There is a trick (or exploit of the monster AI) that I found very useful. Send your summoned monster in front of your party and let the horde attack it. As soon as the enemies starting off to your summoned monster, cast Otiluke's Resilient Sphere on your pet. The horde will concentrate on your pet while your party fire AoE spells and ranged attacks from a distance. What's the best? When the sphere wear off, your pet is at full health and can take down whatever "almost dead" enemies left. It is best combined with Spike growth, cloud kill and other lasting AoE spells. What do u think?

Cool. I'll have to try that one.

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Most Subtle Official Straightman of the Laughing Hyenas -- Grammarian Brigade.