Do Summon Elemental HLA's become worthwhile in the update?
![Kaydubbed](https://forums.beamdog.com/uploads/userpics/330/nT2HPV7VBIYMX.jpg)
I read that elementals are now much stronger with the new update. Are they now worth taking as Priest HLA for my druid avenger, or should I stick to others? Also, which HLAs should I take by the time I max out?
0
Comments
What about it makes it bugged?
Also, where can we see the specific changes to the elemental summoning? The change sheet was not specific.
Long answer:
The spell will cast alright, its just that for its description they are weaker than they should be given they are 16 hit dice elementals. When it comes to the fire elementals you summon from it other than their health there isn't anything different when it comes to their stats when compared to a the weakest form of Fire Elemental summoned with the 6th level Conjure Fire Elemental spell (which is a 12 hit dice creature). Basically creatures that should be identical stat wise aren't.
http://forum.baldursgate.com/discussion/37947/elemental-summoning-higher-level-ability-should-summon-16-hd-elementals-not-level-12-elementals
The main change to elemental summons was to grant them increased strength based on their level. The biggest change is for fire elementals created using the Conjure Fire Elemental spells, because those spells used to frequently create fire elementals with only 14 or 18 strength (depending on their hit dice they now have either 18, 20, or 23). How high their strength is makes a difference in how often they will hit and the damage they will inflict.
If they made it work correctly even better.
In ToB, summons are mostly optional. Except against Sendai and the final battle.
I did notice they are stronger now, and it's good thing. Made this pretty good ability into a great one.
Back to my original question, what HLA should I pick for my avenger? I am dualing with Imoen
Everything else is pretty evenly split.
Energy Blade would be a good spell to have if you are looking for something to throw from a distance. The elemental transformations are decent as well though they are much better if you are part fighter. Mass Raise Dead is good if you want a good mass healing spell.
If Imoen is going to be using Summon Planetar then that reduces the need to take Summon Deva (you can only have one out at any time).
Otherwise outside of the Elemental Transformation abilities all your choices here are still going to end up taking up level 7 spell slots. So there isn't much to be gained over what you already have available (considering that by that point you will have access to level 7 spells like Nature's Beauty, Earthquake, Creeping Doom, and Fire Storm).
If u wanna go big mean melee machine, try using Aura of Flaming Death+Globe of Blades+Regeneration and Iron Skins, and have Imoen cast Improved Haste on you. Did that with my dualed Ranger/Cleric wielding Crom Faeyr and FoA. Soloed several fights in BP2 using that combo. Not sure if those are all available for druids, though.