Delving into the Social Standing of the Summoner: Class and Character in Literature and Games

Whether the Summoner is lower class depends entirely on the context. In Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, the Summoner is a member of the clergy, placing him within a specific social stratum but not necessarily defining him as strictly lower class. His moral corruption and interactions with the lower classes might lead to that perception. In video games like Terraria and Final Fantasy, the Summoner is a character class focused on summoning creatures or spirits. Class here refers to a game mechanic, not social standing, and all races and backgrounds may become one.

The Summoner in Literature: A Study in Morality and Social Perception

The Canterbury Tales: A Corrupt Official

In Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, the Summoner is a complex and rather unsavory character. He is an officer of the ecclesiastical court whose job it is to bring people accused of sins before the church. However, he is notoriously corrupt, taking bribes and extorting money from the very people he is supposed to be judging. This abuse of power immediately casts him in a negative light.

While his position places him within the clergy, it doesn’t necessarily equate to a specific social class. The medieval clergy was diverse, with members drawn from all social strata. The Summoner’s interactions predominantly with the lower and middle classes, whom he preys upon, and his own morally questionable behavior, contribute to a perception that he lacks the refinement and values associated with the upper classes.

His association with the Pardoner, another corrupt figure, further solidifies his image as someone operating outside the bounds of traditional social hierarchies and moral codes. Their shared journey, filled with drinking and revelry, suggests a detachment from the responsibilities and expectations typically associated with their supposed positions in the church. Therefore, while not explicitly labeled as lower class, the Summoner’s actions and character firmly place him outside the realm of respectability and within a morally compromised space.

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The Summoner in Gaming: A Powerful Archetype

Terraria: Power Through Minions

In the world of Terraria, the Summoner is a character class focused on wielding minions to fight enemies. Social class isn’t really a thing. The Summoner’s strength lies in strategic gameplay and resource management. The player’s character is more an avatar of the player than a persona with the biases of a social class.

Final Fantasy and Other RPGs: Mastering the Art of Summoning

Many Role-Playing Games (RPGs) feature a Summoner class. They evoke legendary entities and summon their power to the battle field. In Final Fantasy the Summoner is a vital class in the game, dealing large amounts of damage to the enemies and providing support for the party.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Summoner

1. What exactly is a Summoner?

A Summoner is generally understood as someone who practices evocation, the act of calling upon or summoning spirits, deities, or other entities. In literature and games, the specific interpretation of this role can vary significantly.

2. Is the Summoner a morally good character in The Canterbury Tales?

No. The Summoner in The Canterbury Tales is portrayed as a morally corrupt figure who abuses his position for personal gain. He’s a prime example of hypocrisy within the church.

3. Is the Summoner class viable in Terraria?

Yes! The Summoner is a viable class in Terraria, although it requires a strategic approach due to its lower defenses. With the right equipment and playstyle, Summoners can be incredibly powerful.

4. What stats does the Summoner use?

In most games, the Summoner’s stat depends on the source of power or type of creature being summoned. Charisma is generally used to determine the creatures’ hit points and how long they may stay summoned.

5. How do you become a Summoner in Final Fantasy XIV?

In Final Fantasy XIV, you must first reach level 30 as an Arcanist. Once you meet this requirement, you can complete the Summoner job quest to unlock the class.

6. What are some of the best weapons for a Summoner in Terraria?

Some of the best Summoner weapons in Terraria include the Blade Staff, Raven Staff, Dark Harvest, and whips like the Firecracker and Kaleidoscope.

7. What armor is recommended for Summoners in Terraria?

Recommended armor sets for Summoners in Terraria include the Spooky Armor, Tiki Armor, Obsidian Armor, Bee Armor, and Stardust Armor.

8. Is the Summoner class difficult to play in Terraria?

The Summoner class in Terraria can be challenging due to its low defenses and active playstyle. It requires strategic minion placement and careful dodging to survive encounters.

9. Why is the Summoner in The Canterbury Tales considered corrupt?

The Summoner is considered corrupt because he takes bribes, exploits his position to extort money, and engages in other unethical behaviors that contradict his role as a church official.

10. What is the best race for a Summoner in RPGs?

The best race for a Summoner often depends on the specific game and its mechanics. However, races with bonuses to Charisma or other relevant stats are typically favored.

11. Is the Summoner a DPS (Damage Per Second) class?

Yes. The Summoner functions as a magical ranged DPS class, dealing damage through their summoned creatures.

12. What role does the Summoner play in Final Fantasy XIV?

In Final Fantasy XIV, the Summoner is a ranged DPS job that utilizes summons to deal damage and support their allies.

13. What is the lore behind the Summoner’s horns in some games?

While the details vary, the horns sometimes symbolize a connection to otherworldly entities or a heightened sensitivity to magical energies, facilitating communication with summoned creatures. Whether they are natural or part of the outfit varies between games.

14. How does a Summoner differ from a Necromancer?

A Summoner generally calls upon a variety of entities, while a Necromancer specifically summons the spirits of the deceased. Necromancers are often associated with darker themes.

15. How can I improve my skills as a Summoner in Terraria?

Practice, experimentation with different weapons and armor combinations, and a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns are all essential for improving your skills as a Summoner in Terraria. Learning to maximize your minion damage is also key.