While exploring the Forest in Baldur’s Gate, you may stumble upon the body of a man named Gomwick, who is being guarded by a dog.
It seems that the man had been attacked and the dog, who is later revealed to be named Scratch, is left without an owner.
This presents the opportunity for you to get Scratch to join you at your camp, giving you a cute pet and potential familiar to help you in battle.
Where To Find Scratch?
Scratch can be found to the west of the Emerald Grove in the Forest, which is often encountered after going to the Owlbear Nest or if you make your way to the Goblin Camp.
You can easily find Scratch by climbing up the Rocky Crevice near the entrance of the Owlbear Camp and heading north.
How To Recruit Scratch?
Speaking to Scratch will prompt you to perform an Ability Check before you can calm him, which later allows you to motion him to follow.
Scratch will refuse to leave Gomwick’s side, and you can instead select the option to “Hold out your hand so he can follow your scent to camp.”
Once Scratch has your scent, he will appear at camp after the next Long Rest, and you will be able to interact with him there.
How To Summon Scratch?
After some time has passed, Scratch will bring an item called Scratch’s Ball to you and this can be taken with an Ability Check. (Strength, Sleight of Hand, or Animal Handling)
Additionally, you can use Speak with Animals to talk to Scratch, which will allow you to take the ball from him as well.
Scratch’s Ball is an item that will allow whoever has it in their inventory to summon Scratch as a familiar to help you in battle.
Aside from being able to attack enemies when summoned, Scratch may use the Help ability, which can remove negative conditions.
This allows Scratch to remove conditions such as Burning, Downed, Ensnared, and more depending on what your character is affected by.
What Happened to Gomwick?
Gomwick was a courier who was making his way along with Scratch but was eventually attacked by gnolls, leaving Scratch on his own.
If you check Gomwick’s inventory, it looks like he still has the letters that he was meant to deliver to him, which he was supposed to bring to Baldur’s Gate.
Verdict
Getting Scratch during the earlier parts of the game is a good way to have a familiar later when you face enemies after some time has passed.
It is ideal to summon Scratch before entering a fight to avoid wasting a turn, allowing you to have an advantage against enemies.
If Scratch is defeated in battle, you can still summon him later once you continue on your adventures after the battle.