animate dead HD limit

[ibuprofen87]

The rules text for animate dead states:

"No matter how many times you use this spell, however, you can control only 4 HD worth of undead creatures per caster level."

My question concerns effects that can increase this limit:

* Undead master - When you cast animate dead or use the Command Undead feat, you are considered to be four levels higher when determining the number of Hit Dice you ANIMATE

* Spell specialization (and other effects like Dhampir wizard favored class bonus) Treat your caster level as being two higher for all level-variable effects of the spell.

I have encountered numerous contradictory interpretations on the net for these as written, I'd kind of like to know what the general consensus if is there is one. RAW I can see undead master not applying but a permissive DM granting it as RAI (otherwise the feat is stupid). But for + caster level I am uncertain I could interpret the limit being by the game (e.g. any character normally controls a max of 4HD of animated creature) or through the spells (e.g. when you cast animate dead the spell checks if you exceed 4HD caster level in animated creatures).

edit: and an additional question that doesn't really belong in the form but I thought I'd add it: Is there any reason to specialize as a necromancer in general? I could be an evil cleric/oracle and be 100% as competent in another role, and just cast animate dead for 4HD on the side, or be a "necromancer" (etc juju mastery, undead lord archetype) and maybe get 5 or 6HD, but is that all the upside?

[Gilarius]

Animate Dead normally animates a total HD of 2x your level of undead. So two castings equals your control limit of 4x your level.

Undead Master is indeed rubbish, you can get a similar result by using some salt (I think).
Desecrate spell also changes the animation limit to 4x, so one casting equals your maximum.

And yes, you don't have to specialise to be able to have undead minions, although you do need a party and GM who are happy about you being evil.

[ibuprofen87]

Thanks. And sorry just to clarify: nothing other than Cruoromancer/blood command and oracle/juju mystery/Spirit Vessels increase the total amount of undead you control at one time?

[Skylancer4]

There are a few guides on doing the whole necromancer "thing" if you are interested in the concept. They typically list options and abilities that are good for you, and those that aren't/are trap options. You should probably do a search for them if you want to delve into more.