that wasn't actually the original intent of the post.

While the power is significantly reduced, it is still possible to approximate old concepts with templates: NPC wizard + Lich + Dread Master enables a hint of Xykon: blasty wizard who can create undead in emergancies. Not an exact match, but a rough idea.

In same way, Berzerker Fighters make pretty fair barbarians.

I would use Wizard Dragons (or dracoliches) for replicating some of the flavour of old Forgotten Realms.