Lucinda worked as an assistant to the Clerics of the local Temple, and had done so for close to a year; ever since her parents – who both worked there – had recommended her for the position. It was all part of their scheme to force her to choose Cleric as her class when she came of age on her 18th birthday; an all important event that was only weeks away. To her great dismay, it was looking increasingly likely that she would have no choice but to follow in their footsteps. Of course, she respected their own choices, but she knew it simply wasn't for her. In fact, although she would never admit it to them: she hated it. Hated being cooped up inside all day, hated not seeing the sun, hated not feeling the cool spring breeze upon her face; that and all the other wonderful aspects of the natural world. In short, spending most of her time out of sight of the sky as she helped the Clerics with their duties was akin to torture in her mind.

It was another such day in her life. They were partway through the daily service, where the townsfolk came together to give praise to the temple's deity: Hefnopt, the god of bountiful harvests – and possibly some other things Lucinda couldn’t recall. She was trying her best to keep a grimace off her face as she listened to the High Cleric prattle on about the usual things he spoke of. It was as dull as ever, but she had to pay attention so she knew when to start heading around with the collection plate, one of her ever so important roles within the temple.

“And lo Hefnopt said unto his believers: Hoard not your opulence! When the hungry ask for sustenance: provide what you may. When the weary ask for a place to rest: offer them shelter.”

Lucinda perked up at the High Cleric’s words, realising it was time to start her rounds. Picking up the large plate, she began making her way along the nearest row of worshippers, keeping her head bowed low as she did.

“Those that followed his word were spared hardship, where others suffered. Were well-stocked for the harshness of winter, when their neighbours struggled.” the High Cleric continued. “But, did they revel in the misfortune of those unbelievers? No! True to his word, they shared their own to assist those in need!”

Lucinda still wasn’t sure what the message behind the High Cleric’s words was supposed to be, despite having heard it countless times over the last year. Didn’t crops just grow on their own? Did Hefnopt really contribute to their produce? She wasn’t sure, but dared not question any further. The presence of the Gods was very real, after all. All Clerics drew their magical power from the faith they had in their God, making anything resembling blasphemy inside one of his many temples a really bad idea.

As much as she hated the daily service, and the uneasy sensation she experienced when trapped within the confines of the temple with so many people, it did signify that her work for the day was nearly at an end. She just had to do some cleaning up after the congregation left, and then she would finally be free.

Much to her mother’s disapproval, she spent most of her free time wandering the outskirts of the town. In fact, ever since she had first been allowed – somewhat reluctantly – to travel on her own, she had made it her mission to get to know the surrounding lands and all the animals that dwelt within them. She didn’t really see why her mother worried so. She knew her town of Kloip was kept safe from banditry by the local militia, whose patrols she often met on her wanderings, and that the Kingdom of Prilemia hadn’t seen war in almost fifty years, something she clearly remembered learning in school.

Unfortunately, as much as she wanted to head off on another excursion that evening, she had other pressing concerns to deal with: Mainly how to avoid becoming a Cleric. Without the guidance of her parents, who would in no way assist her with that desire, she was having trouble finding the information she needed. Usually, children were given that guidance during school, but as her choice had been made by her parents quite early on, she was instead instructed in the ways of Clerics. Lessons that involved learning about the nature of the Gods, how spells worked, and so on. She had considered asking one of her old teachers, but was sure word of her actions would undoubtedly reach her parents, and cause a great deal of trouble as a result.

Lucinda continued on with her duties, carrying the large plate, now heavy with coins of copper and a few of silver, to the front of the temple to present to the altar.

“The people thank you,” she intoned, bowing as she placed the laden plate on the altar.

Just a bit longer, and I can head off to the library to continue my search. There must be something in there about unlocking classes, there must!

There was another class she had in mind, she just wasn’t sure what it was, and had no idea how to become it. Four years ago, a wandering troupe of minstrels had passed through the town, providing a valuable source of new and exciting entertainment she considered herself very fortunate to have witnessed. It was there a particular tale had caught her attention: A story of heroism centred around a man that could change his form into that of a myriad of creatures. Small, large, even winged. The idea had caught her fancy so intensely, she had immediately told her parents of her desire to become a person of such wonder. They hadn’t outright said no, but it was shortly afterwards that talk of her becoming a Cleric had started.

She’d tried asking around at the temple more than once, in case anyone there knew of the tale, and by extension the man it described, but none had. She had also asked around at school, but she’d never really made many friends there, preferring to keep to herself, which limited the number of people she could ask considerably. All of which led to her spending her nights of late scouring the mountains of books in her local library, in the vain hope she could find the answers she sought before it was too late.

The sermon soon came to a conclusion, with the people gradually leaving the temple, prompting Lucinda to get to work sweeping the floors between the pews. Her thoughts drifted again to what she could remember of the wondrous tale, as the hero used aspects of the animal forms he could assume to solve the troubles that had befallen the land. As it so often did, the fantastical story kept her mind occupied while she nearly autonomously completed her mundane task. Finally, as the last spec of dirt she could see was taken care of, she started towards the front of the temple.

“Child, a moment please,” a voice called out.

Lucinda was only slightly startled by the suddenness of the voice, but she recognised it instantly as belonging to the High Cleric himself. She turned and went over to greet the man, who was a tall, wiry elderly gentleman, that she knew was capable of impressive feats of divine spell casting.

“Yes, High Cleric?” she replied, with a small bow of her head.

“It has come to my attention that you have been a bit distracted of late. Is anything the matter?”

Lucinda was taken aback. She’d thought she was beneath the notice of the important man, she was far from the only trainee Cleric after all.

“Oh, no it’s nothing really. I’ve just been a bit tired lately.”

“Hmm, I see. Well, if you do wish to speak to someone about anything, my door is always open. Please don’t hesitate to seek me out,” the High Cleric replied.

“Thank you, High Cleric. I will.”

With a nod he dismissed her. Heart pounding at the sudden interrogation, Lucinda beat a hasty retreat. Quickly stashing her broom, she said some brief farewells and set off for the library.

The library was a medium-sized building – larger than most homes, yet far smaller than larger buildings such as the temple. Located west of the town centre where the temple resided, travel between the two locations only took a few minutes on foot. Lucinda tried not to seem like she was in a hurry as she walked, though that couldn’t be further from the truth, as the sense of urgency had been pervading her evenings for weeks.

“Hello again, Dear,” Patricia, the librarian, a short stocky older woman, called out upon seeing her.

“Hello,” Lucinda replied, trying her best to present an innocent smile.

“Would you like any help finding anything today?”

“No thank you. I’ll manage,” Lucinda replied, before dashing off towards the ever so familiar section she had been haunting of late.

The shelf she made her way towards contained books that detailed various classes. She’d learnt far more than she wanted to know about many things, including Fighters, Knights, and other martial focussed occupations that interested her little. While others described the capabilities and usual roles of the many more mundane occupations, scribes, craftsmen, merchants, and so on – all of which fell under a single proper Class: the Prole. Yet, none of the books seemed to provide much information on the actual class unlock process.

As far as she knew, based on her reading and her own work at the temple, it involved repeatedly performing tasks relating to the class in question. Unfortunately, that didn’t really help her. It was obvious that someone who wanted to become a swordsman could swing a sword around, or someone that wanted to build things could hammer some planks together. But, how one could practice transforming into animals was something she simply couldn’t imagine.

She continued searching the books, looking for some clue that might help her, while her frustration from the previous nights of failure rapidly re-emerged and increased from there. Unfortunately, It didn’t seem like she had been there long at all, when the words she dreaded echoed through the quiet building.

“Closing time in 5 minutes,” the voice of Patricia reached her.

No! It won't be long now until my coming of age. Why can I not find what I need!?

Ignoring the recent declaration of the librarian, Lucinda continued to rifle through the books at hand. The five minutes passed by in the blink of an eye, and without the revelation of anything pertinent.

“Come on, Dear, off home with you now,” Patricia called from the end of the short aisle.

Lucinda couldn’t keep the desperate look of dejection from her face.

Another night wasted! Am I doomed to become a Cleric?

She put the books back on the shelf, and then headed towards the exit with head hung low in defeat.

“Hold on, Dearie,” Patricia called out from behind her. “It’s clear you haven’t found what you seek. I don’t want to pry, but I know which section you’ve spent your time in.”

Oh crap! She wouldn’t tell my parents, would she?

“Now now, don’t worry, Dear,” Patricia continued, clearly noticing the look of fright upon her face. “I won’t tell a soul. I only wanted to let you know that if you can’t find what you seek here, you might want to ask Saseligan. He has a large collection of his own, with books that contain more obscure topics.”

“The Wizard? Would he really see me about some books?” Lucinda replied.

“Of course he would! Why when I tell him how much time you’ve been spending browsing the books here, I’m sure he would love to help you. He is always happy to speak with fellow reading enthusiasts.”

Er… That’s not me by a long shot. I just want a way out of becoming a Cleric! Still they don’t have to know that…

“That sounds great,” Lucinda instead replied. “Could he see me soon?”

“The important day will be soon upon you I take it?” Patricia queried, causing Lucinda to nod her head with a barely contained grimace. “In that case, I’m sure I can twist his arm. Come by tomorrow evening and I’ll let you know. Good enough?”

“Yes, thank you!” Lucinda replied happily, With a brief farewell, she left the building of books behind, before making her way home. Her mood was incredibly buoyed by the faint glimmer of hope offered to her.

Lucinda’s home was located in the south-east part of town, overlooking the large lake that intersected a several tens of metre portion of the exterior wall there. The house itself has been built to best make use of the pleasant view the aquatic body provided; with her room, her parents' room, and the dining room all having large windows facing in that direction.

After entering the house, Lucinda supped on some leftovers, while her mother chastised her for her late return – a not uncommon event. There was nothing she could do to appease her mother’s concerns, she had to find the answers she sought and quickly. She couldn’t even tell her mother the truth, as that would lead into the conversation she was trying her best to avoid: her unwillingness to follow in the footsteps of her parents.

Finishing her meal, Lucinda tidied up the kitchen at her mother’s behest, before heading to bed.

The following day passed by at a snail’s pace. Lucinda was once again in the temple, performing her expected duties with poorly feigned interest. Yet after the High Cleric’s words from the day before, she couldn’t help but notice the glances he occasionally shot in her direction. It didn't take long for her to begin feeling guilty about her secret desires. Letting down the High Cleric, and her parents, was not a small thing. However, she was still determined not to spend her life trapped as a Cleric.

All too slowly her duties for the day finally finished, and she wasted no time dashing off to the library with uncontained excitement.

“Hello!” she exclaimed as she entered the book filled building.

“Hello, Dear. I can see from your expression there’s only one thing on your mind,” Patricia replied with a smile. “Well, you’re in luck, Saseligan has agreed to meet you this evening, about 15 minutes from now.”

“Really? Oh, thank you so much!”

“That’s quite alright, Dear, I can remember how things were for me at your age,” Patricia continued. “Now, you’d best head off, you know the way to his tower?”

“I do.”

“Good, don’t tarry then. He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Oh okay. Umm, goodbye, then. Thanks again!”

“Good luck.”

Back outside Lucinda started off in the direction of the Saseligan’s tower. It was in the northern outskirts of the town, where the land was at its highest point, giving it a great view over the town and surrounding land. It wasn’t a building you could miss, as it stood much higher than any others. Lucinda had often wondered what was inside, and what the mysterious Wizard that dwelt within was like. She very rarely saw him about, and mostly knew about him from tales that the townsfolk shared, which claimed all sorts of fanciful things. One thing she did know for sure though, was that like her father, the Wizard was one of the four members of the town council. She kept up a brisk pace on her trip, the excitement at finally getting a chance to solve the problem that had been plaguing her for so long spurring her along. All the while, she fervently hoped the Wizard could help her.

Before long she reached the large stone tower. She took a few moments to gather her courage, and then proceeded to the foreboding wooden door at the base of the structure. Grasping the large metal ring attached to it, she knocked loudly two times.

The door swung open almost immediately, revealing a plain-looking man dressed immaculately in the attire of a butler.

“How may I help you?” the man asked her.

“Umm, I’m here to see the Wizard Saseligan,” Lucinda replied.

“And who might you be?”

“Oh sorry! I’m Lucinda. Patricia at the library said she’d arranged a meeting for me.”

“I see,” the butler responded, then paused for a moment before continuing. “Very well, please come in.”

As the butler stepped aside, Lucinda was greeted with an incredible sight. The entrance hall was a large, high ceilinged room, with immaculate stone brick walls. Along the floor from the entrance was a very expensive looking dark green carpet, that covered most of the similarly immaculate stone floor. Around the room were rich tapestries and paintings, while a variety of interesting works of art sat upon pedestals and tables. One painting in particular caught her eye. It contained a large dragon breathing fire at a group of people clad in bulky armour.

“Please take a seat, the master will see you shortly,” the butler spoke, startling her out of gawking.

“Thank you,” she replied, before settling down into one of the many seats in the entrance hall.

The chair she had chosen turned out to be the most comfortable chair she had ever sat in. She couldn’t understand how either, as to her eyes it seemed to be a simple, if finely crafted and decorated, wooden chair with only a thin cushion on it. But, she felt incredibly relaxed as she sat there, and let her eyes wander the well-decorated room once more.

It was so unlike the temple Lucinda was used to. As clean certainly, but followers of Hefnopt would be aghast to openly display such opulence. As she continued to admire the room, she found herself suddenly contemplating what it might be like to become a Wizard.

Lots and lots of book reading probably… At least there’s nothing stopping them from doing that outside. Then again, I suppose you could have an open-air temple too, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to be a Cleric then…

Glancing around the room, she noticed the butler was nowhere to be seen. Feeling restless she decided to get up and more closely inspect the painting she’d seen before. As she drew nearer, she soon realised it was even more impactful than she’d thought.

That dragon looks so real! Not that I know what dragons should look like… I’ve never seen one, thankfully. Hmm, those poor people don’t look like they are going to survive…

“He will see you now. If you’d follow me,” the butler suddenly said, his voice appearing from just over her shoulder.

“Oh!” Lucinda cried out, started by his sudden reappearance and unexpected proximity. “Sorry.”

“This way please,” the butler continued, seemingly unfazed by her reaction.

The butler led her to the side of the room and from there up several flights of stairs. She caught glimpses of other rooms on her way up the tower, all of which seemed to be as finely decorated as the entry hall, further adding to her awe. Eventually, they stopped in front of some finely carved wooden doors, which the butler knocked upon before poking his head inside.

“The girl, Lucinda, to see you, sir.”

“Very good, send her in,” she heard Saseligan’s reply through the partially open door.

The butler stepped back and held the door open, motioning her inside with a sweeping bow.

The inside of the room was as finely decorated as everything else in the tower, but compared to the entry hall, was more focussed on cosiness. Rich dark red curtains rested either side of a large window that occupied most of one wall, while the rest were covered in large bookshelves, interrupted only by a single expansive fireplace. In the centre of the room, she noticed a gigantic bearskin rug, causing her to momentarily reconsider her own knowledge of bear sizes. Atop the large rug, sat two red leather chairs separated by a small table, one of which was occupied by the Wizard known as Saseligan.

“Welcome to my tower, Lucinda,” he called out as their eyes met.

“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice!” Lucinda blurted out in response.

The man before her was quite intimidating, even sitting down he seemed to exude some force. She wasn’t sure what it was, but it was certainly disconcerting. Taking a closer look at him, she noticed his reasonably handsome face, topped by dark thick hair, with sharp blue eyes.

“Not a problem. Please come take a seat and relax. You look a bit nervous.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just your home is …. amazing. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”

Lucinda moved over and sat in the chair next to Saseligan, which was rotated to allow the two of them to converse easily.

“I’m glad you like it," Saseligan said with a warm smile. "Would you care for some wine while we talk?”

“Oh, no thank you.”

“Not acquired a taste for wine just yet? A glass of water then,” Saseligan continued, motioning with one hand as he did so.

Lucinda was again startled by the sudden appearance of the butler, who seemed to emerge out of nowhere. He smoothly placed a glass of water on the table next to her, almost as if he had anticipated her choice well in advance. She hesitated a moment, before reaching out and taking a sip of the water. It was pure and cool.

“Well then Lucinda, let’s get down to business shall we. To what do I owe this visit?”

“I want to know about classes.”

“Hmm, I see. I can, of course, guess why someone of your age would be seeking such information. Yet, to my knowledge, you are soon to become a Cleric at the temple. Perhaps you could more clearly state your desire, so I know how best I can help you.”

“I…” Lucinda started, but found she couldn’t continue. Her fear that word of her contrary wants might somehow reach her parents was overwhelming.

“Please, rest assured. Anything said within these walls, stays within these walls. Choosing one’s first class is perhaps the most important decision any of us ever make. It is critical that we make the right choice.”

“I don’t want to become a Cleric!” she blurted out.

“Mmmhmm, go on,” Saseligan said, motioning with one hand for her to continue.

“I was hoping you could help me choose a class.”

“I see. Well, you should know that choosing a class is always dependant on the person in question. I can offer you some hints that might help you, but I cannot see into the future and tell you with any certainty what class might best serve you.”

“Oh, no, sorry. I mean, I have an idea of what class I want to become, I just don’t know what it is, or how to become it.”

“Ah, now that is something I can most certainly help with! Tell me about this class you have in mind, I’m sure we can puzzle out what needs to be done. Although, I must warn you if it involves anything grisly like assassination or the worship of dark powers, I won’t be able to assist you.”

“It’s not like that, I promise!”

“Good, good. Well then, what can you tell me about it?”

“Umm, I heard about it from a story told by the troupe of minstrels that passed through town a few years back.”

“Hmm, yes, I believe I recall them. Which story in particular are you referring too?”

“I’m not sure what it’s called. I’ve been trying to find out more about it in the library for weeks now. It’s about a man that can turn into all sorts of different animals and uses their powers to avert disaster!”

“Hmm, well some Wizards are capable of altering their form in a similar manner, there are also plenty of magical beasts that can do so. But, I think this fellow, assuming he existed, was most likely a Druid.”

“A Druid? I’ve never heard of that class.”

“Really? My my, what are they teaching you at school these days? I suppose their numbers have been declining of late, but still.” Saseligan retorted, finishing with a sigh. “Druids are those that seek oneness with nature. They can cast spells that are somewhat related to Clerics, but draw on upon the power of nature, rather than a divine source. They are very fond of animals and the wilderness, and dislike built-up areas, especially busy ones.”

“Oh, that sounds like me. I like animals, I really like the outdoors, and being somewhere with too many people is really off-putting for me.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that. You know, I’m almost certain this is the first time I’ve helped someone find their true calling as a Druid,” Saseligan said with an amused smile.

“But, the story was really focussed on changing into animals. Is that a big part of being a Druid?”

“Hmm, I’m no expert on the full ability set of Druids, but I am certain that most of them are capable of assuming animal form. Still, you may be onto something here…”

Saseilgan traced a finger through the air in a series of quick motions. His actions were the core part of Wizard spell casting, and soon brought a series of glowing lines into existence before him. Lucinda had no way of recognising the symbol the lines produced, and as a result, the spell being cast, leaving her feeling slightly on edge as Seaseilgan's efforts finished; meaning the piece of parchment that then flew past her at speed towards the Wizard's lap, came as a startling surprise.

“Ah-ha, I thought that story rang a bell. You are in luck, Lucinda. it seems I too was interested in that particular tale and did some investigation back then. Now let’s take a look at what I concluded.”

Saseligan began quietly reading through the paper in front of him. Lucinda tried to take a peek while she waited, but the angle was wrong and she couldn’t make anything out.

“Ah… I was afraid of that.”

“What? Is something the matter?”

“Yes, it seems the man depicted by that particular tale was, in fact, a Shifter.”

“Umm, okay?”

“Hmm, you didn’t learn about this in school either? Very well, allow me to explain. The Shifter is a class that has been outlawed in Prilemia for the last three hundred years or so. It was a resolution made by the ruler of the time, after resolving the disaster that arose when his predecessor was assassinated.”

“They outlawed a class because of that? But, why?”

“There was a bit more to it. You see it wasn’t just the previous ruler that was killed, but his entire extended family, which included several young children.”

“Oh, that’s horrible. Was the assassin a Shifter?”

“I’m afraid it’s not quite that simple. There was more than one assassin, records don’t tell us exactly how many, but more than five is the best guess, and every single one of them was a Shifter. They had used their abilities to infiltrate the castle, posing as harmless animals, many of which were adopted as pets. They kept up that facade for a number of months before the fateful day."

“Oh…”

“Yes, and to make matters worse the ruler that made the decree was, in fact, the brother of the previous ruler, who managed to survive the massacre by sheer luck. And that is why the Shifter class is outlawed.”

“But, it’s been so long since then…”

“You’re right, but the damage has already been done. Most people will refuse to trust a Shifter, and automatically treat them like other disliked classes: Death Knights, Necromancers, Night Stalkers, and so on. In other words, even if the law could be repealed it wouldn’t really change anything.”

Do I still want to become a Shifter now? I’d technically be an outlaw… All because of some three-hundred-year-old law. Maybe I could just become a regular Druid instead?

“You said you’d refuse to help me if I wanted to become something grisly. Does Shifter fall into that category?”

“Many would likely say so. But, while the event was no doubt a tragedy, outlawing an entire class is hardly a reasonable response in my opinion. So, no, if you still wish to become a Shifter, I am willing to assist you. However, some discretion from the both of us will be essential.”

“Okay. Then, I think I’d like to become a Shifter,” Lucinda said, with some conviction.

“I admire your determination. Now, I think there are a few things you might want to consider. Firstly, that you will want to tell anyone that asks, that you are becoming a Druid, rather than a Shifter. Secondly, you will want to limit your shapeshifting in front of others whenever possible. Thirdly, that certain organisations will require a Status check before you can join, so you will have to avoid those. And lastly, not every nation has the same feeling about Shifters, or other classes for that matter, as Prilemia.”

“Wow, that’s a lot to take in, but thank you. Though, I’m not sure how I will pretend to be a Druid when I don’t even know what they are like.”

“Yes, you’d be better off asking a Druid for advice in that regard.”

“But, I don’t know any Druids,” Lucinda responded glumly.

“Me neither, unfortunately. Wizards and Druids don’t have much need to intermingle most of the time. But, this is one of those rare cases where we do. So, fear not, I shall do my best to track down a Druid that can help you become a Shifter, and keep your choice hidden.”

“Oh, you will? I don’t know what to say. How can I ever repay you?”

“Repayment is a simple affair. I need you to go to your parents and tell them of your wish to become a Druid.”

“…Must I?”

“Yes, you must. I cannot imagine the exact situation you find yourself in, but I know your parents, they are good people. Explain to them how you feel. Tell them why you wish to go against their wishes. I’m sure they will understand. If not immediately, then, in time.”

“… Okay.”

“Excellent, well I will send word when I find a Druid that can assist you.”

After a brief goodbye, Lucinda left Saseligan’s tower and started on her way back home. She was experiencing mixed feelings. On the one hand, she was thrilled to finally find out about the class she’d been interested in for so long, but on the other hand, it was outlawed and she’d likely be spending a large portion of her life lying about it. And she still needed to tell her parents about her change of heart.

They are going to be upset… very upset. Oh no, they might even send me to speak with the High Cleric. If only Saseligan hadn’t made me agree to this… No, he’s right, I know it. I have to do this. But, maybe tomorrow…

She arrived home late again, and suffered more berating at the hands of her mother while she ate, but the knowledge gifted to her by the Wizard helped her endure it. After completing her nightly chores, she went to bed, having decided to put off the unpleasant task until the next day.