I'm happy to see the fighter's class skills getting an overhaul in the PRPG Alpha rules...but I think it could go one small step further. I've never understood why Fighters don't have access to Knowledge (local) and Knowledge (nobility) as class skills. The way those skills are partitioned out, it makes it seem like access to the nobility is somehow more of a primary attribute of clerics and wizards than fighters...and I just don't understand that rationale. Most members of the typical aristocracy in a campaign setting evolve from the fighter class moreso than any of the other classes.
In addition, what does it matter if Knowledge (local) is provided as a class skill option for virtually any PC? And, more specifically, if fighters are expected to interface with the local militia, townsfolk, etc. in order to provide security...and carouse with the locals in virtually any tavern, I don't think it's such a stretch to imagine Knowledge (local) in their class skill list. Why does it have to be a cross-class reach for them?
So, if an important skill like Survival can now find its way into the fighter's class skill list to reflect his affinity for hunting and taming the wilderness, I say go ahead and add Knowledge (nobility) and Knowledge (local), too. The fighter's total skill choices will remain the same, but at least these skill options open up some further character concepts a bit more for him...especially fighters within the noble class or the urban-based thug.
My two-cents,
--Neil
Signed!
I would also suggest to REMOVE Knowledge (Local) from the Wizards List!
"We are WIZARDS, boy! We have better to do, then care about those simple-minded townsfolk!"