Into the Wilderness – A First Encounter
The Wilderlands greeted Mellali and Hadjer with a vast, untamed landscape that stretched far beyond what they had imagined. Towering trees with twisted trunks loomed overhead, their dark canopies casting long shadows that shrouded the forest floor. The sound of distant creatures echoed through the dense woods, giving the air a constant sense of unease. For the first time in days, the weight of Rivermouth was gone, replaced by the promise—and danger—of the unknown.
As they trekked deeper into the wilderness, the noises of the forest grew louder, more persistent. Mellali, always alert, felt his nerves tighten. The wilderness was untamed, unpredictable. He knew they were being watched by something unseen, something that lurked just out of sight.
Hadjer, ever graceful, moved quietly beside him, her hand resting on the hilt of her rapier. She, too, could sense it—the tension in the air, the way the woods seemed to hold its breath around them. They were no longer safe.
"Something's close," Mellali whispered, his eyes scanning the dark shadows between the trees. "Stay ready."
Hadjer nodded, her gaze sharp, but before either of them could react, the first sound came—a low, guttural growl from the underbrush. It was followed by more—a chorus of menacing snarls that seemed to come from all directions.
They were not alone.
---
The First Fight – Wild Wolves of the Forest
From the darkness of the trees, four large wolves emerged, their yellow eyes glowing in the dim light. These were no ordinary wolves. Their fur was matted and dark, and their bodies rippled with unnatural strength, muscles bulging beneath their pelts. Their movements were fluid, quick, and deadly.
Hadjer's hand flew to her rapier, her body falling into her Bladesong stance as she prepared for the attack. Mellali, ever the strategist, quickly assessed the situation. These wolves were strong, but they were still just animals. They could handle this. They had to.
"Four of them," Mellali muttered, his mind racing as he summoned the psionic energy that always buzzed beneath his skin. "We take them down fast."
The wolves growled, baring their sharp teeth as they crouched low, preparing to strike. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, the first wolf lunged at Mellali, jaws wide and fangs glistening.
---
Mellali's First Move – Psionic Control
Mellali reacted quickly, raising his hand as the wolf leapt toward him. His mind crackled with energy as he cast Tasha's Mind Whip (2nd-level spell), lashing out at the creature's mind with invisible force.
(Damage: 13 psychic damage, loses its next action)
The wolf let out a sharp yelp as Mellali's psionic attack tore through its mind, halting its leap mid-air. The creature collapsed to the ground, disoriented and in pain, its body twitching as it tried to regain control.
Mellali stepped back, his eyes scanning the remaining wolves. "That should keep it busy for now."
But there was no time to celebrate. The other three wolves, sensing their companion's weakness, turned their attention to Hadjer.
---
Hadjer's Deadly Dance – Bladesong Unleashed
Hadjer, already prepared, moved like lightning. Her Bladesong gave her the speed and agility she needed to face multiple enemies at once. As the wolves charged her, she spun with grace and precision, her rapier flashing in the dim light.
With a quick flick of her wrist, she cast Booming Blade (cantrip) and struck the first wolf that came too close.
( Damage: 9 piercing + 6 thunder damage if it moves)
The rapier found its mark, slicing into the wolf's side. Thunderous energy crackled around the wound, warning the creature of the danger if it tried to move. The wolf growled in pain, its body twitching with the unstable magic, but it hesitated, knowing that any movement could be its last.
Hadjer didn't stop there. With her Bladesong still active, she spun on her heel, her movements fluid and precise as she delivered a second strike to another wolf lunging at her from the side.
(Damage: 8 piercing)
Her rapier sliced through the air, cutting deep into the second wolf's flank. Blood sprayed across the ground as the wolf staggered, but it snarled defiantly, refusing to back down.
---
The Wolves Strike Back
The wolves, though wounded, were not defeated. The remaining two creatures circled Mellali and Hadjer, their yellow eyes glowing with hunger and fury. One of them, its body low to the ground, suddenly lunged at Hadjer, jaws wide.
( Damage: 7 piercing)
Hadjer, despite her speed, couldn't avoid the attack entirely. The wolf's teeth sank into her arm, and she let out a hiss of pain. But her Bladesong protected her from the worst of the damage, and she quickly twisted out of the creature's grasp, her eyes flashing with determination.
Mellali, meanwhile, was facing another wolf of his own. The creature snarled and lunged, aiming for his throat.
( misses)
But Mellali was ready. With a quick sidestep, he avoided the wolf's deadly bite, its teeth snapping at empty air. He raised his hand, summoning the psionic energy that always buzzed beneath his skin.
---
Mellali's Second Strike – Psionic Blast
Seeing the wolves closing in, Mellali knew he had to act fast. His mind surged with power as he cast Psionic Blast (3rd-level spell), sending a shockwave of telekinetic force toward the two wolves attacking him and Hadjer.
The air around them rippled with energy as the blast slammed into the wolves, sending them skidding across the ground.
(Damage: 21 force damage, wolves are knocked prone)
Both wolves let out pained yelps as the force of the blast knocked them off their feet, their bodies slamming into the trees with a sickening thud. They struggled to rise, their legs weak and trembling from the impact.
---
Hadjer's Final Strike – Ending the Fight
With the wolves knocked prone, Hadjer saw her chance to finish the fight. Her Bladesong still pulsed through her, giving her the speed and grace of a dancer as she moved toward the fallen wolves. With swift precision, she delivered a final, decisive strike to each of them.
(Damage: 11 piercing)
( Damage: 9 piercing)
Her rapier flashed in the dim light, cutting through the wolves' flesh with deadly efficiency. The creatures let out one final whimper before collapsing to the ground, their bodies limp and unmoving.
The battle was over.
---
Aftermath – Gaining Strength
As the last of the wolves fell, Mellali and Hadjer stood in the clearing, their breaths heavy from the fight. Blood dripped from Hadjer's arm where the wolf had bitten her, but she brushed it off, already focusing on the next steps.
(
"We're getting stronger," Mellali said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "But we need to be ready for worse."
Hadjer nodded, wiping the blood from her rapier. "This was just the beginning. The wilderness out here... it's dangerous, but if we keep leveling up, we'll survive."
They had grown stronger from the fight, both of them feeling the surge of power that came with surviving a dangerous encounter. But Mellali knew that these wolves were only the first of many challenges they would face. The deeper they ventured into the Wilderlands, the more dangerous it would become.
And somewhere out there, hidden among the ancient ruins of the wilderness, was the key to escaping this world.
After the Battle – Reflecting and Preparing
As the last of the wolves lay still in the underbrush, Mellali wiped the sweat from his brow and took a moment to catch his breath. His heart still pounded from the intensity of the fight, but the familiar rush of power that followed a hard-won victory surged through him. He glanced at Hadjer, who was already tending to the bite wound on her arm, her calm demeanor hiding the weariness they both felt.
For a brief moment, the forest around them seemed peaceful again, though they knew the wilderness held far greater dangers. This was just the beginning, and they had to be ready.
Mellali straightened up and called forth the stat window—a tool that had always helped him make sense of this strange world they had been thrust into. The window flickered into view before him, displaying both his and Hadjer's stats, abilities, and—most importantly—their current XP.
---
Mellali's Stat Window
Class: Aberrant Mind Sorcerer (Aasimar) – Level 5
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 15 (+1 from Aasimar)
Intelligence: 18
Wisdom: 18
Charisma: 18 (+2 from Aasimar)
XP Gained from Wolves: 400 XP
Total XP: 6,900 XP (7,500 required for Level 6)
HP: 38
Sorcery Points: 6
Spells Known: Psionic Blast, Mind Spike, Tasha's Mind Whip, Misty Step, Shield, Detect Thoughts
---
Hadjer's Stat Window
Class: Eladrin Wizard (Bladesinger) – Level 5
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 17 (+2 from Eladrin)
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 18 (+1 from Eladrin)
Wisdom: 18
Charisma: 18
XP Gained from Wolves: 400 XP
Total XP: 6,700 XP (7,500 required for Level 6)
HP: 35
Bladesong AC: 20
Spells Known: Booming Blade, Haste, Mirror Image, Shield, Misty Step, Counterspell
---
Mellali exhaled sharply, seeing the numbers pop up. The fight with the wolves had brought them both closer to leveling up, but they weren't there just yet. Each of the wolves had granted them 100 XP, and while the fight had been dangerous, it wasn't enough to push them over the edge. They still needed another challenge, another victory, before they could unlock the next stage of their abilities.
"We're close," Mellali muttered, staring at the XP counter. "Just a few more encounters and we'll level up."
Hadjer nodded as she glanced at her own stat window, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Those wolves weren't easy, but they gave us a good boost. We'll have to find something more if we want to push through."
---
Leveling Up – Preparing for the Next Challenge
The experience of the fight had taught them both valuable lessons, but Mellali knew that simply grinding through encounters wasn't enough. The wilderness was full of threats, and if they wanted to survive out here—and eventually escape—they had to be smarter about it. They needed to be tactical, not just strong.
Hadjer sheathed her rapier and wiped the remaining blood from her hands, her sharp eyes scanning the forest ahead. "We should find a safe place to rest before we push forward. We're close to leveling up, but we can't be reckless."
Mellali nodded, his mind already calculating their next move. "Agreed. We need to rest, recover, and then we'll head deeper into the forest. There's more out here than just wolves, and we need to be ready for whatever comes next."
They had come close to leveling up, but Mellali knew that the next fight—whether with more creatures or something far worse—would be what tipped the balance. Out here, in the wilderness, they had no choice but to grow stronger. The rules of Rivermouth no longer applied; this was a world of survival, and only the most prepared would make it through.
Venturing Deeper – The Hunt for the Wargs
With their wounds patched and their minds sharpened by the thrill of victory, Mellali and Hadjer ventured deeper into the Wilderlands. The towering trees loomed overhead, their twisted branches casting long shadows that danced with the flickering light of the rising sun. Every step felt heavier as they pushed farther into the wilderness, the air growing cooler, thicker, as if the forest itself was alive with hidden dangers.
Mellali's thoughts lingered on the stat window he had just checked. They were close to leveling up, and while the battle with the wolves had been challenging, it wasn't enough to bring them to the next stage of power. He knew that something far more dangerous lurked in these woods. Something that would test not just their strength but their tactics.
Hadjer moved beside him, her steps silent as she navigated the uneven forest floor with ease. She could sense it too—the shift in the atmosphere. There was something out here, watching them, stalking them. The wolves had been the first challenge, but this place had more to offer. More that wanted to tear them apart.
Then they heard it. The distant sound of growls, deep and guttural, followed by the faint padding of heavy paws against the earth.
Mellali's eyes narrowed. "Wargs."
Hadjer's expression grew tense. "They're hunting us."
---
The Hunt Begins – Wargs in the Woods
The wargs were no ordinary predators. Larger and far more intelligent than wolves, these creatures hunted with cunning, coordinating their attacks with brutal efficiency. Their dark, matted fur blended seamlessly with the shadows of the forest, and their glowing eyes were filled with malice. Wargs were notorious for hunting in packs, stalking their prey for miles before striking with deadly precision.
Mellali crouched low, his hand instinctively moving to his arcane focus. "We need to take them out before they surround us."
Hadjer nodded, already slipping into her Bladesong stance, her movements graceful but tense, ready for whatever came next. "I'll stay mobile. You focus on controlling the field."
The growls grew closer, and through the dense underbrush, Mellali could make out the shapes of three large wargs approaching from different angles. Their eyes gleamed with predatory intelligence, and their mouths dripped with saliva as they prepared to strike.
---
Mellali's First Move – Psionic Tactics
Mellali knew that fighting wargs head-on was a dangerous proposition. They were too fast and too coordinated to allow any mistakes. He needed to use his psionic abilities to disrupt their movements and give him and Hadjer the upper hand.
He focused on the nearest warg, the one approaching from his right, and cast Tasha's Mind Whip (2nd-level spell), targeting the creature's mind with a sharp, psychic lash.
( Damage: 14 psychic damage, loses its next action)
The warg let out a pained howl as the mental attack struck, its body freezing mid-step as it struggled to shake off the psychic assault. It stumbled, disoriented, unable to act as the pain overwhelmed its senses.
"That's one down for now," Mellali muttered, his eyes flicking to the remaining two wargs.
---
Hadjer's Deadly Dance – Bladesong in Action
With the first warg temporarily disabled, Hadjer sprang into action. Her Bladesong activated, her body moving with incredible speed and precision as she darted toward the second warg. Her rapier shimmered with arcane energy as she cast Booming Blade (cantrip) and struck at the creature.
(Damage: 11 piercing + 6 thunder damage if it moves)
Her blade sliced through the warg's thick hide, and a crackling aura of thunderous energy wrapped around the creature, warning it not to move. The warg growled in pain but remained defiant, its muscles tensing as it prepared to strike back.
But Hadjer wasn't done. With her Bladesong still flowing through her, she pivoted, her movements graceful yet lethal, and delivered another swift strike to the third warg, which had begun circling toward Mellali.
( Damage: 9 piercing)
Her rapier found its mark again, cutting deep into the creature's flank. Blood sprayed across the forest floor, and the warg snarled in fury, but its attack was delayed by the precision of Hadjer's strike.
---
The Wargs Strike Back
Though wounded, the wargs were far from defeated. The first warg, still reeling from Mellali's mental assault, struggled to regain its footing. But the second warg, though wrapped in the energy of Hadjer's Booming Blade, lunged at her with ferocious speed.
( Damage: 8 piercing)
Hadjer twisted, but the warg's jaws found her shoulder, its teeth sinking into her flesh. She winced but quickly pulled free, her Bladesong protecting her from worse damage. The thunderous energy from her spell surged through the warg as it moved, punishing it for the attack.
(Booming Blade thunder damage: 6)
The warg let out a howl of pain as the thunderous energy exploded around it, its body trembling from the impact.
Meanwhile, the third warg, bleeding from Hadjer's previous strike, turned its attention to Mellali and lunged with terrifying speed.
(Damage: 9 piercing)
The creature's powerful jaws clamped down on Mellali's arm, drawing blood. He gritted his teeth, feeling the sharp pain shoot through his body, but he refused to back down. This was the price of survival in the wilderness, and they had no choice but to push through.
---
Mellali's Psionic Blast – Turning the Tide
With the warg's jaws still locked on his arm, Mellali knew he had to act fast. Summoning the full power of his Aberrant Mind, he unleashed Psionic Blast (3rd-level spell), sending a shockwave of telekinetic force rippling through the air, targeting the two wargs still standing.
(Damage: 19 force damage, wargs are knocked prone)
The blast hit the wargs with brutal force, sending them tumbling across the ground. Their bodies slammed into the trees with a sickening thud, and they lay there, dazed and struggling to rise.
Mellali breathed heavily, his arm bleeding from the bite wound but his mind clear. "That should buy us some time."
---
Hadjer's Final Strike – Ending the Hunt
With the wargs knocked prone, Hadjer seized the opportunity to finish the fight. Her Bladesong still pulsed through her, giving her the speed and precision she needed to deliver the killing blows.
She dashed toward the second warg, her rapier gleaming as she struck with deadly accuracy.
( Damage: 12 piercing)
The warg let out one final, pitiful whine before collapsing, blood pooling beneath its body.
Without hesitation, Hadjer moved to the third warg, her movements fluid and relentless.
(Damage: 11 piercing)
Her rapier found its mark once again, and the creature fell limp, its life extinguished by the precision of her blade.
---
Aftermath – A Hard-Won Victory
The forest grew silent once more as the last of the wargs fell. Mellali and Hadjer stood amidst the carnage, their bodies battered but victorious. The battle had been fierce, but they had survived—and they had grown stronger for it.
Hadjer wiped the blood from her blade, her eyes scanning the forest for any remaining threats. "We're getting closer. We're stronger, but so are the enemies."
Mellali nodded, breathing heavily but already feeling the surge of power that came from leveling up. The wargs had pushed them over the edge, granting them enough XP to reach the next level.
---
Mellali's Stat Window – Level 6
XP Gained from Wargs: 600 XP (200 per warg)
Total XP: 7,500 XP
New HP: 45
New Spell Slot: 4th-level spells unlocked
Sorcery Points: 7
---
Hadjer's Stat Window – Level 6
XP Gained from Wargs: 600 XP (200 per warg)
Total XP: 7,500 XP
New HP: 42
Bladesong AC: 21
New Spell Slot: 4th-level spells unlocked
---
As Mellali felt the rush of new power fill him, he exchanged a glance with Hadjer. They were stronger now, but the Wilderlands still held greater challenges. This was only the beginning.