Harry went with Jack and Bart while the others stayed behind with Toby to talk out their class options. They took him to where he could get cleaned up and led him from home to home and to the soldier barracks where could find the things he needed.

  He offered to pay for everything. Bart refused. Jack backed him up. So Harry opened his inventory and bartered instead, laying out cloth, armor, and weapons pulled from the crypt room cache

  Harry started with armor. He needed two complete sets. Chainmail, padding, trousers, boots, and everything else. He assigned one to Outfit One and the other to Outfit Two. For the moment he chose a simple set of everyday clothes and set that as Outfit Three. Everything he’d been wearing came off and went to the farmers to be burned or buried.

  After that he figured out how to put the same sword, mace, dagger, and shield on both armored outfits. Just the dagger on the casual one.

  He added four small cloth bags and one cow to the trade and closed the inventory. He would return later for the cow.

  When he returned to the hall, the others were gathered around Toby. They’d moved benches up beside his table. The nursemaids were gone, and empty soup bowls were scattered around, proof that Stan had talked them into feeding everyone.

  Harry stepped inside and every head turned. Smiles all around. He felt one spread across his own face.

  “Is everyone ready to choose?”

  “Yesterday was ready,” Stan said. “Today is done.”

  Harry blinked. “Oh. Alright, invite me to the party.”

  They all stared at him.

  Harry smiled and raised a hand. “Right. Sorry.” He sent the invitations and gave a quick explanation of how the party system worked.

  :: Jomila Winters has accepted your party invitation.

  :: You are now the party leader.

  :: Toby Reed has accepted your party invitation.

  :: Cedric Whitehall has accepted your party invitation.

  Harry glanced at Stan. “Stan, what’s your family name?”

  Stan shifted, color creeping into his face. “I… umm…”

  Harry winced. “Wait. Sorry. I forgot my history. How about Constantine of Brookhaven?”

  Stan nodded at once. “That’ll work.”

  :: Constantine of Brookhaven has accepted your party invitation.

  They talked over one another for a bit, mostly Toby and Stan, voices overlapping with excitement. When it finally settled, Harry asked who wanted to go first.

  Jo, Stan, and Cedric all looked at Toby.

  Toby grinned and started to push himself upright. Jo put a hand on his shoulder and gently shoved him back down.

  

  
• Toby: I had the choice between Spear Warrior, Harvest Knight or Bard.


  
• Harry: I bet I can guess.


  
• Toby: Wait. What do I do?


  
• Harry: Just call up your information sheet and think about sharing it. It’s all pretty intuitive. So long as your UI knows what you want, it will happen.


  
• Toby: Like this?


  

  

  :: Species: Human

  :: Class: Bard 0 (325/500)

  :: Health: 12/50 (Endurance * 10)

  :: Mana: 50/50 (Presence * 10)

  :: Mana Regen Out of Combat: Presence/minute

  :: Mana Regen In Combat: Presence/minute * 50%

  :: Strength: 3

  :: Agility: 3

  :: Endurance: 5

  :: Willpower: 3

  :: Presence: 5

  :: Intellect: 3

  :: Skills

  :: Spell Song: 1

  :: Spell Caster: 1

  :: Inventory: 1 (Basic Lute)

  :: Information Gathering: 1

  :: Melee Weapons: 1

  :: Core Traits

  :: Scroll Use: 1

  :: Social: Neutral or friendly individuals are predisposed to mild receptiveness

  :: Cultural Familiarity: Able to Recognize and adapt to new cultures

  :: Improvised Musical Instruments

  :: Proficient Melee Weapon: Dagger (2 * damage)

  :: Proficient Musical Instrument: Lute (Double duration of Spell Songs)

  :: Enhanced Emotional Awareness

  :: Enhanced Resistance to Mind Control

  :: Spell Songs: Duration of Effects (hours) = Presence

  :: Healers Lullaby: 1 - Improves sleep quality. Increases natural healing rate.

  :: Song of the Feast: 1 - Improves general mood and spirit of listeners.

  :: Warriors Hymn: 1 - Improves Willpower by 1 point. (Duration = Minutes)

  :: Spells: (Cost: 10 mana per spell effect)

  :: Light: 1 - Up to 1 ball of light/level. Duration (min) = (Presence * Intellect)

  :: Prismatic Burst: 1 - Up to 1 display of light and color/level. Duration (sec) = Presence

  :: Sonic Dart: 1 - Up to 1 Sonic Dart/level. Damage = Presence + Intellect

  

  
• Harry: A bard! Nice, congratulations Toby.


  
• Toby: Thank you, Sir Harry.


  
• Jo: At least he can earn his keep by singing to the poor folks who have to tend to him.


  
• Stan: Seems to me a certain pair of ‘em are more’n happy to look after the boy.


  

  That earned him a glare from Jo but laughter from Harry and Cedric

  

  
• Harry: You already have 325 experience?


  
• Cedric: We all do. We received experience for the quest to free the village, for clearing our first dungeon level and for receiving a title. And two extra attribute points.


  
• Harry: What title?


  
• Toby: Deflowered Dungeon Diver! It means you really went into a dungeon. I put one extra point in Presence and one in Endurance.


  
• Harry: You have spells and songs? I’ll finally get to see some real magic.


  
• Toby: Here, watch!


  

  Toby made a small gesture with one hand. A glowing orb appeared above the table, hanging in the air and lighting the space around them.

  Harry stood and reached toward it. There was no heat. He stretched and passed his hand straight through without resistance.

  

  
• Harry: That’s incredible.


  
• Toby: If I were to move around it’d follow. It’ll last about 12 minutes.


  
• Harry: And you got an inventory. I know you wanted one but why does it say Lute next to it?


  
• Toby: It came with it.


  

  Toby pulled a small wooden lute right out of the air and strummed a few strings. The sound carried, clear and bright, and the few people still in the hall turned to look.

  He tucked the lute back into his inventory.

  

  
• Harry: So, you know three songs?


  
• Toby: Kind of? I know three Song Spells. I can sing any song that matches the tone of the spell I want to put into it. Does that make sense?


  
• Harry: Sure it does. How did it feel to get all that skill and knowledge dumped into you?


  
• Toby: It was terrible… but worth it. Bard says it won’t be that bad next time.


  
• Harry: It won’t. And you’re still calling your system Bard?


  
• Toby: Umm… of course. That was his name already, wasn’t it?


  
• Harry: You’re right.


  
• Cedric: We were just discussing whether or not his Healers Lullaby would work on himself.


  
• Toby: Bard says it will. But it’ll still take a week to heal all the way. But I don’t need to be 100% to go. Just give me a few days and I can go with you.


  
• Harry: I don’t want to lie to you or get your hopes up. I need to keep going, we don’t even know how long before this dungeon shuts down.


  
• Toby: I know… It’s alright.


  
• Harry: I’m sorry, Toby.


  
• Toby: It’s alright. When we are all out, we can all meet up at my pa’s farm.


  
• Harry: Oh! That reminds me.


  

  He pulled four small cloth bags from his inventory.

  

  
• Harry: When I first found Korven’s secret room I found a box of coins. One hundred and seventy-three silver pieces, and three hundred and sixty-two copper. I’ve split it up five ways and gave Toby the few extra pieces.


  

  He handed the bags out. Everyone accepted them with surprised smiles.

  Toby frowned slightly, glanced at the others’ bags, and looked back down at his own before peeking inside.

  

  
• Toby: There’s something wrong. This is more than the rest.


  
• Harry: No it’s right. I put my share in there too.


  
• Toby: Oh no, I can’t take that, it’s yours.


  

  He was interrupted when Cedric and Jo both set their bags on his chest. A moment later, Stan added his on top.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  

  
• Harry: Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll find more.


  
• Toby: I don’t know what to say…


  
• Cedric: It is a shame Korven did not have any treasure in his tower.


  
• Harry: Wait. I think he did mention something about treasure.


  

  The others exchanged glances, then stared at Harry in silence.

  

  
• Harry: What? I forgot. I was kind of busy.


  

  Stan gave a very predatory grin.

  

  
• Stan: No worries. We’ll get it soon as we’re done here.


  
• Harry: So who’s next? Cedric?


  
• Cedric: I chose basic Fighter. This way I can take the Protector subclass at level three.


  

  

  :: Species: Human

  :: Class: Fighter 0 (325/500)

  :: Health: 80/80

  :: Vigor: 60/60 (Strength + Endurance) * 5

  :: Vigor Regen Out of Combat: Endurance/minute

  :: Vigor Regen In Combat: (Strength + Endurance)/minute

  :: Strength: 4

  :: Agility: 3

  :: Endurance: 8

  :: Willpower: 2

  :: Presence: 3

  :: Intellect: 2

  :: Skills

  :: Quick Strike: 1 (+25% chance to hit. 10 Vigor)

  :: Power Attack: 1 (+5 damage. 10 Vigor)

  :: Block: 1 (+25% chance to block. 10 Vigor)

  :: Danger Sense: 1

  :: Tactical Insight: 2 (noble background)

  :: Horsemanship: 3 (noble background)

  :: Core Traits

  :: Melee Weapons: 1

  :: Shield Use: 1

  :: Armor Use: 1

  :: Arms & Armor Maintenance: 1

  :: Field Fortifications: 1

  :: Toughness: 1 - Reduce physical damage by 10%

  :: Proficient Melee Weapon: Sword: 1 (2 * normal damage)

  :: Proficient Melee Weapon: 2 Handed Warhammer: 1 (2 * normal damage)

  :: Partial Immunity to Mind Control

  :: Partial Immunity to all Elemental Damage

  

  
• Cedric: I put both the extra attributes points into Endurance.


  
• Harry: You got skills from your background?


  
• Cedric: Yes. It happens if you are proficient enough in a skill.


  
• Harry: Nice. You chose Warhammer?


  
• Cedric: Yes. I will continue to use Underwyck’s Maul.


  

  

  :: Underwyck’s Maul: Heavy warhammer of Clan Underwyck. Magically reinforced to amplify the bearer's attacks in combat. +2 Warhammer of Strength. Common grade

  

  
• Harry: What changes when you get the Protector subclass?


  
• Cedric: Vigor goes up considerably and it will add another type of attack and defense.


  

  

  :: Vigor: 120/120 (Strength + Endurance) * 10

  :: Skills

  :: Guardian Arts: 1

  :: Guardian Arts: Global 10 second cooldown (Cost: 20 Vigor)

  :: Intercept: 1 - Move to intercept an attack. Range = (Intercept level + Agility) meters.

  :: Taunt: 1 - Compel enemies to target Protector. Duration = (Taunt Level + Presence) sec

  :: Shield Bash: 1 - Stagger enemy. Success % = ((Bash Level + Str) - Enemy Str) * 10)

  

  
• Harry: That looks complicated.


  
• Cedric: It is the sort of thing I was training for my whole life.


  
• Harry: You’ll get more Arts when you level up after that?


  
• Cedric: Affirmative.


  

  Harry laughed.

  

  
• Harry: Does your system, Justiciar, do that too?


  
• Cedric: Yes he does. I enjoy speaking with him. Very clear and precise.


  
• Harry: That does not surprise me at all.


  

  Harry turned to Stan.

  

  
• Harry: Constantine, how about you?


  
• Stan: No. Jo, you go ahead.


  
• Jo: I was offered Hunter, Scout, and Archer. I took Archer. At level three I’ll switch to Arcane Archer. I put the points in Endurance and Intellect.


  

  

  :: Species: Human

  :: Class: Archer 0 (325/500)

  :: Health: 50/50 (Endurance * 10)

  :: Strength: 3

  :: Agility: 4

  :: Endurance: 5

  :: Willpower: 3

  :: Presence: 3

  :: Intellect: 4

  :: Skills

  :: Map: 1

  :: Steady Aim: 1

  :: Melee Weapons: 1

  :: Ranged Weapons: 1

  :: Hunting: 3 (hunting background)

  :: Wood craft: 2 (hunting background)

  :: Core Traits

  :: Fletcher: 1

  :: Bowyer: 1

  :: Keen Eye

  :: Wind Sense

  :: Arrow Recovery

  :: Arcane Quiver: 1 (Store level * 40 arrows or bolts)

  :: Proficient Ranged Weapon: Longbow: 1 (2 * normal damage)

  :: Enhanced Resistance to Mind Control

  

  
• Harry: Arcane Quiver is a special inventory?


  
• Jo: That’s right. It will grow automatically.


  
• Harry: What’s Keen Eye.


  
• Jo: It allows me to accurately judge range.


  
• Harry: What do you get with Arcane Archer?


  
• Jo: All kinds of good things, including mana that I can use with Zephyr.


  

  

  :: Mana: 40/40 (Intellect * 10)

  :: Mana Regen Out of Combat: Intellect/minute

  :: Mana Regen In Combat: Intellect/minute * 50%

  :: Skills

  :: Spell Shot: 1

  :: Spell Shots: (Cost: 10 mana)

  :: Dead Eye: 1 - increase accuracy of next shot (Agility to hit/critical chance)

  :: Far Shot: 1 - increase range of next shot (Strength * 10 to range in meters)

  :: Arcane Shot: 1 - Bonus damage (Intellect * Arcane Shot Level)

  :: Zephyr, Storm’s Breath:

  : Electrifies arrows on release. (+5 damage. 0 Mana)

  : Conjured Lightning Arrow. Damage = 10 + (Mana Spent * Ranged Weapon Skill)

  

  
• Harry: If my math is right, with the rate you'd regenerate mana, you could shoot one mana Lightning Arrows forever.


  

  Jo’s eyes lit up and she grinned from ear to ear.

  

  
• Jo: I can’t wait to try.


  
• Harry: Alright, Stan, let’s see yours. I know you wanted to finally be someone.


  
• Stan: Well, we talked it over. Olly offered Scoundrel and Shield Warrior. But I went Jack-Of-All-Trades.


  
• Harry: That sounds different.


  
• Stan: You can turn over any rock and find a fighter, but this one suits me.


  
• Harry: Show us.


  
• Stan: Here it is. I put the extra points in Endurance and Intellect.


  

  

  :: Species: Human

  :: Class: Jack-Of-All-Trades 0 (325/500)

  :: Health: 50/50 (Endurance * 10)

  :: Mana: 40/40 (Intellect * 10)

  :: Mana Regen Out of Combat: Intellect/minute

  :: Mana Regen In Combat: Intellect/minute * 50%

  :: Strength: 4

  :: Agility: 4

  :: Endurance: 5

  :: Willpower: 3

  :: Presence: 2

  :: Intellect: 4

  :: Utility Spells

  :: Detect Magic: 1 (Active, Cost: 5 Mana. Duration: 1 Minute)

  :: Find Hidden: 1 (Active, Cost: 5 Mana. Duration: 1 Minute)

  :: Inspect: 1 (Active, Cost: 5 Mana. Duration: 1 Minutes)

  :: Open/Lock: 1 (Cost: 5 Mana)

  :: Summon Tool: 1 (Active, Cost: 5 Mana. Duration: 1 Hour)

  :: Utility Skills

  :: Armor Use: 1

  :: Melee Weapon: 1

  :: Ranged Weapon: 1

  :: Shield Use: 1

  :: Appraisal: 1

  :: Awareness: 1

  :: Danger Sense: 1

  :: Efficient Search: 1

  :: Field Dressing: 1

  :: Inventory: 1

  :: Keen Hearing: 1

  :: Map: 1

  :: Night Attunement: 1

  :: Repair: 1

  :: Quick Step: 1

  :: Silent Step: 1

  :: Proficient Melee Weapon: Spear: 1 (2 * normal damage)

  :: Enhanced Situational Awareness

  :: Enhanced Resistance to Mind Control

  

  
• Harry: Wow. That is a lot of skills.


  
• Stan: Yep. I got to pick twelve of ‘em. Plus gettin’ all the weapons, and armor, and the handy spells.


  
• Harry: What subclass will you take?


  
• Stan: Ain’t none. I’ll get to pick more skills and get more skill points than anyone.


  
• Harry: You’re going to end up with every skill there is.


  
• Stan: I’ll try.


  
• Harry: I see why you’re ready to go look for Korven’s treasure.


  
• Stan: Won’t be a copper piece can hide from me.


  
• Harry: Well then, shall we go take a look?


  
• Toby: Can I stay in the party chat?


  
• Harry: Of course.


  
• Jo: Just watch what you say. If you get dumb, I will come back and cut you.


  
• Toby: I won’t, I promise.


  

  "what coins?" So, yeah, about that. Apparently when I was cutting and pasting the text of Chapter 36: Shepherd's and Their Flock into RR's editor, I somehow left out a chunk.

  System, how much is here?

  :: System: One hundred seventy-three silver pieces. Three hundred sixty-two copper. This is consistent with eighty to one hundred low level individuals carrying standard traveling funds. Matching the number of failed expeditions Master Zinkle mentioned.

  Don’t call him Master. He’s a pig.

  System, my inventory also has a wardrobe?