How do I trigger the secret event with the Owlbear Cub in Baldur's Gate 3?

To trigger the secret event with the Owlbear Cub in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to follow a specific sequence of events and make certain choices during your playthrough. This event is tied to the Owlbear Cub you encounter in the Owlbear Cave, located in the Forest area near the Druid Grove. The process involves interacting with the Owlbear and its mother, making decisions that affect the cub's fate, and eventually bringing it to your camp. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this.

First, you need to locate the Owlbear Cave. This cave is found in the Forest area, not far from the Druid Grove. When you enter the cave, you will encounter the Owlbear mother and her cub. The mother is hostile, and you will need to decide how to handle the situation. You can choose to fight the mother, but this is not necessary to trigger the event with the cub. If you decide to fight, be prepared for a tough battle, as the Owlbear mother is a formidable opponent. Alternatively, you can avoid combat by using dialogue options or stealth to leave the cave without engaging her.

After dealing with the Owlbear mother, the cub will remain in the cave. If you left the mother alive, she will eventually die off-screen due to her injuries, leaving the cub alone. The next step is to return to the cave after some time has passed. When you do, you will find the cub still there, now orphaned. You can interact with the cub, but it will be scared and run away. This is a crucial point, as the cub will later appear at the Goblin Camp.

The Goblin Camp is where the next part of the event takes place. The Owlbear Cub will be found there, being used as part of a goblin game called "Chicken Chasing." You will need to interact with the goblins and the cub. There are several ways to handle this situation. You can choose to play the game with the goblins, which involves chasing the cub around. Alternatively, you can intimidate or persuade the goblins to let the cub go. If you succeed in these checks, the goblins will release the cub, and it will run off.

The final step is to return to your camp. After a long rest, the Owlbear Cub will appear at your camp, seeking food and shelter. You will need to interact with the cub and make choices that determine whether it stays with you. You can offer it food, which will help build trust. Over time, the cub will become more comfortable and start to bond with your party. This is the secret event, and it adds a unique companion to your camp.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, avoid killing the Owlbear mother if you want the cub to appear at the Goblin Camp. If you kill the mother, the cub may not survive or may not appear later. Second, be cautious when dealing with the goblins. If you attack them, the cub may get caught in the crossfire and die. Third, make sure to have high Charisma or use spells like Charm Person to improve your chances of persuading or intimidating the goblins.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the events without giving the cub enough time to appear at the Goblin Camp. The game requires some time to pass between encounters, so be patient. Another mistake is being too aggressive with the goblins, which can lead to the cub's death. Always consider non-lethal options when dealing with the goblins to ensure the cub's safety.

Advanced techniques involve using spells like Animal Friendship to calm the cub and make it easier to interact with. You can also use stealth to avoid combat in the Owlbear Cave, which can help keep the cub safe. Additionally, having a character with high Perception can help you spot the cub more easily in the Goblin Camp.

In terms of D&D rules, the Owlbear Cub event is a great example of how the game incorporates animal handling and interaction. The mechanics are based on the D&D 5E rules for animal handling and persuasion, which require skill checks and role-playing decisions. The event also reflects the importance of choices and consequences, as your actions directly affect the cub's fate.

Specific examples and scenarios include using a Bard or Paladin with high Charisma to persuade the goblins, or a Druid with Animal Friendship to calm the cub. These classes and abilities can make the event easier to trigger and complete. Overall, the Owlbear Cub event is a rewarding and unique experience that adds depth to your playthrough of Baldur's Gate 3.