Summondepends

Summondepends is a coined term used in game design and fantasy writing to describe a class of mechanics in which summoned entities rely on conditional factors to remain active. Unlike independent summons, creatures or constructs described as summondepends are sustained by ongoing requirements that may be controlled by the summoner or by the game state.

Mechanics commonly associated with summondepends include resource upkeep, proximity or line-of-sight requirements, ritual items or wards, and state-based conditions such as mana thresholds or cooldowns. The duration, strength, or even behavior of the summon can fluctuate based on whether these conditions are met. Variants may feature multiple layers of dependency, where failing one condition weakens the summon or triggers partial dissipation, while maintaining all conditions keeps the summon at full power.

In practice, summondepends influence strategic choices. Players must manage resources, positioning, and environmental factors to maintain their summons. This can create dynamic encounters, since a once-powerful ally may quickly become vulnerable if a key condition is disrupted. Designers often balance summondepends by setting clear, predictable rules for dissipation and revival, preventing abrupt or opaque outcomes.

Etymology and usage: the term summarizes the idea of “summon” combined with “depends,” and is used variably across texts to describe conditional, upkeep-driven summons. See also: summoning, resource management, dependency mechanics.