this chapter is mostly taken up by info dump, so beware and sorry.
Chapter 4 - Growth and Blossom
I was once more in the void, or at least in some sort of black space. In front of me is a white transparent screen…don't ask how I know what a screen is.
Looking at the screen, I took my finger and pressed on the EXP, and pressing it another screen showed up right next to it.
[ As your character goes on Adventures and overcomes challenges, he or she gains experience, represented by Experience Points. A character who reaches a specified experience point total advances in capability. This advancement is called gaining a level
EXP Amount : 2,000
Options
Bloodhunter - level 1 - 300 exp
Rogue - level 1 - 300 exp
Fighter - level 2- 300 exp
]
Ok, seems there are quite a few options,…well only three, but better than nothing, and they all cost the same.
The Underdark I was told was dangerous on several levels, and just because we escaped slavery from the drows would not mean our journey is gonna get any amounts easier.
In fact, it could very well be harder, and a lot more life threatening if unlucky, hope that fate person still likes me.
So at the moment, I don't need any versatility from other classes, I need a lot more health, if that…Elite Drow had a chance to hit me once it was incredibly likely it would put me down unconscious if not dead.
I need a lot more health, as well as advance my Fighter class, so my mind made up. I went ahead and clicked the Fighter on the screen.
Almost immediately I could feel my body freeze over, as a chill spread from my hand to my body, there was no pain, but I could feel how small amounts of my body was changing.
Until I feel a rush, it's as if my body reach up to my limit, and just for a moment went past it, it…felt so addicting, though I can tell i couldn't do it more than once in a while, it them I noticed another screen to the right of the Exp screen.
[
Action Surge
At level 2, you can push yourself beyond your normal limits for a moment. On your turn, you can take one additional action.
Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again.
]
Well that explained it, a new ability at this class, and a good trump card if he would need it in future fights.
Looking back at the exp screen, I noticed something that was very surprising that I had expected to change.
[
EXP Amount : 1,700
Options
Bloodhunter - level 1 - 300 exp
Rogue - level 1 - 300 exp
Fighter - level 3- 900 exp
]
I don't know why, but I expected the numbers to shift, to a higher amount,…does that mean he can pick Fighter again and another class?, because he can clearly see he won't have enough for a 4th Fighter, but the other two are well within reach.
Feeling excited I went ahead and grabbed level 3 Fighter, but unlike last time, another screen appeared in front of me.
[
Fighter: Martial Archetype -
Arcane Archer
Banneret
Battle Master
Cavalier
Champion
Echo Knight
Eldritch Knight
Psi Warrior
Rune Knight
Samurai
Renegade
Gunslinger
Brute
Knight
Monster Hunter
Scout
Sharpshooter
Monster Hunter
]
I felt my mouth dry and my skin turn paler than it should've been possible, what the actual nine hells am I supposed to do with THIS.
Grumbling, and already feeling irritating and can already see the word Tedious coming right at me to greet him, so he proceeded to press on each and every one of subclasses.
[
Arcane Archer
An Arcane Archer studies a unique elven method of archery that weaves magic into attacks to produce supernatural effects. Arcane Archers are some of their most elite warriors among the elves. They stand watch over the fringes of elven domains, keeping a keen eye out for trespassers and using magic-infused arrows to defeat monsters and invaders before they can reach elven settlements. Over the centuries, the methods of these elf archers have been learned by members of other races who can also balance arcane aptitude with archery.
Banneret
A banneret is a knight who inspires greatness in others by committing brave deeds in battle. The mere presence of one in a hamlet is enough to cause some orcs and bandits to seek easier prey. A lone banneret is a skilled warrior, but a banneret leading a band of allies can transform even the most poorly equipped militia into a ferocious war band.
A banneret prefers to lead through deeds, not words. As a banneret spearheads an attack, their actions can awaken reserves of courage and conviction in allies that they never suspected they had.
Banneret serves as the generic name for the Purple Dragon Knight archetype if you use it in campaign settings other than the Forgotten Realms or to model warlords other than Purple Dragon Knights.
Battle Master
Those who emulate the archetypal Battle Master employ martial techniques passed down through generations. To a Battle Master, combat is an academic field, sometimes including subjects beyond battle such as weaponsmithing and calligraphy. Not every fighter absorbs the lessons of history, theory, and artistry that are reflected in the Battle Master archetype, but those who do are well-rounded fighters of great skill and knowledge.
Cavalier
The archetypal cavalier excels at mounted combat. Usually born among the nobility and raised at court, a cavalier is equally at home leading a cavalry charge or exchanging repartee at a state dinner. Cavaliers also learn how to guard those in their charge from harm, often serving as the protectors of their superiors and of the weak. Compelled to right wrongs or earn prestige, many of these fighters leave their lives of comfort to embark on glorious adventure.
Champion
The archetypal Champion focuses on the development of raw physical power honed to deadly perfection. Those who model themselves on this archetype combine rigorous training with physical excellence to deal devastating blows.
Echo Knight
A mysterious and feared frontline warrior of the Kryn Dynasty, the Echo Knight has mastered the art of using dunamis to summon the fading shades of unrealized timelines to aid them in battle. Surrounded by echoes of their own might, they charge into the fray as a cycling swarm of shadows and strikes.
Eldritch Knight
The archetypal Eldritch Knight combines the martial mastery common to all fighters with a careful study of magic. Eldritch Knights use magical techniques similar to those practiced by wizards. They focus their study on two of the eight schools of magic: abjuration and evocation. Abjuration spells grant an Eldritch Knight additional protection in battle, and evocation spells deal damage to many foes at once, extending the fighter's reach in combat. These knights learn a comparatively small number of spells, committing them to memory instead of keeping them in a spellbook.
Psi Warrior
Awake to the psionic power within, a Psi Warrior is a fighter who augments their physical might with psi-infused weapon strikes, telekinetic lashes, and barriers of mental force. Many githyanki train to become such warriors, as do some of the most disciplined high elves. In the world of Eberron, many young kalashtar dream of becoming Psi Warriors.
As a Psi Warrior, you might have honed your psionic abilities through solo discipline, unlocked it under the tutelage of a master, or refined it at an academy dedicated to wielding the mind's power as both weapon and shield.
Rune Knight
Rune Knights enhance their martial prowess using the supernatural power of runes, an ancient practice that originated with giants. Rune cutters can be found among any family of giants, and you likely learned your methods first or second hand from such a mystical artisan. Whether you found the giant's work carved into a hill or cave, learned of the runes from a sage, or met the giant in person, you studied the giant's craft and learned how to apply magic runes to empower your equipment.
Samurai
The Samurai is a fighter who draws on an implacable fighting spirit to overcome enemies. A samurai's resolve is nearly unbreakable, and the enemies in a samurai's path have two choices: yield or die fighting.
Renegade
What defines a Renegade is not simply the weapon they wield, or the ways they fight. A renegade, above all else, is a fighter of sly charm and swagger. With brash cockiness in spades, renegades build their own custom firearms to perfectly suit their own larger-than-life personalities. Particularly well-funded renegades may even have personalized Hextech weapons, but such folk are rare among the scoundrels of Bilgewater.
Don't mistake their boasting for an empty facade—folk who underestimate a renegade's flashy gunplay tend to wind up dead.
Gunslinger
Most warriors and combat specialists spend their years perfecting the classic arts of swordplay, archery, or pole arm tactics. Whether duelist or infantry, martial weapons were seemingly perfected long ago, and the true challenge is to master them. However, some minds couldn't stop with the innovation of the crossbow. Experimentation with alchemical components and rare metals have unlocked the secrets of controlled explosive force. The few who survive these trials of ingenuity may become the first to create, and deftly wield, the first firearms.
Brute
Brutes are simple warriors who rely on mighty attacks and their own durability to overcome their enemies. Some brutes combine this physical might with tactical cunning. Others just hit things until those things stop hitting back.
Knight
The Knight is a colossus on the battlefield who can shrug off attacks and protect allies from harm. Knights fight from the saddle when they can, and in combat they are expected to seek out and lock down the mightiest of the enemy's forces. On adventures, they are the armored bulwark that strives to keep the rest of the party safe.
Scout
The archetypal scout excels at finding safe passage through dangerous regions. Scouts usually favor light armor and ranged weapons, but they are comfortable using heavier gear when faced with intense fighting.
]
…why are there five or six of them that take up so much room? There are way too many words in there, whatever.
Ok, first off, I don't have this "gun" even though I feel a twitch of familiarity deep in my mind, so I'm not gonna take anything involving it.
So goodbye Gunslinger, goodbye Renegade, you too as well as Cavalier, as I don't have a mount of any kind so you won't be missed, also Knight as well.
I'm more of a close face to face kind of a fighter, so I'm just gonna skip over Arcane Archer, also the Benneret is gonna have to go, it looks like it mostly relies on allies, which I can't really guarantee to have at all times.
I don't have time to make out what magic is like in Eldritch Knight, sooo I'm gonna go with a no, at least until I learn magic from when I get a magic based class.
I don't exactly know what to do with Battle Master, as I have no idea what kind of techniques it has. It can be good, but I'm not sure if it's worth the gamble.
The Echo Knight sounded cool though, there are probably limits to my alter time selfs, but at the moment this guy is up for consideration.
I'm not sure about Samurai, it states it gives great resolve, but I don't know how it comes into battle use, other than the obvious so I'm gonna leave it as a choice for now.
Psi Warrior gives an impression of using energy that comes from the mind, and seeing as my intelligence isn't the highest, I'm not gonna risk it.
Scout doesn't sound appealing, sure it can help with the terrain but I think we can leave without it, and it even states they usually like to use range weapons, so I let it go.
Brute sounds simple but basically gives what I want in the nutshell, be it both strength and durability.
So with everything, I have a handful left, with it being Brute, Echo Knight and Samurai
Hmm I don't know but for whatever reason Samurai gives me the impression of an armored person, so more Defence? As well as suggested to boost my resolve, and use it to strike?
I was not exactly sure here, narrowing my eyes with one of them closing, I tensed up and pressed on the Samurai Archetype, hoping I'm not gonna regret this.
Once more when I pressed it another screen showed up to me, in front of the Subclass screen.
[
Bonus Proficiency
gain proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: History, Insight, Performance, or Persuasion. Alternatively, you learn one language of your choice.
]
Hmm I already had insight, and at the moment, I do believe I need something else, like being able to actually speak to the people of the Underdark without relying on the little mushroom guy, so I just went ahead and grabbed Undercommon on the language.
Another screen showed, and unlike the last one this had my eyes widening, and I now felt glad I chose this particular martial subclass.
[
Fighting Spirit
Starting at 3rd level, your intensity in battle can shield you and help you strike true. As a bonus action on your turn, you can give yourself advantage on all weapon attack rolls until the end of the current turn. When you do so, you also gain 5 temporary hit points.
You can use this feature three times. You regain all expended uses of it when you finish a long rest.
]
This…was great!, no it was FANTASTIC, while I can only do this three times per day, the fact I can do this and get sturdier for a period of time is amazing!
Who knows, maybe the other two could've been just as great or even better, but at the moment, I was happy with what he got.
Looking back at the original Exp screen when the first tier two in front of it closed, there was something I noticed that caused me to freeze.
[
EXP Amount : 800
Options
Bloodhunter - level 1 - 300 exp
Rogue - level 1 - 300 exp
Fighter - level 4 - 2700 exp
Fighter - level 3 (subclass switch) - 900 exp
]
What the HELL kind of jump is that?! That is an enormous jump to cost to Fighter, seriously?! They went from 900 exp to well over 2000 exp?
I could feel my eyes start to twitch, not liking this in any amounts, no wonder the 3rd level abilities were this good, you aren't meant to get anything else for a while!
…also apparently the subclass is switchable, so if I do notice a problem in samurai later on, or I'm feeling a little risky, I can switch it.
Growling under my breath I simply placed a level under Rogue to unlock level 1, hoping this will brighten my mood.
[
Skill Proficiencies
Choose four from Acrobatics, Athletics, Deception, Insight, Intimidation, Investigation, Perception, Performance, Persuasion, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth
]
Well then, hello there, I'll be taking that Stealth, Perception, Sleight of Hand, and Acrobatics from you today, aaand there.
Moving on.
[
Expertise
At 1st level, choose two of your skill proficiencies, or one of your skill proficiencies and your proficiency with thieves' tools. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies.
]
….why hello there, I didn't expect this surprise, I went straight ahead and picked Insight and Stealth.
Another two appeared before me
[
Sneak Attack
Beginning at 1st level, you know how to strike subtly and exploit a foe's distraction. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon.
You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll.
The amount of the extra damage increases as you gain levels in this class, as shown in the Sneak Attack column of the Rogue table.
]
[
Thieves' Cant
During your rogue training you learned thieves' cant, a secret mix of dialect, jargon, and code that allows you to hide messages in seemingly normal conversation. Only another creature that knows thieves' cant understand such messages. It takes four times longer to convey such a message than it does to speak the same idea plainly.
In addition, you understand a set of secret signs and symbols used to convey short, simple messages, such as whether an area is dangerous or the territory of a thieves' guild, whether loot is nearby, or whether the people in an area are easy marks or will provide a safe house for thieves on the run.
]
I smiled, things were looking up, I felt a lot more confident facing the outside world,…or well the underground world.
He is just gonna leave the remaining 500 in the reserves.
He nodded satisfied as his mind drifted to subconsciousness.
AU:
Just so you know, I'm not saying any of these classes are bad, I just sorta went into a mindset of what the little guy prefers and what the descriptions says, he has no idea what any of the subclasses would give him, so he has to take each of them in deep consideration as well as what they can mean, because as far as he is aware some of these could be garbage choices that could screw up the chance he needs to make his chances on surviving higher than they are currently at.
As you can probably tell if you read the chapter, his wishes from the beginning have already done something huge that most players simply can't do at normal times.