The oni bloodline sorcerer subclass in Dungeons & Dragons represents a lineage of sorcerers descended from oni and can be found in the Obojima campaign setting supplement for 5e. Though this subclass might sound a bit dark, it’s actually quite whimsical, like much of the campaign setting for this module. When you play this subclass, as you expend sorcery points, your character begins to look more and more demonic.
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So, if you’re looking to play this subclass either in the Obojima setting or in your regular table, this guide has you covered. Here’s how to build an oni bloodline sorcerer.
Oni Bloodline Sorcerer Overview
As mentioned, oni bloodline sorcerers begin to resemble oni the more sorcery points they expend; in this manner, sorcerers of this lineage gain both cosmetic and arcane powers.
|
Subclass Feature |
Character Level |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Arcane Prison & Oni Traits |
1 |
As you expend sorcery points, physical manifestations of oni appear on your character resembling horns, miscolored eyes, and more. With each of these qualities, you gain an arcane ability that can empower your damage, help you regain hit points, and strengthen your armor class. |
|
Ogre Manipulation |
6 |
You can manifest one of your oni traits, even if you don’t have the proper amount of sorcery points missing. As a bonus action, you can gain one of these traits of your choosing for one minute. |
|
Boiling Power |
14 |
Your oni traits become more powerful, granting you additional features like increased horn damage, the ability to cast the Zone of Truth spell, and reduce AC for enemies. |
|
Transformation |
18 |
You can now fully embody the physical manifestation of an oni, physicalizing all of your oni traits at once. You also gain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks and cannot be charmed or frightened for one minute. |
For more details on oni physical manifestation traits, refer to the Obojima campaign setting.
In essence, oni bloodline sorcerers are not only excellent arcane spellcasters, but are much tougher thanks to their oni traits which can help them restore health, empower their AC, or reduce incoming damage, making them more flexible casters.
Best Ability Scores For An Oni Bloodline Sorcerer
For sorcerers of any kind, you’re always going to want to make sure you dump a majority of your Ability Score points into Charisma, as this is your spellcasting ability. Beyond Charisma, there are some other areas you’ll want to focus on as well.
|
Ability Score |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Charisma |
As Charisma is your primary spellcasting ability, you’ll want to put your best Ability Score here. |
|
Constitution |
As Constitution determines Hit Points, and sorcerers are squishier than most classes with a d6 hit die, you’ll want to put your second-highest stat here. |
|
Dexterity |
Sorcerers can use some finesse weapons that require Dexterity to use, and Dexterity helps determine your armor class, so place your next highest stat here. |
|
Intelligence |
Intelligence is always helpful for arcane casters of any kind, particularly when it comes to making Arcana checks, making Intelligence helpful. |
|
Wisdom |
Wisdom can help save against many different spell effects, but ultimately, isn’t going to prove that important to a sorcerer. |
|
Strength |
Strength is the least of your concerns, so you should feel free to place your lowest Ability Score here. |
Unlike other sorcerer subclasses available in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, the oni bloodline subclass is taken at first level. Talk to your DM about balancing this if you plan to play this subclass outside the Obojima campaign setting.
Best Species For An Oni Bloodline Sorcerer
Because the Obojima campaign setting is primarily roleplay-focused, and the oni bloodline subclass focuses on the physical manifestation of oni features, you should play a species that is mundane-looking, so that you can roleplay this subclass properly.
There are two species/ancestries available in the supplement that are perfect for this.
- Human – Humans are an available species in the Obojima campaign setting. Though they offer no boons, they’re perfect for the roleplay of this subclass.
- Elves – If you’re looking for something more optimized, selecting elf as your species allows for great roleplay opportunities and extra spellcasting depending on your birthmark selection.
Best Backgrounds For An Oni Bloodline Sorcerer
While you are also free to select a background from the 2024 Player’s Handbook, there are two backgrounds available in the Obojima supplement that are great.
- Apprentice Witch – This background is ideal not just for the roleplay of a sorcerer, but because you gain proficiency with Arcana which is supremely helpful for spellcasters.
- Apprentice Of AHA – This background grants skill proficiencies in History and Investigation, which are both Intelligence-based and grants you a reputation for being knowledgeable, which suits the roleplay for sorcerers.
Keep in mind that backgrounds in the Obojima supplement and the 2024 Player’s Handbook work differently. Work with your DM to reconcile this should you wish to port this subclass over to a typical 5e campaign.
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