Summons to build a strategy around....

[Lazy_Perfectionist]

It's a bit much for just a thug, but don't forget the Spectral Mage (Summon Spectre, Conj6, 20 death gems). Reasonably affordable for a nation with death income, it's better than a Revenant and Black Servant combined. 25 hitpoints, MR 16.

You can drop the Rod of the Leper King and still lead shades, and use your life drain. Depending on randoms and boosters, you can battle-summon skeletons as well, to 'flesh' out your forces, metaphorically speaking.