Oni
Large Giant · · CR 7
- Giant
- Large
- Tier 2
Oni, CR 7, fills the large giant role with lawful evil disposition. Encounter regions: forest and urban. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 7
- Type
- Giant
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Forest, Urban
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Oni (sometimes called ogre mages) are fiend-blooded ogres elevated by infernal demonic ancestry into something far more cunning. They eat humanoid flesh, particularly children, considered a special delicacy in their twisted appetites. They live solitary or in small bands, often disguised as wandering merchants, traveling monks, or itinerant priests in remote border villages. They reproduce by mating with ogres or human-sized females (often forcibly), producing rare offspring that mature over many decades.
Behaviour
Cunning, patient, and viciously gourmand, Oni infiltrate human settlements, gathering victims one at a time to avoid suspicion. They speak Common, Giant, and often Infernal, with cultured manners befitting their preferred disguises. They love riddles, games, and contracts, binding victims to dangerous deals. They retain ogre brutality beneath civilized veneer, erupting in violence when slighted.
Origin
Oni descend from ogres mated with fiends, particularly oni-style demons or yokai spirits in eastern-themed settings. Some are corrupted samurai, monks, or priests whose souls were stolen by demonic patrons and reincarnated as Oni. They populate mountain passes, isolated forest temples, and ruined monasteries. Their existence is whispered in folktales, where bands of warriors hunt them with sacred blades and protective wards.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Oni
- What is the challenge rating of Oni?
- Oni's challenge rating is 7. A party in this band fits well-established adventuring parties.
- What type of creature is Oni?
- By creature type, Oni is a giant, large size.
- Where does Oni live?
- In the bestiary, Oni appears in Forest, Urban.