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(Corrected discussion of passive perception. The disadvantage from the injury _does_ affect the passive perception, its just that owlbears also have a +5 bonus which perfectly counteracts it) |
HiddenDragon (talk | contribs) (Added hatnote) |
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| image = Owlbear.webp | | image = Owlbear.webp | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{See also|Owlbear (wild shape)}} | |||
{{Infobox creature | {{Infobox creature | ||
| name = Owlbear | | name = Owlbear | ||
| image = | | image = <gallery> | ||
<gallery> | |||
Owlbear Mum.webp|In-game | Owlbear Mum.webp|In-game | ||
Owlbear Model.png|Model | Owlbear Model.png|Model | ||
Portrait Owlbear.png|Portrait | Portrait Owlbear.png|Portrait | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
| race = Beast | | race = [[Beast]] | ||
| family = [[Owlbear Cub]]<br>Unnamed cub (deceased)<br>[[Owlbear Mate|Mate]] | | family = [[Owlbear Cub]]<br>Unnamed male cub (deceased)<br>[[Owlbear Mate|Mate]] | ||
| level = 3 | | level = 3 | ||
| size = [[Large]] | | size = [[Large]] | ||
| Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
| perception = 6 | | perception = 6 | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Owlbears''' are a type of | '''Owlbears''' are a type of beast creature found in the [[Owlbear Nest]] in [[Act One]] as an optional boss fight. Resembling large feathered bears with the head of an owl, they are quick to anger, extremely strong and seemingly constantly hungry. While highly territorial, its recent injury from the [[Cult of the Absolute]] left it notably weakened. | ||
hungry. While highly territorial, its recent injury from the [[Cult of the Absolute]] | |||
== Involvement == | == Involvement == | ||
If | === Act One === | ||
If approaching the nest, the owlbear confronts the party. Depending on whether {{SAI|Speak with Animals}} is active, the following options allow for retreat: | |||
=== Without Speak with Animals === | ==== Without Speak with Animals ==== | ||
* {{Dialogue option|''Study the owlbear's behaviour.''|roll=Animal Handling|dc=15}} | * {{Dialogue option|''Study the owlbear's behaviour.''|roll=Animal Handling|dc=15}} | ||
** {{Dialogue option|''Hold out your palms - you mean no harm.''}} | ** {{Dialogue option|''Hold out your palms - you mean no harm.''}} | ||
** {{Dialogue option|''Back away slowly.''}} | ** {{Dialogue option|''Back away slowly.''}} | ||
* {{Dialogue option|''Back away.''|roll=Survival|dc=15}} | * {{Dialogue option|''Back away.''|roll=Survival|dc=15}} | ||
* {{Dialogue option|''Puff out your chest and roar.|roll=Performance|dc=15}} | * {{Dialogue option|''Puff out your chest and roar.|roll=Performance|dc=15}} {{Approval|Shadowheart|-1}} | ||
* {{Dialogue option|'''''ROAR.'''''|tags=Barbarian|roll=Performance|dc=15|advantage=y}} | * {{Dialogue option|'''''ROAR.'''''|tags=Barbarian|roll=Performance|dc=15|advantage=y}} | ||
=== With Speak with Animals === | ==== With Speak with Animals ==== | ||
* {{Dialogue option|You're injured - there's still half a ''spear'' lodged in your head.}} | * {{Dialogue option|You're injured - there's still half a ''spear'' lodged in your head.}} | ||
* {{Dialogue option|That eye - or lack of it - must have you in a lot of pain. I should know.|tags=One-Eyed, Wyll}} | * {{Dialogue option|That eye - or lack of it - must have you in a lot of pain. I should know.|tags=One-Eyed, Wyll}} | ||
| Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
** {{Dialogue option|I would never intrude on your nest knowingly. This was a simple mistake.|tags=Ranger|roll=Persuasion|dc=5}} | ** {{Dialogue option|I would never intrude on your nest knowingly. This was a simple mistake.|tags=Ranger|roll=Persuasion|dc=5}} | ||
Any other check or response | Any other check or response results in the owlbear attacking. | ||
==Combat== | == Combat == | ||
=== Attacks and abilities === | === Attacks and abilities === | ||
{{Feature box|A Mother's Desperation}} | {{Feature box|A Mother's Desperation}} | ||
| Line 77: | Line 77: | ||
=== Tactics === | === Tactics === | ||
While the | While the owlbear cannot make [[Critical Hit|Critical Hits]] because of its recent injury, it is still a powerful and dangerous creature. Many of its abilities knock others [[Prone (Condition)|Prone]], such as Crushing Flight, allowing it to attack with [[Advantage]] on successive hits against its prone victim. When taken to half health, its rage ability triggers, increasing its damage by increasing its [[Strength]] and [[Multiattack]]. It also has the support of the [[Owlbear Cub]], though it is weak and can often be ignored. It is best to ignore the cub if planning to recruit it for the [[Campsite|Camp]]. However, it attempts to flee if badly hurt. | ||
The | The owlbear's injury imposes [[Disadvantage]] on [[Perception]] checks which causes a -5 penalty to [[Perception#Passive Perception|Passive Perception]] to detect [[Hide|hidden]] creatures. However, this does {{em|not}} make it easier to sneak up on it because it has an unlisted +5 bonus to Perception that counteracts this penalty. Alternatively, {{CharLink|Andrick}} and {{CharLink|Brynna}} can be convinced to help in the fight. They can act as useful distractions and support. Spells, items or weapon abilities that require a [[Dexterity]] [[Saving Throw]] like {{SAI|Grease}}, {{SmRarityItem|Grease Bottle}} or {{SAI|Topple}} are effective in slowing the owlbear. When it is enraged, it is best to finish the fight quickly before its multiattack shreds through the group. | ||
Convincing the owlbear not to attack outright | Convincing the owlbear not to attack outright is helpful for pre-combat positioning and allows the party to prepare a stealth ambush. | ||
In Honor Mode, {{Cond|Silenced|Silencing}} or {{Cond|Incapacitated|Incapacitating}} the | In Honor Mode, {{Cond|Silenced|Silencing}} or {{Cond|Incapacitated|Incapacitating}} the owlbear prevents it from using its legendary action. | ||
=== Notable loot === | === Notable loot === | ||
| Line 89: | Line 89: | ||
== Companion approval == | == Companion approval == | ||
Convincing the owlbear to retreat and let you go: | |||
: {{Approval|Gale|+1}} {{Approval|Lae'zel|-1}} {{Approval|Shadowheart|+1}} {{Approval|Karlach|+1}} | : {{Approval|Gale|+1}} {{Approval|Lae'zel|-1}} {{Approval|Shadowheart|+1}} {{Approval|Karlach|+1}} | ||
Attacking or starting combat: | |||
: {{Approval|Lae'zel|+1}} {{Approval|Shadowheart|-1}} {{Approval|Karlach|-1}} | : {{Approval|Lae'zel|+1}} {{Approval|Shadowheart|-1}} {{Approval|Karlach|-1}} | ||
As long as Animal Handling is not used, the [[ | As long as Animal Handling is not used, the inspiration [[File:Inspiration Icon.png|24px|link=]][[Inspiration|Mother's Fury]] is granted for [[Outlander|outlanders]] if the owlbear allows the party to leave peacefully. | ||
== Gallery == | == Gallery == | ||
| Line 113: | Line 101: | ||
Bert-vanhengel-bert-vanhengel-bg3-owlbear-03.jpg|Render by Bert Vanhengel | Bert-vanhengel-bert-vanhengel-bg3-owlbear-03.jpg|Render by Bert Vanhengel | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== Notes == | |||
{{notebegin}} | |||
* The owlbear in the [[Owlbear Nest]] is already damaged by 8 points when encountered. This particular Owlbear also has the {{cond|Distressed}} condition. | |||
* The owlbear in the Owlbear Nest will be killed by goblins after a Long Rest after entering the cave. | |||
* In the fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons, an owlbear is classed as a [[Monstrosity]], not a [[Beast]]. The owlbear being classified as it currently is in ''[[Baldur's Gate 3]]'' is more in line to previous editions, such as fourth and third. | |||
* There are a couple of stalactites hanging from the cave. They can be shot with ranged weapons and will impale whatever is beneath them on the cave floor. | |||
{{noteend}} | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
Latest revision as of 10:28, 12 February 2025
See also: Owlbear (wild shape)
Owlbears are a type of beast creature found in the Owlbear Nest in Act One as an optional boss fight. Resembling large feathered bears with the head of an owl, they are quick to anger, extremely strong and seemingly constantly hungry. While highly territorial, its recent injury from the Cult of the Absolute left it notably weakened.
Involvement[edit | edit source]
Act One[edit | edit source]
If approaching the nest, the owlbear confronts the party. Depending on whether 
is active, the following options allow for retreat:
Without Speak with Animals[edit | edit source]
- [ANIMAL HANDLING] Study the owlbear's behaviour. (DC 15)
- Hold out your palms - you mean no harm.
- Back away slowly.
- [SURVIVAL] Back away. (DC 15)
- [PERFORMANCE] Puff out your chest and roar. (DC 15)
-1 - [BARBARIAN] [PERFORMANCE] ROAR. (DC 15
)
With Speak with Animals[edit | edit source]
- You're injured - there's still half a spear lodged in your head.
- [ONE-EYED] [WYLL] That eye - or lack of it - must have you in a lot of pain. I should know.
- Move closer.
- [INTIMIDATION] Let me go, or you'll watch your cub die before I finish you. (DC 10)
- [PERSUASION] Just allow me to leave. I'm no threat to you or your cub. (DC 10)
- [BARBARIAN] [INTIMIDATION] Come, then. Once I've plucked you, I'll have your cub for dessert. (DC 10 )
- [BERSERKER] [INTIMIDATION] COME - FIGHT! (DC 10 )
- [DRUID] [PERSUASION] You need rest - let nature heal you. This is no time for a fight. (DC 5)
- [RANGER] [PERSUASION] I would never intrude on your nest knowingly. This was a simple mistake. (DC 5)
Any other check or response results in the owlbear attacking.
Combat[edit | edit source]
Attacks and abilities[edit | edit source]
)
1.5 m / 5 ft.
Melee: 1.5 m / 5 ft 
+ 
)
Honour Mode[edit | edit source]
Tactics[edit | edit source]
While the owlbear cannot make Critical Hits because of its recent injury, it is still a powerful and dangerous creature. Many of its abilities knock others Prone, such as Crushing Flight, allowing it to attack with Advantage on successive hits against its prone victim. When taken to half health, its rage ability triggers, increasing its damage by increasing its Strength and Multiattack. It also has the support of the Owlbear Cub, though it is weak and can often be ignored. It is best to ignore the cub if planning to recruit it for the Camp. However, it attempts to flee if badly hurt.
The owlbear's injury imposes Disadvantage on Perception checks which causes a -5 penalty to Passive Perception to detect hidden creatures. However, this does not make it easier to sneak up on it because it has an unlisted +5 bonus to Perception that counteracts this penalty. Alternatively, Andrick and Brynna can be convinced to help in the fight. They can act as useful distractions and support. Spells, items or weapon abilities that require a Dexterity Saving Throw like 
, 
Grease Bottle or 
are effective in slowing the owlbear. When it is enraged, it is best to finish the fight quickly before its multiattack shreds through the group.
Convincing the owlbear not to attack outright is helpful for pre-combat positioning and allows the party to prepare a stealth ambush.
In Honor Mode, 
or 
the owlbear prevents it from using its legendary action.
Notable loot[edit | edit source]
Companion approval[edit | edit source]
Convincing the owlbear to retreat and let you go:
+1 
-1 +1 
+1
Attacking or starting combat:
- +1 -1 -1
As long as Animal Handling is not used, the inspiration 
Mother's Fury is granted for outlanders if the owlbear allows the party to leave peacefully.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Owlbear
Render by Bert Vanhengel
Notes[edit | edit source]
- The owlbear in the Owlbear Nest is already damaged by 8 points when encountered. This particular Owlbear also has the
condition. - The owlbear in the Owlbear Nest will be killed by goblins after a Long Rest after entering the cave.
- In the fifth edition of Dungeons and Dragons, an owlbear is classed as a Monstrosity, not a Beast. The owlbear being classified as it currently is in Baldur's Gate 3 is more in line to previous editions, such as fourth and third.
- There are a couple of stalactites hanging from the cave. They can be shot with ranged weapons and will impale whatever is beneath them on the cave floor.
External links[edit | edit source]
Owlbear on the Forgotten Realms Wiki