Hyena (Shadow-Cursed Lands)

Hyena is an unnamed hyena who is traveling in the Shadow-Cursed Lands with a caravan of Absolutists.

	“	They beat me because I am weak. Because I am soft. Even though I try my best.	„
		— Hyena on Goblins

Involvement

As the party approaches the Shadow-Cursed Lands from Rosymorn Monastery Trail, they will come across a group of Absolute cultists who are awaiting Minthara. At the edges of the camp, Warrior Gronag is attempting to play fetch with a hyena, using him to test if the shadow curse is as dangerous as it is rumored to be. If the party does not intervene, the hyena will run into the bushes and become shadow cursed. Otherwise, Gronag can be forced to fetch the bone and will be cursed himself.

Afterwards, the party may approach the hyena. Examining him will reveal that he is underweight and fearful, a victim of abuse from his goblin owners. Without  Speak with Animals, the talking party member must pass a DC 14 Animal Handling check. They may then persuade or intimidate the hyena to run, or convince them to remain and obey the Absolute. Otherwise the party may tell the hyena they are a friend, or berate him. Either way, the hyena will reveal that the goblins beat them for being weak, even though they are trying their best.

The hyena cannot be convinced to fight back, but can be persuaded to run away. If passing a DC 10 Persuasion check, and then another Persuasion or Intimidation check, the hyena will run, heading back towards the monastery trail.

If the hyena is persuaded into leaving, he will travel towards the exit to Rosymorn Monastery Trail. As he runs, the shadow curse will begin to take hold, but he will disappear from the area before succumbing.

Companion approval

• If the party fails the second Persuasion check while convincing the hyena to run  -
• If the party convinces the hyena to run  +  +  +