BG3 Strange Ox Secrets & Hidden Vault Puzzles Guide

Baldur's Gate 3 is renowned for its intricate puzzles and hidden secrets that reward thorough exploration. Among the most fascinating mysteries players encounter are the enigmatic Strange Ox, the religiously protected Owlbear Cave chest, and the investigative Flowery Key vault. These three distinct puzzles showcase Larian Studios' commitment to layered storytelling and provide compelling reasons to explore every corner of the game world.

The Mysterious Shapeshifting Ox Explained

One of Baldur's Gate 3's most fascinating early-game enigmas is the Strange Ox, first encountered in the Emerald Grove during Act 1. This seemingly ordinary bovine hides an extraordinary secret that spans the entire game. While it initially appears identical to other oxen near Wyll's training grounds, observant players may notice its unnerving gaze or hear party members comment that something is off about it.

Revealing the Ox's True Nature

The creature's true nature is revealed through the Speak with Animals spell or potion.

• Zlorb: The mysterious ox is actually Zlorb, a Phasm (a type of shapeshifting ooze) and follower of Cyric, the evil deity of chaos and murder.
• Behavior: When communicated with, it reveals it's heading to Baldur's Gate while exhibiting paradoxical behavior—enjoying normal ox activities like grazing while also fantasizing about murder.

A Multi-Act Encounter

What makes this encounter special is its multi-act progression that demonstrates Larian Studios' commitment to layered storytelling.

• Act 1: The Strange Ox is first found in the Emerald Grove.
• Act 2: It reappears at the Last Light Inn.
• Act 3: Its full revelation occurs near Rivington, where it transforms into a level 9 ooze with enhanced abilities.

When its true form is revealed through Speak with Animal spells or combat, this mysterious entity transforms into a Level 5 Ooze, dropping the valuable Shapeshifter's Boon Ring. This perfectly demonstrates how even seemingly minor NPCs have deep lore and evolving narratives that reward player curiosity across the entire journey.

Owlbear Cave Secrets - Selune's Gilded Chest

Discovering the Owlbear Cave early in Act One of Baldur's Gate 3 can lead you to one of its first intriguing puzzles: the Selune's Gilded Chest. Located northeast of the Blighted Village, this cave is home to a wounded owlbear and a valuable, magically sealed treasure. To claim the loot inside, you must first解除 the chest's divine protection.

The Three-Step Ritual

The key lies in a three-step ritual. First, locate the ornate chest beneath a giant statue of the moon goddess. Attempting to open it will trigger a powerful explosion.

• Step 1: Find the Prayer Sheet: Jump across the nearby chasm to the opposite statue. You'll need to pass a Perception check (DC 10) to find a hidden Selûnite Prayer Sheet tucked behind it.
• Step 2: Read the Prayer: Once you have the scroll, return to the chest and have a party member read the prayer aloud. This ritual is crucial, but be warned: using Shadowheart will fail due to her devotion to Shar, Selûne's rival.
• Step 3: Claim Your Reward: Successfully completing the prayer dispels the magical seal, granting you access to the chest.

Valuable Loot

Inside, you'll find valuable items like the Idol of Selûne and the Moondrop Pendant. This uncommon amulet prevents opportunity attacks when you're at 50% hit points or less—a powerful tactical advantage for any party.

Flowery Key Connection - Fraygo's Flophouse Vault

The flowery key is a crucial item obtained during the "Investigate the Murders" questline, found on a shapeshifter's corpse in the tunnels beneath the Open Hand Monastery.

Acquiring the Key

Players can access these tunnels via a cave under Wyrm's Crossing bridge or a hatch in the temple kitchen. After defeating doppelgangers that transform into monsters, the key can be looted from one of the corpses.

Unlocking the Vault

This mysterious key opens a hidden vault in Fraygo's Flophouse, located opposite Sharess' Caress on Wyrm's Crossing's central road.

• Location: Inside, ascend to the second floor, enter the right room, and climb the attic ladder.
• Access: The flowery key unlocks a large dresser concealing a secret passage—though players can alternatively use the Knock spell or attempt a DC 25 lockpick check.

Vault Contents and Significance

The vault contains pivotal evidence: a Bloodstained Parchment listing Orin the Red's victims (including Stelmane and Dribbles the Clown), Temple Plans, and documents connecting three major quests. Players also find Ffion's body via Perception checks and valuable loot. This room serves as a quest hub, confirming Orin's involvement and linking the Open Hand Temple murders to broader conspiracies.

Conclusion

Baldur's Gate 3's interconnected puzzles demonstrate Larian Studios' exceptional world-building. These secrets reward player curiosity with valuable loot, deeper lore, and satisfying narrative payoffs.

The Strange Ox spans all three acts, evolving from a mysterious bovine into a shapeshifting ooze. The Owlbear Cave presents a religious puzzle requiring Selûnite knowledge. The Flowery Key unlocks crucial evidence in the murder investigation.

Whether you're uncovering shapeshifter conspiracies, solving divine puzzles, or investigating murder mysteries, these hidden elements ensure that every playthrough offers new discoveries. This reinforces why Baldur's Gate 3 stands as a masterpiece of RPG design.