WANTED: “Hoghead” [Level 2]

A huge gnoll, Hoghead, is prowling the woods in southwestern Eaglehorn. He has overpowered all attempts at his capture.

The Tanagra Army has placed a generous bounty on the Gnoll. To earn the reward, bounty hunters should bring proof of Hoghead's demise to Legionnaire Borsten Stoneshield in Thera.

Story Notes

Hoghead is an elite* gnoll found in southwestern Eaglehorn Forest, in Varalon. Finding him the first time is easy enough; but he will retreat before being slain, requiring the players to track him down the second time.

ELITE: Hoghead refreshes as an EPIC does, but is not immune to effects. Hoghead has twice his normal listed Hits, but takes damage as a normal monster, not an EPIC.

REFERENCE: This entire bounty is a reference to the quest ‘WANTED: “Hogger”’ in World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment). A Hoghead (or Hogger) is slang for a train engineer.

Materials

1x Cone
1x Silver

Monsters

1x Hoghead (Gnoll | Hoghead) [unarmed + medium weapon]
3x Gnolls (Gnoll | Hoghead) [unarmed + medium weapon]

1.1 – WANTED: “Hoghead”

Narrative
Following the lead on the wanted poster, you manage to find a span to Varalon and make your way to the Eaglehorn Forest. It doesn’t take long before your attempts at tracking down the gnoll catch its attention!

[HALF HEALTH:]
Hoghead lets out a harsh howl and three gnolls come running out of the woods!

[AFTER COMBAT:]
While you have dispatched the gnolls that responded to Hoghead’s call, Hoghead managed to get away; you’ll have to pick up his trail and finish the job.
Scene Notes
COMBAT: Hoghead (ELITE)
PACKMATES: When Hoghead reaches half health, call hold and read the second narration.

COMBAT: Hoghead (ELITE), Gnolls
FIGHT AND RUN AWAY: When Hoghead reaches one quarter health, they will “Vanish” and make an escape!


After the gnolls are dealt with, the party must track down Hoghead and finish the job. If they cannot track Hoghead down, return this bounty to the board.
Narrative Effects
Commune Earth (Medium): There’s been a few gnolls around recently, but you think the earth is directing you the way Hoghead went.
Commune Nature (Easy): There’s been a few gnolls around lately, but several animals know to give Hoghead’s lair a wide berth and can direct you to it.
Explore (Hard): It takes some time, scouting out in different directions, but eventually you spot Hoghead again.
Track (Easy): Hoghead was more focused on getting away than covering its tracks; once you spot them you’re able to follow them easily.

1.2 – Meat Pile

Narrative
Tracking down Hoghead, you see the large gnoll squatted down next to a pile of meat, stuffing its face. As you approach it noticed you and stands up, ready to fight again! “More bones to gnaw on!”

[HALF HEALTH:]
Hoghead lets out a harsh howl and three gnolls come running out of the woods!
Scene Notes
SETUP: The cone functions as a spawn point with one ability “Sign Heal 1”.

COMBAT: Hoghead (ELITE)
UPSET STOMACH: If Hoghead is hit while using the Spawn Point, they will be “Stunned”.
PACKMATES: When Hoghead reaches half health, call hold and read the second narration.

COMBAT: Hoghead (ELITE), Gnolls
UPSET STOMACH: If Hoghead is hit while using the Spawn Point, they will be “Stunned”.


After the gnolls are dealt with, the party must take something from Hoghead to prove they’re dead. Whether they remember to take something or not, continue to the next scene. If they forgot to grab something, they can return here to retrieve it.

2.1 – Huge Gnoll Claw

Narrative
Making your way to Thera, it only takes a little asking around to find Legionnaire Borsten Stoneshield.
Scene Notes
If the party forgot to grab proof of Hoghead’s demise, they can return to get it. If they specifically bring Hoghead’s huge claw, the person who presents it will get 1 silver (congratulations on remembering the reference quest!)

LEGIONNAIRE BORSTEN STONESHIELD – RP NOTES:
You are Borsten Stoneshield.
You are a Legionnaire with the Tanagra Army.
[LEGIONNAIRE?] Yes, you’re not a citizen of Tanagra, but your expertise in stonework is useful in maintaining the Great Gate.
[GREAT GATE?] The Great Gate that divides Varalon from Angor; built by King Arvast the gatekeeper during the Age of Ascension.
[HOGGER?] Who?
[HOGHEAD?] “Yes, Hoghead has been a real pain for me and my men. You have something to report about the beast?”

NO PROOF:
If the party does not have proof of Hoghead’s demise, tell them to go fetch it. You won’t authorize payment without proof!

PROOF:
“Hah! Well done! I was starting to think no one would take down that monster! Here you are, and thanks - that gnoll was giving me a headache the size of the Great Gate!”


THIS ENDS THE BOUNTY!