Skarn Named

Grashok looked down at the wolf cub sitting faithfully by his feet. Its yellow eyes gleamed with intelligence and loyalty, and the soft growl rumbling from its throat reminded him of the many hunts they'd shared together. Back in those early days, when the dungeon was but a seedling of an idea and survival was his only goal, this cub had been his constant companion. He remembered how it would vanish into the bushes with quiet determination, only for a squeal or cry to announce its success.

A name...

His hand rested on the cub's head, scratching gently behind its ears as he mused aloud. "You’ve always been my shadow in the hunt. Swift, silent, and deadly... but also fierce and fearless. Prey trembled at your approach even before they saw you. Yes..."

He paused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I will call you Skarn."

The cub perked up at the sound, as if recognising the weight of the word. Simple, evocative, and primal—it captured both the cub's sweet origins and the dangerous predator it was destined to become. It was a name that whispered of sharp stones and the raw edges of survival, yet rolled off the tongue with ease.

"Skarn," Grashok repeated, feeling the name settle into place as the cub let out a low, approving growl.

With a firm nod, Grashok opened the menu for Evolve Minion and selected Skarn. No error appeared this time, and the process began. Skarn’s name now carried meaning, and soon, his form would match his spirit.

As the transformation completed, Grashok took a step back, his sharp eyes scanning the creature now standing before him. Where the small, scrappy cub once sat, there was now a wolf of impressive stature and sleek power. Skarn’s thick, silver-gray fur rippled with muscle, the dark streaks along his back now resembling jagged lightning bolts, and the white patch on his left forepaw remained like a badge of honour. His ears stood tall and alert, swivelling toward even the faintest noise, while his glowing amber eyes radiated intelligence and primal ferocity.

Each movement was smooth yet coiled with latent energy, the claws on his paws sharper and longer than before. His tail swept the air with restless force, mirroring the vitality coursing through his new form. Skarn exuded the essence of a predator, but one honed by loyalty and a deeper connection to his master.

A cheerful dah-dah-ding echoed through the air as a new message popped up in Grashok’s vision:

Minion Evolved – Wolf (Grimhound Class) - +5 Fame.

The pop-up faded as Skarn looked down at his paws, sniffing them curiously. He stretched, testing his new form with a graceful leap in place, landing with an audible thud that sent dust fluttering. The wolf’s tail wagged as he seemed to take pride in his own transformation, his glowing eyes flicking back to Grashok.

Grashok crouched down to his knees, a wide grin breaking across his face. “Look at you, Skarn. A proper beast now,” he murmured, opening his arms wide.

Skarn bounded forward without hesitation, his tail wagging like the eager cub he’d once been. Despite his newfound size and strength, he nuzzled into Grashok’s embrace with an almost playful enthusiasm, his fur warm and bristling with life.

The bond between them felt stronger than ever. As Grashok held the wolf, another notification appeared in the corner of his vision:

Skarn, Level 6 Wolf (Grimhound)

Monster, Wolf, Explicit

Experience to Level Up: 487

Attributes:

• Strength: 17

• Dexterity: 14

• Endurance: 16

• Charisma: 10

• Intelligence: 8

• Wisdom: 12

Skills:

• Awareness: 35

• Stealth: 35

• Dodge: 15

• Athleticism: 20

• Survival: 15

Feats:

• Pack Tactics: Advantage on attack rolls if an ally is within 5 feet of the target and isn’t incapacitated.

• Shadowmeld (Grimhound Feature): In dim light or darkness, Skarn can take the Hide action as a bonus action.

• Howl of Dread (Grimhound Feature, Recharge 5–6): Emit a terrifying howl. Creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be frightened. Frightened creatures are paralysed if already affected.

• Keen Hearing and Smell: Advantage on Perception checks relying on hearing or smell.

• Leap Strike (Recharge 5–6): Leap 20 feet during an attack. Target must make a Strength saving throw or take additional damage and be knocked prone.

• Natural Predator: Proficiency in Survival checks to track prey and Stealth checks in natural environments.

• Crushing Throatbite (Grimhound Feature, Recharge 6): When Skarn lunges for an enemy’s neck, his bite deals massive damage if the target fails an Agility saving throw. On a critical hit, this attack can instantly reduce the target to 0 HP. However, if the target succeeds on the saving throw, Skarn overextends and leaves himself vulnerable—he suffers disadvantage on Defence rolls until the start of his next turn.

Spells Known:

None

Grashok chuckled to himself as he reviewed the new stats. "Impressive, Skarn. A true Grimhound. You'll strike fear into any who cross us."

Skarn’s tail wagged hard enough to thump the stone. He pressed his shoulder against Grashok’s leg, giving a short, eager huff.

Grashok reached down and scratched behind his ears. “Look at you,” he said, rubbing along the thick ruff as Skarn leaned into the touch. “Strong and my first friend. Exactly who I want beside me.”

The wolf pushed his head under Grashok’s hand again, tail sweeping the ground in heavy arcs.

“All right,” Grashok muttered, amused, giving him a firm rub along the jawline. “Come here, then.”

He lowered himself to sit beside Skarn. The wolf settled against him immediately, warm and solid, tail flicking now and then as Grashok rested a hand on his neck.

“Good boy,” he said quietly.

They stayed like that, shoulder to fur, steady and unhurried in the dim glow of the dungeon.