Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) offers a rich tapestry of companions, challenges, and fantastical creatures. But nestled amongst the fearsome foes and intriguing storylines lies a much smaller resident of the Sword Coast – the Owlbear Cub.
This pint-sized predator has captured the hearts of many players, and with good reason. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about BG3’s most adorable menace.
Owning the Night: The Owlbear Cub’s Origins
The Owlbear Cub is a potential companion players can encounter during Act One. Its origins lie within the Owlbear Nest, a cave located north of the bridge between the Druid Grove and the Blighted Village. Here, you’ll encounter the cub alongside its formidable mother, a fearsome beast combining the ferocity of a bear with the predatory prowess of an owl.
Your initial interaction with the Owlbear family sets the stage for acquiring the cub. Here, you have several choices:
Animal Handling: Utilize your animal handling skills to understand the Owlbear’s behavior, potentially creating an opportunity to avoid conflict.
Intimidation: Puff out your chest and unleash a mighty roar (through a Performance check) to scare off the Owlbear.
Survival: Test your wilderness knowledge with a Survival check to find a safe path past the Owlbear.
Combat: Unfortunately, this might be unavoidable if Brynna and Andrick (NPCs seeking revenge) accompany you.
Regardless of your initial approach, the outcome remains the same – a confrontation with the mother Owlbear. Whether you choose to fight or avoid her, the cub becomes separated and ends up in the Goblin Camp, located west of the Druid Grove.
Befriending a Fledgling Fury: How to Recruit the Owlbear Cub
Finding the cub in the Goblin Camp presents a new challenge: how to convince these mischievous creatures to part ways with their furry prize. Here, you have a few options:
Chicken Chase: This “terrible sport” involves chasing the cub around the camp, hoping to scare it back towards your party. This option requires patience and a bit of luck.
Persuasion/Intimidation: You can attempt to persuade (or intimidate) Krolla, the goblin guarding the cub, to release it. Success hinges on your character’s charisma and role-playing prowess.
Buying the Cub: If persuasion or intimidation fail, you can always resort to bribery. However, the cost might be hefty depending on your bartering skills.
Once the cub is free, it won’t immediately join your camp. It takes a few long rests (potentially progressing the story a bit) before the cub finds its way to your campsite. There, you can interact with it, offering affection (if you have the option) and witnessing its adorable antics.
A Loyal Companion: Benefits of Having the Owlbear Cub
The Owlbear Cub isn’t just a cute addition to your camp. It offers some practical benefits as well:
Camp Morale Boost: Having the cub around subtly improves your party’s morale, offering a small morale bonus.
Unique Interactions: If you have Speak with Animals equipped, you can converse with the cub, gaining insights into its perspective and the world around it.
Special Cutscene: Owning both the Owlbear Cub and Scratch (the dog companion) unlocks a heartwarming cutscene where you pet both creatures simultaneously.
However, the cub’s true potential lies in its combat prowess. During the Act 3 final boss battle, you can summon the Owlbear Cub to fight alongside your party. This loyal companion can be a valuable asset, offering additional damage and battlefield support.
FAQs
What is the Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a unique companion that players can encounter and potentially recruit during their journey. It’s a baby owlbear, a creature with the body of a bear and the head of an owl.
How do you find the Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Owlbear Cub can be found in a cave located in the Blighted Village area. Players need to explore the region thoroughly to discover the cave where the cub resides.
Can you recruit the Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, players have the option to recruit the Owlbear Cub as a companion in Baldur’s Gate 3. However, this requires careful interaction and decision-making during the encounter.
What are the benefits of recruiting the Owlbear Cub?
Recruiting the Owlbear Cub provides players with a unique companion that can assist them in battles throughout their adventure. Additionally, the Owlbear Cub adds an extra layer of depth to the story and interactions within the game.
How do you interact with the Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Interacting with the Owlbear Cub involves making choices and decisions that affect the outcome of the encounter. Players can choose to befriend the cub, fight it, or even ignore it altogether.
Can the Owlbear Cub grow in Baldur’s Gate 3?
While the Owlbear Cub remains a baby throughout the duration of its presence in Baldur’s Gate 3, its abilities and interactions may evolve based on the player’s choices and actions.
What happens if you kill the Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Killing the Owlbear Cub may have consequences in the game, potentially affecting future interactions and story elements. Players should consider the ramifications of their actions carefully.
Is there a specific quest related to the Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Owlbear Cub encounter itself can be considered a mini-quest within Baldur’s Gate 3. However, there may be additional quests or storylines connected to the Owlbear Cub depending on the player’s actions and choices.
Can you tame the Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Taming the Owlbear Cub involves building a positive relationship with the creature through dialogue and actions. Players can attempt to gain the cub’s trust and potentially have it join them willingly on their journey.
Are there any special abilities or powers associated with the Owlbear Cub in Baldur’s Gate 3?
While the Owlbear Cub may not possess unique abilities like other companions, its presence can provide strategic advantages in combat scenarios and enrich the overall gameplay experience.
Conclusion
In the vast and captivating world of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Owlbear Cub stands as a symbol of both innocence and strength, captivating players with its charm and enigmatic nature.
Whether recruited as a loyal companion or encountered briefly on the journey, the Owlbear Cub leaves a lasting impression on all who cross its path, reminding us of the magic and wonder that awaits within the world of Dungeons & Dragons.
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