Marie took the lead, her voice steady. “Today marks a milestone for us,” she began, capturing everyone’s attention. “We must think carefully about our skills and what we plan to do together.”
She wanted to convey how important these decisions were in the long run. Careful consideration was paramount for how they would survive in the future and for how to thrive in a world full of chaos and death.
“Today’s success has provided us with enough supplies for the winter. Yet, the close call we experienced is a reminder that we must remain vigilant and never become complacent.” Marie paused, allowing everyone to consider her words. “Our decisions tonight are crucial. We’ve all advanced beyond level 12, which brings us to an important discussion about our point allocations.”
Marie’s gaze swept over the group. “Consider your initial stat points as markers of your natural interests and abilities. They may help you align your path through the future. If someone is high in their physical ability, they might make for a good warrior. If they are high in mental ability, they might make a good planner or engineer. On the opposite side of that, if you have low physical ability and you become a warrior, you won’t be living up to your own potential. That’s not to say you can’t be a good warrior.” She paused, ensuring the concept was understood before continuing. “After evaluating your initial stats, I have some tailored suggestions for each of you.”
As Marie talked, pictures of different classes popped up on their screens. These pictures looked like the ones you’d see in a game guide, making her words easier to understand. They got these images from different websites, which made the talk feel more relaxed and useful.
Elemental Berserker - Most Recommended
Overview:
The Elemental Berserker is a powerful warrior who combines natural physical strength with the power of the elements. Their battlecry can create storms and their weapons can release powerful elemental attacks. This makes them both a strong fighter and a master of elemental magic.
Strengths:
High physical damage augmented by elemental spells.
Capable of enduring and dealing significant damage in short bursts
Adaptable to different combat scenarios with various elemental options
Role:
Frontline melee combatant that can unleash devastating physical and elemental attacks during combat.
Stat Distribution:
Physical Ability
Magical Capacity
Battle Mage
Overview:
The Battle Mage is a versatile combatant who expertly weaves magic into each strike, blending the destructive power of spells with the precision of martial prowess. Armed with a blade in one hand and a spell book in the other, the Battle Mage is as unpredictable as they are deadly.
Strengths:
Ability to cast potent spells without compromising melee effectiveness.
High adaptability in both offensive and defensive roles
Strategic combat approach that utilizes a wide array of spell and weapon combinations
Role:
Mid-range fighter capable of casting spells and engaging in melee combat with equal proficiency.
Stat Distribution:
Magical Capacity
Physical Ability
Mental Ability
Eldritch Knight
Overview:
The Eldritch Knight is a skilled fighter who combines battle techniques with secret magic spells. These strong and flexible warriors use their magic to defend friends and defeat enemies. They wear strong armor for protection in fights.
Strengths:
Exceptional durability and resilience in battle.
Capability to cast protective and utility spells while maintaining high melee damage.
Ability to disrupt enemy magic-users and spellcasting.
Role:
Front-line tank and disruptor with the capability to cast spells strategically.
Stat Distribution:
Physical Ability
Magical Capacity
Mental Ability
“I sent you three options for what I think would be best for your growth, but you are free to take a different path if you so desire. Stat distributions here are narrower than in video games, so it won’t be too difficult to switch, if you start down a path you don’t like. I recommend getting all of your stats to at least 10 and mental ability to at least 12, before following your path,” Marie explained to the group. “As much as these look like classes, they are themes for how you want to grow instead of a class. I can’t give classes.”
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Apparently, she had been doing her research.
Carson leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowing slightly as he processed Marie’s suggestion. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, the skepticism in his voice betraying his internal conflict. “A healer, huh? That’s unexpected. I’ve thought of myself in more of an active role, like an archer. I’ll have to think about it.” His gaze lingered on Marie, seeking not just answers but also reassurance in her reasoning.
Marie nodded, understanding the depth of Carson’s surprise. “Your strength lies not just in your physical abilities, but in your emotional depth and faith. These traits are central to a healer.” Her gaze swept the table. “It’s more than a simple expectation of ourselves, it’s about leveraging your innate strengths and unique qualities to guide your path,” she explained, her voice calm and convincing.
“And what about me as a ranger?” Janet raised an eyebrow, her tone a mix of surprise and skepticism.
“That decision was trickier,” Marie answered, sharing what she had figured out. She looked directly at Janet. “You’re a bit of a mystery, Janet. I’ve noticed you’re fond of animals and often like being alone, especially when making decisions.” Marie continued, “You don’t show much emotion, and you’re physically stronger than average, even though you don’t work out much. This makes me think you value your privacy but still care deeply about your family. Maybe that’s why you haven’t settled down or why you moved to Alaska with your sister and her husband.”
Janet blushed as the truth of the reality hit her. “I see, well that explains a lot.”
The mood lightened as James, unable to contain his eagerness, piped up energetically from his seat. “I’m all for being Dr. Strange!”
“I’m going to be Conan!” Leroy said, then deepened his voice. “To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!”
Jenny shot a glare at Carson. “What have you been letting him watch?”
“I was just showing him a superhero movie.”
“You mean you let him watch a violent action movie from the 80s?”
“It’s my favorite.” Leroy added, piling more fuel on the fire that was Jenny’s glare.
“Conan was the first action hero movie Dad showed me as a kid,“ Carson said with a reflective tone, his eyes momentarily distant, as if recalling a fond memory. He then shook his head lightly, returning to the present with a slight smile. “But that’s a story for another time. Back to our discussion...”
Phil, catching onto Carson’s cue, redirected his nostalgia into a playful jest, “Ah, the good old days of questionable parenting choices.”
Derek, sensing the conversation drifting, rapped on the table firmly. The sound was a clear cue to refocus. He shot a quick, meaningful glance at Marie, who responded with a slight nod, appreciating his intervention. She redirected her attention to the group, seamlessly picking up where the meeting veered off.
Marie’s tone softened, inviting conversation. “If anyone is uncertain about their choices or wants to explore other options, let’s talk about it. Our decisions should mirror our strengths and passions.” She paused, scanning the room. “Take tonight to reflect if you need to. For those ready, allocate your points tonight. Remember, balance your stats thoughtfully — 4:3:1 for primary, secondary, and tertiary. Hold off on allocating milestone points to magical capacity until you’ve mastered the basics of magic. We start lessons tomorrow morning. I know some of us might be nervous about this, but we’ll take it one step at a time.”
Marie paused, giving everyone a moment to think. Then, she changed the topic to something else important. “Let’s talk about our home,” she said, her voice serious but inviting. “We can bring more people to live with us, but we’ll need to make some changes around here. What do you all think about adding more members to our group?”
Mixed responses filled the room - a chorus of “yes” and “no,” some voices hesitant, others firm. An undercurrent of unease was palpable, the reality of their cramped quarters weighing on their minds.
“If it’s a couple, then we can move to the living room.” Janet stated, volunteering herself and Candace. Candace was hesitant at first, but agreed.
Derek offered a straightforward idea with a hint of strategy. “We’ve got neighbors who might help, and there are a few empty houses close by. We’ve got choices,” he said, showing he was thinking about the bigger picture.
Marie’s voice rose above the murmurs, bringing order to the room. “Let’s make this a collective decision. All in favor of expanding our group, please raise your hands.” She scanned the room as hands were raised.
The kid’s enthusiastically had their hands raised, while the adults’ were assorted with measured caution. The tally was close; Derek and Janet abstained, creating a split among the rest.
Recognizing the divide, Marie announced, “The majority favors expansion. However, we’ll be selective, bringing in only one or two trusted individuals. This will be our limit.” She added, “If you know someone suitable, we can discuss their potential inclusion later.”
Marie glanced towards Derek, signaling a shift in focus. “We’re nearing the end of our discussion. Derek, please share your insights on today’s combat.”
Derek sat up and looked around the table. “Great job today. In the morning’s combat, each of you performed admirably. Especially you Candace. I saw how you were always looking across the battlefield instead of shooting the first target you saw. Your situational awareness will take you far.” His praise was genuine.
The young lady impressed him. She was far too young to be holding a rifle, but she did it and helped the family despite her fear. She would have a bright future, if she lived long enough to get there.
“As for the incident at the hardware store this afternoon,” Derek continued, his voice growing more somber, “it was a shit show. We were up against a level of coordination and skill we hadn’t seen before.” His eyes briefly closed, as if replaying the scene in his mind. “Armored orcs, trained and deadly. In response, we will start group tactics training as soon as everyone has spent their skill points.” His gaze swept across the group, emphasizing the seriousness of his words.
The room became quiet as everyone thought about Derek’s words. The dangers they were facing felt more real to everyone at that moment.
Derek leaned back, his expression softening slightly. “Lastly, I want to propose regular ‘therapy’ sessions with Marie,” he said, his voice more personal, almost vulnerable. “We’re facing a world of violence and tough decisions. It’s vital we maintain our morale and mental well-being, as someone once told me:” He glanced at Marie, a silent acknowledgment of her strength and the role she played in their lives. “There isn’t any point to living if you can’t be happy doing it.”
Marie nodded, her eyes meeting each person’s. “I agree. Our mental health is as important as our physical strength in these times. Let’s make sure we’re supporting each other, not just on the battlefield, but emotionally as well. We should call it here, tomorrow we will train and prepare while we meditate on the day.”
When the meeting ended, everyone started to get up. They stretched and talked with each other. The mood changed from serious talking to relaxed chatting. The children were excited about their new roles. This was different from how the adults looked. They seemed to be thinking deeply about what was decided that evening.
“Derek and Jenny, please stay for a moment longer” Marie said, her tone shifting to address them directly, “your cases are particularly unique, especially regarding the distribution of your stats.”
Derek got up for a beer and one of the pies that they picked up. When he returned with an entire pie, Marie shot Derek a glance that clearly conveyed her disapproval of his pie indulgence. Unfazed, Derek casually began to eat, attentively listening as Marie resumed speaking.
Marie shifted her focus to Derek and Jenny. “Your cases are unique.” Turning to Derek, she inquired, “You initially had high mental and magical stats, yet you chose to invest heavily in physical ability. What was your thought process there?”
“I don’t know. Everything I have ever read or seen says that it’s easiest to avoid trouble if you are the biggest, baddest thing out there. Yeah, magic is supposedly great, but wizard types always have to be clever to get themselves out of situations. Warriors they can either use force or wit. Then wizards always take time to grow in power. They have to study and learn. Warriors simply punch things. You know how I am. I don’t want to sit and study something. I’ll study just enough to get the basics, then jump in headfirst. I didn’t have a single reservation about dumping all those points into my physical ability. I am looking forward to learning magic and figuring out how to use it in battle.”
“I figured, but wanted to confirm. Jenny, your physical and magical stats are almost as bad as Derek’s emotional. But your mental capacity is incredibly high at seventeen. I really wasn’t sure which direction you should go. All the others had at least some direction. Some kind of strategist or crafter made the most sense, but really, I had no idea.”
Jenny nodded in understanding. “That’s why my paths were varied.” she said, feeling clearer after Marie’s explanation.
Apparently, something appeared on her interface because her eyes started moving as if she were reading.
“Those are what I made for you. They are both roles we need, but like I said, I want you to choose your own path. Derek has stuff for blacksmithing and crafting in the garage and I have a sewing machine, so it wouldn’t be difficult for us to set you up to do leather work if we can find the material. We could certainly use a strategist to help us plan outings or scouting.”
Derek, having finished his generous serving of pie, stood up, stretching slightly. “Unless there’s more for me to add, I think I’ll go to rest,” he said, signaling his intention to leave the discussion.
Marie nodded, her expression one of understanding and appreciation. “Yes, thank you, Derek. Jenny, let’s talk about your options.”
As Derek left the room, the dynamic shifted again, from group strategy to individual planning, each person now pondering their role.