In Baldur’s Gate 3 you encounter a strange NPC in the Emerald Grove at the beginning. Something seems off about him. Obtain a useful ring and win him as an ally or kill him. How to do that, you will learn on MeinMMO.
Warning Spoiler: The article contains spoilers from Act 1 to Act 3.
Who is the strange NPC? At the beginning, you will meet a strange ox in Baldur’s Gate 3 in the Emerald Grove, which piques your curiosity. This ox is noticeably different from its peers.
It is strikingly smaller than the other two oxen, and its “Moo” sounds unnaturally human. But the strangest thing are its extraordinary abilities like blindsight, darkvision, and resistances that ordinary oxen do not have.
If you approach this odd creature, you can expect a perception check that indicates more is going on here. The ox behaves not only atypically but also guards a big secret: it is actually not an ox but hides its true nature.
Here you will find 5 good tips for your gameplay in Baldur’s Gate 3:
This is how you learn its secret and obtain a ring, or win it as an ally
What does the strange ox drop?
- “Ring of the Shapechanger,” especially good for Moon Druids
- You gain +1d4 on all rolls when you shapeshift or disguise yourself.
- Also the Hat of Fiery Sharpness, which grants the wearer “Arcane Sharpness” when it deals fire damage
Where do I find the strange ox? First, you will meet him in the Emerald Grove. You can use the spell, scroll, or potion “Speak with Animals” to have a conversation with the strange ox. Or you can transform yourself into an animal to speak with him. “Speak with Animals” offers many great dialogues in Baldur’s Gate 3, including with the owl bear cub.
Strange ox in the Emerald Grove: A successful “Arcane Knowledge” check makes it clear that the ox is not normal. After a successful check, you can ask him about his secret. At first, he will deny it, but through a successful persuade, intimidate, or deceive check, he will reveal part of his secret. He longs to travel to Baldur’s Gate.
- Now you let him be so he can continue his journey. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the ox.
Strange ox at the inn “The Last Light”: In Act 2, you encounter the strange ox again at the inn “The Last Light.” He is in the stable. Again, use “Speak with Animals.” If you succeed in the roll, he will show you visions of a bloodbath: many massacred, dead bodies – all stacked on top of each other.
These options are available to you:
- Kill him and take the loot: If you continue to harass him, he will reveal himself as a huge, nasty sludge enemy and attack you. If you kill him, you will receive the ring and the hat.
- Win him as a “friend” and get the ring: Do not kill him, but help him reach Baldur’s Gate. He has a quest line for you. You then smuggle him as an apple into Baldur’s Gate, once you meet him in Act 3 again. Coordinates for Act 3: X 41, Y -142
- If you keep him alive until the end and help him, you will win him as an ally in the final fight of the game. He will then gift you the Ring of the Shapechanger, but not the fire hat.
Speaking with animals repeatedly reveals new surprises, exciting dialogues, and stories. Apparently, the strange ox is actually a murderous creature wanting to escape its old life. What will you do? Take its life or grant it its dream life in Baldur’s Gate and win it as an ally?
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