The Dreglord
Traitorous Straghess - Ultimate Forsaken Hollows Challenge
The final boss of The Forsaken Hollows DLC
The Dreglord, also known as Traitorous Straghess, is the final boss of The Forsaken Hollows DLC. This horrifying entity was born from the souls and blood of the dead, with scarred spirits trailing behind its massive form.
Boss Information
How to Unlock
Prerequisites
- Own The Forsaken Hollows DLC
- Defeat Tricephalos (base game Nightlord)
- Defeat at least one other base game Nightlord
- Unlock Scholar and Undertaker Nightfarers
- Complete the Balancers Expedition at least once
The Dreglord becomes accessible on Day 3 of its dedicated expedition after meeting all requirements.
Phase 1: The Rotten Colossus (100%-50% HP)
Core Mechanics
Dreglord wields a massive staff and attacks with deliberate, telegraphed movements. Despite its size, every attack has clear visual tells that reward patient observation.
Key Attacks
Ground Slam Combo
Dreglord raises its club and drags it along the ground before charging. Executes a slow, rhythmic three-swing combo.
Counter: Dodge in sync with each swing while maintaining close range; stay near its rear flanks.
Exploding Fissures
Staff glows, then Dreglord slams the ground three times. Creates outward-shooting cracks that explode after a short delay.
Counter: Back up and dodge sideways during each slam; avoid the cracks until they detonate; attack during the slow recovery after the third slam.
Three-Hit Staff Combo
Two horizontal swings followed by a delayed overhead slam.
Counter: Roll toward Dreglord during each swing to position behind it; the slam will miss, creating a punish window.
Pools of Blood
Summons a flesh ball that explodes, leaving persistent blood pools on the ground. Blood pools periodically erupt and spawn Putrid Corpses.
Counter: Move away when its hand glows to avoid the initial explosion; never stand in blood pools; prioritize killing Putrid Corpses quickly.
Large AOE Burst (triggers at 50-75% HP)
Massive area-of-effect attack that inflicts Scarlet Rot buildup. Signals the transition to Phase 2.
Phase 1 Strategy
Positioning
Stay close to Dreglord at all times. Most attacks target the area directly in front, making its back and sides the safest positions.
Poise Breaking
Dreglord can be stunned with concentrated heavy attacks to its torso, creating critical hit opportunities. Focus fire on one area to break its poise.
Defense
Keep your guard ready when circling close range. The rhythmic nature of its attacks rewards pattern recognition over panic rolling.
Phase 2: Scarlet Rot Nightmare (50%-0% HP)
New Mechanics
- All Phase 1 attacks remain active
- Unpredictable leap attacks covering wide ground
- Increased frequency of rot ball projectiles
- Scarlet Rot buildup accelerates significantly
Enhanced Attacks
Jumping Combo
Telegraphed by a single roar before execution. Performs multiple aerial leaps with ground slams.
Counter: Lock on; roll toward Dreglord as he begins jumping; move closer and roll again when he turns to throw projectiles; roll under him during the aerial leap to make him overshoot your position.
Rot Ball Barrage
Launches multiple tracking projectiles that inflict Scarlet Rot. Higher velocity than Phase 1.
Counter: Master dodge timing to create consistent counter-attack windows; use i-frames to pass through projectiles.
Blood Sphere (ranged)
Long-range blood magic attack targeting distant players. Forces ranged builds to maintain constant movement.
Phase 2 Strategy
The core approach remains unchanged: stay close, strafe behind, and maintain defensive readiness. The increased aggression and rot pressure require better stamina management and Scarlet Rot resistance.
For Melee Builds
Continue rear positioning; watch for the roar telegraph before jumping combos; save stamina for emergency rolls during rot barrages.
For Magic/Ranged Builds
Keep medium distance (not too far due to Blood Sphere); use fast-casting spells between attack windows; save powerful spells for long recovery animations; constantly reposition to avoid blood pools and fissures.
Recommended Builds
Solo Play
- Best Nightfarers:Wylder or Raider for survivability and poise
- Weapon Setup:Sword and shield for reliable defense; heavy weapons for poise-breaking
- Key Ability:Raider's Retaliate skill safely avoids major attacks
- Talismans:Immunizing Horn Charm, Mottled Necklace (Scarlet Rot resistance)
Team Composition
- 1 Tank:Raider or Wylder to hold aggro and survive rot buildup
- 1-2 DPS:Sustained damage dealers focusing on weak points
- 1 Support:Scholar for Analyze debuffs and observation bonuses; Undertaker for burst damage during openings
Effective Damage Types
- Heavy Weapons: Colossus weapons, Greatswords for poise-breaking
- Bleed Builds: Status effects bypass standard damage resistances
- Fast Weapons: Quick attacks capitalize on narrow windows between combos
Essential Preparation
Consumables & Gear
- Preserving Boluses: Mandatory for curing Scarlet Rot buildup
- Immunizing Horn Charm: Reduces rot buildup rate
- Stalwart Horn Charm: Boosts focus resistance
- Crimson Tears Flasks: Maxed out for sustained healing through rot damage
Relic Loadout
- Equip relics boosting physical damage negation
- Prioritize Scarlet Rot resistance passive effects
- Consider relics improving dodge i-frames for rot ball dodging
Rewards
- ✓ Completion of The Forsaken Hollows main storyline
- ✓ Access to exclusive DLC relics and equipment
- ✓ Dreglord-themed weapons and armor materials
- ✓ Achievement/Trophy: "Traitorous Straghess Defeated"
- ✓ Sovereign Sigil of the Dreglord
Quick Tips
- Stay aggressive and close in Phase 1; distance invites rot projectiles
- Learn the three-slam timing for guaranteed punish windows
- Never stand in blood pools; they're death traps in Phase 2
- The roar telegraph before jumping combos gives you time to prepare
- Poise-breaking is your friend; heavy attacks to the torso can create critical opportunities
- Patience beats panic; every attack is telegraphed if you observe carefully