General

Locations: Toril
Category: Publisher

History

Founding & Early History (pre-1350 DR)

Owlbear Books was founded sometime in the early 14th century DR by an unknown but ambitious scribe or entrepreneur who recognised that storytelling could reach far beyond bardic circles and courtly patrons. Its early focus was on practical texts, maps, and manuals for scholars and adventurers, but it quickly expanded into fiction, poetry, and whimsical illustrated volumes.
The company earned its name from the legendary owlbear mascot — a half-owl, half-bear creature said to guard the original founder’s first press. Though likely apocryphal, the image remains the company’s emblem to this day, symbolising both wisdom and strength in storytelling.

Expansion & Diversification (1350–1450 DR)

By the mid-14th century, Owlbear Books had established itself in major trade cities across Faerûn, including Baldur’s Gate, Waterdeep, and Neverwinter. Its catalogue expanded to include:

• Adventure manuals and field guides
• Children’s storybooks and nursery tales
• Illustrated comics
• Academic texts
  Notable early works included Tales of the Northmoon, a best-selling children’s fantasy series, and Practical Alchemy for Everyday Use, which cemented the company’s reputation for both whimsy and practicality.

Modern Era & Partnerships (1450–2024 DR)

Owlbear Books is now a multirealm publishing house, known for both its popular entertainment and its niche guides. Its catalog includes:

• Children’s stories: whimsical and moralistic tales, often illustrated by renowned planar artists
• Comics: the long-running Saturday Mourning Smash-Up series is a particular favourite among young adventurers and city-dwellers
• Guides: including the Folly Guides series, published in collaboration with Folly Guides for distribution and branding
• Academia & Reference: maps, historical texts, and magical field manuals
  The company is respected for its editorial standards and for giving creators freedom, making it a magnet for both young scribes and established authors. It has a small but elite magical editing team capable of minor glamour spells for illustrations, magically animated pages, or interactive maps.

Legacy

Owlbear Books has survived wars, fires, and planar shifts without losing its core identity: providing quality reading material for all ages. Its owlbear emblem continues to be a mark of trust for readers, while the company’s influence in both literary and academic circles ensures it remains a cornerstone of the publishing world.

Hierarchy

Founders: Unknown
Current CEO: Unknown
Staff: Unknown
Apprentices: Unknown
Primary Contact: Unknown

People

The following people are associated with this business.

Services

Owlbear Books produces a wide range of publications for multiple audiences and purposes.

Core Offerings

Fiction & Children’s Literature

• Fairy tales, adventure stories, and moral fables
• Illustrated editions and interactive books
• Magical picture books for children and young adventurers

Comics & Graphic Series

• Saturday Mourning Smash-Up: comedic superhero series
• Occasional spin-offs and seasonal issues
• Illustrated pulp series for older teens and adults

Reference & Guides

• Adventure guides, Folly Guides, and practical manuals
• Encyclopedias and maps of planar regions
• Academic texts for universities and guilds

Specialty & Custom Publications

• Commissioned volumes for noble houses, guilds, or institutions
• Limited edition prints with planar-ink illustrations or minor enchantments
• Interactive books with illusions, pop-up maps, or minor planar portals

Partnerships

• Folly Guides: Owlbear Books handles printing and distribution of Folly Guides volumes
• Neverwood Academy & Other Institutions: provides textbooks and academic compendiums