Tier 2 – The Curse of the Wonky Pooch

**Tier 2 play**

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the quaint village of Eldergrove, a sense of unease settles in the air. The villagers whisper tales of a mysterious creature that has been terrorizing their nocturnal peace, stealing livestock and leaving behind only the echoes of frantic cries. You gather in the village square, where flickering lanterns cast dancing shadows upon the cobblestones.

Your party is approached by the village elder, a wise but weary woman named Elara. Her silver hair flows like a river of moonlight, and her eyes, though softened by age, burn with a fierce determination. She explains that the creature is rumored to be a "Wonky Pooch," a bizarre and grotesque beast with a tongue that hangs perpetually from the side of its mouth, giving it a comically horrific appearance. Yet, beneath its oddity lies a dark truth: the creature is said to have been cursed, transforming it into a terror that plagues the village.

Elara beseeches you to investigate the nearby forest where the creature has last been seen. As you venture into the dense thicket under a sky speckled with stars, the air grows thick with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers. The rustling leaves whisper secrets, and the occasional hoot of an owl punctuates the night.

Upon entering the heart of the forest, you discover a clearing illuminated by a silvery moonbeam, revealing a small, dilapidated shack. As you approach, a low growl emanates from the shadows. Suddenly, the Wonky Pooch leaps into view—a small, scruffy creature with matted fur, bulging eyes, and that infamous tongue lolling out. Its appearance is comical, yet a sense of sorrow lingers in its gaze.

But your moment of empathy is short-lived as the creature transforms, revealing its true form—a cursed guardian of the forest, driven mad by its affliction. With a howl that echoes through the trees, the Wonky Pooch becomes an agile and formidable foe, its movements erratic yet swift.

**Boss Stats: Wonky Pooch (Cursed Guardian)**

– **Armor Class:** 12

– **Hit Points:** 45

– **Speed:** 40 feet

– **Abilities:**

– **Bite:** +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.

– **Cursed Howl (Recharge 5-6):** All creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.

As the battle ensues, the true nature of the curse begins to unravel. You notice strange sigils carved into the trees surrounding the shack—clues that suggest the creature was once a beloved guardian, transformed by dark magic. Defeating the Wonky Pooch may not be the end; instead, you might uncover the source of its curse and find a way to restore the creature to its former self.

After the battle, as the creature lies defeated but not lifeless, a glimmer of understanding flickers in its eyes. Will you choose to break the curse and restore the Wonky Pooch to its true form, or will you seal its fate forever? The choice rests in your hands as the moonlight bathes the clearing in a soft, ethereal glow.

Prepare your spells, sharpen your blades, and delve into the heart of Eldergrove’s mystery, for the night is still young, and adventure awaits!