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The vast world ofBaldur’s Gate 3is home to countless secrets and puzzles, and this mysterious Gilded Chest in the Owlbear Nest is certainly one of them! The Owlbear Nest is, as its name implies, a cavern housing a wounded owlbear and her cub. If you manage to get past her and head deeper into the cave, however, you’ll find a beautiful alcove with a stone statue and a Gilded Chest.
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Unfortunately, if you fail the preceding Arcana (INT) check and attempt to open the chest without first examining your surroundings, your character will receive a nasty shock instead of loot. Here’s how to get the chest open—and uncover the backstory of one of your companions while you’re at it!
Where Is The Owlbear Nest?
If you haven’t stumbled across the Owlbear Nest yet during your travels, don’t worry! It’s almost impossible to miss.
From theSilvanus' GroveWaypoint (also commonly known as theDruid Grove),walk west, following the path until you encounter the dead (or dying) body ofEdowin. Continue westwardpast a small waterfall, and you’ll be able to see the entrance to theOwlbear Nest(X:94, Y:440) as pictured above.
Do note that venturing into the cave will put you face-to-face withan angry mama owlbear and her cub, which can be alethal encounterfor an inexperienced adventurer. If you do enter, verify that you’re prepared tosneak,fightornervously negotiateyour way past one of the Sword Coast’s most ferocious predators.
Plus, if you do it right, you might even come out of it withyour very own owlbear cub companion!
Owlbears are consideredbeastsin Baldur’s Gate 3, and can be affected by features like theSpeak with Animalsspell. If no one in the party can cast, consider bringing along Wyll, who has theBeast Speech invocation.
How To Open The Gilded Chest
Once you’ve dealt with the owlbears,head deeper into the cave, where you’ll find an alcove with a stream, flowers,a stone statueanda shiny Gilded Chest.
Unless you want to receive a shocking surprise, make sure togive the Gilded Chest a wide berth—it’ssealed by magic,can’t be lockpicked, and touching it without following the right steps will deala sizable amount of magical damageto your character.
In order to open the Gilded Chest in the Owlbear Nest, you’ll need to follow these instructions:
What’s Inside The Gilded Chest?
Once you’ve got the chest open, you’ll find a number of shiny things inside:
Though this is an excellent haul in general for such a short detour, theMoondrop Pendantcan be especially useful in battle. Itprevents enemies from taking Opportunity Attacksagainst you when you’re atlow health, allowing your characters toget away from dangerwithout having to waste your action toDisengage.
Special Interaction With Shadowheart
If theTrickery Clericcompanion,Shadowheart, is in your party while you investigate this Selunite structure, she has quite a few scathing things to say about the goddess of the moon.
Once you successfully open the chest, Shadowheart will strike up a conversation with you,warning youagainst taking any of the items inside. You can choose topress her for informationorconvince herthat looting the chest is a good idea.
A successful DC 15Insight (WIS) checkhere will reveal some key information aboutShadowheart’s backstoryandunlock further interactionswith her back at your camp.
Though Shadowheart doesn’t mind if you just take a peek, if youchoose to take any of the chest’s contentsdespite her warnings, you’ll be able to make a DC 15Sleight of Hand (DEX) checkto hide your sticky fingers from her.
Failing this checkwill cause her tolose some goodwilltowards you, so be warned if you’re seeking to court her during your playthrough. That said, if you’re confident in yourDexterity, or if you’ve got your eyes set on someone else, thenpilfer away to your heart’s content!
