CHOICES

  Rhys clearing his throat. “Tanner we will go over you first, then Mick. We need to show the party your Status Sheets as we go over everything. This is one of the best learning experiences you guys will get. So everyone needs to pay attention. Lets get camp set, then we can go into things, all right guys?”

  “Yes Sir.” The two young men chorus in a slightly disappointed way.

  Bree smiling, “We have all night guys, best if we don’t rush this.” After setting camp, the fire banked, food prepared and with full bellies. The group sitting around the fire turns as one, looking at Rhys. “Fine, fine you guys have been patient. Let’s see those Statuses. Tanner?”

  Tanner’s Class Choice

  *****CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE REACHED A MILESTONE. LEVEL 10. YOUR HARD WORK HAS PAID OFF. YOU CAN NOW CHOOSE A CLASS******

  CLASS CHOICES ARE AS FOLLOWS: NOTE HAVING AN ORIGIN ESSENCE AFFINITY HAS INFLUENCED YOUR CLASS CHOICES. EXPOSURE TO OTHER ORIGIN ESSENCES HAS INFLUENCED YOUR CLASS CHOICES.

  COMMON: WARRIOR DUEL WIELD, THIS AGILITY BASED WARRIOR CAN USE A WEAPON IN EACH HAND EQUALLY WELL. UTILIZING FOOT WORK AND MOVEMENT SKILLS THIS WARRIOR EXCELS AT DAMAGING OPPONENTS, QUICKLY TAKING THEM DOWN.*****NOTE WILL SYNERGIZE WITH YOUR ARCANE AFFINITY TO BECOME THE * ARCANE KNIGHT * CLASS (THIS IS CONSIDERED A OFFENSIVE CLASS). THIS WILL UPGRADE THE CLASS TO UNCOMMON.

  UNCOMMON: MENOCTE WARRIOR, THIS WARRIOR USES THE MARTIAL SKILLS OF THE FIERCE FIGHTERS OF THE MENOCTE ISLANDS. WEAPONS IN ONE OR BOTH HANDS. SHORT SWORDS, LONG KNIVES, BATONS OR EVEN EMPTY HANDS-- IT IS ALL THE SAME. THESE FIERCE WARRIORS FEAR NO ONE. ARMED WITH ONLY A STICK THESE WARRIORS HAVE TAKEN ON OPPONENTS IN FULL PLATE AND WON DECISIVELY. ***** IF CHOSEN THIS CLASS WILL CHANGE DUE TO YOUR ARCANE AFFINITY, TO BECOME * ARCANE MARTIAL ARTIST (RARE) * (THIS IS CONSIDERED AN OFFENSIVE CLASS). YOU WILL HAVE DISCOVERED A NEW FIGHTING DISCIPLINE.

  RARE: ARCANE BATTLE MAGE. THIS CLASS USES THE FIGHTING SKILLS OF A WARRIOR AND THE SPELL CRAFT OF A MAGE TO DEVASTATING EFFECT ON THE BATTLEFIELD. ARCANE ENERGY WILL EMPOWER WEAPON’S STRIKES, ARMOR AND SPELLS. ARCANE POINTS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE INSTEAD OF HIT POINT AND MANA POINTS. (THIS IS CONSIDERED AN OFFENSIVE CLASS)

  EPIC: ARCANE MAGE, FORE GOING THE USE OF ALL WEAPONS, THIS CASTER CLASS EXCELS IN THE USE OF SPELLS OF ALL TYPES. THIS CLASS REPLACES THE USE OF MANA WITH ARCANE ESSENCE FOR ALL SPELLS CAST. THE SUBSTITUTION OF ARCANE ENERGY FOR MANA INCREASES SPELL EFFECTS, DURATION, AND DAMAGE FOR ALL SPELLS CAST. NOTE HIT POINTS, AND MANA POINTS COMBINE TO BECOME ARCANE POINTS. DAMAGE TAKEN AND SKILL USAGE ARE SUBTRACTED FROM ARCANE POINTS. (THIS IS CONSIDERED AN OFFENSIVE CLASS)

  UNIQUE: THIS CLASS WILL BE UNIQUE TO YOU. **** ARCANE MASTER ***** THIS CLASS WILL COMBINE THE TALENT * ARCANE MANIPULATION (LEVEL 5). ALL ARCANE SPELLS. DAMAGE BONUSES, AND THE SKILLS: * STUDY BECOMES * ARCANE STUDY. YOU WILL BECOME A MASTER OF ARCANE ESSENSE MANIPULATION (WITH EFFORT.) THE ONLY LIMITS ARE YOUR IMAGINATION. (THIS IS CONSIDERED A UTILITY CLASS, HOWEVER CONTROL, DEFENSE, OFFENSE, FRONT LINE, DAMAGE AT ANY RANGE AND EVEN HEALING ARE ALL POSSIBLE)

  “Wow Tanner these are amazing choices.” Claire is the first to speak.

  “Yes these all look like they will be powerful choices.” Bree says absentmindedly, as she studies the Class listings. “This is one subject I wanted to discuss at dinner before we had to enter this dungeon. I have had every researcher I could, looking into Origin Essences. Arcane, Primal, and Celestial are Origin Essences. We verified that Origin Essences are in fact a combination of two or more Prime essences. Arcane is a combination of the Prime Essences Mystical, Void, Ethereal, Astral, Eldritch, and Temporal. All the Essences that High Mages would use. So, in a genuine sense, Arcane Essence is the source of all High Magic. The objects that emit Essences emit these Origin Essences into our world. They somehow are broken down into sub-essences. We have adapted to using the sub-essences. Tanner can use one of the sources. The research team found a manuscript that was almost all intact. They are currently duplicating it. This has given us clues on where to look for more information on the Origin and Primal Essences. It also showed what we have suspected is, in fact, true. Tanner has been using Arcane Essence on the rest of you without realizing it. So, your attributes maxed out for your Tier. Also, why you all have been getting and learning new skills, and Spells so fast. Maybe even why Connie gained her talent so quickly. Connie has had the potential to develop the talent. But most likely would have seen it showing up mid to high Tier One. Tanner aided in developing it much faster by exposing her to Arcane Essences. Do not be surprised at some of the Class choices the rest of you may get. Claire, your Affinity, Primal is divided into the Prime subsets of Seasons, Tempest, and Elemental. Connie, we have found the elements Light and Dark, along with Divine and Infernal, are a part of Celestial. That is everything we know so far.”

  Rhys, clearing his throat to bring attention to him, speaks up. “Now to the subject at hand, Tanner’s Class choices. Tanner, the path you want to take is your own. Do not worry about the rest of your party’s opinions on what you should take. The path belongs to you. To put it in a way you are familiar with. They can not walk it for you. We should debate the options as a group. This may help to solidify your choice. In addition, it will help the rest of the party understand your class skills and limitations. All of you keep in mind the higher the rank, the more experience to level the Class. However, it will usually be more powerful.”

  Tanner standing to his feet, “Thanks in advance to everybody for your help with this. The Arcane knight class is a solid no for me. I lack the ambition for the front line. I can do it. Doing it holds no appeal for me. The second choice sounds amazing. I dreamed of becoming a Martial Artist, and love the discipline I have found. The Menocte Way for me is very profound. But the class I feel is too limited. So that is a no as well. I need input on the remaining choices.”

  RARE: ARCANE BATTLE MAGE, THIS CLASS USES THE FIGHTING SKILLS OF A WARRIOR AND THE SPELL CRAFT OF A MAGE TO DEVASTATING EFFECT ON THE BATTLE FIELD. ARCANE ENERGY WILL EMPOWER WEAPON’S STRIKES, ARMOR AND SPELLS. ARCANE POINTS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE INSTEAD OF HIT POINT AND MANA POINTS. (THIS IS CONSIDERED AN OFFENSIVE CLASS)

  Connie hesitantly speaks up, “This seems to be what you are already doing?”

  “I agree.” Claire chimes in. “We have all seen you enhance your weapons from time to time.”

  “Who can forget the full body shield. Glowing armor how cool is that?” Jackson pipes up.

  “We have all seen you cast Bolt through your weapons.” Mick answers.

  “So we have an agreement that this is a more formalized class for the way Tanner has been fighting. Tanner how do you feel about it?” Milena asks him.

  Lost in thought, Tanner looks off into the distance. Bree speaks up. “In one word, Tanner, how would you assess your fighting style?”

  Tanner looks at her with a smile, then says, “Limited.”

  Bree, smiling back, “Now explain.”

  Tanner, getting slightly excited, explains. “I feel, I have not been as effective as I could be. I feel like I am not using my full potential, if that makes sense?”

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  “It makes perfect sense. These types of feelings are key indicators of if a class is right for you. Tanner likely already knows what class he is going to pick.” Bree explains.

  “If that is the case why are we doing this?” Mick asks.

  “A few reasons.” Bree answers. “First, this is one of the most important choices you will make in your lives. It is not to be made lightly or on a whim. Second, this discussion helps to visit the reasons for or against a class. The shiny, cool class may not be a good fit for you. Discussing this with friends and family can help settle one’s mind and help focus on the pros and cons of each class you may not have thought about. Third, this will help the rest of you when the time comes to make your own choices. Fourth, this is classroom time. You are still in school after all.”

  Rhys, smiling at Bree’s statement, asks Tanner. “Will this be a no? It sounds as if you do not like the choice.”

  “It’s not that I don’t like it. I do. It just doesn’t feel right. That is why I am saying no.”

  EPIC: ARCANE MAGE, FORE GOING THE USE OF ALL WEAPONS THIS CASTER CLASS EXCELS IN THE USE OF SPELLS OF ALL TYPES. ALL THIS CLASS REPLACES THE USE OF MANA FOR ARCANE ESSENCE FOR ALL SPELLS CAST. THE SUBSTITUTION ON ARCANE ENERGY FOR MANA INCREASES SPELL EFFECTS, DURATION, AND DAMAGE FOR ALL SPELLS CAST. NOTE HIT POINTS, AND MANA POINTS COMBINE TO BECOME ARCANE POINTS. DAMAGE TAKEN AND SKILL USAGE ARE SUBTRACTED FROM ARCANE POINTS. (THIS IS CONSIDERED AN OFFENSIVE CLASS)

  “Okay this concerns me. Can I even heal him if he takes either of these last two Classes?” Connie starts the discussion.

  “I believe we can.” Rhys answers, breaking the startled silence, “Arcane has many sub-essences that deal with healing when broken down. How effective the heals will be I have no idea.”

  “I honestly never even thought of that.” Tanner admits. “I see why the discussion is good for us. Wow.”

  “Connie you are a wonderful treasure.” Bree says, walking over to the young adventurer and embracing her in a tight hug.

  “I think Tanner could be an incredible Mage with this class. You would have all the High Mage type essences to use. You could do some really wild spells like a frozen fire ball.” Jackson says excitedly. “That would be pretty awesome to see.” Everyone smiles.

  Iris asks, “But this is really just a super powered Mage class, isn’t it? No offense Tanner”

  “None taken all inputs and observations are welcome while we do this.”

  Mick speaks up. “I agree with Iris. This class will make you some kind of super Mage.”

  Lilli, looking over Tanner’s Status, observes, “You have to give up all of your hand work on your weapons skills.” Everyone goes silent, contemplating Tanner without his defining fighting style.

  Claire, with a thoughtful look at Tanner, breaks her silence. “Tanner you need to accept the Arcane Master Class.”

  As silence comes over the group. Tanner nods his head in agreement. “That will allow me to do everything all the other class choices offer. Does anyone have anything to add? Out of all the choices, the Unique Class is the one that stands out to me. I can use everything to the fullest. I can be a mage when needed. I can still step in and fight the melee. It is possible for me to learn control spells. I can learn a few Healing spells and serve as a backup for Connie or Iris if they become busy or exhausted from using Mana. It really just makes too much sense for me.” The decuplet all nod their heads in agreement.

  “It is your choice Tanner no one can make it for you. You are the one that has to live the choice.” Rhys gently says to him.

  Bree nods her head at him proudly. “Make the right choice for you.”

  “I chose Arcane Master.” Tanner says, standing tall and proud.

  UNIQUE: THIS CLASS WILL BE UNIQUE TO YOU. ****ARCANE MASTER***** THIS CLASS WILL SYNERGIZE WITH THE TALENT: * ARCANE MANIPULATION (LEVEL 5). ALL ARCANE SPELLS. DAMAGE BONUSES AND THE SKILL: * STUDY, WILL BE INFLUENCED BY ARCANE ESSENSE. YOU WILL BECOME A MASTER OF ARCANE MANIPULATION (WITH EFFORT). *** NOTE *** HIT POINTS, AND MANA POINTS WILL COMBINE AND CONVERT INTO ARCANE POINTS. *** THE ONLY LIMITS ARE YOUR IMAGINATION. (THIS IS CONSIDERED A UTILITY CLASS, HOWEVER CONTROL, DEFENSE, OFFENSE, FRONT LINE, DAMAGE DEALER, EVEN HEALING, ARE ALL POSSIBLE WITH EFFORT). ***** +10 TO AP, +5 TO MIND. + 5 TO BODY. +4 ATTRIBUTE POINTS TO ASSIGN PER LEVEL.

  “Tanner after we are done with Mick, we will have to practice with these new powers of yours.” Bree says to both boys. “Mick your turn.”

  “Okay here are my choices. I already know what I want to choose but a discussion will still help.”

  Mick's Class Choice

  *****CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE REACHED A MILESTONE. LEVEL 10. YOUR HARD WORK HAS PAID OFF. YOU CAN NOW CHOSE A CLASS******

  CLASS CHOICES ARE AS FOLLOWS: NOTE YOUR EXPOSURE TO ARCANE, PRIMAL AND CELESTIAL ESSENCES OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD. ** THIS HAS INFLUENCED YOUR CLASS CHOICES.

  UNCOMMON: SHIELD BEARER, ** CLASS EVOLUTION DUE TO EXPOSURE TO ARCANE, PRIMAL AND CELESTIAL ESSENCES ****RARE: BASTION ***** NEW CLASS HAS BEEN CREATED, ***THIS AGILITY BASED WARRIOR IS ABLE TO USE A WEAPON IN ONE HAND AND A SHIELD IN THE OTHER. UTILIZING FOOT WORK AND FIRM STANCES THE BASTION EXCELS AT BLOCKING OPPONENTS WITH SHIELD SKILLS. WHILE ROOTING OTHER OPPONENTS IN PLACE. BASTION’S CONTROL THE BATTLE FIELD WITH THEIR SHIELD AND CONTROL SKILLS, KEEPING THEIR OPPONENTS' ATTENTION FOCUSED WHILE THEIR TEAM MATES FREELY WREAK HAVOC BEHIND THE BATTLE LINES. ***** NOTE WILL SYNERGIZE WITH YOUR AFFINITY. (THIS IS CONSIDERED A DEFENSIVE CLASS).

  RARE: SHIELD KNIGHT, THIS WARRIOR USES FULL PLATE MAIL ARMOR, SHIELD AND ONE HANDED WEAPON TO FORGE A WALL BETWEEN HIS ENEMIES AND ALLIES. THE SHIELD KNIGHT USES WEAPONS AND SHIELDS TO INFLECT DAMAGE. THE SKILLS OF THE SHIELD KNIGHTS ARE LEGENDARY. *****IF CHOSEN THE CLASS MAY EVOLVE DUE TO EXPOSURE TO ORIGIN ESSENCE * **** (THIS IS CONSIDERED AN OFFENSIVE CLASS).

  EPIC: SHIELD MAGE, THIS CLASS USES THE FIGHTING SKILLS OF A WARRIOR AND THE SPELL CRAFT OF A MAGE TO DEVASTATING EFFECT ON THE BATTLE FIELD. MANA AND DAMAGE WILL BE USED TO EMPOWER WEAPON’S AND SHIELD MANIPULATION SKILLS AND SPELLS. CASTING SHIELD SPELLS IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES ON OR IN FRONT THEMSELVES OR OTHERS. USE CAUTION SHIELDS CAN BE DEADLY. THIS CLASS HAS BEEN INFLUENCED BY ORIGIN ESSENCE EXPOSURE. (THIS IS CONSIDERED AN OFFENSIVE CLASS).

  EPIC: TITIAN OF BATTLE BULWARK, BEARERS OF THIS CLASS CARRY THE FIGHT TO THE ENEMY, BRINGING THE THUNDER OF BATTLE FORTH TO SMITE THEIR FOES. OPPONENTS FEAR THE TITIAN’S APPEARANCE ON THE BATTLE FIELD TO THE POINT THEY ACTUALLY FLEE OR FREEZE IN TERROR. (THIS IS CONSIDERED AN OFFENSIVE / DEFENSIVE CLASS)

  “I will say this I am not considering bastion. So we can discuss the other ones.”

  Claire starts the discussion. “Well, we all know a Shield Knight, she’s pretty awesome.”

  “Penny.” They all shout together.

  “Oh that’s her class?” Mick asks, “I love to watch her on the field, she is really dynamic, but I am not sure that way of fighting is for me.”

  Tanner asks. “What about Shield Mage? It sounds like a balanced warrior/mage.”

  Milly, looking at Tanner, asks, “How do you figure that? I don’t see it”

  “He will still use his sword and shield, He will still have his warrior skills, but he will be adding shield spells that he can use for defense and offense.”

  Dylan scratches his head. “I can see throwing a shield in front of say Iris to protect her, but how offense?”

  “You can use the edge of a carried shield and do damage, why not the edge of a spell cast shield? If it is parallel to the ground and someone runs into it at neck high? Or ankle high and they trip and fall on it, then raise it up really high and drop them. Cast a round shield over someones head, will it cut of their air? Or even cut off their head? Maybe at higher levels? Lots of possibilities.” Tanner says with a shrug.

  Jackson, eyes wide with delight, adds. “What if he can cast them in a dome and trap enemies.”

  Tanner laughs. “That would be a good use too.”

  “You guys have brought up some points I never considered,” Mick rubs his chin in with a pensive frown.

  Karnna, laughing, says, “Here I thought it would be some prissy Mage class.”

  Karnna gets glares from all the Mages in the group. “Prissy?” Connie asks in a dangerous tone.

  Suddenly, Karnna shrieks and squirms and yells. “Ouch. What the hell was that?”

  Claire’s smirk firmly in place. “I pinched your butt.”

  Tanner, with an evil smile, “I tickled you.” Clair and Tanner turn to each other and fist bump. As Karnna stands, trying to straighten her clothes and rub her butt simultaneously. The others all laugh at her.

  “Okay, that joke was poorly considered on my part.”

  Connie, looking at Claire in speculation, asks. “Can I learn Mana manipulation?”

  “Oh Goddess NO.” Karnna says in horror.

  “Us Mages need to work on our fine control,” Jackson says trying to put a wise expression on his face.

  Laughing, Rhys orders, “Back on task guys.”

  Bree chuckles. “You will all need to get some sleep at some point. Tanner and Mick will have lots of practice to do after this. Back to it everyone.”

  Mick, starting out the next phase of the discussion, announces. “Actually I am choosing. It feels right to me.”

  EPIC: TITIAN OF BATTLE BULWARK, BEARERS OF THIS CLASS CARRY THE FIGHT TO THE ENEMY, BRINGING THE THUNDER OF BATTLE FORTH TO SMITE THEIR FOES. OPPONENTS FEAR THE TITIAN’S APPEARANCE ON THE BATTLE FIELD TO THE POINT THEY ACTUALLY FLEE OR FREEZE IN TERROR. (THIS IS CONSIDERED AN OFFENSIVE / DEFENSIVE CLASS)

  Promptly falling to the ground unconscious.