A dryad was, at least to Luna's knowledge of the world, a type of fabled being. Only talked about in stories, never seen in person by anyone. Children in small villages grew up without any knowledge of the grander schemes in their kingdom. It was of no relevance for the small villages, what happened elsewhere and the kingdom being founded, monster fights and the land pacified, that was ancient history.

"What you are saying is that you made a deal with the human king about the land? What about the other kings and kingdoms?" Luna asked.

Everwood lifted her hand and a bright yellow shine was emitted from her palm. A few seconds later roots started to grow from the ground, forming two chairs in the sun, next to the small pond.

"Will you join me child?" Everwood said, her water lily rising towards the water's edge, letting her step onto solid ground. "I think sitting in the sun is very invigorating and I bet, given your race and all, that you have found to be much more at home in nature. Am I right?"

Luna was a bit taken aback. Magic classes were very rare for humans to obtain and the only person in the village who could use spells, was their village Priest and Healer, Timothy. Seeing it used in such a casual way, just for convenience, was breathtaking.

Luna quickly shuffled over and sat down, mumbling her thanks to the gorgeous woman. "Yes, I do feel much more at home in nature. I never realized it, but ever since the Rite it just does not feel right. The houses, people, it is just so suffocating to stay there for too long. Do you know why?"

It seemed like Everwood expected her reply. Sagely nodding she explained. "Certainly child. Ever since this Rite, as you call it, you have embraced your heritage as part Dryad. Even if you are part human, you are a creature of the land, at home in nature, not in buildings or towers made of stone, surrounded by people. You have an affinity for nature and while you are in touch with that side of yourself, you will always be happier."

"Now to your other question. What exactly do you mean by "The other kings and kingdoms"? Have you humans started squabbling among each other again? Because the last time I saw a human, I think he was introduced as King Leopold IX, the ninth of his name or something silly? Well, he was the king of all humans and I have not talked to anyone since. He confirmed the agreement my ancestors made with the humans. All humans stay away from our sacred forests and groves and we do not bother people outside. We cooperated to fight against monsters, suppress dungeons and then left each other alone."

That was a lot of human history packed into very few sentences and if true, then Luna had to reevaluate certain knowledge. "As far as I remember, King Leopold was our previous king. During his reign, because he had no children, he named three sons of worthy nobles as governors for each of the kingdom's provinces. The goal was to evaluate their character and abilities. King Leopold then died under suspicious circumstances and without a named heir and the "squabbling" began. The governors crowned themselves king of their province. Our teacher told us this stalemate has been going on since before I was born. Maybe 25 years? They do not trust one another, fearing to get stabbed in the back. But alone they cannot attack, otherwise the third one would just wait for them to exhaust their armies and swoop in for the easy victory."

Everwood had been listening attentively, but started rolling her eyes halfway through. "You humans and your petty squabbles. We told you a long time ago that we could easily help you decide who should be the next king. We outlive you by generations after all. But what did the humans say? "What does a forest dweller know of ruling and how the world works?" It is like they think only a human could ever make good decisions. No wonder none of the other sentient species graces their kingdom with their presence. I will have to contact my sisters and find out if the humans hold true to the agreement. I have no complaints, your little village has been nothing but respectful to my forest. But 25 years is a long time for humans and if they are not reminded every once in a while, people will forget. Maybe steal a newborn? Seduce some men? Don't look at me like that, I am just kidding."

Luna was about to speak, but Everwood shushed her with a gesture. "Now wait child, I have more to tell you and you may ask your questions later. Alright?"

After waiting for Luna's nodded acceptance she proceeded to explain. "The main thing that you need to understand is what you are. I have never met one of your kind in person, by my [Ancestral Knowledge] speaks of your kind. Yes, that is the same skill you have. It is a skill all of us are born with and the previous generation can imprint their knowledge on us, so we may recall events that are a long time in the past or exactly remember how important events took place. My mother gave me a lot of memories and it took me a while to get used to having them. It is not easy to get to grips with suddenly knowing and understanding things, without any recollection of learning them. Have you gone on a dream journey yet?"

Listening to Everwood speak Luna got more and more excited. Finally someone who could explain some things to her. "If by dream journey you mean I kind of dove into my mind and saw a sparkling sky, with stars that were memories? Then yes."

"Good. That means you have started gaining knowledge on your own. I was afraid that without knowing what the skill does, you might have blocked it. Please keep in mind that not all knowledge is perfectly clear to you. Some things might play out as perfectly recalled memories, but you mostly just sleep through it. Maybe you get a slight headache in the morning, but most importantly, you sometimes do not recall which knowledge you gained. You might wake up one morning and start replying to people in another language without noticing it at first. If you wake up and feel a little funny, go to your, what do humans call them again? Class Tablet? Yes, go to it and check your status. Seeing a new skill appear overnight might help you recall your new knowledge."

"But that is neither here nor there right now. Let's get back to what is most important before I went on several tangents of thought. You are what was called a Sylvan. A long time ago your race was created as the children of both dryads and humans. You are part of both worlds, but you belong to neither. I have long memories of humans and their aversion to change or people of different races. It might come at a time when you are no longer welcome in this land. Due to your race, you will see changes to your abilities, classes or even alterations to your physical appearance. Do you understand?"

How was Luna supposed to respond to that? She would lose her home just because of what she was? That seemed impossible. She had lived in Creek Springs for all her life and people knew her. She would not believe that the same people who took her in, would just change their minds because of what was just a simple word in her status.

"But where would I even go? All I know is the village. I know nothing of the world and I have not even been to a city. Why would I need to? All I wanted was to grow up and become a Hunter."

Seeing Luna nearly in tears, Everwood laid a hand on Luna's shoulder. The second their skin touched, they both froze in astonishment. "Why, what... HOW is this? Luna, what are you doing?"

"Nothing, I swear. But why do I see my status!" Leaning away from Everwood, their skin contact broke and the status vanished from their vision.

"This is impossible! Luna, I was seeing YOUR status. I could see everything. Did you notice your race says Sylvan? What were those other messages? Was it like that before?"

Luna carefully laid her hand on the armrest on Everwood's chair. "Lay your hand on mine. I need to see that again."

Greetings Emiluna.

Your gains since your last visit at a Class Tablet.

General Experience [Experience gained by performing Class actions]

Hunter: 75 XP (withheld)

Scout: 50 XP (withheld)

Additional Experience [Noteworthy Achievements]

You have discovered your heritage and true name. +250 XP (withheld)

You have discovered the Grove of Everwood. +250 XP (withheld)

You have unlocked your race's classes. +500 XP (withheld)

Your current class levels and experience.

Class 1: Hunter - Level 1

Experience: 21/100

Class 2: Scout - Level 1

Experience: 9/100

Would you like to view your new class options?

Luna concentrated very hard and managed, despite the status occupying her mind, to draw back her hand, breaking their connection again. She was hoping that she could resume the process at the same place. Everwood was looking part astonished, part giddy with excitement and part very old and sagely. All at the same time. "My name changed again." She whispered.

"Luna. I could read the status with you. I think I could even interact with it right now, but I promise I will not. I do not know how long this will work. I have the feeling this is not supposed to happen at your age and is triggered by first touch. I have never heard of this before, but it is like a human parent touching their child for the first time. They get access to the status and can name it, not that there is much else to see there. It quickly fades afterwards. Please go through it now, I am not sure if you will ever get the chance again." She lay her hand on Luna's again and just watched.

Would you like to view your new class options?

Excluded Classes

Based on the below average Mind stats, magic focused classes have been excluded.

Available Classes

These classes are unlocked based on current stats and current classes.

Sylvan Border Guard (Tier 1)

The Border Guard form the outer defense of the sacred woods. These Sylvans stay in the forest and to protect their homeland from enemy infiltration. They are adept at spotting and scouting and rely on light armor and light weapons. Their natural use of concealing magic makes them very hard to spot.

Stats per level: +1 Stat (Fixed order: Strength/Vitality/Dexterity)

Skills: +1 Active Skill at level 2, level 5, level 10 and every 10 level afterwards.

Passive Skills: Grants [Overwatch] and [Border Sense] at level 1.

Sylvan Grove Guardian (Tier 1)

The Grove Guardian dedicates his life to nourishing the trees of a grove and defending it to his last breath. These fighters use heavy armor and various melee weapons, but also gain access to minor nature magic to give themselves combat buffs.

Stats per level: +1 Stat (Fixed order: Strength/Vitality/Wisdom)

Skills: +1 Active Skill at level 2, level 5, level 10 and every 10 level afterwards.

Passive Skills: Grants [Steadfast] and [Rooted] at level 1.

Sylvan Pathfinder (Tier 2) (Basic Class Scout: Upgraded Tier +1)

The Pathfinder is a free spirit. While born in the grove, they yearn to travel in the outside world and explore. They primarily use projectile weapons to strike from a distance. Their nature affinity grants them access to minor magical skills to aid with travel and survival.

Stats per level: +1 Stat (Fixed order: Dexterity/Strength/Vitality/Wisdom)

Skills: +1 Active Skill at level 2, level 5, level 10 and every 10 level afterwards.

Passive Skills: Grants [First] and [At home in the wilds] at level 1.

Tier 2 Bonus: +1 Free Stat every 5 levels. +1 Active Skill at level 15.

Sylvan Animal Friend (Tier 1)

As creatures of nature, many Sylvan make easy friends with animals. The Animal Friend channels this ability into a class. They often travel with many small or big animals, but their bond to the animals dissipates should they leave the forest's cool shade. They gain access to magic skills to support the animals.

Stats per level: +1 Stat (Fixed order: Vitality/Wisdom/Charisma)

Skills: +1 Active Skill at level 2, level 5, level 10 and every 10 level afterwards.

Passive Skills: Grants [Bond] and [Inconspicuous] at level 1.

Sylvan Huntmaster (Tier 2) (Basic Class Hunter: Upgraded Tier +1)

The Huntmaster combines mastery of the bow with an unbreakable bond with a single carnivore companion. They hunt as a team and are often the primary provider of meat for a Sylvan village. If you fight a Huntmaster, but cannot see their companion, look behind you.

Stats per level: +1 Stat (Fixed order: Dexterity/Strength/Vitality)

Skills: +1 Active Skill at level 2, level 5, level 10 and every 10 level afterwards.

Passive Skills: Grants [Huntmaster's Stride] and [Shared Regeneration] at level 1.

Tier 2 Bonus: +1 Free Stat every 5 levels. +1 Active Skill at level 15.

Sylvan Stalker (Tier 2) (Basic Class Scout: Upgraded Tier +1)

Not all Sylvan were made to only hunt animals. Some were made to hunt sentient beings or other monsters. They strike from the dark, preferring ranged weapons, but can also be deadly when close. They gain access to minor magic to aid with concealment.

Stats per level: +1 Stat (Fixed order: Dexterity/Strength/Vitality/Wisdom)

Skills: +1 Active Skill at level 2, level 5, level 10 and every 10 level afterwards.

Passive Skills: Grants [Silent Observer] and [Stalker's Precision] at level 1.

Tier 2 Bonus: +1 Free Stat every 5 levels. +1 Active Skill at level 15.

You may replace both of your classes at this time.

Please be aware that classes of a higher tier grant more stat points and access to different skills, but they also require more Experience to level up.

Class Level XP Requirements

Level 0: Static 10 XP (not changed by Class Tier)

All other levels: 100 x Class Tier x (Current Level)^2

Class Tier 1

Going from level one to level two requires: [100 x 1 x (1)^2] XP = 100 XP

Going from level two to level three requires: [100 x 1 x (2)^2 XP] = 400 XP

Class Tier 2

Going from level one to level two requires: [100 x 2 x (1)^2] XP = 200 XP

Going from level two to level three requires: [100 x 2 x (2)^2 XP] = 800 XP

etc.

If applicable, skills granted by the previous class are automatically upgraded to the new class'

version. If they cannot be upgraded, they will be removed and you are granted the option to pick a new one. The passive class Skills are automatically replaced.

Stat points from previous classes are removed and stat points from the new classes are automatically applied.

It only took Luna a split second to decide that all the Tier 1 classes were out of the question. She was not going to pick a class that confined her to a grove or forest. She was not even sure what would happen if she picked one of those. Did she have a grove? What happened if she picked a class that required her to be there and she did not even know where it was? The Huntmaster came with that "animal companion" theme again. But just like the Beastmaster Jonas had mentioned, this was not an option either. Animals were not her friends and picking a class would not change that.

Her choice made, Luna picked [Sylvan Pathfinder] and [Sylvan Stalker]. Waiting for her status to display the new information.

You have replaced both your classes. You have lost your passive skills.

You have gained the skills:

[First]

You go where none have gone before you. You can find a path where others would give up. Grants better footing on any kind of ground and you have a good eye for a way forward.

[At home in the wilds]

You rely on yourself to survive. Increases Stamina, Mana and Life Regeneration by 10% (0.1).

[Silent Observer]

You have learned to stay absolutely still, making it very hard to spot you. After maintaining a position for more than 10 seconds, your perception is improved and you spot hidden things more easily.

[Stalker's Precision]

Your eyes have an easier time tracking targets and spotting weaknesses. Increases accuracy against moving targets and better chance to notice weak spots on enemies that move slowly or stand still.

Withheld Experience is now being processed.

Name: Emilia Lunare Sylvanlake

Level: 4

Race: Sylvan

Age: 16

Class 1: Sylvan Pathfinder - Level 2 (Level Up)

Experience: 396/800

Class 2: Sylvan Stalker - Level 2 (Level Up)

Experience: 359/800

Class 3: N/A (Requires a total level of 45)

Health: 165/165 [(Vitality x 10 + Strength x 2.5 + Dexterity x 2.5) x 1.1]

Stamina: 181/181 [((Vitality + Strength + Dexterity) x 5) x 1.1]

Mana: 129/129 [(Wisdom x10 + Intelligence x 2.5 + Charisma x 2.5) x 1.1]

Regeneration - Per Minute

1.58% Stamina [1% base x Body/Mind x 1.1)]

0.77% Mana [1% base x Mind/Body x 1.1)]

1.1% Life [1% base x 1.1]

Stats - Body

Strength: 11

Vitality: 9

Dexterity: 13

Stats - Mind

Wisdom: 8

Intelligence: 8

Charisma: 7

Available Points

Stats: 0

Skills: 0

Skills - Personal

[Athleticism] - Level 5 (Level Up)

[Languages] - Level 5 (Level Up)

Skills - Race

[Dryad's Body]

[Dryad's Eyes]

[Ancestral Memories]

Skills - Crafting

[Cooking] - Level 3

[Sewing] - Level 2

[Field Dressing] - Level 2 (Level Up)

Skills - Combat

[Bows] - Level 4 (Level Up)

[Small Weapons] - Level 2

[Small Shields] - Level 2

Skills - Utility

[Tracking] - Level 4 (Level Up)

[Stealth] - Level 3

[Survival] - Level 3

[Field Craft] - Level 3 (Level Up)

[First Aid] - Level 1

Skill - Magic

[Purify Water] - Level N/A

[Spark] - Level N/A

[Conceal Presence] - Level 1

[Seal Wound] - Level 1

Skills - Class

[First]

[At home in the wilds]

[Silent Observer]

[Stalker's Precision]

Both your classes have reached level two. Please pick an active skill for each.

Sylvan Pathfinder

[Double Jump]

Use your magic to create a small platform in midair to perform another smaller jump.

[Grow Claws]

Grow temporary claws from your fingers and toes which help you scale trees, but also work as a weapon of last resort.

[Draft Map]

A flat surface and a stick are enough for you to sketch the most rudimentary of maps. Also works with charcoal and paper or similar tools.

[Commit to Memory]

Capture and memorize a single moment. You will never forget it, unless you choose to.

[Mark Path]

You are the trailblazer, but often others follow behind you. With this skill a path you make is easy to find for up to 4 weeks (can vary depending on factors like region, climate, season)

[Scenic Overview]

When you perch on a high location you may use this skill to locate points of interest in the surrounding area.

Sylvan Stalker

[Backstab]

Stab a knife into an enemy's back with deadly precision.

[Silent Shot]

Your next shot with a bow or similar weapon will not make a sound.

[Dash]

Quickly cover ground.

[Mark]

You may place a Mark on anyone you can see for 24 hours. You will sense the direction the Mark is in, as well as their general health when close by.

[Feint]

Make the enemy think they know where you will attack next and then change the target of your strike.

[Slam]

You love using a shield and bashing people in the head. The next enemy you hit with your shield will be stunned and dazed for a short time.

Now that decision was a lot harder than the last one. Depending on the situation Luna could see a use for every single one of those. Slam her little Buckler into someone's face hard enough to stun them? Now wasn't that a fun idea. It would at least give her enough time to run away. But was that really what she needed? The Pathfinder Skills seemed to be mostly movement or exploration related, so the Stalker class should maybe grant her something more combat oriented?

[Double Jump] Seemed like an excellent skill. Good to get into places that were hard to reach and a nice skill to gain distance from enemies. With one decision made, Luna quickly decided on [Silent Shot]. Not instantly revealing her position with a shot would surely be useful. Choice made, she locked in both decisions and that was it. No more messages, she was done. She had upgraded both her classes to Tier 2, picked two new active skills and had thoroughly jumbled her brain up with way too much new information.