Low-level aminamation

[WarlockLord]

Are there any 1st or 2nd level spells that would give me the ability to raise undead? I have nothing against animate dead, but don't want to wait until 6th level for my dread necromancer (at least, if I use arcane disciple: Undeath). Anything?

 

[Hedgemage]

If you are a Necromancy specialist wizard and use the variant rules
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/specialistWizardVariants.htm
your necromancer gets a skeleton warrior that advances in power instead of a familiar.

 

[Darklone]

If you are a Necromancy specialist wizard and use the variant rules
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/specialistWizardVariants.htm
your necromancer gets a skeleton warrior that advances in power instead of a familiar.

I like that one as well, that undead bodyguard works very nicely if boosted with the right spells...

The problem here, again: D&D clerics are better necromancers than the necromancy wizards

Aren't there the Summon Undead spells available that used to be in the 3.0 splatbooks? I guess these are what you are looking for.

 

[lonesoldier]

I think there's Summon Undead I - V in Heroes of Horror. It's in Libris Mortis too. Those will likely tide you over until you hit a high enough level.

EDIT: Just checked my books. They are there.

 

[Darklone]

Thanks, these spells help here a lot... get that Augment Summoning feat.
And use the variant rules to augment your created undead as well posted in the link above.

If your DM is generous, he will allow you to apply the enhanced attributes to your familiar skeleton warrior. In fact, I believe it's by the rules.
Sadly, the skeleton does not gain feats...

Is there some possibility for an arcane spellcaster to get Desecrate? It's such a nice buffing spell for undead.

Otherwise: Get equipment. Low HD undead can be much stronger if you give them weapons and armors.
Tensers Floating disc helps you to carry some heavy armors and weapons, then Summon your Undead INTO the armors

And you'll find out that a single ghoul or ghast will be much more effective if he's hidden in a group of zombies and skeletons with the same armors.

 

[lonesoldier]

Regarding Augment Summoning. Don't forget your undead have no Con score. So the only bonus from the feat is the +4 Str. Though I suppose this is offset by their d12 Hit Die.

Is there some possibility for an arcane spellcaster to get Desecrate? It's such a nice buffing spell for undead.

Doesn't seem like it, nothing in LM or HoH anyway. Perhaps a scroll and someone with Use Magic Device? Mayhaps there be a rogue in the party?

 

[WarlockLord]

One can use arcane disciple, undeath domain. One gets animate dead at 3rd level as well. However, summoning sux at 2nd level.