This is not a playtest review.
Noble is the fourth in Mongoose's Power Classes series, offering a new class which can be taken from 1st level.
Noble comprises 16 half-A4-size staplebound pages, cut vertically in the same manner as AEG's Adventure Keep modules. At $2.95, this is a very high price per page (AEG's Adventure Keep modules were $2.49 at the same page count). The inside covers are used for credits and OGL but, unlike AEG's Adventure Keep modules, information from the back cover is reproduced on the first page. Font size is good, margins are average (but due to the format are effectively doubled compared to an A4 size format) and there are a couple of instances of white space. The four pieces of mono internal art and the colour front cover are fairly average. Due to the nature of the content, the writing style is pretty mechanics-driven - what isn't mechanics-driven is fairly good. Editing also seems good.
Most of the book is essentially a new 20-level class, the Noble. The layout follows the standard template set by Core Rulebook I. The noble is a specialist in social settings. She has a d6 hit die, a Rogue's BAB, 6 skill points per level, and a sorcerer's Save progression. But the noble excels in the realm of interpersonal communication, with knowledge of the latest gossip, the ability to taunt and demean her opponents, enhanced Leadership, and the ability to rally allies like a bard. He can also use her power and wealth to influence others, with a number of class features that progress in power based on the social influence of the noble. She also has a choice of a number of social skills as she progresses in level, including such advantages as a powerful ally, the ability to smear someone's reputation, or a secret refuge, amongst others.
The last page contains a new minor artifact, the blade of nobility - a +2 keen longsword that grants a bonus to Charisma but has a dark secret attached to it. There is also a new feat, Well-heeled Family, which grants a bonus to Dilpomacy with those who know of your status, or to call upon allies.
Conclusion:
The noble seems a worthy addition to the standard classes. She may seem weak in a campaign which concentrates on dungeon-delving and combat, but will excel in role-playing-oriented and political campaigns. The choice seems a good one for groups who enjoy character development and encourages the GM to explore issues of nobility, rank and influence within her campaign setting. The value in terms of concept quality and the low price outweigh the high price per page of this accessory.
