A few years ago, one of our Spooptober themes focused on scary characters who turn out to be friends, or at least friendly. As a look back upon the games I’ve dipped into since, I think I have another to add to the list, though I will admit that it’s degree of spoopiness is very subjective.

I’m talking about the adorable-looking and wide-eyed owlbear cub in Balder’s Gate 3.

While there’s no doubt that this little creature is meant to invoke sympathy-laden awwwwws, I find him incredibly spoopy: very cute and very eerie. But that’s how I feel about animal mashups generally. Less intense are those feelings towards real-world examples, like mules and ligers. But in the mythological and fantasy realms, stick two or more different animals onto one body, and I tend to get a little creeped out, no matter if we’re talking about majestic griffons (yes, I’m even looking at you, cute/weird little griffon Assan in Dragon Age: the Veilguard) beautiful mermaids or deadly chimera. In the present day, the practice of photoshopping disparate animals into one is also not my cup tea.

But let’s go back to the owlbear cub in Baldur’s Gate 3, because depending on one’s actions, one may never have cause to help this cute and classic Dungeons and Dragons critter. Early on the game, one’s team may enter what turns out to be an owlbear’s lair. Get too nosy, and big, scary mama shows up for a fight.

In that moment, players decide whether to back out or engage. Whatever choice is made, it turns out that mama had a baby to defend, and that baby may end up later as a captive in a goblin encampment. (Routes may vary a little on this.) That’s when I first saw him, as I had neither the will nor the skill to take on Mama Owlbear in her cave. And even though he got my meanest side-eye at first, I’m no monster, and surely, neither was my kind-hearted halfling ranger, Trixy Trueheart (I mean, goodness is in her name!), and so we set about with the task of freeing him. Not too long after doing so, the little cub wandered into Trixy’s camp. With help from the loveable dog, Scratch, and a little animal-talking magic, the owlbear was brought into their fold.

I know, I know, it’s just too sweet, right? It is. And it was one of those moments that makes Baldur’s Gate 3 the special game that it is. And yet…I’m sorry, but I can’t not be at least a little wary of the cute/creepy owlbear with his little, sharp beak and extra-long claws. After all, he’s going ot grow up to become like his mother someday, and I’m not really sure I want to be around for that. Big cat and bear trainers are a special breed, y’know? Those things are still wild animals, and who’s to say that one day, my little owlbear won’t grow up and want to decimate my camp simply became he can, or he’s hungry, or whatever. I don’t think any number of talking-to-animals spells will help should that occur.

So, little spoopy owlbear, you’re safe with me for now. But don’t think I’m taking my side-eye off you just yet.

Images, including lede, and video captured by author during PS5 gameplay of Baldur’s Gate 3 (© Larian Studios).