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Table of Contents
Aristocrat Archetypes
Overview
Actually, I quite like the concept of an Aristocrat NPC class and it works quite well as it is - however, there are more possibilities. One thing is almost certain, they will have recieved specilist education and training, befitting their rank, somewhere.
Standard Aristocrat
This is absolutely brilliant for the son and (to a lesser extent) daughter who is going to fill the traditional Aristocratic role of Military Officer or Leader. It reflects the early medieval role of European aristocrats who earned their wealth and maintained their position by strength of arms - and certainly has an important place in most fantasy games. In my games it generally means that the NPC has attended a military School, served an apprenticeship as a military cadet, been trained at home or been fostered in a Noble house of some sort.
Aldori Aristocrats follow a different type of training, concentrating on light armour and the Aldori Duelling Sword. The more successful should, eventually, be able to qualify for the Swordlord PRC class.
- An Aldori Aristocrat is proficient with all simple & martial weapons and light armour (only).
- At first level Aldori Aristocrats gain the Exotic Weapon: Duelling Sword feat and the Sword Scion trait as a bonus feat.
- Restriction: Only Aldori families of the right standing will have Aldori trained Aristocrats in their number.
A typical Aldori Aristocrat might undertake some of their training in a cavalry unit.
Aristocrat with PC Classes
A particularly capable Aristocrat (ie a 15pt build) is able to progress in PC classes, and sometimes it doesn't seem right to make them start off with a single level as an Aristocrat. Traditionally, children not going to inherit titles could go into 'The Church' as an acceptable 'career', while in fantasy settings many families have links to specific philosophies, orders of knighthood or skills. In which case ties to a noble family will be represented with the Noble Scion Feat. It is flexible enough that it can work with all the PC classes although Fighter, with the Swordlord archetype, is probably the most suitable class. While some of these characters will be home educated - most will have had schooling with their Order, Church or at a Mage School.
Schooled Aristocrats
Later in history Finishing Schools were all the rage for young ladies of wealthy families, while The Grand Tour served to round out the young noble's education. This is my way of representing that.
A basic Curriculum for a Finishing School
Hansome’s College for Young Ladies - a typical finishing school graduate