I'm sure that I have seen a thread discussing Hamun Kost's ability to control undead in LMoP but I cant find it! If I'm wrong, then I pose this: how do you explain his ability to control 12 zombies at once? By my estimate he would need to be 8th level to be able to cast animate dead enough times to do so unless he has a permanent magic item that allows him to do so (he would actually be able to summon 14 minions at 8th level.) This would also deplete his 3rd and 4th level slots and leave him possibly without higher level spells depending on what time of day he casts them and what time of day my players meet him. I'm just asking as my players will be a bit less likely to want to chat (2 chaotic neutrals, 1 lawful evil and 2 chaotic evils) and are prone to starting a fight just for fun. I know he's a small part of the adventure but it will make for an interesting scenario if it does come to blows.
Best explanation I have is the an NPC ability called "Story-Element", and I can be cast as a cantrip, and does whatever the stoy needs it to do :p
I dont think there is a mcechanical explanation for such things (and I dont think it should be).
He controls them because of plot.
If that doesn't work for you, then say a higher-up wizard in his order created them and controls them, but gave the zombies instructions to follow Kost's commands until told otherwise.
Nah, I worked him up to 8th level and they'll have to deal with it!
An 8th level wizard and a great number of undead ?
A bit harsh dont you think ?
Probably not. He's actually a quest-giver anyway, pointing PCs to Wyvern Tor and Conyberry.
"The Red Wizard is not particularly aggressive, and he is willing to strike a deal that advances his interests at the same time it helps the characters."
Not that I see much value in messing with his stats to justify his control over a dozen zombies.
Yeah, but the necromancy thing had my cleric attacking him after a few words :p
of you ha e a pallen or devoted cleric that might happen 