(Brought over from a different board for more opinions)
So my group and I have been playing a campaign for over a year now and we decided it was time for a small change of scenery and have adapted some of the mini and big bosses we've fought over time into PC's to re-tell the story of our current world. (Basic backstory: Eberron, a very powerful lich has taken a permanent foothold in the world, creating a working undead metropolis, and is bent on world domination. Random smattering of heroes come together to drive back the forces of doom one black-ops-esqe surgical strike at a time, undead are literally everywhere, there is much explosions, swordplay, roleplaying ensues, everyone has fun, etc.)
The specifics are really in-depth and complex, and i would be hard-pressed to type all of the specifics down here but think Karrnath, only instead of humans, you have Necropilitans everywhere, open trade agreements with surrounding countries, political repercussions for our current heroes' actions, etc.
But thats enough about the past, back to the mini campaign we want to start up. We're taking the Lich (pre-lichification) and his lieutenants and starting our conquest from day 1.
I picked a particularly nasty Undead Werewolf our DM used in the original campaign as my PC. Gave him a nifty backstory. (Natural Lycanthrope beta male, damned by pack's spiritual leader during combat for cannibalizing what little remains of their pack, turns into a ghast -> meets pre-lich lich, sees potential for power and leadership he couldn't have in life in the un-life, becomes a devout follower/bodyguard/general eventually leads undead forces in battle to appease his master and bolster their ever-growing forces)
Then i got stuck...
Natural Lycanthrope + Undead = something like 12 ECL for not 1 class level (Using Libris Mortis Ghoul/Ghast Monster Class with Lycanthrope Template) if my math is correct... or ECL 7 if i use grave-touched ghoul. I've also considered making him a Death Knight, but thats just silly, even though it fits the concept.
We get to start at level 10, have access to pretty much any 3.5 book out there (subject to DM approval). As of now, the party is a little caster heavy, (3/5), so melee ability is important to me.
My eyes are bleeding from trying to make this PC as fun and min/max'ed as possible, but i just cant seem to get it right. I'd love to incorporate some type of necromantic casting or ability to raise followers, but Casting levels will be horrendous.
I was originally thinking (using Gravetouched Ghoul) of a Cleric/Bone Knight to gain access to the ability to command a small Undead force of my own, but I seem to lose a lot, (see: BAB, CL's), just because of the LA =/
Im open to changing race, classes etc. but the basic formula is Natural Lycanthrope + Undead Army General + Unholy Melee Combatant = win
So i turn to the forums for guidance, How would you craft this Undead Lycanthrope Monstrosity 1 - 20?