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The oni bloodline sorcerer subclass inDungeons & Dragonsrepresents 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.
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 lineagegain both cosmetic and arcane powers.
Arcane Prison & Oni Traits
1
As you expend sorcery points,physical manifestations of oni appear on your characterresembling horns, miscolored eyes, and more.
With each of these qualities,you gain an arcane abilitythat 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’re able to 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 alsogain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damagefrom nonmagical attacks andcannot be charmed or frightenedfor 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 aremuch tougher thanks to their oni traitswhich 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 tomake 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.
Details
Charisma
As Charisma is your primary spellcasting ability, you’ll want toput your best Ability Score here.
Constitution
As Constitution determines Hit Points, andsorcerers are squishier than most classeswith a d6 hit die, you’ll want toput your second-highest stat here.
Dexterity
Sorcerers can use some finesse weapons that require Dexterity to use, andDexterity helps determine your armor class, so place your next highest stat here.
Intelligence
Intelligence is always helpful for arcane castersof 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 toplace 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 shouldplay a species that is mundane-looking, so that you can roleplay this subclass properly.
There are two species/ancestriesavailable in the supplement that are perfect for this.
Best Backgrounds For An Oni Bloodline Sorcerer
While you are also free toselect a background from the 2024 Player’s Handbook,there are two backgroundsavailable in the Obojima supplement that are great.
Keep in mind thatbackgrounds 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.
