OVERVIEW
Oni are rare beings touched by the Void, often seen as half-demons and treated as demi-humans or less. Their transformation stems from various origins, such as cursed bloodlines, pacts with Void entities, or exposure to eldritch artifacts.
You can roll on the roll table below to help determine the origins of your oni character.
d8 | ||
|---|---|---|
1 | Cursed Bloodline | Your family was cursed generations ago, potentially for wicked deeds. You carry the mark of the Void, manifesting as an oni due to this ancient curse. |
2 | Void-Pact | Your ancestors or family made a pact with a Void entity. As a result, you were born marked by the Void, transforming you into an oni. |
3 | Eldritch Rituals | You were a part (or the victim) of a secretive cult devoted to the Void that performed dark rituals. These rituals imbued you with Void-touched traits. |
4 | Weighted Sins | A moment of weakness led to an act of profound sin—one that caught the eye of a Void entity. This fateful misstep transformed you into an oni. |
5 | Fallen Hero | You fought against the Void and fell in battle. Void entities resurrected you, twisting your strength and courage—in punishment or recognition, you do not know. |
6 | Voidborn Hybrid | You are the offspring of a mortal and an eldritch creature from the Void, resulting in your mixed heritage of human and eldritch traits. |
7 | Void Artifact | You interacted with a cursed Void artifact, which corrupted and transformed you. |
8 | Cataclysm Survivor | You survived a Void cataclysm, an event that altered the fabric of reality and destroyed your home. The exposure did not kill you, however, and instead transformed you. |
Due to their rarity and the fear they inspire, oni seldom form mono-racial communities, although some havens exist where they can find acceptance.
In many rural places, oni are considered monstrous and are met with suspicion or outright hostility. In large, diverse cities like Fortune's Rest, however, they are often treated with tolerance and curiosity.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Appearance
Oni typically have horns, as well as sharp claws and fangs. Their skin can range from dark shades to bright colors like red or blue.
They are usually as tall as, or taller than, the tallfolk, though their appearance can vary greatly depending on the Void entity that inspired their transformation.
Regardless of their height, most oni exude an imposing force of personality and presence.
Lifespan
Oni live longer than average humans, with lifespans often extending a couple of centuries. Their otherworldly heritage grants them resilience and longevity.
Abilities
Oni are physically powerful and possess innate magical abilities tied to the Void.
Their skills can vary widely depending on their origin, from enhanced strength to eldritch spellcasting.
GENERAL PERSONALITIES
These personality traits reflect the common behaviors and attitudes shaped by societal upbringing in the major cities of each race.
Remember, people are often products of their environment, and your character’s background and upbringing should greatly influence their personality.
These are not cookie-cutter formulas, and no character needs to embody these traits fully—feel free to explore and create unique personalities!
Otherworldly Allure
Many oni possess an innate, almost supernatural presence that commands attention and respect. The influence of the Void grants them an otherworldly, bewitching presence that is both captivating and intimidating, drawing people to them with a mix of fascination and fear.
Skilled Social Navigators
Often forced to rely on their social skills for survival, oni have developed exceptional abilities in navigating social situations.
They adapt their behavior to fit social contexts, using their charisma to blend in or dominate conversations. Their reputation also allows them to leverage fear and exert influence in that way.
WAYS OF LIFE
Nomadic and Independent
Due to the prejudice they face, many oni lead nomadic lives, moving from place to place to avoid persecution. They often rely on their own strength and abilities to survive.
Havens and Communities
In places like Fortune's Rest or other large, mixing-pot cities, oni can find acceptance and form small communities or havens where they support each other and find a semblance of normalcy.
Diverse Occupations
Oni take on various roles depending on the abilities and circumstances granted by the Void. Some become mercenaries, using their strength in combat, while others might delve into arcane studies or exercise their charisma to gain footholds in more accepting societies.
SOCIETAL STRUCTURE
No Formal Structure
Due to their rarity and scattered nature, oni do not have a formal societal structure. They adapt to the societies they live in, often forming loose networks of allies rather than structured communities.
Mentorship and Alliances
Older or more experienced oni sometimes take on mentorship roles for younger oni, helping them navigate the challenges of their existence. Alliances with other marginalized groups are also more common than in most other races.
RELIGION & BELIEFS
Having only started appearing after the Silence of the Gods, the oni are one of the few people who not have strong feelings or ties to the Sun and Night Goddesses.
Void Reverence
Many oni have a complicated relationship with the Void. Some revere the Void entities that transformed them, while others despise their demonic heritage and seek ways to distance themselves from it.
Personal Codes
Oni often develop personal codes of honor and conduct, influenced by their experiences and the need to navigate a world that fears them. These codes can vary widely but often emphasize resilience and survival.
WORLDLY REPUTATION
The Good
đź’š Despite the fear they inspire, oni are sometimes grudgingly respected for their power and resilience. Their magical abilities and combat prowess are acknowledged, even if they are not trusted.
The Bad
â›” Most races view oni with fear and distrust due to their demonic appearance and connections to the Void. They are often seen as harbingers of misfortune and chaos.
More detailed information can be found in Oni Interactions With Other Races
Other Names
Friendly-Neutral Names
Voidtouched, Horns, Shadows, Charms
Derogatory Names
Abyssal, Demons, Voidspawn, Darkblood, Hellspawn
PRESENCE IN FORTUNE'S REST
Though they still face prejudice, the disposition of the oni have ironically made them highly sought-after adventurers for diving teams. They have carved out niches in these districts, forming loose networks and small communities.
THE CANOPY
Oni, or tieflings, find a relative sense of acceptance in The Canopy, where their unique skills and exotic demeanors attract curiosity and trade.
THE ALCOVES
They also frequent The Alcoves, where their marginalized status aligns with the district's diverse and eclectic population.
THE RIM
At The Rim, oni adventurers often leverage their eldritch abilities to offer their services for dives into Sunhallow.
