Magical Subjects

Characters pick their best stat to determine how many of a given type of Magical Subjects. This gives the base number of hit-dice the character can control at maximum. This is then multiplied by a multiplier DEPENDENT on their level (but not actually their level). This refers to the TOTAL number, not any one spell - if a spell allows fewer, use the spell -for that casting- of the spell.

Thus a character is limited to a number of undead from Animate Undead but could, ultimately, have an army of the undead if they are a sufficiently high level with a good intelligence. It also means a character might have tons of low level characters doing their bidding - or a single major character.

Summoned Creatures (Intelligence, Charisma) Bound Undead (Intelligence, Wisdom) Controlled Constructs (Intelligence, Wisdom) Enchanted Thralls (Wisdom, Charisma)

maybe something like bound undead and constructs can be increased by having them be given a simple order which they will continue to operate on until given a new order (for instance: don't let anyone enter unless they wear this. Orders with exceptions). To give a new order is a 1st level spell or cantrip. Others are bound directly. We can call these Bound vs. ... what,reserve? Maybe levels of control like this:

Will Control - command as passive action, they always do what the controller would have wanted them to do, regardless of the perception of the controller.

Total Control - command as free action

Limited Control - Control as a Cantrip (standard action or as part of another spell directed on them)

Faint Control - Control as a 1st Level Spell Casting

No Control - Once created, cannot change orders. Does not have effective limits on numbered created unless specifically stated then.

Also an action to exert influence over a low level of control applies to those with a higher level of control too, if you wish.

We might need to see if there's a spell for Control undead to assert control over undead not bound to you.

Animate Dead = 1 skeleton or zombie per level of caster, so we'll convert that into hd for purposes of Total Control. Double that for Limited, double THAT for Faint, double THAT for No Control. Oh and half base for Will control. You can mix and match!