Tieflings

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Tieflings have horns (all shapes and sizes) and a demonic tail.

Genetics and Reproduction

Tieflings have a 50% chance of producing a Tiefling child, no matter which species they bred with.

Growth Rate & Stages

Due to their tainted heritage, Tieflings are not as long-lived as other races and often decline rapidly near the end of their life-cycles.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Tiefling faces are often humanoid in appearance (predominantly human or elf).

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Tieflings are found in all populated areas (i.e. towns and cities). It is unlikely to meet a tiefling roughing it in the wild or travelling in the open. Due to some stigma, most tieflings sequester themselves indoors.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

This is dependent on the ancestral race of each particular Tiefling. However, there are those that choose to take on the name (or aspect of a name) that relates to the entity that cursed them. In some cases, the parent of a Tiefling may have had to do so due to a contractual condition.

Beauty Ideals

Some Tieflings embrace who they are and what they look like. These prize the shape of their horns (often polishing them or tipping them in gold or other adornments), the curve of their tails, or the colour of their skin. Such individuals proclaim themselves 'True Tieflings' and do not stoop so low as to hide themselves in public.

Gender Ideals

Highly varied - depends on ancestral race.

History

A Tiefling knows that someone in their bloodline struck a deal with something demonic or infernal. Now, they have to pay the price. This does not mean that Tieflings are innately evil. To the contrary, most Tieflings try to live virtuous lives in hopes of repenting for past transgressions*. This does not prevent them from being shunned by religious organisations and the like. For example, you will never find a Tiefling Paladin or Cleric in Chardovia (at least, not for every long if the Calgori Church have any say in the matter).

It is important to note that their heratage makes them vulnerable to demonic influence. Sometimes the source of their Tiefling-ness comes to collect the debt.

*Of course, there are many exceptions to this rule.

Jester (Critical Role) by Jose Vega

Common Myths and Legends

Due to their muddied ancestry, Tieflings are known to make powerful sorcerers and warlocks. Some bloodlines grant a Tiefling access to meta-magic which allows them to mold the arcane to their liking. Signatories of Patron Pacts (A.K.A. Warlocks) are common among this race - either they made a deal to end their curse, or the pact is what turned them into a Tiefling in the first place. Tieflings hardly, ever, reverse their predicament, leading scholars to conclude that Tieflings are a distinct race.