Noble Scion PrC

[Valdast]

So, what's the real effectiveness of this class?

Extra money is the first thing that comes to mind. The second is specializing into the party face, as a weaker Fighter type that has more money.

You get Leadership for free, and you also get a more effective Cohort at 7th level that has to take NPC classes.

Overall, two main followers, one of which has to take NPC classes and is two levels below you. As well, it could be an effective Skill-focused build, and 3 bonus feats from a specific list.

You don't have to actually spend money to pay for lifestyle and such after 4th level...

You loose three points of BaB, but the additional Will can help counterbalance your saves.

It seems to be an excellent party face though.

[karkon]

I had a player ask me to approve this prestige class but I saw no real benefit to it (especially as he is a full caster). I wrote up a couple feats ( minus the improved leadership) based upon the abilities of the prc.

[Azelyan]

This was a class I was looking at also. My idea for the character was making him a Prince. I was working around the foundation that he would have 2 levels of Paladin, 1 level of Oracle (or some lore warden since a prince presumably would be educated), 2 levels of Monk (MoMS). The character would be based around a prince and his entourage that would be fighting for him. Paladin/Monk levels would be explained through having the necessary privilage in training in a variety of areas.

He would not due a lot of damage, but give him a rapier of Puncturing, make him fight defensively with combat expertise. He becomes a decent enough tank character. Maybe see if down the road they would allow the use of extra cohort feat.

[Hector Gwath]

I would play one as a UMD fighter type. Use the extra cash on wands and scrolls.