Aristocrat as a viable PC class.

[Pseudonym]

I have a player who wants to create an aristocrat PC. The class seems a bit underpowered compared to the core PC classes, but I've never seen it in actual play.

Has anyone used the aristocrat as a PC class in their game? How did it work out?

 

[Xagunder MacFaileas]

Tell him to use the Noble's Handbook from Green Ronin Publishing's Master Class line. It will give him the sort of class he's probably looking for, with class abilities that will not only make him comparable to his fellows' characters, but make him useful to the party as well.

 

[BSF]

It's designed as an NPC class, so it is underpowered. You might take a look at 3rd party books for some options. AEG's Swashbuckling Adventures has a Noble Core class that might work. I haven't looked at the Nobles Handbook by Green Ronin, but it too has a Noble Core class. As far as balancing out the Aristocrat for a PC class, I don't have any solid ideas.

 

[Chauzu]

Or you can try the Courtier class from Rokugan D20.

 

[hunter1828]

There is also the Noble base class in the Dragonlance campaign setting.

hunter1828

 

[Nightfall]

I think the Noble class from Dragonlance is probably a better PC choice. But hey if he wants to be an Aristocrat, just remind me he won't be much of a frontliner or anything else that matter.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

I've struggled with that question, too. One thing I've considered is giving them access to the leadership feat (possibly free) at 4th level - so that they can have a bodyguard type and a retinue.

Maybe bonus feats at 2nd and 6th level as well - and every other level afterwards, taken from a diplomacy/culturally-focused list.

 

[Nightfall]

True but let's face it, a aristocrat WAS indeed as an NPC class. Not a PC class.

 

[Michael Tree]

If you want a more magical/eclectic/jack of all trades approach, use could just use the bard class, and base all your bardic "music" abilities on Perform (Oratory). Then watch Branagh's Henry the Fifth and memorize all the speeches.

 

[Nifft]

I have a Homebrew Aristocrat Class:

http://klimt.cns.nyu.edu/~fishman/DnD/new-classes.shtml

It's based on the idea that Aristocrats are:
1) Rich;
2) Leaders; and
3) Focused on staying alive.

It's got:
- Average BAB (3/4)
- 6 Skill Points/level, and a large list of skils
- Free Leadership at 6th level, and some Leadership bonuses
- All good saves (!!!)

-- N