Oni

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Oni Introduction

In the shadowy recesses of the world, where the line between nightmare and reality blurs, lurks a creature of both cunning and terror—the Oni. Known to some as ogre mages, these formidable beings are as intelligent as they are powerful, weaving dark magic with a deftness that belies their monstrous form. As you venture deeper into the unknown, the air grows thick with an unsettling presence, a prelude to the encounter with this fearsome entity.

The Oni stands tall, its hulking frame cloaked in robes that seem to shift and shimmer with an otherworldly light. Its skin, a deep shade of blue, is as tough as iron, and its eyes glow with a malevolent intelligence that pierces the soul. A pair of sharp, ivory horns curve menacingly from its forehead, and its mouth, filled with razor-sharp teeth, twists into a cruel smile. Despite its size, the Oni moves with an eerie grace, each step silent and deliberate, as if it were a shadow given form.

These creatures are most often found in desolate places, where the veil between worlds is thin. They make their lairs in abandoned castles, forgotten ruins, or deep within the heart of ancient forests, places where the light of day rarely penetrates. The Oni is a master of illusion and deception, using its magic to ensnare the unwary and bend reality to its will. It delights in sowing chaos and fear, often disguising itself to infiltrate human settlements, where it can manipulate and control from within.

Legends speak of the Oni as demons of old, spirits of malevolence that have walked the earth since time immemorial. Some tales tell of their insatiable hunger for human flesh, while others speak of their desire for power and dominion over the mortal realm. It is said that an Oni can change its shape at will, taking on the guise of those it has slain, and that its true form is only revealed under the light of a full moon.

As you stand on the precipice of this encounter, the air grows colder, and a sense of dread settles over you. The forest around you seems to hold its breath, as if aware of the ancient evil that dwells within. Prepare yourselves, for the Oni is a foe unlike any other, a creature of darkness and deceit that will test your courage and resolve to their very limits.

Oni Skills & Traits

Skills

• Arcana +3
• Deception +5
• Perception +3
• Stealth +1

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 13

Languages

• Common
• Giant

Abilities

• Innate Spellcasting: The oni's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: darkness, invisibility
  • 1/day each: charm person, cone of cold, gaseous form, sleep
• Magic Weapons: The oni's weapon attacks are magical.
• Regeneration: The oni regains 10 hit points at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point.

Actions

• Multiattack: The oni makes two attacks, either with its claws or its glaive.
• Claw (Oni Form Only): Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage.
• Glaive: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) slashing damage, or 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage in Small or Medium form.
• Change Shape: The oni magically polymorphs into a Small or Medium humanoid, into a Large giant, or back into its true form. Other than its size, its statistics are the same in each form. The only equipment that is transformed is its glaive, which shrinks so that it can be wielded in humanoid form. If the oni dies, it reverts to its true form, and its glaive reverts to its normal size.

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Battle Tips for Oni

The Oni, also known as the Ogre Mage, is a formidable foe in any campaign. With its magical abilities and brute strength, it can challenge even the most seasoned adventurers. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use an Oni in battle:

Using the Oni in Battle

• Leverage Its Magic: The Oni has access to a variety of spells, including invisibility and darkness. Use these spells to create confusion and ambush the party. Start the encounter with the Oni invisible, allowing it to position itself strategically before striking.
• Utilize Its Shapechange Ability: The Oni can change its appearance to look like a humanoid. Use this ability to infiltrate the party or to set up a surprise attack. This can also be used to escape if the battle turns against the Oni.
• Exploit Its Regeneration: The Oni regenerates health each round. Encourage it to retreat temporarily to regain health before re-engaging the party. This can prolong the battle and wear down the adventurers.

Coordinating Multiple Oni

• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Oni to split the party. Each Oni can use its invisibility to isolate and attack different members of the group, making it difficult for the party to support each other.
• Spell Synergy: Coordinate their spellcasting to maximize effectiveness. For example, one Oni can cast darkness while another uses its ranged attacks to target the party from within the cover of darkness.
• Flanking Maneuvers: Use their ability to fly to flank the party, attacking from multiple directions. This can overwhelm the party and make it difficult for them to mount a coordinated defense.

Strategic Retreats

• Use Invisibility to Flee: If the battle turns against the Oni, it can use its invisibility to escape. This can allow it to regroup and return later with reinforcements or a new strategy.
• Shapechange for Disguise: After retreating, the Oni can use its shapechange ability to disguise itself as a non-threatening creature or even an ally, allowing it to escape unnoticed or gather information on the party.
• Regroup and Reassess: Encourage the Oni to retreat to a safe distance, regenerate, and reassess the situation. It can then decide whether to re-engage, set a trap, or call for additional allies.

By using these tactics, Dungeon Masters can create a challenging and memorable encounter with the Oni, testing the strategic thinking and adaptability of their players.