Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players a rich tapestry of companions, but few are as uniquely charming as Scratch the dog and the Owlbear Cub. Many players wonder How To Pet Scratch And Owlbear At The Same Time, and while the game doesn’t allow for simultaneous petting in a literal sense, you can certainly have both of these adorable creatures as companions in your camp, bringing joy and unique interactions to your Baldur’s Gate 3 adventure. This guide will walk you through the steps to befriend both Scratch and the Owlbear Cub, enriching your journey through Faerûn.
Befriending Scratch: The Loyal Canine Companion
Before embarking on your Owlbear Cub quest, it’s wise to secure the companionship of Scratch. This loyal dog can be found early in the game and adds a heartwarming element to your camp.
To find Scratch, head to the area just west of the Blighted Village. You’ll encounter a dead body near a ruined building, with Scratch grieving beside it.
Interact with Scratch. You’ll need to pass an Animal Handling check (or simply speak kindly) to gain his trust. Successfully doing so will allow you to send Scratch to your camp. He will appear at your camp after a long rest or two, ready to be pet and become a steadfast friend.
Rescuing the Owlbear Cub: A Journey of Compassion
The Owlbear Cub is located in a cave northeast of the Blighted Village. Your interaction with the cub involves a series of encounters, starting with the Owlbear cave and continuing to the Goblin Camp.
Encounter in the Owlbear Cave
As you approach the Owlbear Cave, you might encounter two goblins near a dead body on the road. These goblins, upon realizing you are a “True Soul,” can be convinced to accompany you to the Owlbear Cave. While they might seem helpful initially, their presence is more of a comedic element and doesn’t significantly alter the Owlbear encounter itself.
Inside the Owlbear Cave, you’ll find the Owlbear Mother and her cub. You can attempt to communicate peacefully with the mother, but this often leads to combat.
During the fight, or even if you manage to avoid it, ensure you do not harm the cub. After dealing with the mother owlbear, you’ll witness a poignant scene: the cub attempting to eat its mother. Again, do not attack the cub. Allow the scene to play out.
Leave the cave after this encounter. The Owlbear Cub’s story is far from over.
The Goblin Camp and Chicken Chasing
Head west of the Blighted Village to the Goblin Camp. You’ll need to find a way into the camp, typically through dialogue and persuasion. Once inside, explore the camp until you locate a group of goblins engaged in a peculiar game: chicken chasing, with the Owlbear Cub as the “chicken.” If the cub isn’t immediately visible, take a long rest and return; it should appear eventually.
Speak to the goblin in charge of this game, Krolla. Participate in the chicken chasing game briefly to interact with the cub. This interaction allows you to communicate with the cub and express your intention to take it to your camp, promising a safer and kinder environment. The cub, however, won’t leave with you while the goblins are still present.
You now have a choice:
- Fight the Goblins: Eliminate the goblin camp to free the Owlbear Cub. This is a direct approach but can be challenging depending on your level and party composition.
- Persuasion/Bribe: Speak to Krolla again after the chicken chasing game. You can attempt to persuade her to let the cub go, or bribe her. Passing a Persuasion check or offering a bribe will convince Krolla to release the cub to you.
Once the Owlbear Cub is freed from the goblins (by either method), you can continue your adventures.
Welcoming the Cub to Your Camp
After a couple of long rests following the Goblin Camp encounter, a scene will trigger when you next rest at your camp. The Owlbear Cub will appear!
You’ll need to succeed on an Animal Handling check to reassure the cub. Choose non-violent dialogue options to build trust. Even if a companion interrupts, the Owlbear Cub will return the following night, this time injured.
Interact with the injured cub again. You’ll have options to heal it, requiring further checks. Successfully healing the cub solidifies your bond, and the Owlbear Cub will become a permanent, and utterly adorable, addition to your camp.
Enjoying Your Companions: Scratch and the Owlbear Cub
While you can’t literally pet Scratch and the Owlbear Cub at the exact same moment, having both in your camp brings unique joys. Scratch will always be there for a comforting pet and fetch, while the Owlbear Cub, though less conventionally domesticated, offers its own brand of endearing, wild charm. Having both of these companions in Baldur’s Gate 3 truly enhances the heartwarming and adventurous spirit of your playthrough. Enjoy the company of your new furry and feathered friends!
