Pathfinder Theoretical Optimization: Building the best possible Gestalt Summoner

[Genoin]

The title says it all for the most part. What do you guys think a theoretically optimized summoner type character looks like. Paizo only. Some options I thought of off the top of my head might include:

Master Summoner // Bard or Skald
Herald Caller Cleric // ???
Acadamae Graduate Conjurer // ??? (This one seems like it could potentially be weaker because it has no way to spontaneously cast summon spells)

While I want summoning to be the primary thing the character does, I would also like to not be totally useless outside of combat (unlikely though since most builds have at minimum one 6th level caster)

[Peat]

In terms of pure theoretical just making the Summoning as strong as possible, I'd have thought Master Summoner 20//and a bunch of dips to grab useful stuff like the Conjuration school, some of the Bloodline arcanas, probably Darkfire Adept etc.etc.

Slightly more sensible might be Master Summoner//Paladin with Oath of the People's Council. Paladin bit is mainly to keep them alive and granting Inspire Courage to make the Summons that bit nastier.

[grarrrg]

Obligatory Gundolon suggestion.
Synthesist 20//Mysterious Stranger 9+/Whatever
Pretty much worthless from a "Summon"er standpoint. Quite effective from a "make everything nearby full of holes" standpoint though.

[Eldariel]

I mean, you can just build a Pally with Bracers of Celestial Intervention (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/a-b/bracers-of-celestial-intervention/) and Oath of Vengeance (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/paladin/archetypes/paizo-paladin-archetypes/oathbound-paladin/oath-of-vengeance/) and extra smites as desired to cast Summon Monster IX on level 5.

But yeah, probably the Wizard. You go Sin Magic Specialist (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard/arcane-schools/paizo-arcane-schools/classic-arcane-schools/sin-magic-specialist/) for the 2 extra slots, obviously Conjurer, add Acadamae Graduate, all the usual frills, Rod of Giant Summoning (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/rods/rod-of-giant-summoning/), etc. All the good stuff. Getting the permanent Summon Monster plus the ability to nova with however many you want is pretty sweet. So summon like 1d4+2 Leonals out of SMIX with Expanded Summoned Monster (it's on the level 8 list) and Empower the spell for (1d4+2)*2 with a rod. You can have 4-9 Leonals (giant with the rod of giant summoning) walking around all day and then you can nova with however many Summons you want each round. You could alternatively add Nature Spirit (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/shaman/spirits/nature) Spirit Whisperer (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard/archetypes/paizo---wizard-archetypes/spirit-whisperer) for SNAs. But passing up on those extra slots from Sin Magic Caster sucks (then again, giving up Contingency and Simulacrum sucks something royal so not taking it is a worse summoner but stronger overall).


And yeah, a mass buffer like Bard is a fine choice for the second side.

[Psyren]

There isn't really a "best" as that depends on too many factors to count, including the needs of your campaign (is it more combat-focused or social/intrigue?) your own playsstyle (do you want to wade into the frontline alongside your eidolon, or hang back and support it from the rear?) and even how you built your eidolon itselr (is it a killipede bruiser tank, or a more fragile skilldolon), etc.

If you're just looking for some synergistc combinations without caring about ranking them, here's a few:

- Summoner // Bard - Hand back and buff your eidolon and party. Bard gives you a good reflex save, lots of skills (including face), and good uses for your actions when spells aren't necessary.
- Summoner // Mesmer - as Bard, but even more subtle. This would probably be my personal favorite.
- Summoner // Bloodrager - Second best "fight alongside my eidolon" choice. First would be:
- Summoner // Magus (Eldritch Scion) - All the reasons Magus is the best boxed gish are still here, and the summoner list doubles your allotment.