Post by Lance on Mar 22, 2016 18:11:12 GMT -5
(The Following Bestiary entry has been edited for consistency in regards to the Oni lore that I will be including in the Themes Sub Board. No gameplay changes have been introduced.)
Ogres
There are three types of Ogre, Trolls, Oni, and Namahage. Trolls and Oni also have their own distinct variants, this post will focus on the most widespread, as well as civilized member of the Ogre class of creatures, The Oni
Oni
Oni are by far the most friendly of the Ogre class of creatures, possessing a welcoming nature and fiercely independent spirit that makes them quick to befriend those from all walks of life, from Jurogumos to humans and anything in-between.
An Oni's appearance is rather peculiar for a creature, even amongst Ogres and their varied sizes and shapes. For a start, they are the only Ogre to be of human level intellect or higher, as well as being naturally proficient in mana channeling. Another oddity is their advanced lifespan, an Oni usually lives up to a maximum of 1500 years, and isn't considered fully grown until they hit 150. Their most striking feature is their faceless countenance, which shall be elaborated on in their physical description.
The standard Oni is humanoid in configuration, and the tallest pureblooded specimens are about 7 feet tall at the absolute most. They are rather muscular, with even the females being a fair bit stronger than a human of similar size without using magic (A well trained Oni can lift approximately 50-60 pounds one handed, albeit with a good deal of effort. Maximum lifting capacity without risk of injury maxes out at an average of about 400-500 pounds if the Oni in question is fit and of age.) Their skin is also tougher than a human or elve's, feeling closer to the tough but supple hide of an animal, or even well tanned leather to the touch.
The most famous (and infamous) feature of an Oni however, is their face, or lack thereof. Oni are born with a thickened, bony looking shell covering their heads, concealing any kind of facial features. This bone grows rapidly, and can even become a health risk if it is not managed with filing and even being cut away in small pieces. The bony growth thankfully does not posses any nerve cells or marrow, being made out of hardened Keratin similar to a Rhino's horn. The exact nature of this growth and how it functions is unknown, due to it's origins, but there are three key details that have been gleaned.
1: The Bone does not interfere with breathing or eating, allowing food and air to pass through the hardened "helmet" of bone as if through a membrane.
2: The Bone is tough, requiring special shaping and cutting tools to keep the growths trimmed and polished to a healthy level.
3: There is no known cure to the affliction. This is due to it's origin's as a backfired flesh alchemy spell, as such no known potions, treatments or spells have made a dent in undoing this random mutation.
The origins of the "Mask Curse" at it later became known began in the war against the Castus Cruorem. Early in the war, the Oni tribes banded together in an attempt to rescue as many magical and non-magical beings as possible, bringing them to what would become Terra Mystica and hiding them in vast villages shrouded within magical forests. Unfortunately, the Oni's original fierce appearance(Seen here in an artist's recreation) and highly energetic behavior scared many of the very people that they were hoping to save, especially those who were not familiar with them.
In a desperate attempt to make themselves less terrifying, the Oni tribes banded together and attempted a risky, forbidden form of mass sorcery, the "Great Reshaping" as it was known. Said spell was an offshoot of Alchemetical magics, intended to alter living flesh and change it's composition and appearance. The intent was to create a human looking Oni...instead the Oni were cursed, the now famous bone like shells erupting from the horns on their head, shrouding their skulls and for many, erupting from their bodies like tumorous spikes.
45% of the Oni population were killed outright, and the rest were horrifically deformed. It was only due to luck that it was discovered that the "helmets" on their heads could be cut down to a manageable size without risk of pain or death, had it not been, it was entirely possible that the rest of the race would have died out as well.
Despite this tragedy, the Oni civilization did not die, instead adapting to their new lot in life, creating a potent glamour to appear human without altering themselves. (A spell devised by a very eccentric Majin Alchemist no less.) Most Oni now go about their days in secluded but not hidden villages throughout the kingdoms, with the largest acting as ad hoc capitals for each nation's Oni population. Others travel as musicians or storytellers, sharing ancient tales of Oni heroes and spreading new stories and songs that they hear along their way.
Ogres
There are three types of Ogre, Trolls, Oni, and Namahage. Trolls and Oni also have their own distinct variants, this post will focus on the most widespread, as well as civilized member of the Ogre class of creatures, The Oni
Oni
| Creature type | Ogre |
| Creature Subtype | Oni |
| Habitats | Various secluded villages and human settlements |
| Disposition | Friendly, Boisterous, Courageous |
| Diet | Omnivorous, with a special liking for red meat and rice wine |
| Magically Proficient | Yes |
Oni are by far the most friendly of the Ogre class of creatures, possessing a welcoming nature and fiercely independent spirit that makes them quick to befriend those from all walks of life, from Jurogumos to humans and anything in-between.
An Oni's appearance is rather peculiar for a creature, even amongst Ogres and their varied sizes and shapes. For a start, they are the only Ogre to be of human level intellect or higher, as well as being naturally proficient in mana channeling. Another oddity is their advanced lifespan, an Oni usually lives up to a maximum of 1500 years, and isn't considered fully grown until they hit 150. Their most striking feature is their faceless countenance, which shall be elaborated on in their physical description.
The standard Oni is humanoid in configuration, and the tallest pureblooded specimens are about 7 feet tall at the absolute most. They are rather muscular, with even the females being a fair bit stronger than a human of similar size without using magic (A well trained Oni can lift approximately 50-60 pounds one handed, albeit with a good deal of effort. Maximum lifting capacity without risk of injury maxes out at an average of about 400-500 pounds if the Oni in question is fit and of age.) Their skin is also tougher than a human or elve's, feeling closer to the tough but supple hide of an animal, or even well tanned leather to the touch.
The most famous (and infamous) feature of an Oni however, is their face, or lack thereof. Oni are born with a thickened, bony looking shell covering their heads, concealing any kind of facial features. This bone grows rapidly, and can even become a health risk if it is not managed with filing and even being cut away in small pieces. The bony growth thankfully does not posses any nerve cells or marrow, being made out of hardened Keratin similar to a Rhino's horn. The exact nature of this growth and how it functions is unknown, due to it's origins, but there are three key details that have been gleaned.
1: The Bone does not interfere with breathing or eating, allowing food and air to pass through the hardened "helmet" of bone as if through a membrane.
2: The Bone is tough, requiring special shaping and cutting tools to keep the growths trimmed and polished to a healthy level.
3: There is no known cure to the affliction. This is due to it's origin's as a backfired flesh alchemy spell, as such no known potions, treatments or spells have made a dent in undoing this random mutation.
The origins of the "Mask Curse" at it later became known began in the war against the Castus Cruorem. Early in the war, the Oni tribes banded together in an attempt to rescue as many magical and non-magical beings as possible, bringing them to what would become Terra Mystica and hiding them in vast villages shrouded within magical forests. Unfortunately, the Oni's original fierce appearance(Seen here in an artist's recreation) and highly energetic behavior scared many of the very people that they were hoping to save, especially those who were not familiar with them.
In a desperate attempt to make themselves less terrifying, the Oni tribes banded together and attempted a risky, forbidden form of mass sorcery, the "Great Reshaping" as it was known. Said spell was an offshoot of Alchemetical magics, intended to alter living flesh and change it's composition and appearance. The intent was to create a human looking Oni...instead the Oni were cursed, the now famous bone like shells erupting from the horns on their head, shrouding their skulls and for many, erupting from their bodies like tumorous spikes.
45% of the Oni population were killed outright, and the rest were horrifically deformed. It was only due to luck that it was discovered that the "helmets" on their heads could be cut down to a manageable size without risk of pain or death, had it not been, it was entirely possible that the rest of the race would have died out as well.
Despite this tragedy, the Oni civilization did not die, instead adapting to their new lot in life, creating a potent glamour to appear human without altering themselves. (A spell devised by a very eccentric Majin Alchemist no less.) Most Oni now go about their days in secluded but not hidden villages throughout the kingdoms, with the largest acting as ad hoc capitals for each nation's Oni population. Others travel as musicians or storytellers, sharing ancient tales of Oni heroes and spreading new stories and songs that they hear along their way.
Great to see this place still pluggin' along. I just wanted to pop in and say I'm getting rid of our affiliate system so you can feel free to take down our aff banner. Take care!