[PF] Arcane Necromancer Advice

[hobbes1020]

For various RP reasons I've decided to build a human wizard necromancer for a Pathfinder campaign I'm playing in. I realize a wizard isn't the most efficient necromancer but it's what I've got to work with so I'm trying to make the best of it. I'm starting at level 3 with 20 point buy for abilities. Here is what I have so far:

Human Wizard, Necromancer specialist (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard/arcane-schools/paizo---arcane-schools/classic-arcane-schools/necromancy) with the Undead variant (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard/arcane-schools/paizo---arcane-schools/classic-arcane-schools/necromancy/undead), opposed schools are Abjuration and Enchantment.

Base stats are as follows:
STR: 7
DEX: 14
CON: 12
INT: 18 (20 w/ the +2 racial bonus)
WIS: 8
CHA: 12

I didn't dump charisma since it helps with Command Undead but perhaps 12 is too much?

For feats I was thinking of taking Combat Casting (given that so many Necro spells are touch it seems like this might be worth taking?), Improved Initiative, and Spell Focus (Necromancy). At level 9 I was thinking of taking Opposition Research (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard/archetypes/paizo---wizard-archetypes/arcane-discoveries/opposition-research) (Abjuration). I looked at the Skeleton Summoner (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/skeleton-summoner) feat but it kinds of feels like a waste of a feat for just the ability to apply a skeleton template to Summon Monster I and III.

For a familiar I'm on the fence between a greensting scorpion for the +4 init or a raven for RP purposes.

My goal is for the character to have the feel and creepiness factor of a necromancer without completely killing my ability to provide utility to the group.

Does anybody have any recommendations on how I can improve this build or perhaps I'm going in the wrong direction entirely? Please keep in mind that the character will be a human wizard and I realize it's probably the poorest mechanical choice for a necromancer. I'm looking for any feedback I can to salvage as much utility as I can. Input is greatly appreciated.

[RFLS]

That's a pretty solid way to do an arcane necromancer. I recommend not getting too wrapped up in selecting only necromancy spells, as there aren't that many great ones. Instead, pick one or two to prep, and then do a standard-issue wizard spell selection. You might want to take a look at the Agent of the Grave PrC when you get to that level, by the way.

[hobbes1020]

That's a pretty solid way to do an arcane necromancer. I recommend not getting too wrapped up in selecting only necromancy spells, as there aren't that many great ones. Instead, pick one or two to prep, and then do a standard-issue wizard spell selection. You might want to take a look at the Agent of the Grave PrC when you get to that level, by the way.

Yeah, especially in the early levels the Necromancer spells are pretty limited. Currently I've got a single necromancy spell for level 1 and 2 spells just to put in my specialization slot.