[RPG] Any reason to take an Unchained angel eidolon, aside from fluff

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I've read through the subtypes. From what I've seen almost all subtypes have some sort of natural weaponry (aside from the angels, archons, …).
Additionally most weaponry-like and damaging evolutions are only for demons, daemons, and proteans, and not for angels.

So I'm wondering, is there any reason for taking angels instead of any of the other types? Fluff aside, is there some rules-wise saving grace there?

Best Answer

Angels have a few things going for them, but you're right that they're generally sub-par.

Advantage 1 - Resists: Angels get more built-in resistances than any other subtype except demons (and if demon is an option for you, angel probably isn't).

Advantage 2 - Alignment: Angels can be chosen by pretty much any non-evil summoner. Agathaions and especially azatas are pickier about who they'll work for.

Advantage 3 - Flight: Flight is something just about every eidolon is going to want eventually (except possibly ranged weapon eidolons), and angels get it for free. Admittedly, so do azatas (angels' main competition in the eidolon subtype department), but it's still a reason to look down (literally) on most other subtypes.

Generally speaking, angels are the go-to choice for summoners who want an azata but either 1) aren't "ideologically pure" enough to recruit one, or 2) want to trade some damage potential for tankiness. Also, angels are still better than archons in almost all cases.

There are generally two optimal paths for building unchained eidolons: a weapon-wielding biped, or a pouncing quadruped (serpentine forms have some unique options but ultimately aren't as effective). Azatas are the undisputed champions in the biped category, but if for some reason you don't want or can't take an azata, an angel is one of the better remaining biped subtypes.

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