Aristocrat as a PC class

[Prime32]

Can't remember if I've done this before. The basic idea is: Leadership is pretty broken, right? And the aristocrat class is Tier 6. So maybe if they're combined, and given some extra features you'll get something playable. (Naturally, the standard Leadership feat is banned if this class is allowed)

Maybe the ability to gain multiple cohorts, to use Bardic Music, or to gain any magic item.

[Prime32]

(Work in progress)

Lv	Class Features
1	Reputation
2	-
3	Cohort
4	-
5	-
6	-
7	-
8	-
9	-
10	-
11	-
12	-
13	-
14	-
15	-
16	-
17	-
18	-
19	-
20	-

Followers: An aristocrat has a number of NPC followers. Most of these followers are non-combatants and are required for the maintenance of the aristocrat's holdings - thus they will not accompany the aristocrat on adventures. However, as he gains levels

Attain item:

Skill focus (Diplomacy):

Request skill check:

Inspiration:

[archangel.arcanis]

There is also a Noble class in the DragonLance campaign book pg 50-51. You might want to look at it as well for ideas. In particular the ability to call in favors is kinda nice at times, helps as a catch all to get info or supplies kinda like bardic knowledge does for knowledge checks.

[Sohala]

Minor spell casting would not be to out of line would it? Like level 3 or 4 spells nothing higher and only minor blasting, heavy on deception, okay protection, charisma based of course.

[Prime32]

Minor spell casting would not be to out of line would it? Like level 3 or 4 spells nothing higher and only minor blasting, heavy on deception, okay protection, charisma based of course.

Well, maybe some way to avoid having your mind read...

See Kubota from OotS, though he had levels in a PrC with "aristocrat-friendly prereqs".

[VennDygrem]

I'm not sure Aristocrats should get spellcasting, even if limited. Maybe other types of Supernatural abilities that reproduce the effects of certain spells, but you'd have to select them fairly carefully. Focus on influencing others, through deception, diplomacy, inspiration, etc.

[veekie]

Well, you could probably fold in some of the warlord's aura-type stuff if hes going to rely on his retinue to do the butt kicking. Sort of a 'Great Leader' sort.

[DavidWL]

Hmm.  Look in my signature at Sam.

Some example class features:

• bonus feat every 4 or 5 levels, which must be chosen from:

Leadership, Improved Cohort, Undead Leadership, Mercantile (can be taken after 1st), Landlord, etc.  (There is some feat that lets you get items as if the size of a city is 1 larger, ...)

• Level 1 - gets a +1 level bump in "effective" level ... for things related to class feats ... (feats gained through this class - not "normal" feats).  Example (Sam the Aristocrat 12) has an effective level of 13 for the purposes of leadership, landlord, etc.
• UMD, Diplomacy, Intimidate as class skills

Best,
David

[Amechra]

There needs to be a class feature called "Screw the Rules, I've got Money". I have no idea what it would do, but it would fit the theme perfectly.

Alright, now for a serious one.
Diminish Costs (X/2)% and Greater Returns X%
X starts at 10 (DC at level 3, and GR at level four), and goes up 10 every 2 levels.

DC lessens the costs of buying stuff by whatever percent the feature comes out with, ending up at 50% costs
GR raises the selling price of anything you are trying to sell (and/or gain through landlord, for example) by that percent, up to a 100% increase.

Nifty, huh?