Strange Ox

The Strange Ox (real name Zlorb) appears to be a Beast. It is first encountered in The Hollow.

Strange Creature
Strange Ox
Stats
Level 3
STR 18 (+4) DEX 10 CON 14 (+2) INT 2 (-4) WIS 10 CHA 4 (-3)
Race	Beast
Type	Beast
HP	15
AC	10
Movement Speed	9m / 30ft
Size	Large
Weight	600kg / 1200 lbs
Passive features
Blindsight  Caustic StrikesTactician  Darkvision  Extra AttackTactician  Opportunity Attack
Resistances
Character information
Location	The Hollow, Druid Grove Last Light Inn Rivington
Model

Zlorb
Strange Ox
Stats
Level 11
STR 15 (+2) DEX 15 (+2) CON 15 (+2) INT 16 (+3) WIS 15 (+2) CHA 4 (-3)
Race	Ooze
Type	Ooze
HP	292
AC	12
Movement Speed	9m / 30ft
Size	Medium
Weight	360 lbs
Passive features
Blindsight  Darkvision  Extra AttackTactician  Opportunity Attack
Resistances
Character information
Location	The Hollow, Druid Grove Last Light Inn Rivington

“	Moo!	„
	— Strange Ox

Act One

Walking past the Strange Ox will prompt a DC 10 Insight check to notice it's oddity. A character who passes the check can talk to the Strange Ox and make a DC 10 Arcana check to investigate further. Passing this check confirms the creature isn't what it appears to be.

The player can talk to the Ox if the player has the ability to talk to animals, which player can get by drinking a potion from a closed chest at the cart near the ox. If the player successfully passes the dice roll checks, the Ox will say that he is heading to Baldur's gate.

Attacking the Strange Ox in Act One will cause its caretaker and neighboring oxen to become hostile. The ox drops pools of acid when damaged; on death, it drops a  Glyph of Warding: Acid that immediately explodes for 8d8acid damage. Killing the ox at this point yields the Shapeshifter's Boon Ring.

Note that even if you choose to Raid the Emerald Grove and attack the refugees, the Strange Ox disappears along with the other oxen when the grove goes into siege preparation mode, and will survive to be encountered later.

Act Two

Act 2 Spoilers! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.

Walking towards the Strange Ox in the stables of the Last Light Inn will prompt a DC 10 Insight check whether you've seen it before; passing this check is not necessary to talk to the Strange Ox. With Speak with Animals, you continue the conversation you started in the Druid Grove. Regardless of what option you choose, you will need to pass either a DC 14 Persuasion, Perception or Nature check to continue.

Succeeding results in the Ox telepathically showing you images of disfigured corpses with the sound of screaming in the background. Failing the check causes the conversation to end, but you are still able to continue speaking with the Ox, essentially skipping the check.

Pushing it further results in the Ox threatening you. You can choose to either end it here, or continue questioning him. Questioning him further will result in the Ox turning hostile, deforming into a cyan version of an Ochre Jelly and entering combat with your party. Before doing so he tells the player he was only looking for a simple life of hay and a clean stable to live in.

Act Three

Act 3 Spoilers! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.

“	Hail Cyric!	„
	— The real meaning of 'Moo'

If you didn't kill the strange ox during Act Two, then you can find him again at the beginning of Act Three in Rivington X: 36 Y: -149 on a hill west of the requisitioned barn. Approaching him will again trigger a DC10 Insight check to confirm his likeness. This time, the Ox is glad to see you. He was worried about your mental health since your last encounter with him, but perhaps he's just faking it because he needs something from you.

Just like in Act Two, you can question the Ox about his true nature and just like the last time, this will trigger him to become hostile and deform into his natural shape. Any other conversation path will lead to you obtaining the quest Help the Devilish Ox. If you decide to actually help the Ox, you can pick him up in the stable that you found him in. The moment you enter the Lower City with him inside your inventory the quest end and he disappears, leaving behind a Slightly Slimy Note.

Attacks and Abilities when called as an ally

 Ochre Sputum

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

2d6 (2~12) Acid

 Range: 12 m / 24 ft

 Pseudopod

• Lash out with a slimy grey tentacle.

3d6 + 2 (5~20) Bludgeoning

1d6 (1~6) Acid

 Alternate Form: Minotaur

• Assume the form of a minotaur. (100 turns)
• Gain abilities of a minotaur.

Bonus action

 Alternate Form: Shadow Mastiff

• Assume the form of a shadow mastiff. (100 turns)
• Gain abilities of a shadow mastiff.

Bonus action

 Alternate Form: Dire Wolf

• Assume the form of a dire wolf. (100 turns)
• Gain abilities of a dire wolf.

Bonus action

 Alternate Form: Phase Spider

• Assume the form of a phase spider. (100 turns)
• Gain abilities of a phase spider.

Bonus action

Notable Loot

• Shapeshifter's Boon Ring
• Hat of Fire Acuity