Wasn't the Effigy Master able to make all sorts of pets without worrying about HD limits? I'm going to make a bunch of Zombie Effigies, and laugh as the Cleric crumples into a heap screaming "WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME, O LORD?" when his Turn Undead fails.
Ahh yes, the Necrotic Tumour line of spells. One of the Evil Overlord's necessary tools. Infinite range destruction of anyone who steps out of line.