Best Aristocrat/Noble base class?

[Wycen]

There is also the small Power Class pamphlet from I think Mongoose, for a Noble class...http://www.mongoosepublishing.com/series.php?qsSeries=Power Classes&qsTitle=Power Classes

 

[Buttercup]

I'll second the recommendation for the Green Ronin book. The Noble's Handbook is excellent, just like the rest of GR's stuff.

 

[Psion]

Of the various Noble type classes I have seen, I think I like the L5R/SA courtier is probably the most flavorful and competant, though it does sort of rely on you having political elements to your game.

 

[hong]

Of the various Noble type classes I have seen, I think I like the L5R/SA courtier is probably the most flavorful and competant, though it does sort of rely on you having political elements to your game.

Well, if a game really requires a noble class, it would probably have a major political/social dimension to start with. Otherwise there's not really much point to the class; you might as well play a fighter with an aristocratic backstory.

 

[Will]

I think the aristocrat NPC class is actually close to being a viable class. Fiddling with the 'class calculator' that's popped in and out of availability over the past year, I got somewhere around 90% PC class equivalent.

With social skills, and a decent number of skills, plus great proficiencies and decent combat ability, the aristocrat is pretty nice. Better than the other NPC classes, definitely.

To make them PC level, I'd probably give them an extra 2 skill points per level and a bonus feat every 5 levels (some special skill-heavy bonus feat list with perhaps a few combat and magic things).

 

[Snoweel]

For a good, all-round adventuring noble that's on a par with PC classes, use the standard DMG aristocrat with fighter feat progression (but no Weapon Specialisation) and free Leadership feat at 5th level.

Problem solved.

I don't know what the exchange would be, and to be honest I don't have a PHB to compare. But my gut says 1d4 x 1000 gold would be a bit much. The Fringer class gets 1d4 x 500, and they are by no means supposed to be wealthy.

Just use the DMG aristocrat's starting gold.

 

[thullgrim]

My suggestion would be to use a modified version of D20 Modern's Charismatic Hero. I think with a little modification it might fit the bill. Snoweel's suggestion above is good too, though I think you would have to generate a list of feats to restrict the bonus feat selection too. Using Snoweels suggestion along with the social feats from D20 Fading Suns might be an option too. Restrict every other bonus feat given to a social feat...

There is also a Noble core class in Swashbuckling Adventures

Thullgrim

 

[Dark Jezter]

Of the various Noble type classes I have seen, I think I like the L5R/SA courtier is probably the most flavorful and competant, though it does sort of rely on you having political elements to your game.

Psion is right, and I should have mentioned this in my first post. The courtier class from Rokugan is really only useful in social situations. In combat and most other areas, he is next-to-useless.

If you know that your campaign will rely heavily on social interaction with NPCs and political intrigue, the courtier class will be quite useful. If you are planning on a more traditional campaign that involves adventuring and combat, the courtier will be about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

 

[Mercule]

Of the various Noble type classes I have seen, I think I like the L5R/SA courtier is probably the most flavorful and competant, though it does sort of rely on you having political elements to your game.

Well, I really like political games and a poll I sent to my group indicates some interest on their part (more than have of the players indicated they'd like to see espionage/intrigue as a foundational theme), so I think the elements will be there.

Where would I find the L5R Courtier? Is this the setting for Oriental Adventures or is it from a 3rd party?

 

[D20 Addict]

It's scifi, but Babylon 5 has the Diplomat class. Just my two cents worth...