Oni
- Size: Large
- Type: Fiend
- Alignment: Lawful Evil
- AC: 17
- Initiative: +0 (10)
- HP: 119 (14d10+42)
- Speed: 30 ft, Fly 30 ft. (hover)
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 19 | +4 | +4 |
| DEX | 11 | +0 | +3 |
| CON | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| WIS | 12 | +1 | +4 |
| CHA | 15 | +2 | +2 |
- Skills: Arcana +5, Deception +8, Perception +4
- Resistances: Cold
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 14
- Languages: Common, Giant
- CR: 7 (XP 2,900; PB +3)
Traits
Regeneration. The oni regains 10 Hit Points at the start of each of its turns if it has at least 1 Hit Point.
Actions
Multiattack. The oni makes two Claw or Nightmare Ray attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting.
Claw. Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 10 ft. Hit: 10 (1d12+4) Slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) Necrotic damage.
Nightmare Ray. Ranged Attack Roll: +5, range 60 ft. Hit: 9 (2d6+2) Psychic damage, and the target has the Frightened condition until the start of the oni's next turn.
Shape-Shift. The oni shape-shifts into a Small or Medium Humanoid or a Large Giant, or it returns to its true form. Other than its size, its game statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed.
Spellcasting. The oni casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 13):
1/Day Each: Charm Person (level 2 version), Darkness, Gaseous Form, Sleep
Bonus Actions
Invisibility. The oni casts Invisibility on itself, requiring no spell components and using the same spellcasting ability as Spellcasting.
Lore & Background
Oni are malevolent spirits that embody the worst aspects of humanoid nature, appearing as ogre-like creatures with horns, fangs, and brightly colored skin. These fiends are masters of deception and shapeshifting, able to take human form to infiltrate civilized society and corrupt it from within. Oni delight in causing suffering and chaos, often positioning themselves as leaders or advisors to spread their malevolent influence.
These creatures are native to the Material Plane but have strong connections to the Lower Planes, drawing power from evil and corruption. Oni are intelligent and patient, willing to spend years or even decades executing elaborate schemes to maximize the suffering they can cause.
Combat Tactics
Oni prefer to fight from a position of advantage, using their shapechanging ability to appear as allies before revealing their true nature. They combine their physical prowess with spellcasting abilities, often using charm and illusion magic to turn enemies against each other.
Encounter Ideas
False Advisor: An oni has infiltrated a noble's court and is manipulating political decisions. Corrupt Merchant: An oni poses as a wealthy trader while spreading corruption through commerce. Temple Infiltrator: An oni has taken the place of a religious leader to corrupt the faithful. Demonic Contract: An oni offers power to desperate mortals in exchange for their souls.
Environmental Effects
Oni presence gradually corrupts the area around them, causing moral decay, increased violence, and a general atmosphere of mistrust and paranoia among the local population.
Treasure
Oni collect items that help them maintain their disguises and further their schemes, including fine clothing, jewelry, forged documents, and magical items that enhance their deceptive abilities.
Plot Hooks
The Shapeshifter's Game: An oni challenges heroes to discover its true identity among a group of suspects. Corruption's Spread: An oni's influence is slowly destroying a community from within. Demonic Hierarchy: An oni seeks to rise in the ranks of fiendish society through mortal schemes. The False Face: An oni has replaced someone important, and heroes must expose the deception.