Problem with 1500 is you can't take a lvl 4 vamp, you can but he will be really squishy and unable to deal maximum punishment.
At 1500 I typically run a lvl 4 MN with BP, MoD (because I like skellys). You could give him some type of ward save too. Lvl 4 really gives a nice spell package and some decent dispel defense. Throw in a scroll caddy backup and a lightly equipped vamp for CR insurance in the skellys. There plenty of good stuff to be had at 1500. For core i like to take obligatory zombie bunker and at least 2 units of 5 wolves. Spread the rest out on skellys, one unit larger. 28 GG w GW, 6 CH, and a SH or two depending on what else you give vamp or MN. Its a force that is very balanced and when used right plays just how I like it, persistent in damage and immovable. Just protect that bunker!