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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dastari" data-source="post: 3976928" data-attributes="member: 38358">I've always felt that D&D has left out one of the classic fantasy archetypes in not having a PC aristocrat class. I'm not sure what I'm going to call my class yet to differentiate it from the NPC class but I feel like such a thing ought to be created. Originally I had the idea of the aristocrat being a field commander to lend aid to comrades but then I read about the Marshal class in the Miniatures Handbook and that was to close. Then I had the idea of their gaining some abilities from other classes without ever specializing. Then I read about the Factotum class and that seemed to close. So I'm back to square one but I want to complete this class before 4th edition comes out. The one unique thing that I've always had in mind for this class that no other class has is that they would gain leadership as a bonus feat at 6th level and that they would get leadership bonuses as their class progresses. Otherwise, the aristocrat class from pg 108 of the DMG would be the base. They'd have a D8 hit die, 4+int modifier skill points, the same class skills shown there, the medium base attack bonus, the good will save, proficiency with all simple & martial weapons, armor, and shields. As a first level benefit they also get more starting gold than any other class. I think that this balances them pretty well against other classes at first level. They have moderate amount of hit points and have been exposed to weapons and armor but they have never been able to train at combat like a fighter so they have the medium attack bonus. They also have access to a wide variety of skills but don't get many skill points, reflecting the fact that they don't have a lot of time to pursue study for its own sake. Aristocrats also tend to have forceful personalities so a good will save makes a lot of sense there. I'm also thinking about giving them a +2 bonus at first level to diplomacy and bluff. I'm not sure if I should move that to second level though since the increased starting gold is pretty darn sweet. So does anyone have any ideas what else to do with this class to give them benefits that increase over time? I still think that aristocrats ought to be able to create benefits in combat even if only as morale boosts. Comments are appreciated.</blockquote>

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