After you escape, The Handler will insist that you return and save the huntress… which is kind of counter-productive given that the Odogaron was played up as monster too fearsome to risk fighting. But the quest objective updates, and who can argue with that?

Hunt - Odogaron¶

The Odogaron, being a Fanged Wyvern, bears more than a superficial resemblance to the Tobi-Kadachi. Indeed, the two share a similar body style and mannerisms (lean, lupine, energetic and highly aggressive), although the Odogaron bears no element into battle. Instead, it has the ability to inflict bleeding, a new status effect that’ll damage you when you move. The way to cure it? Crouch down and wait for its effects to subside… preferably in conjunction with the Health Booster hunter’s tool.

The Odogaron makes less use of its tail than the Tobi-Kadachi, and is in general less maneuverable, not being capable of gliding long distance, and thankfully not possessing the spinning lightning tail slam its weaker relative had. That’s not to say the Odogaron isn’t… bouncy… enough on its own, nor that it only attacks with its maw. Pounces, bites, charges and a tail sweep are all part of its repertoire, and for classes with slower weapons, Odogaron can be bothersome to hit, and given the close quarters of its habitat, its speed, and its aggressiveness, slow, ranged weapons are not recommended.

While aggressive and quick enough under normal circumstances, when angered the Odogaron becomes even more troublesome to deal with, especially if enraged in its lair. Under these conditions it’ll attack fast and more frequently, leap more often, and in its lair it’ll gladly bounce off walls to the point where it becomes hard to track with your camera, much less hit. This is a good time to place traps or use items in an attempt to stun, slow, or otherwise hinder the beast. Failing that, give it some space and play defensive, let it wear itself out with its tantrum, then brutally reprimand it when it tires.

You’ll find the Odogaron in the lower reaches of the Rotten Vale, usually scrounging for food in AREAS 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11, but it’s not above heading up to AREA 3. It’s lair is AREA 14, and if hurt it’ll seize the corpse of a Legiana to snack on, if there’s one available. The Odogaron’s head, legs and tail are all breakable, with its tail, front paws and head being particularly susceptible to damage (especially the head). The tail is severable. The Odogaron is weak to ice and resistance to dragon, and is vulnerable to the Paralysis ailment.

Capture Odogaron, or kill and carve it, after which you’ll get to watch some scenes where the huntress chats to you about Zorah Magdaros before telling you to seek out the First Wyverians. Immediately afterwards you’ll be back in Astera, getting told pretty much the same thing by the Commander, save he also adds a bit more info - apparently the First Wyverians can be found in the Ancient Forest. Looks like an expedition is in order!

Astera After the Odogaron¶

You know the drill, main story progress is always followed by more optional quests, bounties and deliveries opening up, so let’s go deal with them now. First, talk to the Field Team Leader, who gives you the Vitality Mantle, apparently a gift from the folks at the Research Base. This hunter tool, when used, will negate a fixed amount of damage for a short time (up to 120 seconds) after being used, and is best used if you see some nasty monster raging.

Next chat with the Smart Biologist, who has his eyes on another monster he’d like you to capture, this time an Odogaron. Great. This starts the optional quest Man’s Best Fiend. Get it? Fiend instead of friend? Clever writers, here.

Head on up to the Canteen and talk to the Meowscular Chef, who is interested in acquiring more ingredients with which to beef up his menu. This will get you the quest The Meat of the Matter, another quest which - spoiler alert - will probably see you crossing paths with an Odogaron.

Finally (for Astera anyways) run on over to the Workshop and talk to the Armory clerk, who will announce they have new armor in stock, although you’ve probably long since been able to craft Alloy armor.

With that, it’s time to return to the Ancient Forest in search of these First Wyverians… or, if you prefer, time to go complete some unfinished business in the Rotten Vale, including the new optional quests you just obtained. Skip around as your whim dictates.