PART II - SPYCRAFT

Callie heard a deep, baritone chuckling to her right. Koda sat on one of the benches, eyes full of mirth at what Callie just had to go through. “The Cheetahkin can be hard to keep up with, sometimes,” he said.

“Yesterday she seemed mostly normal, but today …”

“She was trying extra hard to slow down and be your normal yesterday. But naturally, Cheetahkin are very ... chatty and emotive, with little filter to what they may say or do. So, now that she knows and likes you, and is comfortable around you…”

“She’s being her normal,” Callie said with a slight groan. “So she’ll be like this a lot?”

Koda nodded. “I’m afraid so. She means well, though."

Callie sighed. “I know. I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.”

“How’s Pixyl,” Koda asked, breaking Callie’s train of thought. “Her kick to the Dwarf was impressive, but it was good she was punished for it.”

“I know, but it still feels like the Dwarf deserved it. As for Pixyl, she’s sleeping. All of the reveals have been exhausting for her.”

“I’m sure. I hope she feels up to the festivities tonight. Word is that it will be a lot of fun.”

“I think she will be, with a little sleep and her reveals finally ending. How are you doing?”

“Good, good. I haven’t had any reveals for a while, so maybe I am through everything. I don’t feel like anything is missing from what I was told to expect, but I could yet be surprised.”

“Lucky you. I have a gut feeling I have a few more still. I haven’t received anything for hand-to-hand combat yet, except Instinctive Dodge. I know Rangers work with a bow primarily, but I’d think we would receive something for close range too. It feels like it’s lurking in the shadows of my brain waiting for the worst time to reveal itself.”

Callie had finally received her Electrical reveal while telling her story to Pixyl, which wasn’t much of a surprise, but she had also received two more that were unexpected. Rapid Fire and Burst Shot. The first was a little like Multishot, except it would shoot four arrows at a single target in rapid succession. Burst Shot, on the other hand, would create a flash and loud concussive blast where the arrow struck, so it was in many ways almost the same effect as Pixyl’s Flashbang skill, except in arrow form rather than emitting from her hand.

“I’m curious, what exactly is a Paladin, Koda?” Callie asked, changing the topic. “I heard Xin say it was a Warrior and Healer hybrid, but I’m having a hard time picturing what that would look like.”

Koda looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. “In group combat, you often need someone to be at the front and engage the enemy directly. We call this a Guardian role. Whoever this is needs to be able to take the hits, or avoid them, and keep whoever or whatever you are fighting occupied. That way, the ranged people, like you for example, will have time to get their attacks in from afar. A Paladin is one of these Guardian types, and to help absorb those hits, I have many shield skills. Plus, as a hybrid with Healer, I have ways to heal myself, and anyone close to me, so I can keep taking those hits.”

“So in groups, everyone has a specific role that they will play in a fight?”

“Right, Little One. Guardians engage the enemy hand-to-hand. You Rangers and other long-range damage types, like Xin for example, will hit them from afar. Strikers are a third role that concentrates on doing damage at close range. They run in and hit hard, but make sure to stay out of the way, sacrificing defense for offense. And finally, Healers concentrate on keeping anyone that is hurt from staying hurt.”

“I get it. It’s like … tactics.”

Koda nodded. “Exactly. These are the basics of four-role tactics. There are more advanced ones, but I don’t know how much we will be learning of them while we are here.”

“Interesting,” Callie said, pondering Koda’s tutorial. “So Pixyl would be one of those Striker types, right? And Lena, too, since she uses swords. Get in there and hit the enemy, but stay out of the way.”

“Lena is a Bladedancer, correct?”

“Uh huh.”

“A Bladedancer is a form of Guardian, believe it or not. But instead of taking the hits, like a Paladin does, a Bladedancer is able to block with her swords, and will dodge and parry the enemy, often able to counter-attack when a strike misses her.”

“Huh,” Callie said, trying to picture the two different styles of Guardian roles. “The end result is the same, though. Keep the enemy occupied so those that specialize in damage can do their thing.”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Exactly,” Koda said, pointing at the Gnome. “The training we receive here won’t just be how to use our skills. That is important, yes, but also how to work together in groups where everyone knows their role, and you can rely on someone fulfilling it without worry.”

“So what role does Tazrok take on as a Druid?”

The big Bearkin chuckled. “All of them. Druids are able to use their different animal forms to do whatever needs doing. They may be a Guardian, maybe as a strong, tough beast. They may be a fast and vicious creature, and thus would be one of the Strikers. And if not needed to do either, Tazrok will be able to cast spells from range, or take on the Healer role. Druids are the most-flexible of all the combat classes.”

Callie had perfectly understood that Tazrok was going to get different animal forms, but now that Koda had talked about tactics, she was able to truly see what a Druid’s flexibility could bring to the battlefield. Her mind wandered a bit, trying to imagine what kind of animals Tazrok might become for the two melee roles. At first pass, maybe a big bear as a Guardian seemed like a natural fit. As Striker, though? Maybe a great cat like a tiger? No, that was too small, and not really Ogre-like. Something with big claws for sure, though. “Maybe a giant honey badger,” Callie thought to herself with a laugh. “Because Tazrok won’t take no shit!”

Koda yawned, gazing into the overhead sun. He was relaxed and content, smiling his big bear smile.

“Strange question, Koda, but why do you know so much about this stuff? Tactics, that is.” Callie asked curiously. Koda’s knowledge of tactics and class capabilities seemed oddly deep compared to the rest of the recruits.

“I’ve been a Paladin and a town guard for over twenty years, Little One. I’ve unlocked several skills through luck and hard work, but never with a worm.”

“With all that knowledge and experience, you aren’t an officer? Why are you here?”

Koda patted the seat next to him. “If I tell you this, you must keep it a secret. Would you do that?”

Callie paused longer than she would have liked, before nodding and climbing on the seat next to Koda.

“I actually am an officer in my guard, but I am in disguise.”

“What?”

Koda thought for a moment. “I am here to see how this place works, but as a recruit. To take that knowledge back home to help with training our own militia members. Plus, I get my Symbiote, many new skills, and at least one additional tier for my work. I am currently Silver tier, so I will reach Gold for sure.”

“Does the Commandant know about this?”

“Oh yes, they do. As does the Legate, but only those two. When the term is finished, I will have learned Xera’s command techniques first hand, and can bring that home. I will also provide the Commandant veteran insight into how the experience is for the recruits, but from the recruit’s point of view. It is good for everyone.”

“So you aren’t Cursed and are not expected to go to the front?”

“I am not, on both points. Remember, some people need to stay back and maintain internal security. There are bandits to fend off, monsters that roam the lands and crime to keep in check. That’s my job, just as your job will be to go to the front lines.”

Callie pondered for a moment. “Why are you telling me?”

“I was going to find you to have this discussion later today, but you happened by. I am perplexed by the anomalies. The Goblin last term I heard about is intriguing, but now there are three of you this term. When the Commandant told me this, it caught my attention. I would like to know more.”

“Why?”

Koda seemed to think for a moment. “If this becomes common, I think these new combinations of race and class could lead to new skills and tactics. As an officer, innovating new ways to fight is critical.” He grinned and then added, “I also like mysteries.”

“What do you want me to do,” Callie said warily.

“I would like you to report to me information about the experiences each of you face. I think each of you are going to have very unique challenges, and understanding them could be helpful to my time here.”

“What kinds of things? I’m not a spy.”

“No no. Just general observations. And, of course, I ask you to keep my secret, so as to not hurt my work with the Commandant.”

“Ok, but what kinds of things should I report? I have no idea what might be out of the ordinary.”

Koda pondered for a moment. “For example, if any of you get any unique skills or perks that are related to your race and class. Or if some part of your training is far more difficult for you than it should be, or far easier for that matter. Truly, I am not sure what I’m looking for.”

“Why aren’t you just housing with us, then? It would be just as easy to get that information directly.”

“Everything with you three happened so quickly, there was no time to make that arrangement.”

“There is an empty bed,” Callie pointed out. “It’s Ogre-sized, but it’s available.”

Koda tilted his head in thought, before shaking it. “I’m housing with your fellow Rangers, Jesca and Thucax. I might learn things about your Ranger training from them that you wouldn’t think to provide. It’s just another way to get information. But if something changes, I’ll keep the open bunk in mind.”

“Koda, I’ll be really honest here. This feels a little shady,” Callie said with a skeptical sigh.

Koda huffed in laughter. “Yes, I can see why you believe that. I swear everything I said is true. You could even ask the Commandant if you wished.”

“Yeah, I don’t think the Commandant and I are going to be having anything to do with each other,” Callie said, still feeling bad for accidentally hurting them.

“Did something happen between the two of you?”

Callie waved her hand dismissively. “It doesn’t matter. Look, will you promise me this is legitimate? I have a bad tendency to believe what people tell me, so you’re only going to get one shot to be honest with me.”

“I do swear, Callie. Nothing evil or dishonest intended. Truly just a desire to learn from the inside, and a separate curiosity about the anomalies.”

Callie looked at Koda skeptically.

“On my honor, Callie.”

“Fine,” Callie said. “I’ll think about being your spy. But I will keep your secret about being in disguise. But if I ask Xera about you and they don't know what I’m talking about…”

Callie slid off the bench, giving Koda a healthy measure of side-eye, trying to see if there was any inkling of dishonesty. Nothing. How the hell did she get roped into some secret spy stuff? Could the day get any more weird than it already was. Better not ask that, it’s just tempting fate.