Darius then spent some time talking with the preacher and the others. Eventually the people warmed up to him and he was able to learn a good bit. The only people who remained in the town were there at the church, and that only consisted of three older men, including the priest, an old woman, and a young boy who the raiders felt was too small to be of any use to them. They didn't know much about the raiders, aside from the fact they sounded like four rednecks, all wearing power armor like Darius's, though they were more silvery than his greenish Orichalcum. He could only assume they were either Steel or Titanium. if that was the case, then his own armor would be tougher than the others. He also learned that they had flown north west, with what few possessions these people had, along with the women.
"Okay, give me just a minute, and I will call my people to come help." Darius said once he'd learned all that he could. "I just have to put my suit back on, though. So don't be scared." when he received nods from everyone, he activated his Power Armor and felt it as the various pieces slid out and locked into place.
"Pax, connect me with my Uncle please."
It would be my pleasure, Darius. one moment.
"Darius? is that you?" he heard his uncle ask once the line connected.
"yeah, it's me, uncle."
"Where the hell are you? You took off like a bat out of hell, with just a text about trying out your new wings."
"About that. Well, you see… I came across another group of survivors who need our help. has Carlos gotten back yet?" Darius asked.
"Not yet, but he's on his way. He found Chad and Connor running like the devil himself was on their heels. Why do you ask?"
"Tell him to hurry up. We have a situation here and we need all hands-on deck." Darius then explained in detail everything he'd just learned.
"Alright, I'll have the rest of your hunting party along with Ethan and his group ride along with Carlos. he can pick up everyone in his van and bring them back here while you all go and deal with those motherfuckers. What the fuck is wrong with people? aint shit bad enough without kidnapping women? no, never mind that. Expect everyone in about half an hour. That work for you?" Marcus asked.
"Yeah, that's just fine. I've got some Kobolds to loot, anyway. Thank you, Uncle."
"You're a good man. Just make sure you come back to me in one piece."
"Will do," Darius replied before closing the connection. Then he opened up his helmet and let the others know the plan before he made his way back outside and proceeded to gather all the loot he could.
As Darius picked up one of the wands, he saw his notification icon blinking and absently clicked on it. Annoyed at all the pop ups, he managed to focus his will and managed to convert most of them into a summary.
Congratulations, you have slain:
Kobold Warrior Caste, Levels 6-8 x 21
Kobold Shaman Caste, Levels 6-7 x 18
Your Skill: Pilot (Power Armor), has ranked up
Pilot (Power Armor) Rank 5
Your Skill: Conjuration, has ranked up
Conjuration Rank 12
You have gained: 4,109 Experience Points.
Congratulations, you have Leveled UP
you have Advanced from Warrior Level 9 to xxx Level 13
Error: Advanced Class not selected. Excessive experience points banked until Advanced Class Selection.
Darius paused in his looting as he processed everything. "What the fuck? I got four thousand experience points from killing all them kobolds? Damn! why didn't I get more from killing that horde of undead?" he thought for a moment and realized why. When they'd fought the zombies and such, they went out as an entire group, so all the experience was divided up between everyone. But here, he'd killed them all single-handedly. "It's amazing what some good weapons can do for leveling." He shook his head and opened his status window. There it was. The line with his class was blinking and there was a button labeled "Advanced Class Selection". He clicked on it, curious about what options he would have available to him.
Congratulations Sapient. you have progressed beyond the first bottleneck and have achieved Level ten in your Class. A choice lies before you. This choice will shape your path and affect every other Class Advancement you attain. Choose your Advanced Class.
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Advanced Class Options:
Conjuror (Novice): Master the art of creating powerful Eidolons with extended duration and reduced mana upkeep for versatile utility.
Headman: Lead a hamlet with improved morale, loyalty, administrative skills, and the ability to upgrade key buildings for community growth.
Martial Artist: Specialize in unarmed combat with increased damage, speed, and unique combat arts tailored to your fighting style.
Modular Mechanist: Combine piloting and conjuration skills to enhance power armor with customizable, temporary Eidolons for any situation.
Pilot (Power Armor): Excel in operating advanced power armor with enhanced control, efficiency, and powerful combat maneuvers.
"Damn, that's a lot of options," Darius swore. He knew this would take some serious consideration. He couldn't just choose something because it sounded cool, like he did with his moderate perk, though that choice did end with him being able to practically wipe out a horde of Kobolds with very little effort. But seriously though, this choice was supposed to shape his path going forward. What do I need the most? What do I want to be in the future? Darius dismissed Conjurer. it looked like a pure Mage Class, and no matter what, he would always be a fighter. Magic was cool and all, but knuckle dusting was in his bones. He also couldn't see himself going with the politician route. while he was a headman already, the Class looked like it would focus most on governing. While he was learning and doing better with that, it wasn't all he was. The tough choice was between Pilot, Martial Artist and Modular Mechanist.
With the selection narrowed some, Darius clicked on each option to see what they each gave in detail.
Martial Artist
Description:
The Martial Artist is an advanced class that epitomizes mastery of unarmed combat and refined physical prowess. Focusing on speed, precision, and the deadly efficiency of hand-to-hand fighting techniques, the Martial Artist turns their body into a living weapon. Through rigorous training and discipline, you have honed your skills to deliver powerful strikes, evade attacks with agility, and perform intricate combat maneuvers.
Class Bonuses:
+30% Unarmed Combat Damage: Your strikes are devastating, capable of delivering powerful blows that can incapacitate or even kill opponents with sheer force.
+30% Combat Speed: Your reflexes and movements are incredibly fast, allowing you to outmaneuver opponents and strike with blinding speed.
Martial Art: Design 3 Combat Arts based on your fighting style, tailored to your unique approach to unarmed combat, giving you special techniques that can turn the tide of battle.
-30% Combat Art Stamina Cost: Reduce the stamina required to perform your specialized combat techniques, allowing you to execute them more frequently and maintain your fighting prowess for longer durations.
+1 Strength
+2 Dexterity
+2 Agility
+1 Constitution
+1 Endurance
Requirements: Unarmed Combat Rank 10, defeat 10 individuals in melee without a weapon equipped.
Modular Mechanist
Description:
The Modular Mechanist is an advanced and highly specialized class that merges the disciplines of Power Armor Pilot and Conjurer. As a Modular Mechanist, you are a master of piloting advanced power armor and conjuring customizable Eidolons, transforming your armor into a versatile and formidable force on the battlefield. Your unique expertise allows you to adapt quickly to any situation by summoning temporary, situation-specific enhancements and weaponry for your power armor. Whether facing overwhelming odds, supporting allies, or engaging in precision strikes, the Modular Mechanist is always prepared with the perfect tool for the job.
Class Bonuses:
+15% Piloting Skill Bonus: Enhances your ability to seamlessly control and maneuver power armor, making you a more effective and agile pilot.
+15% Power Efficiency: Increases the efficiency of power consumption in your power armor, allowing for extended operation and more frequent use of abilities.
+1 Extra Power Armor Specific Eidolon per 5 Points of Intelligence: Your intelligence and conjuration prowess enable you to equip additional specialized Eidolons to your power armor.
-20% Mana Upkeep Cost for Power Armor Specific Eidolons: Reduces the mana cost required to maintain conjured Eidolons, ensuring your enhancements remain active longer without draining your resources.
-20% Cast Time for Power Armor Specific Eidolons: Decreases the time required to conjure Eidolons, allowing you to rapidly adapt to changing combat situations and deploy necessary enhancements swiftly.
+2 Dexterity
+3 Intelligence
+2 Wisdom
Requirements: Power Armor, Conjuration Spell school Rank 1
Pilot (Power Armor) (Novice)
Description:
The Pilot (Power Armor) is an advanced class dedicated to the mastery of power armor suits, transforming the wearer into a formidable force on the battlefield. With a blend of technical expertise and combat proficiency, these pilots seamlessly integrate with their power armor, unlocking its full potential and utilizing its advanced systems to dominate in combat.
Class Bonuses:
+10% Handling: Enhances the pilot’s ability to maneuver and control the power armor, allowing for precise movements and complex maneuvers.
+10% Power Efficiency: Optimizes the usage of the power armor's energy, extending operational time and reducing downtime.
+10% Armor Defense: Increases the resilience of the power armor, providing enhanced protection against damage.
+10% Weapon Efficiency: Boosts the effectiveness of all weapon systems integrated with the power armor, improving accuracy and damage output while reducing Power Drain.
Free Neural Link Upgrade: Rank 1
+2 Dexterity
+2 Agility
+2 Intelligence
+1 Wisdom
Requirements: Power Armor, Pilot (Power Armor) skill rank 1
Well, Martial Artist is closer to my roots, but that isn't all I am anymore. Pilot looks like a lesser version of Modular Mechanist. well, not lesser exactly, but more focused I guess. but Modular Mechanist is what I’m doing right now, just makes it better. Why spend all them upgrade points on shit I can make myself, and switch it up whenever I need to? Darius nodded to himself, satisfied with thinking things, though. With a flex of his will, he made his choice.