So... I'm looking for some good features that'll help spice up the RP. Something on par with 3.5's Dragonmarks or d20 Adventure!'s background feats, things that offer minor little in-game mechanical perks but come with great big story targets painted on the player's back. Any suggestions?
The ideal scenario would end with one that lets the Aristocrat class be a solid choice, at least for two or three levels. Something that lets me be a solid contributor to the party... but probably not for anything involving combat.
The Leadership feat might be a possible choice if I can make it to level 7 (effectively being a character who's little more than the head of an organization that's friendly to the party, though if I'm starting at level 6 that's less likely.) Similarly, feats or features that can help with finances, having allies or mentors in unexpected places, access to peculiar items or resources, strongholds or bases of operation or homes, or the like.
I've not ruled out the Pathfinder Chronicler prestige class, though I also feel like I can do a smidge better than that. Any suggestions?
Sound like you are looking for Story Feats.
I don't know that any feat is going to make Aristocrat a viable contributing member of the party (you might look at Vigilante if you want some of that flavor) but the Dynasty Founder story feat gives you leadership based followers (at low levels if taken, but no cohort) and if you later take leadership it ups your leadership score for your followers.
Sound like you are looking for Story Feats.
I don't know that any feat is going to make Aristocrat a viable contributing member of the party (you might look at Vigilante if you want some of that flavor) but the Dynasty Founder story feat gives you leadership based followers (at low levels if taken, but no cohort) and if you later take leadership it ups your leadership score for your followers.
Ahh... yes, I hadn't heard of these. I like the sound of them! Thanks.
Kobold Quarterly had something called "Death Feats," which are feats you qualify for once you've died and been brought back. I thought they were really intriguing. They were in issue #10. There's also a link to some discussion here.
Maybe not 100% useful in this case, but...