Owlbear

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 ==
=== Act One ===
If approaching the nest, the owlbear confronts the party. Depending on whether is active, the following options allow for retreat:
==== Without Speak with Animals ====
* 
** 
** 
* 
* 
* 
==== With Speak with Animals ====
* 
* 
* 
** 
** 
** 
** 
** 
** 
Any other check or response results in the owlbear attacking.
== Companion approval ==
Convincing the owlbear to retreat and let you go:
: 
Attacking or starting combat:
: 
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.
== Combat ==
=== Attacks and abilities ===
=== Honour Mode ===
=== Tactics ===
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 make it easier to sneak up on it because it has an unlisted +5 bonus to Perception that counteracts this penalty. Alternatively, and 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 , 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.
=== Loot ===
* 
== Gallery ==
Owlbear.webp | Owlbear
Bert-vanhengel-bert-vanhengel-bg3-owlbear-03.jpg|Render by Bert Vanhengel
== Notes ==
* 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 ==
Category:Creatures
Category:Races
Category:Non-playable races
Category:Beasts
Category:Bosses