5 Ways To Master Pathfinder Animate Dead

In the vast world of Pathfinder, mastering the art of necromancy can be a game-changer for any spellcaster. One of the most iconic spells in this school of magic is Animate Dead, which allows you to bring the deceased back to life to serve as your loyal minions. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the Animate Dead spell and provide you with 5 ways to master it.

Understanding Animate Dead

Before we dive into the strategies, it's essential to understand the basics of the Animate Dead spell. This spell is a 5th-level necromancy spell that allows you to animate a number of corpses equal to your caster level. The corpses can be of any creature type, including humans, animals, and even undead creatures. The animated corpses are under your control and can be used to attack your enemies, guard a location, or perform other tasks.

5 Ways to Master Pathfinder Animate Dead

1. Optimize Your Spellcasting Ability

To master Animate Dead, you need to optimize your spellcasting ability. This means choosing a spellcasting class that has access to the necromancy school of magic, such as the Wizard or Sorcerer. You should also focus on increasing your caster level, as this will allow you to animate more corpses and control them more effectively.

2. Choose the Right Corpses

The type of corpses you choose to animate can greatly impact the effectiveness of your spell. When selecting corpses, consider the following factors:

Strength and Dexterity: Choose corpses with high Strength and Dexterity scores, as these will be more effective in combat.
Special Abilities: Consider corpses with special abilities, such as flying or swimming, which can be useful in specific situations.
Resistance to Damage: Choose corpses with resistance to certain types of damage, such as fire or cold, which can make them more durable in combat.

3. Use Animate Dead in Combination with Other Spells

Animate Dead can be even more effective when used in combination with other spells. Consider the following spell combinations:

Blast of Frost: Use Animate Dead to create a group of undead minions, and then use Blast of Frost to deal damage to a large area.
Wall of Bones: Use Animate Dead to create a group of undead minions, and then use Wall of Bones to create a barrier to protect them.
Suggestion: Use Animate Dead to create a group of undead minions, and then use Suggestion to make them more effective in combat.

Pathfinder Animate Dead Spell Combinations

4. Control and Command Your Minions

Once you have animated your corpses, it's essential to control and command them effectively. Consider the following tips:

Use Clear Commands: Use clear and concise commands to control your minions, such as "attack" or "defend."
Use Gestures and Body Language: Use gestures and body language to communicate with your minions, such as pointing to a target or using a specific hand signal.
Use Magic to Enhance Control: Use magic to enhance your control over your minions, such as using the Dominate Person spell to make them more obedient.

5. Prepare for the Consequences

Finally, it's essential to prepare for the consequences of using Animate Dead. Consider the following:

Reputation: Using Animate Dead can damage your reputation, especially if you are seen as a necromancer who controls undead minions.
Morality: Using Animate Dead can also raise moral questions, especially if you are using the spell to control the undead against their will.
Consequences of Failure: Consider the consequences of failure, such as if your minions turn against you or if you lose control of them.