Malconvoker help

[ConBrio]

So I need some advice about a Malconvoker build.

My DM is starting us in a campaign at level 15. I've decided to go with one of these builds mentioned in the handbook:

Conjurer (UA variants: Rapid summon, Enhanced Summon) 10/Malconvoker 5/Master Specialist 4/Paragnostic Apostle 1
(Augment Summoning increases to +6/+6 plus Fast Healing 5)

Conjurer (UA variants: Rapid summon, Enhanced Summon) 5/Malconvoker 5/Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil 7/Archmage 3
Takes advantage of the nice IotSV abilities while maintaining summoning ability.

The party composition is likely going to be a Cleric, a Warblade, a melee class not from TOB, and a Druid. The DM hinted that most (nearly all) of the enemies will be evil outsiders (demons). We are also unlikely to make it past level 15, since this campaign will be a short lived one.

With that in mind should I go for Conjurer 10/Malconvoker 5, or are the wards gained from 5 levels of IOTSV worth the (minor?) loss in summoning power?

[caelic]

Depends on how "pure" you want the concept.  IotSV is always worth taking, and you'll be gaining more in power than you lose.  On the other hand, it's not all that thematic for a summoner; it's just good when added to anything.  IotSV is the bacon of prestige classes.

[sirpercival]

Depends on how "pure" you want the concept.  IotSV is always worth taking, and you'll be gaining more in power than you lose.  On the other hand, it's not all that thematic for a summoner; it's just good when added to anything.  IotSV is the bacon of prestige classes.

Which is more bacony, Iot7V or Incantatrix?

I personally wouldn't go anywhere near Conjurer 10.  That's too many dead levels (sure, full casting, but no class features).  How about Master Specialist?  Or, you know, Incantatrix?  You could play with some Thaumaturge, too.  Really, anything but Conjurer 10.  The enhanced summoning is just not worth it compared to other stuff you could get.

[Endarire]

Awhile ago i posted my LOES summoning build.  Parts of its legality were questioned, but Conjurer5/Malconvoker5/Incantatrix4/Paragnostic Apostle1 was my favorite build.

[bionicgeek]

Another decent option is to ditch the wizard levels entirely and go for archivist as your base casting class.  Archivists make obscenely good malconvokers and offer more in the way of class features for those 10 levels you mentioned.

[Halinn]

Another decent option is to ditch the wizard levels entirely and go for archivist as your base casting class.  Archivists make obscenely good malconvokers and offer more in the way of class features for those 10 levels you mentioned.

The rapid summoning conjurer ACF is amazing for a malconvoker, though.

As others have stated, you're not really getting much out of the extra conjurer levels. Consider this option: (Focused) Conjurer 3/Master Specialist 2/Malconvoker 5/Master Specialist +5. Any extra levels to go in master specialist.

[Unbeliever]

I say ditch the Iot7V.  It's good, but its entry costs are high. 

But, the real reason is that you said this was a short campaign.  The Iot7V muddies your concept (summoner).  It also adds yet more mechanics to what is already a very complicated character -- a full caster is a lot on its own and you're adding a horde of minions to that.

[ConBrio]

Another decent option is to ditch the wizard levels entirely and go for archivist as your base casting class.  Archivists make obscenely good malconvokers and offer more in the way of class features for those 10 levels you mentioned.

Eh I don't want to play an Archivist though. I also like the Conjurer benefits.

Anyway based on the feedback I'll probably go IOSTV.

I say ditch the Iot7V.  It's good, but its entry costs are high. 

But, the real reason is that you said this was a short campaign.  The Iot7V muddies your concept (summoner).  It also adds yet more mechanics to what is already a very complicated character -- a full caster is a lot on its own and you're adding a horde of minions to that.

Eh. I do want to focus primarily on summons, but I am not adverse to stuff that makes my character better even if it isn't thematic.

As others have stated, you're not really getting much out of the extra conjurer levels. Consider this option: (Focused) Conjurer 3/Master Specialist 2/Malconvoker 5/Master Specialist +5. Any extra levels to go in master specialist.

What book is MS in? And what makes it worth it over: Conj 5/Mal 5/ISOTV 5?

[Halinn]

Master Specialist is in Complete Mage. The main benefits over Io7V is less bookkeeping and no prerequisites. It's a bunch of fairly minor benefits, but it beats levels in wizard, and it's easy to keep track of. The 10th level benefits are nice, though. Even if you go Io7V, you still want to take the first two levels of MS, since you won't be giving up anything that matters, but will be gaining a free feat.

[bionicgeek]

I seem to remember something about Paragnostic Disciple (SP?  I'm away from my books at the moment) having an excellent ability for summons?

[ConBrio]

Master Specialist is in Complete Mage. The main benefits over Io7V is less bookkeeping and no prerequisites. It's a bunch of fairly minor benefits, but it beats levels in wizard, and it's easy to keep track of. The 10th level benefits are nice, though. Even if you go Io7V, you still want to take the first two levels of MS, since you won't be giving up anything that matters, but will be gaining a free feat.

So you would recommend:

Conjurer 5/Malconvoker 5/ISOTV 3/Master Specialist 2?

[Halinn]

So you would recommend:

Conjurer 5/Malconvoker 5/ISOTV 3/Master Specialist 2?

Conjurer 3/MS2/Malconvoker 5/Io7V 5

[ConBrio]

So you would recommend:

Conjurer 5/Malconvoker 5/ISOTV 3/Master Specialist 2?

Conjurer 3/MS2/Malconvoker 5/Io7V 5

Alright I'll check it out. Thanks.

[Rebel7284]

Binder 1/Conjurer 4/Anima Mage 10.

There is that vestige that allows you to summon monster every 5 rounds as a caster of your binder level.  In addition, the Anima Mage capstone is amazing.

[ConBrio]

Binder 1/Conjurer 4/Anima Mage 10.

There is that vestige that allows you to summon monster every 5 rounds as a caster of your binder level.  In addition, the Anima Mage capstone is amazing.

The problem is that vestige is from an online source. I don't know if my DM would allow it.

[Rebel7284]

Binder 1/Conjurer 4/Anima Mage 10.

There is that vestige that allows you to summon monster every 5 rounds as a caster of your binder level.  In addition, the Anima Mage capstone is amazing.

The problem is that vestige is from an online source. I don't know if my DM would allow it.

Ask.  It's a very accessible 100% official source and has great flavor for what you are trying to do.

Also, note that shadowcraft mage can summon extremely well too.  As in, you will be casting summon monster 9.

Example:

Conjurer 5/Mindbender 1/X 1/Shadowcraft Mage 3/Malconvoker 5 ask if emulating summon monster counts as casting it.

Metamagic reducers + Twin Spell is a fun route to follow too.