Owlbear

Owlbear
Stats
Level 3
STR 20 (+5) DEX 12 (+1) CON 17 (+3) INT 3 (-4) WIS 12 (+1) CHA 7 (-2)
Race	Beast
Type	Beast
HP	91
AC	13
Movement Speed	12m / 40ft
Size	Large
Weight	550kg
Proficiency Bonus	+2
Initiative	+1
Passive features
Darkvision  Opportunity Attack  Multiattack: Enraged
Character information
Location	Owlbear Nest
Family	Owlbear Cub
Experience on kill	20
In-game

Owlbears are a type of Beast creature found in Owlbear Nest in Act One as an optional boss fight. Resemble large feathered bears with the head of an owl, they are quick to anger, are extremely strong and seemingly constantly hungry. While highly territorial, it's recent injury from the Cult of the Absolute has left it notably weakened.

Attacks and Abilities

Claws

Lash out with deadly claws and push the target back  Range: 1.5 m / 5 ft.

Action

Attack roll: +7

2d8 + 5 (7~21) Slashing damage

Multiattack - Enraged

Aim multiple attacks at a target. If the second attack hit, the target is pushed back  Range: 1.5 m / 5 ft and knocked Prone.

Action

Attack roll: +8 (Strength boost from Owlbear's Rage included)

2d8 + 6 (8~22) Slashing damage

1d10 + 6 (7~16) Piercing damage

• DC 6  Strength saving throw to avoid being knocked Prone.

Crushing Flight

Leap at a target, possibly knocking it Prone.

Bonus action  6 m / 20 ft movement

DC 6  Strength saving throw to avoid being knocked Prone.

 Range: 21 m / 69 ft

Owlbear's Rage

The owlbear is enraged! Strength increased by 2.

When reduced to half or less Hit Points, an Owlbear will use Owlbear's Rage on its next turn.

Tactics

While the Owllbear can not make Critical Hits because of its recent injury, it is still a powerful and dangerous creature. Many of its abilities focus on knocking other Prone, such as with Crushing Flight, allowing it to ensure successful hits. When taken to half health, its rage ability will trigger, increasing its damage further with both it's increased Strength and Multiattack. It will also have the support of the Owlbear Cub, though it is best to ignore it if you plan to recruit it later on for your Camp.

However, because of the injury it has, it is far easier to sneak up on the creature since it has Disadvantage on Perception. If trying a more direct approach, you can use Andrick and Brynna to help in the fight if convienced, who while soft targets to the beast can be useful distractions along with offer useful support. Also using spells, items or weapon abilities that require a Dexterity Saving Throw like Grease, Grease Bottle or Topple are quite effective in slowing down the creature. When it is enraged, it is best to finish the fight quickly before it's multiattack shreds through the group.

Companion Interactions

Walking into the nest area without Speak with Animals.

• DC 15 Animal Handling check. - Study the owlbear's behaviour.
  • Hold out your palms - you mean no harm. OR Back away slowly.

 +1  +1  -1  +1

• • Move towards the cub.

 -1  +1  -1

• DC 15 Survival check. - Back away. OR DC 15 Performance check. - Puff out your chest and roar.

Inspiration:Outlander  +1  +1  -1  +1

• Attack.

 -1  +1  -1

Walking into the nest area with Speak with Animals.

• DC 10 Intimidation check. - "Let me go, or you'll watch your cub die before I finish you." OR Persuasion DC 10 - "Just allow me to leave. I'm no threat to you or your cub." OR Druid Persuasion DC 5 "You need to rest, let nature heal you. This is no time for a fight."

Inspiration:Outlander  +1  +1  -1  +1

• "You've had your last meal, beast. You and your cub alike." OR Attack OR Step Closer

 -1  +1  -1

As long as Animal Handling is not used, the Outlander inspiration Mother's Fury can be gained by making the owlbear to let the adventurers leave peacefully or possibly by killing it.

Notable Loot

• Head of a Broken Spear

Notes

• The Owlbear found in the Owlbear Nest is already damaged by 8 points when it is encountered. This particular Owlbear also has the Distressed condition.
• The Owlbear found in the Owlbear Nest will be killed by goblins after a Long Rest if you enter the cave but don't resolve it yourself.
• 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.

Distressed Duration: permanent

• The owlbear has sustained damage to its eye. It cannot make Critical Hits and has Disadvantage on Perception checks.

External Links

Owlbear on the Forgotten Realms Wiki