Hyena (Shadow-Cursed Lands)

Hyena is an unnamed hyena travelling with a caravan of Absolutists in the Shadow-Cursed Lands during Act Two.

“

They beat me because I am weak. Because I am soft. Even though I try my best.

„

— Hyena, on the goblins

Involvement

Act Two

As the party approach the Shadow-Cursed Lands from Rosymorn Monastery Trail, they come across a group of Absolute cultists 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 rumoured to be. If the party do not intervene, the hyena runs into the bushes and becomes shadow cursed. Otherwise, Gronag can be forced to fetch the bone and becomes cursed himself.

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

The hyena cannot be convinced to fight back, but can be persuaded to run away. If passing a DC 10 Persuasion check followed by another Persuasion or Intimidation check, the hyena flees toward the monastery trail.

If the hyena is persuaded into leaving, he travels towards the exit to Rosymorn Monastery Trail. As he runs, the shadow curse begins to take hold, but he disappears from the area before succumbing.

Companion approval

The following dialogue options results in companion approval:

Hyena: But - but the goblins said I must stay here. Or they'll cut me. Kill me.

• [PERSUASION] If not now, when? Go on - while you still can. (DC 14)
• [INTIMIDATION] I'll slit their necks if they so much as try. (DC 14)
• [RANGER] [PERSUASION] You are a hunter, like me - swift and true. They'll never catch you. (DC 14 )
• [DRUID] [INTIMIDATION] Let them try - I am nature's guardian. And I will not back down. (DC 14 )

If passing the above checks:  +1  +1  +1  +1  +1

• Fine. Stay here then.

If selecting the above option or failing any of the above checks:  -1  -1