Danny Phantom: Ghostly Gamer Chapter 07 (Early Preview) (Patreon)

Chapter 07: Starting Class

Danny sat on his bed, scrolling through his Class Selection Window. The sheer variety in front of him intrigued him. He brought up the overview of each class with a few taps, reading through them.

Artificer

“Masters of invention, artificers use ingenuity and magic to unlock extraordinary capabilities in objects. They see magic as a complex system waiting to be decoded and harnessed in their spells and inventions. Artificers use a variety of tools to channel their arcane power. To cast a spell, an artificer might use an alchemist's supplies to create a potent elixir, a calligrapher's supplies to inscribe a sigil of power, or a tinker's tools to craft a temporary charm. The magic of artificers is tied to their tools and talents, and few other characters can produce the right tool for a job.”

Danny scratched his head, imagining himself as a tech-wizard type. If anything, it sounded like his parents and all their ecto-gadgets. 

Artificers were builders, tinkerers, and problem solvers. They relied on the intelligence stat, which was not his strong suit. He'd always been decent at making things—sure, nothing on the level of his parents or Tucker, but he understood how ghost tech worked.

Danny frowned, scrolling through the class features. Infusions. Spellcasting. Tools. He could straight-up enchant things, which sounded cool in theory. He imagined slapping an upgrade on his Fenton Thermos, turning it into a high-efficiency ghost trap. Or modifying his suit so he could take more hits. Or maybe even making his ghost gauntlets.

Focusing his points on intelligence meant that he had to neglect his already high strength and dexterity. Being a “nerd class,” it was safe to say that Artificers were not front-line fighters. They were support. They relied on their inventions. Which, uh… wasn’t exactly how he usually fought. Sure, he had Sam and Tucker, but he got punched through walls at the end of the day. What if he needed something and didn't have time to build it right now? What if he ran out of infused items mid-fight?

Another thing: Spellcasting. That was a double-edged sword. He’d have access to many useful tricks, but Artificers likely needed their tools to cast. If he lost whatever he was using as a spellcasting focus? Goodbye magic. And ghosts would love to break or steal his gear just to screw him over.

Artificer was smart, but was it him? He barely had time to do his homework, let alone craft a new gadget daily. It sounded cool, but he wasn't sure if he was ready to try something like that. Maybe later.

Barbarian

“Barbarians are mighty warriors empowered by the primal forces of the multiverse, their Rage manifesting as something far more than mere emotion. It is not limited to anger but embodies the ferocity of a cornered predator, the unrelenting fury of a storm, and the churning turmoil of the sea. Some Barbarians see their Rage as a connection to revered ancestors or fierce spirits, while others perceive it as an impersonal surge of wild magic or a deep expression of their truest self. This power fuels more than just their battle prowess—it grants them uncanny reflexes, heightened senses, resilience, and feats of immense strength. Barbarians often serve as protectors and leaders, charging headlong into danger so those under their care do not have to. Their courage and raw power make them perfectly suited for adventure, defined above all else by their unbridled, unquenchable, and unstoppable Rage.”

If there was one thing he knew about barbarians in movies and on TV, they were tough. They could take hits like tanks and dish out damage just as well. If he chose this class, his ghostly durability might get a serious boost. Plus, that whole Rage mechanic? That could be useful. When he got really angry, his powers tended to spike anyway—maybe he could channel that into something more controlled.

Assuming that Barbarians focussed on Strength and Constitution, that wasn’t too far off from his usual MO. He’d admit to being more of a street brawler charging in headfirst.  He could be an unstoppable wrecking ball. Having a high constitution and lower dexterity meant that he would be tanking hits most of the time instead of dodging them. Sure, he would have a higher health pool, but not getting hit at all seemed better than chancing on taking hits all the time.Did he trust himself to just eat attacks and risk dying… again?

Then again… ghosts didn’t follow normal rules. Maybe the class would adapt to his ectoplasm? Maybe his Rage could be some kind of spectral fury, boosting his energy attacks?

He needed more information. Maybe he’d try a practice fight and see how Barbarian felt before advancing in it. If nothing else, it’d be worth knowing whether it played nice with his ghost powers—or if it’d turn him into a mindless berserker.

And knowing his luck? It was probably the latter.

Danny could almost feel his muscles flex just reading about it. The idea of letting loose and smashing his enemies with sheer force was tempting, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to rely on just brute strength. ‘Heh. Would love to see Dash's face if I go ballistic on him.’

Bard 

“Whether scholar, skald, or scoundrel, a Bard weaves magic through words and music, using their art to inspire allies, demoralize foes, manipulate minds, create illusions, and even heal wounds. They invoke magic through song, dance, and verse, believing that the multiverse itself was spoken into existence and that remnants of its Words of Creation still echo across every plane. Bardic magic seeks to harness these transcendent words, which exist beyond any language. Endlessly curious, Bards find inspiration in everything, becoming masters of performance, magic, and wit. Their lives are spent traveling, gathering lore, telling stories, and earning their keep through the gratitude of their audiences. Yet, their vast knowledge and the powerful magic woven into their craft truly sets them apart from ordinary entertainers.”

He supposed it seemed fun, but it meant he had to sing and play music any time to use his skills ghost. It was focused on Charisma, and he wasn’t sure he could see himself serenading through every fight.

From the description, Bards were performers, storytellers, and manipulators of magic through music. None of that screamed Danny Fenton. He wasn’t a musician, he didn’t do speeches, and the last time he tried to "charm" someone, it was probably just him awkwardly asking Valerie to the movies.

He imagined throwing out some kind of eerie battle chant, boosting Sam and Tucker mid-fight. Or maybe using words to throw off an enemy’s attack with some well-timed banter. That could match his style.

Would he really be out here singing at people? That was a hard pass. Like the Artificer, Bards weren’t built to take hits, and while some could hold their own in a fight, they weren’t front-liners.

As for the whole ‘performance’ thing. Did he really want to lean into that? Sure, he liked making jokes in the middle of fights, but that was different from being the guy who relied on flash and flair. He had a feeling ghosts wouldn’t be impressed if he tried to monologue his way out of a hunt.

While it would be nice to try and raise his charisma to talk to girls, he was hesitant to try it out first.

Cleric

“Clerics draw power from the realms of the gods, channeling divine magic to work miracles, bolster allies, and battle foes. Blessed by a deity, pantheon, or other immortal entity, they act as intermediaries between the mortal world and the distant planes where the gods dwell. Unlike ordinary priests who serve through prayer and ritual alone, Clerics wield divine magic as a tangible gift, embodying the will of their deities. While they often associate with temples dedicated to their chosen divine force, their power does not come from formal training but from a direct connection to the divine. Many mortals claim to speak for the gods, but few can manifest their power as a Cleric can, making them living embodiments of their deities’ will.”

Danny paused and read it over again. Was this telling him that gods existed? Granted, he was agnostic. If he became a Cleric, did that mean he would become some sort of priest or something?

From the description, Clerics could branch on the type of magic they could learn. He wondered if he could get storm magic if Thor was real. Maybe something moon related if Artemis and Konshu were real. Though he wasn’t sure if he could see himself as a holy warrior. After all, Clerics served a higher power. That was just how they worked. He was drawing magic from some greater force. And considering his own powers were tied to ghosts, the undead, that could get real messy real fast. Would it even work? Would his ghost half reject it?

Still, the idea of banishing ghosts with divine power stuck with him. If he could make it work, it would be a huge advantage. No more ecto-blasts, no more thermos-chucking—just a flick of the wrist and poof, gone. But at what cost?

Danny sighed. "Man, I really don’t want to end up in a holy-vs-unholy identity crisis over this."

Maybe he’d test it. Just a little. See if he caught fire from holding a holy symbol before making big decisions.

Druid

“Druids belong to ancient orders that harness the forces of nature, drawing magic from animals, plants, and the elements to heal, transform, and unleash elemental destruction. Revering nature above all, they gain their power from the natural world, a deity of nature, or both, often uniting with fellow Druids to perform rites that honor the passage of the seasons and the cycles of life. They are deeply concerned with maintaining the delicate balance that sustains all living things, advocating for harmony between people and nature. While many Druids guard sacred sites or protect untouched wilderness, they do not hesitate to take a more active role when a great threat arises. Whether channeling the raw power of the elements or taking on the forms of beasts, Druids do not seek to control nature but to serve as its extensions—embodying its resilience, cunning, and fury.”

He imagined magic akin to controlling plants and the like. Danny imaginined himself as a shapeshifter. The idea of transforming into animals sounded awesome, but he wasn’t entirely sure how that would help with ghost fights.

Druids were connected to nature, which was already kind of weird for him. He wasn’t exactly a tree-hugger—that was more Sam’s thing.

He imagined fighting ghosts as a spectral wolf. Could he become some kind of ghostly beast?

However, Druids got their power from the earth, from natural forces, from life itself. He was half ghost. Would that work well? Maybe?

He sighed. It wasn’t a bad option, but it wasn’t a perfect fit either. “…Okay, but turning into a ghostly wolf does sound kind of cool.”

Fighter 

“Fighters dominate the battlefield with unparalleled mastery of weapons and armor, whether as questing knights, royal champions, elite soldiers, or hardened mercenaries. They are well acquainted with death, both dealing with it and defying it. Trained in a vast array of combat techniques, Fighters always have the right weapon for any situation and are adept in every form of armor. Beyond their broad martial expertise, each Fighter specializes in a distinct combat style—some mastering archery, others wielding two weapons at once, and some even blending martial prowess with magic. This combination of versatility and specialization makes Fighters the most formidable warriors, their skills honed for war and their resolve unshaken in the face of battle.”

Danny nodded.  Sounded like the typical knight in fantasy movies. Nothing bad and pretty tame. 

The Fighter class was straightforward, no-nonsense. Fighters were versatile and built for combat.

Magic seemed to be an option down the line. 

Then there was the weapon training. Fighters were masters of weapon combat, and he’s barely used one in his life. He was more used to punching things. Maybe he could manifest an ectoplasmic blade?

He tilted his head, considering. He wasn’t against becoming skilled in a weapon.

Monk

“Monks blend rigorous combat training with mental discipline to align themselves with the multiverse, channeling their internal reservoirs of power—variously conceptualized as breath, energy, life force, or essence—into extraordinary feats. This power infuses everything they do, whether displayed through devastating martial strikes or subtle manifestations of speed and defense. With or without weapons, Monks harness uncanny strength and agility, turning even the simplest implements into tools of refined combat mastery. Some cultivate their abilities through ascetic withdrawal, while others immerse themselves in the chaos of life to fuel their determination. Regardless of their path, Monks see adventure not merely as a pursuit of glory or treasure but as a test of their physical and mental development, striving to transform themselves into living weapons of unparalleled discipline and skill.”

If martial arts movies told him anything, it was that Monks were lightning-fast, with reflexes that made them almost impossible to hit.  

His mind went back to all those times his mom tried to teach him how to fight. He rolled his eyes before when they said it was only to be used against ghosts. Now, he regretted not taking it seriously. Flipping Dash over his shoulder in Gym would be hilarious and cathartic. 

From the look of it, Monks could either use their fists or a weapon. That was already right up his alley. He fought best when dodging, weaving, and striking before an enemy knew what hit them. Monks didn’t need armor to be tough—their sheer willpower made them naturally durable. 

Then there was spiritual energy that Monks used to fuel their abilities—enhanced strikes, incredible speed, even supernatural techniques. And considering he already had ectoplasm running through his veins, would this just be a more controlled version of his ghost energy?

“Could I… refine my ghost powers with this?” he murmured. The idea was tempting. Right now, he relied on instinct, reacting in the moment. But Monks? Monks mastered their power. If this class could help him control his abilities better, that would be a huge advantage.

He was already imagining deflecting projectiles with just his hands like in the movies. He could snatch them out of the air and throw it back. 

Then again, Monks didn’t just fight—they had a way of life. And Danny? He wasn’t exactly the meditating type. He was more of a "punch first, figure it out later" kind of guy. Could he even be a Monk without throwing himself into that whole mindset?

Danny smirked. “Okay, Monk’s officially on the ‘maybe’ list.”

Paladin

“Paladins are bound by sacred oaths to stand against the forces of annihilation and corruption, their vows forming a powerful bond that transforms them into blessed champions. Whether sworn before a god’s altar, in a sacred glade before nature spirits, or in a moment of grief with only the dead as witnesses, a Paladin’s oath is their guiding purpose and source of power. They train in the skills of combat, mastering weapons and armor, but their martial prowess is secondary to the divine magic they wield—the power to heal the wounded, smite the wicked, and shield the helpless. By nature, the life of a Paladin is one of adventure, for they fight on the front lines of the eternal struggle against evil. Rare among warriors, Paladins are even rarer among the world’s armies, for few receive the call to take up arms and magic in devotion to a higher cause.”

Now, that sounded like a hero. The Paladin class reminded Danny of a heroic knight fighting for a cause. Paladins were warriors of justice, defenders of the innocent, and champions of righteousness. That all sounded good. Protecting people? That’s literally what he already did. If there was any class that matched his whole “fight-for-the-little-guy” mentality, it was this one. Paladins seemed to be tanks in heavy armor and could take a beating and keep going.

It was similar to Clerics, but Paladins weren’t limited to getting power from gods. Getting power from an Oath? He wasn’t sure how that all worked. Danny frowned. Oaths were a core part of the class. Paladins swore to follow a moral code that granted them power. Which sounded great—except what happened if he broke it?

Ranger

“Far from bustling cities, amid the trees of trackless forests and across wide plains, Rangers keep their unending watch in the wilderness. Rangers learn to track their quarry as a predator does, moving stealthily through the wilds and hiding themselves in brush and rubble. Thanks to their connection with nature, Rangers can also cast spells that harness primal powers of the wilderness. A Ranger’s talents and magic are honed with deadly focus to protect the world from the ravages of monsters and tyrants.”

Danny thought about it, envisioning himself as a ghost hunter who could track and take down enemies from a distance. It seemed fitting, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to trade his close combat style for a bow and arrow.

Rangers seemd to specialize in mobility, ranged combat, and taking down specific enemies. Considering his whole thing was fighting ghosts, having a class built around studying and countering a particular type of foe was actually really useful. 

Would the benefits of ranged combat apply to his ecto-blasts, he could become an absolute sniper in battle. No more missing shots or wasting energy—every blast could be precise and deadly.

Rangers relied on bows, blades, and tactical strikes. He mostly fought hand-to-hand or with ecto-energy. Would this class try to make him too reliant on weapons? He didn’t want to start lugging around a bow and quiver when he could just blast something with his hands.

He tilted his head, thinking. Ranger wasn’t a bad choice. It might actually be one of the best fits for him.

But… did he really want to be a Ghost Hunter: The Class?

Rogue

“Rogues rely on cunning, stealth, and their foes’ vulnerabilities to gain the upper hand in any situation, demonstrating a resourcefulness that makes them invaluable to any adventuring party. Whether through deception, agility, or even a touch of magic, they excel at finding solutions to problems where others see only obstacles. Some Rogues specialize in stealth and trickery, while others hone skills essential for navigating dungeons, such as climbing, disarming traps, and picking locks. In combat, they favor precision over brute force, preferring a single decisive strike to a flurry of blows. Many begin their lives on the fringes of society—some as criminals, others as vigilantes—but whatever their relationship with the law, no mere thief or officer can match the subtle brilliance of a truly skilled Rogue.”

The Rogue class had a certain appeal. Danny liked the idea of being stealthy and sneaky, slipping in and out of situations undetected. He might get bonus damage from sneak attacks. Rogues were stealthy, fast, and specialized in hit-and-run tactics. He could work with that. 

Dodging explosions, energy blasts, and all sorts of crazy attacks? He already relied on his reflexes and phasing to avoid damage, but if this class could make him even harder to hit? He’d be a nightmare for anyone trying to land a blow.

Then came the skills. Rogues had benefits to sneaking, lockpicking, deception, and traps. Considering how often he had to break into places or talk out of trouble, that sounded really useful. Plus, trap detection? Would that let him sense ghost traps before he flew right into them? Pickpocketing the enemy wouldn’t be so bad, right?

Strangely enough, the next entry had a star icon next to it.

Sorcerer*

“Sorcerers wield magic stamped into their very being, an innate power that cannot be learned but manifests from their bloodline, an otherworldly influence, or a brush with cosmic forces. Some can trace their magic to a distant ancestor’s blessing, a deity’s gift, or an encounter with the strange energies of another plane, while others awaken to their power with no clear origin. Whatever its source, sorcery leaves an indelible mark, a churning magic that often refuses to remain dormant. Unlike wizards who study spells, Sorcerers must learn to harness and channel their raw power, developing abilities that reflect their magical heritage. Rare and unpredictable, sorcery sometimes appears consistently in a family line, but more often, it emerges as an anomaly that cannot be ignored. No one chooses sorcery; the power chooses the Sorcerer, and once awakened, it demands to be wielded.”

Innate magic. Sorcerers didn’t need books, training, or outside sources—they had magic in their blood. That already sounded a lot like him. He didn’t learn his ghost powers from some grandmaster or ancient text. They just… happened.

Sorcerers had magical potential. His ghost powers could be supercharged and push his abilities past their limits.

Danny smirked. Spells fueled by personal power instead of tools or preparation? That definitely fits his style. If he could just channel magic without needing a spellbook or a focus, that would let him keep up in a physical fight too.

Sorcerers got their magic from their heritage. The game was asking him to pick a source for his power, which was weird, because he already had one: the Ghost Zone. Did this mean he would get another one?

That last part bothered him. He was already stuck in an identity crisis half the time—was he human? Was he a ghost? Adding a new type of magic into the mix might make things worse.

But… Sorcerer also made the most sense.

Warlock

“Warlocks are seekers of hidden knowledge, delving into the fabric of the multiverse in pursuit of arcane power. Their journey often begins with forbidden tomes, whispered invocations, or the search for places where extraplanar influence lingers. Inevitably, each Warlock is drawn into a binding pact with a powerful patron—be it an angel, archfey, demon, devil, hag, or alien entity of the Far Realm—unlocking subtle and spectacular magic. Some Warlocks revere or even love their patrons, while others serve them grudgingly or seek to undermine them even as they wield the power granted to them. But once the pact is forged, mere study is never enough. A Warlock’s thirst for power and deeper understanding drives them forward, ensuring their path is one of relentless pursuit, mystery, and adventure.”

This… seemed very ominous. From what he’s seen in movies, bargains for power always end badly.

Warlocks didn’t have to study or practice magic—they got it granted to them through a deal with a higher power. And while that sounded sketchy, he couldn’t deny that it was tempting.

The relationships between Warlock and Patron were not very inviting in the description.

Danny’s grin faded. Warlocks didn’t just get magic for free. He’d have to pick a Patron—some kind of mystical, cosmic entity that granted him power in exchange for… something.

And that was a problem.

The last thing he needed was another ghost, eldritch horror, or some cosmic force trying to control him. What if the Patron wanted something he couldn’t—or wouldn’t—give?

Even if he picked a "nice" Patron, would he really be okay with someone else having a claim on his power? 

Danny shook his head. “Alright, Warlock’s officially on the ‘only if I’m desperate’ list.”

Wizard

“Wizards are supreme magic-users, defined by their exhaustive study of magic’s inner workings and their mastery over spells that shape reality itself. They wield explosive fire, arcing lightning, subtle deceptions, and brute-force mind control, conjuring creatures from other planes, glimpsing the future, or raising the dead. Their mightiest spells transform matter, summon meteors from the sky, or open portals to other worlds. Most Wizards take a scholarly approach to magic, studying its theoretical foundations and categorizing spells into schools of magic. Renowned Wizards such as Bigby, Tasha, and Mordenkainen have advanced the field, creating spells now used across the multiverse. While some Wizards live as sages, lecturers, or military advisors, the lure of lost knowledge often drives them from their libraries into ancient ruins and forgotten cities. Many believe that ancient civilizations once wielded secrets of magic now lost to time, and unlocking those mysteries could lead to power greater than anything known in the present age.”

Danny imagined himself with a spellbook, studying complex incantations. He respected the dedication it would take to become a Wizard, but all that studying didn’t quite feel like his style.

If he picked this class, he could seemingly learn anything, prepare different spells for different fights, and always have a tool for the job. Shoot lightning? Teleportation? Summoning meteors? That was sick! Granted, he didn’t know thee requirements to get those kinds of spells.

Like before, the focus on Intelligence might mean becoming a glass cannon if he didn’t have defensive spells. 

If he could study his ghost enemies like he did for tests, he’d always have the right spell to beat them. However, Wizards got stronger the longer they studied. Danny groaned, rubbing his temples. Wizards didn’t just get magic. They had to read, memorize, and practice spells constantly. He was already barely keeping up with his schoolwork. Did he really have time to study a whole new field of magic on top of fighting ghosts, keeping his grades up, and pretending to be normal?

He thought about the iconic image of a wizard with a wand. Did that meant if he lost his spellbook or wand, no magic. If a ghost disarmed him or destroyed his wand mid-fight? He’d lose half his arsenal. Unlike his ghost abilities, which were always part of him, wizardry relied on tools and preparation.

Danny sighed. “Alright, Wizard’s going on the ‘probably too much work but still kinda tempting’ list.”

“I still don’t know what else these classes do. What happens if I pick the wrong one? Then I’m stuck with it.”

The system opened a new window as if listening to his questions. 

Note: You may re-customize your character to change your class and attributes at any time outside of combat once per long rest and once per day.

“Huh. That’s generous. If I don’t like what I get today, I can always change it tomorrow.” He turned back to the list. “Well, I don’t trust myself using magic or making a pact. I already have to deal with my ghost powers.” That removed more than half of his first choice. On command, the list shrunk.

Barbarian

Fighter

Monk

Ranger

Rogue

“That’s Convenient.” After thinking it over again, Danny reached out and made his selection.