I particularly like something like:
NE Azurin
Swift and Deadly Hunter Druid 1 (Urban Familiar alt class feature from the Cityscape web articles)/Sorcerer 1/Incarnate 18 (or Incarnate 5/Necrocarnate 13)
You can use Hidden Talent: Psionic Minor Creation feat to qualify for Psicrystal Affinity.
Take Share Soulmeld and Necrocarnum Acolyte.
You get a psicrystal and two familiars which can be small enough to stay on your shoulders/head with no issue. Plus all kinds of other meld sharing. Dissolving Spittle gattling gun is really strong at level 3, dealing up to 8d6 acid depending on how your 4 attack rolls go.
Share a bound Necrocarnum Circlet with all three of them which gives you and your familiars total control over four pretty strong, possibly intelligent, zombies of up to your HD-2/your meldshaper level. It's like getting four cohorts, though it's dependent on what you can go kill and animate.
If you go the Necrocarnate route, you can get 8 zombies of 13 HD and have yourself a little swarm, though the PrC has some issues.