Summoning • Nature Magic
Summon Nature’s Ally I
Summon Nature’s Ally I calls one temporary natural creature to fight, guard, scout or perform another simple task. Pathfinder 1e and D&D 3.5e retain the spell by name; the Witch archive preserves it at 1st level as part of its legacy list.
Summon Nature’s Ally I at a Glance
| 5.5e / 2024 | No named Summon Nature’s Ally I spell in SRD 5.2.1 |
|---|---|
| 5e / 2014 | No core spell by this name |
| Pathfinder 1e | Druid 1, Hunter 1, Ranger 1, Shaman 1 |
| D&D 3.5e | Druid 1, Ranger 1 |
| Legacy Witch archive | Listed as Witch 1 |
Spell Rules by Edition
5.5e / 2024
Status: no named Summon Nature’s Ally I spell appears in SRD 5.2.1. Use the current edition’s own summoning spells rather than importing the older creature list.
5e / 2014
Status: no core spell by this name. Later fifth-edition summoning spells use different stat blocks and procedures.
Pathfinder 1e
| School | Conjuration (summoning) |
|---|---|
| Level | Druid 1, Hunter 1, Ranger 1, Shaman 1 |
| Casting Time | 1 round |
| Components | V, S, DF |
| Range | Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels) |
| Effect | One summoned creature |
| Duration | 1 round/level (D) |
| Saving Throw | None |
| Spell Resistance | No |
The ally appears where designated, acts on the caster’s turn and follows commands it can understand. A summoned creature cannot use its own summoning or planar-travel abilities and must be summoned into an environment capable of supporting it.
Pathfinder 1st-level list: dire rat, dog, dolphin, eagle, giant centipede, fire beetle, mite, poisonous frog, pony, stirge or viper.
D&D 3.5e
| School | Conjuration (Summoning) |
|---|---|
| Level | Druid 1, Ranger 1 |
| Components | V, S, DF |
| Casting Time | 1 round |
| Range | Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels) |
| Effect | One summoned creature |
| Duration | 1 round/level (D) |
| Saving Throw | None |
| Spell Resistance | No |
The summoned creature appears where designated and acts immediately. It attacks enemies to the best of its ability unless directed otherwise. It cannot summon another creature or use teleportation or planar travel.
3.5e 1st-level list: dire rat, eagle, monkey, octopus, owl, porpoise, Small viper or wolf. Aquatic creatures require a suitable watery environment.
What Changed?
Pathfinder expands class access and uses a different creature list from D&D 3.5e. Fifth edition does not retain this numbered Summon Nature’s Ally progression.
Best Uses
- Flanking and pressure: place an ally where it immediately threatens an enemy.
- Scouting: choose a creature suited to the terrain and senses needed.
- Blocking: occupy a doorway or force an opponent to spend movement dealing with the summon.
Counterplay and GM Rulings
- Dispel Magic: ending the summoning spell dismisses the creature under normal PF1e/3.5e rules.
- Environment: a creature cannot be summoned where it cannot survive or function.
- Commands: communication determines how precisely the caster can direct a creature beyond attacking obvious enemies.
- Witch status: inclusion on the preserved Witch archive does not automatically add the spell to the Pathfinder Witch list.
In Play
The spell turns local fauna and fey-touched nature into short-lived battlefield allies. A Witch using the legacy archive may describe the same mechanics as a patron sending a creature, a spirit briefly taking animal form or an old pact with the land.
Related Spells
Summon Nature’s Ally II · Summon Nature’s Ally III · Summon Nature’s Ally IV · Witch Spell Lists
FAQ
Does the summoned ally arrive immediately?
After the 1-round casting time completes, it appears and acts under the edition’s summoning rules.
Can a summoned ally summon more creatures?
No. Both PF1e and 3.5e prohibit a summoned creature from using its own summoning ability.
Rules References
Sources and Licensing
Rules-source boundary: modern-edition status panels are kept separate from legacy mechanics. No modern conversion is implied unless a panel explicitly provides published rules.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and Revised System Reference Document rules material identified as Open Game Content is used under the Open Game License v1.0a. Original explanations, comparisons, rulings, setting material, tactical guidance and the primary illustration are SpiralWorlds editorial material except where another credit is stated.
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