Tiefling
To be greeted with stares and whispers, to suffer violence and insult on the street, to see mistrust and fear in every eye: this is the lot of the tiefling. And to twist the knife, tieflings know that this is because a pact struck generations ago infused the essence of Asmodeus, overlord of the Nine Hells (and many of the other powerful devils serving under him) into their bloodline. Their appearance and their nature are not their fault but the result of an ancient sin, for which they and their children and their children's children will always be held accountable
Civilization and Culture
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Infernal Vigil
Date: 26th Verdantia
Overview: The Infernal Vigil is a solemn and revered holiday celebrated by the Tieflings of Iceacre, deep within the frigid expanse of the Whispering Alps. The day serves as a reminder of the Tieflings’ unwavering guardianship of Astrium, their resilience in the face of prejudice, and their commitment to ensuring that the horrors they once fought against will never return. The holiday also commemorates the near-extinction of their people at the hands of Shamrei, the Pseudosin of Sloth, and honors the rise of their resilience through the development of Anti-Dragon technology.
Traditions:
The Eternal Flame Ceremony:
At dawn, Tieflings gather around the Eternal Flame, a massive bonfire at the heart of Iceacre. The fire, infused with magic, burns hotter than any natural flame and serves as a symbol of their fiery heritage and unyielding spirit. During the ceremony, each Tiefling lights a small torch from the Eternal Flame and silently walks to a vantage point overlooking Astrium, where they hold their vigil, staring out into the vast lands they have sworn to protect. This tradition honors their role as guardians of Astrium, reinforcing the importance of their watchful presence.
The Trial of Endurance:
Following the morning ceremony, the Trial of Endurance takes place. This ritual tests the Tieflings' physical and mental fortitude as they traverse the dangerous, icy peaks of the Whispering Alps in near silence. During the trial, they face harsh conditions, symbolizing the many obstacles their people have overcome. Those who complete the trial earn the title of "Infernal Watcher," marking them as stalwart defenders of Iceacre and Astrium. The trial is both a reminder of their near-destruction and a celebration of their survival.
The Burning of Shadows:
As dusk approaches, the Tieflings participate in the Burning of Shadows, where effigies representing Shamrei and other enemies of Astrium are set ablaze. These effigies are often intricately crafted to depict demonic or draconic foes, reminding the Tieflings of the battle they fought against the Pseudosin of Sloth and their victory through technology and unity. The burning represents the banishment of the past, ensuring that no darkness, no matter how great, can ever extinguish their inner light.
The Forging of the Infernal Arms:
In the evening, artisans and artificers display their craft through the Forging of the Infernal Arms, a demonstration of the advanced anti-dragon technology developed by Insolios, the young Tiefling artificer. This tradition not only honors their technological achievements but also serves as a celebration of their ingenuity and resilience. Weapons and defenses are tested, reminding everyone of the importance of innovation in protecting their people and the wider world from future threats.
The Summit of Shadows:
As part of the holiday’s rituals, a meeting known as the Summit of Shadows is held. This council of elders, leaders, and artificers discusses future plans for Iceacre and their ongoing commitment to Astrium’s protection. It is a day to reflect on the peace forged with the Kalashtar and Aasimar, as well as the remaining half of their people who moved to Bywynne. The summit ensures that the mistakes of the past, like those that led to the rise of Shamrei, will not be repeated. Representatives from the Kalashtar and Aasimar often attend, reaffirming the bonds forged after the Pandora War.
The Infernal Feast:
The holiday concludes with the Infernal Feast, a grand meal served in the frozen halls of Iceacre. Here, Tieflings share stories of their ancestors, the battles they’ve fought, and the hardships they’ve endured. The feast symbolizes the unity and strength of their people, offering a moment of respite after a day of solemn rituals. The meal is spiced with fiery herbs and meats, reflecting their infernal heritage and the warmth they bring to the otherwise cold peaks of the Alps.
Significance: The Infernal Vigil is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the Tieflings of Iceacre. It honors their past as fiery guardians of Astrium, their survival against all odds, and their technological advancements that ensure their future safety. The holiday serves to unite their people under the banner of vigilance and innovation, while also paying homage to the alliances they have built with the Kalashtar and Aasimar. It is a day of reflection, remembrance, and renewal, reinforcing the Tieflings' purpose as guardians who stand watch over Astrium from the frozen heights of the Whispering Alps.
History
The Tieflings, despite their assistance in the Pandora War, were never trusted by any of the "prime races" for their resemblance of the monsters they fought in the past. As a result they were forced to spend time being guardians for Astrium wathing from the frigid peaks of the Whispering Alps, within their settlement they dubbed as Iceacre.
For many years the Tieflings stayed vigilant in their stead as fiery guardians of Astrium, making deals with the Kalashtar and Aasimar people living on the outskirts of the Alps. During their stead in Iceacre, they were almost wiped out after Shamrei the Pseudosin of Sloth (Previous member of the prismatic parliament).
From that day, a summit meeting had left the remaining small population to split in two. One half heading to the Bywynne with the Genasi having vacted to look after Fogholt, and the other half remaining in Iceacre to rebuild. To ensure nothing like the incident with Shamrei ever happened again, they were able to developed Anti-Dragon technology from a young artificer - Insolios.
Today the Tieflings of Iceacre are key members of the Astrium Council, ensuring their unique perspective of history is able to provide insight into threats that are prevalent in the Nexus Plane.
Genetic Descendants
Geographic Distribution
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