scarred Face. All your spells gains Silent Spell at no cost and you get a free bite attack.

[grarrrg]

That said, I think you can get higher with Synthesist in there.

Nope. Most of those bonuses would go to the summoner, not the eidolon suit. And since the eidolon suit's strength is what is used, it would make the build significantly worse.

Edit: Well, significantly is perhaps a strong word. At level 20, you can reach around strength 45, if my math isn't too much off.

What he said.
Although I will grant you that the Eidolon would still do MOAR DAMAGEZ!!1! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=245496) in the long run.

[Hamste]

What he said.
Although I will grant you that the Eidolon would still do MOAR DAMAGEZ!!1! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=245496) in the long run.

That would be hilarious. A fighter having finally fought his way through packs of summons and randomly cast spells until he reaches the summoner. He celebrates his good fortune as the summoner had backed himself into a corner he couldn't five foot step out of and the fighter was finally going to get a chance to show what he was great at. Then the summonerror pulls out that massive damage and destroys the fighter in hand to hand combat.

[Feint's End]

Nope. Most of those bonuses would go to the summoner, not the eidolon suit. And since the eidolon suit's strength is what is used, it would make the build significantly worse.

Edit: Well, significantly is perhaps a strong word. At level 20, you can reach around strength 45, if my math isn't too much off.

maximized stats on eidolon:
biped 16
+3 level
+5 inherent
+6 item
+8 eidolon boni
+8 evolution boni
+16 size increase

there you go at str 64 ... how was that again?

edit: if your dm really wants to screw with you and doesn't allow inherent and item you can still reach 53 (though 52 is more reasonable)

[Andvare]

maximized stats on eidolon:
biped 16
+3 level
+5 inherent
+6 item
+8 eidolon boni
+8 evolution boni
+16 size increase

there you go at str 64 ... how was that again?

edit: if your dm really wants to screw with you and doesn't allow inherent and item you can still reach 53 (though 52 is more reasonable)

There is a difference between a regular eidolon, which probably could get the inherent bonus from a Manual, and an eidolon suit, which can't (it can't read).

An eidolon suit can get a strength of

16 base
+16 size (10 evo)
+8 eidolon bonus
+8 evolution (16 evo, all used up)
+6 item

54

So, yeah, my math was way off, but it was done purely from memory.

[Karoht]

Synthesist Summoner?
At level 6 you get a spell like ability which is Dimention Door once per day.
This qualifies you for the Dimensional Agility/Assault/Dervish/Savant line of feats. Take a Quadruped form so you get pounce for free.

Better than a fighter, with spell casting, and the ability to teleport pounce things to death by level 6.

Your action economy works something like this.

Pre-Battle: Use a wand of Strong Jaw to amp up your natural attacks to absurdity.
Round 1: Cast spell, preferably battlefield control.
Round 2: Teleport-Pounce a straggler. Preferably a caster that the rest of your melee couldn't reach, or that Rogue that started combat with Invisibility but then broke it by sneak attacking something.
Round 3: Since you probably murdered the thing you Pounced on last round, don't bother standing around clawing things. Teleport-Pounce something else to death.
Round 4: You're bored of clawing things? Cast another spell. Create Pit is always a hoot.


If you don't want to be a summoner again?
Yeah, I'm going to second the Oracle with Paragon Surge. Paragon Surge grants you any feat in the game that you qualify for, right now. Expanded Arcana grants you an extra spell known, which means you can have any spell you want that you can currently cast, right now. Pretty cool right? Nah, we can cheese that up some more.
Take Eldritch Heritage (Arcane Bloodline). You get a Familiar or a Bonded Item. Pretty cool right? We can make that better.
When you hit about level 9 or so, use Paragon Surge to give you Improved Eldritch Heritage. This grants you 2-3 spells (depending on level) from the Sorcerer Spell list. Right now.

And the final piece of Paragon Surge Cheese.
Take any 3 Metamagic Feats. I recommend Toppling Spell (combo it with Spiritual Weapon and Spiritual Ally, get up to 6 attacks per round all of which can trip the enemy), Extend Spell (for your buffs and such) and one more of your choice (Still Spell has it's uses).
Use Paragon Surge to pick up Spell Perfection, and pick any spell on your list of spells known. Grats, it's now Spell Perfected, right now, which does all kinds of awesome things. Have fun.

[grarrrg]

When you hit about level 9 or so, use Paragon Surge to give you Improved Eldritch Heritage.
Level 11 is the minimum for Improved Eldritch.


Use Paragon Surge to pick up Spell Perfection, and pick any spell on your list of spells known. Grats, it's now Spell Perfected, right now, which does all kinds of awesome things. Have fun.

The general preferred use if to take Spell Perfection normally, and apply it to Paragon Surge. That way it is always a 3rd level spell that takes only a Swift to use, so you can cast your "new spell" the same round.

[Karoht]

Level 11 is the minimum for Improved Eldritch.Bah. My faulty memory at play.


The general preferred use if to take Spell Perfection normally, and apply it to Paragon Surge. That way it is always a 3rd level spell that takes only a Swift to use, so you can cast your "new spell" the same round.I would agree with you, except that someone pointed out to me rather vehemently, that Spell Perfection does not change the the casting time or level of a spell, and successfully argued that Quicken Spell wouldn't work on a Spell Perfected spell. Largely for the same reasoning that Heighten Spell would not work with Spell Perfection. I choose to concede the point, but if Quicken Spell works with Spell Perfection, then yes, a Spell Perfected Paragon Surge is an incredibly awesome tool, for EXACTLY the reasons you stated.

Still, having the ability to Spell Perfect any spell you want on demand is nothing to sneeze at either.

[Belial_the_Leveler]

Out of curiosity, how does this character compare against a Fighter 18/Pally 2 with the following;

Attack of +44/+44/+44/+39/+34/+29, 2d6+26 damage, ignores miss chance.
AC of 58, saves of +30/+32/+22, 300 hp


I mean, his Eidolon will die outright in one full attack. So would a Balor, if he used Deadly Aim or Power Attack.

[Karoht]

Out of curiosity, how does this character compare against a Fighter 18/Pally 2 with the following;

Attack of +44/+44/+44/+39/+34/+29, 2d6+26 damage, ignores miss chance.
AC of 58, saves of +30/+32/+22, 300 hp


I mean, his Eidolon will die outright in one full attack. So would a Balor, if he used Deadly Aim or Power Attack.Decently.
The following should not be interpreted as a 'this is better than that' statement in any way shape or form. Merely a listing as to how even the fight is. Also, generalizations are generalizations.
1-The Summoner has spells to neutralize the pally. A few are save or suck, though not many. Maze will take you out of the fight for round no save, maybe 2. Long enough for the Eidolon to hold it's action until you return, and full attack.
2-Paladin ignores Miss Chance sure, but probably not Greater Invisibility until the Eidolon has scored a hit. So there would be some 'jockeying' for position in order to pull off said full attack. Depends on if True Seeing is at play or not, perception, etc.
3-Pally isn't going to full attack on a charge, the Eidolon can if he takes pounce. Eidolon might also have a longer reach. Further difficulty in pulling off that full attack. If it is a Synthesist Summoner with the Dimensional Agility/Assault/Dervish/Savant build I mentioned, that Eidolon can strike from a position of cover (say, from inside a smoke/fog cloud or from a hidden position) complete a full attack chain (and flank with itself, provoking no AoO's in the process) and teleport back to said cover. However, the Paladin might have a feat or two to counter teleportation, if he took the chain.
4-The Eidolon can have DR, but Smite is most likely going to bipass it.
5-Action Economy-If it isn't a synthesist summoner, just a regular one, expect a full attack from the Eidolon every round, complete with a spell to deal with every round. Expect this also if the Synthesist Summoner is above 16th level with Split Form. Purified Calling (4th level spell) brings the Eidolon back with full health.
6-Movement types-The Paladin is less likely to have the variety of movement types that an Eidolon can have. One casting of Eidolon Surge later, the Eidolon has whichever movement speed is needed. Burrow is pretty handy.
7-The summoner can still summon. While the high AC is indeed a problem, plenty of things they summon can use touch attacks/ranged touch attacks if needed. Summons can be fun for all kinds of reasons.
8-Web. The Eidolon Evolution, not the spell. Completely worth having, or using Eidolon Surge to get access to if needed. Ranged touch to hit, enjoy wasting an action to make the easy Strength/Escape Artist check the following round. Freedom of Movement is a thing though.
9-DR-Natural attacks such as claws tend to be remarkably less effective against a high AC and high DR target, which this fighter/pally probably is.

If the Pally spots the Summoner/Eidolon and charges, chances are the Eidolon will be hurt but not dead/dismissed. The Eidolon then full-attacks, probably not enough to bring down the Pally in one round. Especially if the Pally has DR, the bane of natural weapons everywhere. At which point, if the Eidolon or Summoner can't lock down the Paladin, chances are the Eidolon drops the following round.

If the Summoner/Eidolon get the drop on the Paladin, striking invisibly from cover and returning to it before the Paladin gets to act, chances are the Eidolon can win.

If the Paladin is mounted and strikes first, the Paladin will probably take out the Eidolon in the first strike.

It's about as fair a fight as you get really. Actually, it would be pretty entertaining IMO. A master of demons VS a beacon of hope and light.

[Belial_the_Leveler]

The pally is using ranged attacks that might change the equation a bit.


Also, what happens to all those summons if their summoner goes bye bye?

[IronFist]

Nope. Most of those bonuses would go to the summoner, not the eidolon suit. And since the eidolon suit's strength is what is used, it would make the build significantly worse.

You use your own feats in the eidolon suit, so wouldn't you get the bonuses from Eldritch Heritage? You can use class features in the eidolon suit, so can't you "transform" and then rage?

[grarrrg]

You use your own feats in the eidolon suit, so wouldn't you get the bonuses from Eldritch Heritage? You can use class features in the eidolon suit, so can't you "transform" and then rage?

Yes.
And no.
And go ask your DM because Paizo isn't too keen on actually clarifying much of anything regarding the Synthesist.

[IronFist]

Yes.
And no.
And go ask your DM because Paizo isn't too keen on actually clarifying much of anything regarding the Synthesist.

I've read all the official answers regarding Synthesist and from reading those I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

[monkey3]

I stand by Paragon Surging Oracles. ... From level 11 onward you'll have access to every cleric and wizard spell in the game.

I get how Paragon Surging gives you all cleric spells (as Oracle), but I don't see how it gets you wizard spells. Can you give details please?

[Karoht]

The pally is using ranged attacks that might change the equation a bit.Might. Again, depends on who strikes first really. But DnD is full of Alpha Strike/Rocket Tag type conflics and outcomes.


Also, what happens to all those summons if their summoner goes bye bye?Same thing that happens if a sorcerer/wizard/druid/cleric/oracle uses Summon Monster and then dies. The summon probably sticks around for a while.

@Iron Fist
Synthesist Summoner + Rage
Absolutely possible. When you summon up your eidolon (getting into the suit) you still possess all your feats and abilities and casting, etc, etc. You only gain the Eidolon's Evolutions and physical stats, while keeping your mental stats. You also gain the Eidolon's hit points added to your own as Temporary Hit Points. Your Eidolon doesn't get feats or skills of it's own, it all runs off the Summoner.
So if you have a Rage ability in some form (class feature, the spell, etc) you could use Rage in that form.



I get how Paragon Surging gives you all cleric spells (as Oracle), but I don't see how it gets you wizard spells. Can you give details please?You have to take Eldritch Heritage as a feat, and choose the Arcane Bloodline.
http://www.pathfindersrd.com/classes/core-classes/sorcerer/bloodlines/bloodlines-from-paizo/arcane-bloodline
That gives you the familiar or bonded item.
At level 11 or higher, you then Paragon Surge for Improved Eldritch Heritage, which gets you:

New Arcana (Ex): At 9th level, you can add any one spell from the sorcerer/wizard spell list to your list of spells known. This spell must be of a level that you are capable of casting. You can also add one additional spell at 13th level and 17th level.
Which gives you 1-3 Sorcerer/Wizard spells known, on demand.
If you want another bunch of Oracle spells known, you Paragon Surge for Expanded Arcana. One spell at your highest casting level, or two spells from any levels lower than your highest, your choice. Giving you 1 or 2 spells on demand from the Cleric/Oracle spell list.
http://www.pathfindersrd.com/feats/general-feats/expanded-arcana

[monkey3]

Expanded Arcana

Your research has revealed new spells.

Prerequisites: Caster level 1st, see Special.

Benefit: Add one spell from your class’s spell list to your list of spells known. This is in addition to the number of spells normally gained at each new level in your class. You may instead add two spells from your class’s spell list to your list of spells known, but both of these spells must be at least one level lower than the highest level spell you can cast in that class. Once made, these choices cannot be changed.

I don't see how using this (even after using Improved Eldritch Heritage) gives you more wizard spells. I do see that Improved Eldritch Heritage is a tricky way for getting wizard spells for any caster class. Thanks.

[Karoht]

Expanded Arcana

Your research has revealed new spells.

Prerequisites: Caster level 1st, see Special.

Benefit: Add one spell from your class’s spell list to your list of spells known. This is in addition to the number of spells normally gained at each new level in your class. You may instead add two spells from your class’s spell list to your list of spells known, but both of these spells must be at least one level lower than the highest level spell you can cast in that class. Once made, these choices cannot be changed.

I don't see how using this (even after using Improved Eldritch Heritage) gives you more wizard spells. I do see that Improved Eldritch Heritage is a tricky way for getting wizard spells for any caster class. Thanks.
You are connecting the wrong feat to the wrong purpose.
Expanded Arcana gets you Oracle Spells. Paragon Surge for Expanded Arcana to get more Oracle Spells known on demand.
The part of the feat you left out:
"You can only take this feat if you possess levels in a class whose spellcasting relies on a limited list of spells known, such as the bard, oracle, and sorcerer."

Improved Eldritch Heritage (Arcane) gets you New Arcana which gets you Sorcerer/Wizard spells, which I quoted in my previous but I'll do so again.
"New Arcana (Ex): At 9th level, you can add any one spell from the sorcerer/wizard spell list to your list of spells known. This spell must be of a level that you are capable of casting. You can also add one additional spell at 13th level and 17th level."
Before you ask where New Arcana comes from, it comes from the Arcane Bloodline which I already linked earlier.

And yes an Oracle can in fact have both. To sum up:
Paragon Surge [Expanded Arcana] = More Oracle Spells
Paragon Surge [Improved Eldritch Heritage (Arcane Bloodline): New Arcana] = More Sorc/Wizard spells.