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Strange Ox: Difference between revisions

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(Minthara also approves)
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Walking past the Strange Ox prompts a {{Ability Check|Insight|10}} to notice its odd behavior. A character who passes the check can talk to the Strange Ox via {{SAI|Speak with Animals}} or {{SmRarityItem|Potion of Animal Speaking}} and make a {{Ability Check|Arcana|10}} to investigate further. Passing this check confirms the creature is not what it appears to be.{{ref|If the player character is a [[Druid]], or possibly a [[Ranger]], speaking with the Strange Ox may reveal it was discriminating in its choice of what kind of animal to present as: a rare Red-Backed River Ox.}}
Walking past the Strange Ox prompts a {{Ability Check|Insight|10}} to notice its odd behavior. A character who passes the check can talk to the Strange Ox via {{SAI|Speak with Animals}} or {{SmRarityItem|Potion of Animal Speaking}} and make a {{Ability Check|Arcana|10}} to investigate further. Passing this check confirms the creature is not what it appears to be.{{ref|If the player character is a [[Druid]], or possibly a [[Ranger]], speaking with the Strange Ox may reveal it was discriminating in its choice of what kind of animal to present as: a rare Red-Backed River Ox.}}


[[File:An_Authentic_Red-Backed_River_Ox.png|left|alt=A picture of The Strange Ox, standing in a stable at the Last Light Inn during Act Two. It is speaking with the lead player character, choosing to keep its secrets.|thumb|The mysterious creature presents as a rare Red-Backed River Ox.|250px]]
[[File:An_Authentic_Red-Backed_River_Ox.png|left|alt=A picture of The Strange Ox, standing in a stable at the Last Light Inn during Act Two. It is speaking with the player character, choosing to keep its secrets.|thumb|The mysterious creature presents as a rare Red-Backed River Ox.|250px]]


The party must successfully pass a {{Ability Check|Persuasion|10}}, {{Ability Check|Intimidation|10}}, or {{Ability Check|Deception|10}} to pressure the Ox into revealing its secret. On success, the Ox tells the party he is heading to Baldur's Gate but refuses to elaborate further.
The party must successfully pass a {{Ability Check|Persuasion|10}}, {{Ability Check|Intimidation|10}}, or {{Ability Check|Deception|10}} to pressure the Ox into revealing its secret. On success, the Ox tells the party that it is heading to Baldur's Gate but refuses to elaborate further.


Attacking the Strange Ox in Act One causes its caretaker, {{CharLink|Toron}}, and neighboring oxen to become hostile. The ox drops pools of [[acid]] when damaged. On death, it drops a {{SAI|Glyph of Warding: Acid}} that immediately explodes for {{DamageText|8d8|acid}} damage.
Attacking the Strange Ox in Act One causes its caretaker, {{CharLink|Toron}}, and neighboring oxen to become hostile. The ox drops pools of {{Area|acid}} when damaged. On death, it drops a {{SAI|Glyph of Warding: Acid}} that immediately explodes for {{DamageText|8d8|acid}} damage.


If completing {{Quest|Raid the Emerald Grove}} and attacking the refugees, the Strange Ox disappears with the other oxen when the grove prepares for the siege, and can be encountered later on.
If completing {{Quest|Raid the Emerald Grove}} and attacking the refugees, the Strange Ox disappears with the other oxen when the grove prepares for the siege, and can be encountered later on.
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On success, the Ox telepathically shows images of disfigured corpses with the sound of screaming in the background. Failing the check causes the conversation to end, but it is still possible to continue speaking with the Ox, essentially skipping the check.
On success, the Ox telepathically shows images of disfigured corpses with the sound of screaming in the background. Failing the check causes the conversation to end, but it is still possible to continue speaking with the Ox, essentially skipping the check.


Pressuring it to reveal its true identity results in the Ox threatening the party. The conversation can either end here or the interacting party member can continue asking questions. Questioning the Ox further causes it deform into a cyan [[Ochre Jelly|Phasm Ooze]] and enter combat with the party {{ref|The Strange Ox has a hidden passive that generates a {{dist|m=3}} radius {{Area|Acid}} surface when struck.}}. Before doing so, he tells the player character he was seeking a simple life of hay and a clean stable to live in. Alternatively, telling the creature its secrets are safe ends the conversation peacefully ({{Approval|Shadowheart|+1}} {{Approval|Astarion|+1}} {{Approval|Minthara|+1}}).
Pressuring it to reveal its true identity results in the Ox threatening the party. The conversation can either end here or the interacting party member can continue asking questions. Questioning the Ox further causes it to deform into a cyan [[Ochre Jelly|Phasm Ooze]] and enter combat with the party {{ref|The Strange Ox has a hidden passive that generates a {{dist|m=3}} radius {{Area|Acid}} surface when struck.}}. Before doing so, it tells the player character that it was seeking a simple life of hay and a clean stable to live in. Alternatively, telling the creature its secrets are safe ends the conversation peacefully ({{Approval|Shadowheart|+1}} {{Approval|Astarion|+1}} {{Approval|Minthara|+1}}).


If the player character is [[The Dark Urge]], they relate to the ox's revelations and can tell it about their own murderous nature, to which it remarks they may be a kindred spirit, but it only wishes to be an ox. The player character can either respect or chastise it for not giving in to its bloodlust - the latter option causes the Dark Urge to brutally attack the creature mid-dialogue, killing it without initiating combat as it struggles to retain its ox form until the very end.{{ref|If killing the Ox using [[The Dark Urge]], no XP is gained aside from inspiration.}}
[[The Dark Urge]] may relate to the ox's revelations and can tell it about their own murderous nature, to which it remarks they may be a kindred spirit, but it only wishes to be an ox. The player character can either respect or chastise it for not giving in to its bloodlust - the latter option causes the Dark Urge to brutally attack the creature mid-dialogue, killing it without initiating combat as it struggles to retain its ox form until the very end.{{ref|If killing the Ox using [[The Dark Urge]], no XP is gained aside from inspiration.}}


Alternatively, if the player character is The Dark Urge they may, after sharing its violent visions, choose to respect its wishes by answering, "I don't care what you might be behind it all; you're an ox to me." The Strange Ox responds to the Urge's discretion by regurgitating an {{SmRarityItem|Onyx}} as a gift.  
Alternatively, The Dark Urge can, after sharing its violent visions, choose to respect its wishes by answering, "I don't care what you might be behind it all; you're an ox to me." The Strange Ox responds to the Urge's discretion by regurgitating an {{SmRarityItem|Onyx}} as a gift.  


=== Act Three ===
=== Act Three ===
If the Strange Ox survives into [[Act Three]], it can be encountered at {{Coords|36|-149|Rivington}} on a hill west of the requisitioned barn. Approaching him triggers a {{Ability Check|Insight|10}} check to confirm his likeness. This time, the Ox is glad to see the party. He was worried about the party's mental health since the previous encounter, but perhaps he is just faking it because he needs something from them.
If the Strange Ox survives into [[Act Three]], it can be encountered in [[Rivington]] at {{Coords|36|-149}} on a hill west of the requisitioned barn. Approaching it triggers a {{Ability Check|Insight|10}} check to confirm his likeness. This time, the Ox is glad to see the party. It was worried about the party's mental health since the previous encounter, but perhaps it is just faking it because it needs something from them.


As previously, the Ox can be questioned about his true nature and, like before, doing so causes him to deform into his natural shape and become hostile. Any other conversation path leads to initiating {{Quest|Help the Devilish Ox}}. If deciding to help, he turns into an apple on the stable floor that can be picked up. The moment the party enter the [[Lower City]] with him inside a party member's inventory, the quest ends and he disappears, leaving behind his {{SmRarityItem|Shapeshifter's Boon Ring}} and a {{SmRarityItem|Slightly Slimy Note}}. If entering the Lower City before speaking to the Ox, it disappears and the quest cannot be started. If the quest was not previously started, the Ox cannot be recruited for {{Quest|Gather Your Allies}}.
As previously, the Ox can be questioned about his true nature and, like before, doing so causes it to deform into his natural shape and become hostile. Any other conversation path leads to initiating {{Quest|Help the Devilish Ox}}. If deciding to help, it turns into an apple on the stable floor that can be picked up. The moment the party enter the [[Lower City]] with it inside a party member's inventory, the quest ends and it disappears, leaving behind his {{SmRarityItem|Shapeshifter's Boon Ring}} and a {{SmRarityItem|Slightly Slimy Note}}. If entering the Lower City before speaking to the Ox, it disappears and the quest cannot be started. If the quest was not previously started, the Ox cannot be recruited for {{Quest|Gather Your Allies}}.


Completing {{Quest|Help the Devilish Ox}} allows the party to summon him using a [[Gather Your Allies (class action)]] during [[Confront the Elder Brain]]. He reveals his true form as [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Phasm Phasm], a type of [[Ooze]] with a true form similar to an [[Ochre Jelly]] which shapeshifts into different monsters with unique abilities during combat. The tooltip on the summoning action [[An Apple a Day]] reveals the Phasm's name to be '''Zlorb'''.
Completing {{Quest|Help the Devilish Ox}} allows the party to summon it using a {{SAI|Gather Your Allies (class action)}} during {{Quest|Confront the Elder Brain}}. It reveals its true form as [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Phasm Phasm], a type of [[Ooze]] with a true form similar to an [[Ochre Jelly]] which can shapeshift into different monsters with unique abilities during combat.{{ref|The tooltip on the summoning action {{SAI|An Apple a Day}} reveals the Phasm's name to be '''Zlorb'''.}}


{{Infobox creature
{{Infobox creature

Revision as of 11:08, 24 January 2025

The Strange Ox is a mysterious ox first encountered in the Emerald Grove in Act One.

Hail Cyric!
The real meaning of 'Moo'


Involvement

Act One

Walking past the Strange Ox prompts a DC 10 Insight check to notice its odd behavior. A character who passes the check can talk to the Strange Ox via Speak with Animals Speak with Animals or Potion of Animal Speaking and make a DC 10 Arcana check to investigate further. Passing this check confirms the creature is not what it appears to be.[1]

A picture of The Strange Ox, standing in a stable at the Last Light Inn during Act Two. It is speaking with the player character, choosing to keep its secrets.
The mysterious creature presents as a rare Red-Backed River Ox.

The party must successfully pass a DC 10 Persuasion check, DC 10 Intimidation check, or DC 10 Deception check to pressure the Ox into revealing its secret. On success, the Ox tells the party that it is heading to Baldur's Gate but refuses to elaborate further.

Attacking the Strange Ox in Act One causes its caretaker, Toron Toron, and neighboring oxen to become hostile. The ox drops pools of Acid Acid when damaged. On death, it drops a Glyph of Warding: Acid Glyph of Warding: Acid that immediately explodes for 8d8Damage Typesacid damage.

If completing Raid the Emerald Grove Raid the Emerald Grove and attacking the refugees, the Strange Ox disappears with the other oxen when the grove prepares for the siege, and can be encountered later on.

Act Two

Walking towards the Strange Ox in the stables of the Last Light Inn prompts a DC 10 Insight check to recall whether the player character has seen it before. Passing this check is not necessary to talk to the Strange Ox. With Speak with Animals Speak with Animals, the party can continue the conversation from the Emerald Grove. Regardless, the interacting party member must pass a DC 14 Persuasion, Perception, or Nature check to continue.

On success, the Ox telepathically shows images of disfigured corpses with the sound of screaming in the background. Failing the check causes the conversation to end, but it is still possible to continue speaking with the Ox, essentially skipping the check.

Pressuring it to reveal its true identity results in the Ox threatening the party. The conversation can either end here or the interacting party member can continue asking questions. Questioning the Ox further causes it to deform into a cyan Phasm Ooze and enter combat with the party [2]. Before doing so, it tells the player character that it was seeking a simple life of hay and a clean stable to live in. Alternatively, telling the creature its secrets are safe ends the conversation peacefully (Shadowheart approves +1 Astarion approves +1 Minthara approves +1).

The Dark Urge may relate to the ox's revelations and can tell it about their own murderous nature, to which it remarks they may be a kindred spirit, but it only wishes to be an ox. The player character can either respect or chastise it for not giving in to its bloodlust - the latter option causes the Dark Urge to brutally attack the creature mid-dialogue, killing it without initiating combat as it struggles to retain its ox form until the very end.[3]

Alternatively, The Dark Urge can, after sharing its violent visions, choose to respect its wishes by answering, "I don't care what you might be behind it all; you're an ox to me." The Strange Ox responds to the Urge's discretion by regurgitating an Onyx as a gift.

Act Three

If the Strange Ox survives into Act Three, it can be encountered in Rivington at X: 36 Y: -149 on a hill west of the requisitioned barn. Approaching it triggers a DC 10 Insight check check to confirm his likeness. This time, the Ox is glad to see the party. It was worried about the party's mental health since the previous encounter, but perhaps it is just faking it because it needs something from them.

As previously, the Ox can be questioned about his true nature and, like before, doing so causes it to deform into his natural shape and become hostile. Any other conversation path leads to initiating Help the Devilish Ox Help the Devilish Ox. If deciding to help, it turns into an apple on the stable floor that can be picked up. The moment the party enter the Lower City with it inside a party member's inventory, the quest ends and it disappears, leaving behind his Shapeshifter's Boon Ring and a Slightly Slimy Note. If entering the Lower City before speaking to the Ox, it disappears and the quest cannot be started. If the quest was not previously started, the Ox cannot be recruited for Gather Your Allies Gather Your Allies.

Completing Help the Devilish Ox Help the Devilish Ox allows the party to summon it using a Gather Your Allies (class action) Gather Your Allies (class action) during Confront the Elder Brain Confront the Elder Brain. It reveals its true form as Phasm, a type of Ooze with a true form similar to an Ochre Jelly which can shapeshift into different monsters with unique abilities during combat.[4]

Combat

Attacks and abilities (Act 2)

Generic Acid.webp
Ochre Sputum Ochre Sputum ()
D6 Acid.png 2d6 (2~12) Damage TypesAcid

Spit out an acidic substance and create an Acid Acid surface on impact.

 Range: 18 m / 60 ft

Attacks and abilities (Act 3)

Polymorph.webp
Alternate Form: Dire Wolf Alternate Form: Dire Wolf ()
Assume the form of a Dire Wolf.
Recharge: Per Turn
Polymorph.webp
Alternate Form: Minotaur Alternate Form: Minotaur ()
Assume the form of a Minotaur.
Recharge: Per Turn
Polymorph.webp
Alternate Form: Phase Spider Alternate Form: Phase Spider ()
Assume the form of a Phase Spider.
Recharge: Per Turn
Polymorph.webp
Alternate Form: Shadow Mastiff Alternate Form: Shadow Mastiff ()
Assume the form of a Shadow Mastiff.
Recharge: Per Turn
Generic Acid.webp
Ochre Sputum Ochre Sputum ()
D6 Acid.png 2d6 (2~12) Damage TypesAcid

Spit out an acidic substance and create an Acid Acid surface on impact.

 Range: 18 m / 60 ft
Generic Damage.webp
Pseudopod Pseudopod ()
+
D6 Acid.png 1d6 (1~6) Damage TypesAcid

Lash out with a slimy grey tentacle.

 Melee: 1.5 m / 5  ft

Notable loot

Related literature

Notes

  1. If the player character is a Druid, or possibly a Ranger, speaking with the Strange Ox may reveal it was discriminating in its choice of what kind of animal to present as: a rare Red-Backed River Ox.
  2. The Strange Ox has a hidden passive that generates a 3 m / 10 ft radius Acid Acid surface when struck.
  3. If killing the Ox using The Dark Urge, no XP is gained aside from inspiration.
  4. The tooltip on the summoning action An Apple a Day An Apple a Day reveals the Phasm's name to be Zlorb.