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Oni are among the most fascinating opponents in Dungeons & Dragons – magical giants who hide their true nature behind perfect disguises. These cunning creatures are masters of deception and embody the horrors that hide within civilization.

Shapeshifters with Evil Intent

What makes Oni particularly dangerous is their ability to shapeshift. With their Change Shape ability, they can transform into any humanoid form – from harmless villagers to noble aristocrats. They usually reveal their true form as large, horned giants only when it’s already too late.

Their natural regeneration of 10 hit points per round makes them tough opponents who quickly overcome even severe injuries. Combined with their impressive Armor Class of 16 and 110 hit points, they pose a serious threat to mid-level parties.

Versatile Magical Abilities

Oni possess an impressive arsenal of innate spells. Their constantly available spells Darkness and Invisibility make them feared opponents in tactical combat. They can darken the battlefield and then strike invisibly, which can panic even experienced adventurers.

Once per day they can cast powerful spells like Cone of Cold – a devastating attack that can decimate entire parties. Charm Person and Sleep complement their repertoire for more subtle manipulations, while Gaseous Form allows them to escape even from hopeless situations.

Combat Tactics and Equipment

In melee combat, Oni are armed with their great glaive, which deals considerable damage. In their true form, they can additionally attack with their claws and thus threaten multiple opponents simultaneously. Their weapons count as magical, making them effective even against resistant opponents.

Using Them in Your Adventures

Oni work excellently as long-term antagonists who operate over multiple game sessions. They could appear as corrupt city officials, false nobles, or seemingly helpful NPCs who systematically manipulate the party. Their high Deception skill of +8 makes them convincing actors.

As leaders of bandit gangs or cults, they can lead complex conspiracies. Their ability to fly enables dramatic chase scenes or raids from the air. For Dungeon Masters seeking inspiration for such multi-layered opponents, the Monster Manual 🛒 offers detailed background information and additional variants.

With a Challenge Rating of 7, Oni are perfect for parties of levels 5-9 and offer exciting challenges in both direct combat and intrigue scenarios.

This article was created using AI, based on data from the 5e-database project (D&D 5e System Reference Document, licensed under CC BY 4.0).

The post Oni in D&D: Masters of Deception and Magical Giants was first posted at Dice Scroller.