I want some of my bad guys to have Galleys with zombie rowers.
Since I need about 60 zombies on the oars this exceeds the command level of all but a few, very High level Casters. The zombies are to be just rowers and not combatants unless attacked.
Anyone have any idea on How I can do this and not have a High level on board at all time?
One Idea is multiple casters each controlling say 10 of em, another is that the zombies are not actually controlled, just monsters rowing a boat. not sure how the second one really works, but not all zombies are controlled. some just exist. If you have a magic item sending out a command to all creatures in an area with the simple command row... row... row... might also work. I dunno if there is a symbol that will do that, but if there is one, mark the mast with enough runes to make it permanent. then chain all the zombies to the oars. Or just create a symbol that does that.
60 zombies?
Command Undead -- no hit dice limit lasts days per level (before you extend it) and doesn't allow a save throw for unintelligent undead, so it's great off of wands and what not (especially if you have an ability allowing you to use your caster level instead of the wands).
Manacle zombies to oars.
Zombies obey the last command given IIRC - the crew of low-level negative energy channeling types command an oar or two at a time and bid them to row. Live crew is required to steer.
Note that the zombies never tire, but fine maneuvering gets tricky ...
A symbol of persuasion created by a mage that can charm undead will work well for this. if the caster is at least lvl 6 the permanent symbols last an hour, so have 24 of them with the command "when symbol x expires, symbol y starts". the main thing that i wonder about is what kind of mage can charm undead, spellcasters are not my strong suite, so for that you will need some other advice.
A symbol of persuasion created by a mage that can charm undead will work well for this. if the caster is at least lvl 6 the permanent symbols last an hour, so have 24 of them with the command "when symbol x expires, symbol y starts". the main thing that i wonder about is what kind of mage can charm undead, spellcasters are not my strong suite, so for that you will need some other advice.
Undead Bloodline sorcerers and Dirge Bards can.
And this is why the Industrial Revolution never came to Golarion...
And this is why the Industrial Revolution never came to Golarion...
Tell that to the glass industry, the presses of Galt and the gunworks of Alkenstar.
I would chalk it up more to the continuous impending dooms (starfall... death of Aroden... etc) that keep getting dumped on the planet.
It was a joke.
Let's see if you can spot the irony.
If they're just supposed to be rowers then do you really need special rules for them? Can't you just treat them as you would a steam (or any other kind of) engine?
Instead of coal you need to stock up on dead bodies and necromatic spell components at every port, instead of a engineer you have a necromancer, etc....