onijich

Onijich is a term used in speculative fiction and online role-playing contexts to denote a class of supernatural beings that blend elements of oni from East Asian folklore with original mythic features. The exact origin of the word is uncertain, and it is often described as a neologism created by fans or writers in online communities.

In appearances across works, onijich are portrayed with considerable variability. They are commonly depicted as humanoid or bestial figures with horns, claws, or mask-like faces, but their form can shift depending on the story. Their roles in narratives range from gatekeepers of thresholds between realms to tricksters testing heroes, or reluctant mentors guiding protagonists. Abilities attributed to onijich include shapeshifting, illusion, teleportation, and enhanced durability; some depictions emphasize elemental powers or curses, again varying by author.

Culturally, onijich function as an archetype rather than a fixed creature within a canonical mythos. They are used to explore themes such as otherness, temptation, cultural exchange, and the tension between human and supernatural realms. Because they originate in fan fiction and homebrew RPG settings, interpretations of their nature and moral alignment are diverse and often deliberately flexible.

See also: Oni, Yokai, Demons, Shapeshifters.