Occasionally, a human noble and an elf will marry. Their half-elf children are brought up in luxury, with the best schools and tutors money can buy. Although almost any character may be a member of the aristocracy, not all are eligible for the Aristocrat kit. The Aristocrat is a foppish, swashbuckling dandy who combines swordplay with lessions in sorcery. The Aristocrat is the epitome of elegance and wit.

Requirements:

Aristocrat PCs must have a Strength of 9 or greater, and Dexterity and Intelligence scores of 13 or higher, and a Charisma of at least 14.

Role:

The Aristocrat excels at three arts: fencing, sorcery, and looking good. She prefers to use light "gentleman's" weapons rather than the bastard swords and battle axes. Aristocrats' abilities and status make them tend to feel that they are better than others. This usually annoys other characters, but their wit and charm makes Aristocrats hard not to like. The Aristocrat can be honorable and naive, a fun-loving prankster, or a spoiled machiavellian conspirator.

Secondary skills:

Usually none; Aristocrats don't need to earn a living.

Weapon proficiencies:

All the Aristocrat's initial proficiencies must be filled with the following weapons: main gauche, rapier, sabre, stiletto, and crossbow (hand or light). The Aristocrat may specialize in one of the above weapons, and once specialized, she may never specialize in another weapon.

Nonweapon proficiencies:

Bonus: Etiquette, Heraldry, Reading/Writing. Recommended: Animal Handling, Animal Training (falcon), Dancing, Riding (Land-Based), Appraising, Disguise, Gaming, Tumbling, Spellcraft, Musical Instrument.

Equipment:

See below.

Special benefits:

The Aristocrat starts with twice as much money as a normal fighter. She also may be able to demand shelter in many places (especially from other nobles). Aristocrats may take rgue proficiencies at the normal cost. Because of an Aristocrat's debonair charm, a bonus of +3 is given on reaction rolls to members of the opposite sex. When armed with the specialized weapon, the Aristocrat gets a +1 bonus to her armor class due to extensive training from childhood.

Special hindrances:

An Aristocrat will not tolerate shoddy goods and services, and demands the best that money can buy. In game terms, this relates to being charged 1.5 to 2 times the normal prices for items. Less may be accepted in an emergency, but if it becomes a habit the benefits of this kit may be lost. Other wealthy individuals may also demand shelter from the Aristocrat.