Chapter 2 Rewrite

Chapter 2

"So how do we get started Mr. Spock? Will this also be like video games?"

"It's just Spock, and that is an accurate assumption. As a progenitor you will be given the chance to change and customize a race if you so choose. Afterward you will select a starting class, followed by spending any boons that you have available. But first, you must learn how to interact with the system. As we are short on time, please refrain from questions not related to anything I just mentioned."

"Cool beans, alright I'm ready whenever you are"

Drew was so ready for this. Maybe it was that coping stuff Spock was talking about earlier but other than his family and friends he really couldn’t find himself caring too much about the rest of the whole doomsday scenario.

Of course, his priority once he was out of here was to prepare and help Amber and his mom. Then, try to get ahold of his closest friends, Mark and Miranda. He just hoped they would pick up their damn phones.

Still, he actually feeling pretty excited at the prospect of character creation, at least if it was anything like the games that he used to play with friends. Not that he was an expert or anything, but at least he wasn’t going in blind like some people would.

"There are several types of system windows and prompts. Some may apply to you, others you may never see. While you're in combat, no prompts or notifications will appear. After combat is over you may have a small blinking icon in the corner of your vision. Simply focus on this icon and your notifications will pop up. The System is very intuitive and should you desire it, you can filter and organize information as you prefer...”

“When you level up, you will be allowed to add attribute points and choose abilities as well. Which brings me to the last part, your Status. Simply think the word Status, and it will be made available to you. Please do so now so we may continue."

Yeah, it was totally like a game, except the whole part about thinking things and then windows popping up. No more mouse and keyboard for him! Now, what about his status?

Status

Name: Drew Wright

Race: Human (Grade - F) - lvl 0

Class: None

Profession: None

Health Points (HP): 60/60

Mana Points (MP): 100/100

Stamina: 60/60

Stats (Attributes)

Strength: 6

Vitality: 6

Endurance: 6

Toughness: 7

Agility: 4

Perception: 8

Intelligence: 10

Wisdom: 14

Willpower: 6

Free Points: 0

Huh, it was pretty cool seeing everything about himself laid out in a numerical format. He wasn’t really sure what most people had, but it looked like his physical stats were okay, most likely from his work in farming and constantly moving around.

Even if he did have a fair-sized gut. To be fair Amber was a pretty good cook, and he was 31 and married, so it was pretty much expected at this point since he wasn’t a gym rat. The agility was a bit on the sad side, but he was definitely not nimble, so it made sense. It seemed his mental stats were fairly high which was good to see though.

"Okay, I have it pulled up Spock. Couple of quick questions. I'm noticing multiples of ten in regards to Vitality, Intelligence and Endurance compared to HP, MP, and Stamina. Am I correct in assuming that each stat in those equals 10 points in the others? Also do you happen to know the average stats for other people?"

"You are correct, the stats correlate to those metrics as you've said. Regarding other human beings the average for physical stats is five, while Intelligence and Wisdom are both seven, and Willpower is four. Overall, your physical stats outside of agility are slightly above average, and your mental stats are a fair amount above average."

"Quick follow up, when my Status says Intelligence does that mean how smart I am?"

"No. Intelligence is your ability to process information, Wisdom is your ability to parse said information and use it to find solutions. Your willpower is what you'd expect, but it is also your ability to shape and control mana. As you've already discovered, Intelligence relates to your total MP, but it also functions as an efficiency modifier for any spell abilities you use. Wisdom is a metric of how fast to passively regain your MP. I believe the other stats are fairly self-explanatory."

It sounded like he was pretty well off in the mental aspect then. Maybe he should focus on a mage or spellcaster of some kind? That might make it easier to convince his family and friends about The System and doomsday being right around the corner. If they saw him slinging fireballs, they'd be far more likely to believe him.

"Drew Wright, are you prepared to select a race?"

"Sure, let’s get to it."

Spock began to mess with the computer monitor on his desk. Maybe it was a tablet or something. It was definitely a touchscreen. The overly bright lights dimmed slightly, and there was a static-like sound that soon followed. Just as soon as the static sound began, it ended.

"Drew Wright, please stand and turn around to view the figures in the room with us. Do not be alarmed, they are not real, you may think of them as holograms, although you may touch them. To Inspect them simply focus on each figure and think of the word Inspect. Inspect is a free minor boon every person who comes here will receive."

Drew turned his head slightly. Oh yeah, that's a whole crowd of people... things? He stood up and walked his way towards the first set of figures. Yup, this was definitely a fantasy flavored apocalypse. Tolkien would shit himself if he was still alive. Elves, Dwarfs or is it Dwarves? He could never remember. Definitely some Gnomes or Halflings of some kind, demon looking things, and even Orcs. He continued into the next grouping. Let's see, machine people or some kind of cyborgs? Golem looking things. Fairies... yeah, no. Not happening. He was not going to be anyone's Tinkerbitch.

"Each race or species in this room brings unique advantages, while some also have disadvantages. You may of course choose to remain as a human, I'm fairly certain you're well aware of what living as a human is like. However, each race here is different. Some have excellent vision in lowlight and darkness, others have naturally tough skin. Some have an affinity with mana manipulation. Some races, such as humans live to be about seventy or eighty years old at Grade - F. Everyone starts at a Grade for their race, with F being the lowest…”

“This Grade does many things, but for our purposes right now, it influences your lifespan. Other races, like Goblins and Kobolds only live thirty to fifty years old. Of course, some figures in this room also represent races that can easily live for five hundred or even a thousand years, while others are functionally immortal in terms of never dying to age. Besides the lifespan, each race rewards bonus attributes on level up and may provide other advantages." Spock finished.

Pretty much par for the course. At least for Drew, as all of this was so similar to what he was used to in fantasy mediums. He stopped in front of a Dwarf male figure. Short, Squat, Stout. Full beard of auburn color. He always enjoyed this race in stories and books. They were hardy, solid people. A bit isolationist, but also relatively friendly and known for their craftmanship and love of ale. He focused on him.

Race: Dwarf (Grade - F)
The Dwarven people are well regarded in the multiverse for their hard-working nature and tendency towards finely crafted items. As a people they are normally welcomed with open arms by the civilized species. Their natural affinity for the earth they work and live in provides a strong bonus to Vitality and Toughness. They also have the advantage of Darkvision, which allows for excellent visual senses in lowlight areas. Dwarves typically live for 300 - 400 years.
Per Level Bonus Attributes: +1 STR, +2 VIT, +1 TGH, +2 END

Not bad. Six stat points per level was pretty good, and their life span was pretty awesome as well. The Physical stat bonuses would help keep Drew alive, and he loved darkvision. Darkvision was pretty much a requirement for him, especially if Earth was going to be dealing with nasty beasties and monsters. As tempted as he was to become a Dwarf, he’d better take a look around and inspect more so he didn’t miss anything important that could be helpful.

"Hey Spock, while I'm looking around would you mind telling me anything about those boons you mentioned? Are they similar to advantages like Darkvision?"

"Yes, and no. Boons can be many different things. From adding an advantage like Darkvision to your race, allowing your class to start with more powerful abilities, passive bonuses, up to and including requesting intervention from the System on a specific subject."

"Hmmm, alright, so they're basically like feats from the games I've played. I know you said we're limited on time, so maybe you can help me find what I'm looking for race-wise. First, I'd like to remain somewhat human, at least in appearance. I'd also like a long lifespan, if not immortal, and I'd like Darkvision. Actually... something else, I'm really enjoying this whole coping crap that The System is doing. I have a feeling going into the apocalypse might cause some serious trauma and I'd rather not have my mind all screwed up when I'm responsible for my family and hopefully my friends. Is there any race that meets these requirements?"

"There are several races that have some of these specifics, however you'd need to invest your single Minor Boon, and possibly your only Lesser Boon as well to make it happen. That said, there is one race that has all the specifics, but it's not something normally chosen by individuals of newly integrated worlds. Please follow me to the race figure in question."

Follow the Spock, sounded like a fantastic game! While the room was rather large, with so many races in here it was a bit tight as they were all aligned into groupings and isles. Good thing Drew had experience for a time like this. He used to follow his mother when she went shopping in department stores, back when those were a thing.

Huge crowds all throwing themselves at clothing racks, people pushing and pulling, and little ol' him, just five or six years old getting tossed around like a sack of grain or a football. His mom had only lost him one time due to that chaos. One time was all it took. He was on a leash after that, like some kind of mutt from the shelter.

Unlike a mutt, he knew better than to yank on the leash, or his mom would smack him upside the head with a shoe, or a wooden spoon. Even now he still didn’t know how she always had those stupid spoons, or where she hid them. They hurt like hell.

"Ah, here we are Drew Wright. Feel free to inspect the figure in question."

Race: Dhampir (Rank-F)
Historically a rather rare and uncommon race in the multiverse, they are produced by the union of a mortal such as a Human or Elf, and a Vampire. While Vampires themselves are only fairly uncommon, very few choose to procreate in this manner as they have another manner to do so, which most consider less distasteful in Vampire society. Outward appearances vary based on the mortal parent, however the common themes are pale skin, black or white hair, and a strong yet lithe figure. Notably some examples of this race have hair colors in the violet and green color palates as well. Like their Vampire parent, they are effectively immortal, extremely resistant to any kind of mind suppression or mental trauma, and have an extremely heightened regenerative anatomy. They also have the advantage of Darkvision, which allows for excellent visual senses in lowlight environments. They are resistant to poison and corruptive effects. The advantages gain from the mortal parent varies greatly depending on the lineage. Dhampir may consume both normal food and blood for sustenance and to replenish stamina as well as speed up natural regeneration.
Per Level Bonus Attributes: +1 STR, +2 VIT, +2 END, +2 TGH, +1 AGI, +1 PCT, +1 Willpower
Requirements: 1 Minor Boon

"You seem to have questions Drew Wright, at least I believe you do from your facial expressions." Spock mentioned

"Yeah, a couple for sure. My wife and I... we don't have children yet; would this race prevent that from occurring? My understanding of vampires in fantasy is they're some kind of undead. Obviously, they CAN reproduce due to this race existing, but can this... Dhampir also reproduce? Also, compared to the other races I've been looking at, these guys seem a bit... overpowered? They get a lot of bonus stats you know..."

"You would be able to reproduce yes, at least with compatible species. I wouldn't recommend trying with an Elemental or one of the machine races, not that I would imagine that union to be pleasurable to begin with. They do indeed receive slightly more stats per level than average, that's why selecting this race would cost you the minor boon you have."

"Right. Well, I'm not against it, though it seems a bit angsty. Like I'd be a goth kid all over again, but I already grew out of that phase. But I'm not against using my boon if I can still have kiddos someday. The blood part is a bit off putting. Also why did you say people don't normally choose this race?"

"As the description says, you may consume either food or blood, so you may choose not to subsist on blood and you'll be perfectly fine. As for the last question, Vampires are pretty antagonistic towards Dhampirs, and most other mortal races will view you with natural caution. Also, many people are unwilling to spend a minor boon on race selection unless it's to add something to a race they already have their hearts set on."

"Vampires are racists?! Huh, who'd have thought that. Kinda sounds like they're just snobby dicks. Screw it, yeah let’s go with this race. I'm more interested in my class anyways."

"Indeed, many would consider Vampires to be 'Snobby Dicks', and very well. Your vision is about to black out and you'll be able to modify the outward appearance of your new race as well as choose a mortal parent to inherit an advantage from. You'll still be able to talk with me, but you won't see me."

*DING!*

Racial selection complete. Racial Customization sequence beginning.

Then there was black.