My first toon died after completing the first Korthos Quest (well, after Grotto). Got the hound down to a final few hp and he tripped me. Done. Losf my place in Death Smiles (that HURTS most).

But... I like the challenge, crazy though it is. Adapt. Improvise. Overcome. Or die trying.
I won't try soloing on HE above my paygrade- not even in Korthos, anymore.

And the debuff icon you get when hunted is next to the skull. Should be there no matter what. (Temp or permanent).