Animate Dead - Spell-like ability

[Quasqueton]

Spell-like abilities are just like magic spells but without components. So a maralith using animate dead (at will) does not need the 50gp opal. Walking through the remains of a battlefield, this demon can animate 6 zombies or 13 skeletons each round.

Is this correct?

Quasqueton

 

[Murrdox]

That would be correct. A spell-like ability is simply an ability that mimics the EFFECT of a spell. The ability doesn't mimic the CASTING of the spell, which is what is involved with the material components.

 

[Dr_Rictus]

Mind you, it couldn't control all that many of them thereafter, but it probably wouldn't care to.