Tiefling

Tieflings are an enigmatic race, born from the mingling of Human blood with that of infernal and demonic beings. These unions were not products of love but of arcane ambition and dark pacts made during the Ethyri Empire's zenith, where power-hungry mages sought to surpass their mortal constraints. Distinguished by their otherworldly features and innate magical abilities, tieflings are often met with fear, curiosity, and discrimination. Despite their sinister lineage, tieflings are as varied in personality and intent as the stars in the night sky—some embracing their heritage, while others fight against the dark impulses woven into their souls.
Personality: Tieflings carry the burden of their ancestors' sins but are not bound by them. They exhibit a broad spectrum of personalities, often shaped by the societal backlash they endure. Many develop a cunning and resourceful nature, having learned to navigate a world that views them with suspicion. Tieflings tend to be intensely independent, valuing personal freedom above all. This stems from a deep-seated need to prove their worth beyond their heritage. Intellectually, they are often drawn to the arcane arts, a natural inclination given their bloodline. Emotionally, they can be guarded, yet those who earn their trust will find a loyal and steadfast ally.
Physical Description: Tieflings possess distinct demonic features that set them apart from their Human kin. Common traits include horns of various shapes and sizes, tails, and eyes that might glow or lack pupils. Their skin tones range from human-like hues to vibrant reds, blues, or even purples, often accompanied by a faint, inherent glow. Their physique, while human-like, can bear muscular and skeletal structures that hint at their infernal heritage, giving them both an imposing presence and a grace that belies their strength. These traits can cause discomfort in social situations, as their appearance often invokes fear or awe. Tieflings are generally considered to be an adult at the age of 15, but may not be finished physically, physiologically, and psychologically developing until around the age of 25. The average expected life span of a Tieflings is about 75 years.
Relations: Tieflings have complex relationships with other races, often dictated by the fears and superstitions of their neighbors. They find kinship and solace among other marginalized groups but can be viewed with disdain by more insular communities like certain Dwarves clans or Elven households. Tieflings tend to form tight, insular communities where they can protect each other from external prejudices. Their relationships with other demonic or infernal beings are fraught, as many tieflings seek to distance themselves from these malevolent ties.
Alignment: The alignment of tieflings is as varied as their personalities, not necessarily skewing towards evil despite their ancestry. Many strive for good, seeking to overcome the stigma of their birthright, while others might succumb to the darker nature of their lineage. This internal conflict often leads to a wide array of alignments, though many tieflings favor chaotic alignments due to their love for personal freedom and disdain for societal expectations.
Lands: Tieflings do not have a homeland of their own; they are dispersed throughout various regions, often in places where the veil between the material plane and the lower planes is thin. They adapt to a variety of environments but tend to gravitate towards Human settlements or other cosmopolitan areas where their appearance might be less scrutinized, and opportunities to blend in or stand out on their own terms are plentiful.
Religion: Religious beliefs among tieflings are profoundly personal. Each individual’s relationship with the divine is uniquely shaped by their experiences with their infernal legacy. Some reject all forms of higher power, viewing their existence as proof of the gods' uncaring nature, while others embrace religions that preach redemption and transformation, finding solace in the possibility of transcending their origins.
Language: Tieflings commonly speak the languages of their human kin but are often fluent in Infernal or Abyssal due to their heritage. This dual linguistic capability serves both as a tool for understanding their lineage and a weapon in the battle against those who wish to exploit them.
Names: Naming traditions among tieflings vary widely, often embracing the culture they are raised in or choosing names that signify their aspirations or traits. Some adopt names that defy their demonic origins, emphasizing their personal achievements or virtues.
Adventurers: Tieflings often turn to adventuring to escape the prejudice they face at home or to search for a place where they can truly belong. Their natural inclinations towards magic and combat make them excellent Sorcerers, Warlocks, and Fighters. Their complex identity drives them towards paths that might allow them to affirm or redefine what it means to be a tiefling, be it through heroism, villainy, or something entirely unique.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Human

Lifespan

75 years

Average Height

5.5-6+ ft.

Average Weight

140-230 lbs.

Related Organizations

• Holy Flame

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• “I revel in the mystery that surrounds my heritage; it gives me an air of enigma that I use to my advantage.”
• “I have an irrepressible curiosity about the arcane, driven by the magic that courses through my veins.”
• “I’m a natural skeptic, always questioning the motives of those around me due to my upbringing on the fringes of society.”

Ideals

• Independence: “Self-reliance is crucial; relying on others leads to disappointment. I must forge my own path.”
• Knowledge: “The pursuit of knowledge and the uncovering of hidden truths guide my actions; understanding is power.”
• Justice: “I strive to right injustices, especially those born from prejudice and misunderstanding.”

Bonds

• “I owe my survival to a mentor who taught me to harness my innate powers, and I will honor their teachings.”
• “A significant betrayal in my past has left me wary, but it compels me to protect those few I trust.”
• “An artifact tied to my ancestry calls to me, and I seek to find it and unlock its secrets.”

Flaws

• “My infernal heritage often tempts me with power at the cost of others’ suffering.”
• “I struggle with anger and resentment toward a world that fears and misunderstands me.”
• “My fascination with dark magic can lead me down dangerous paths, much to my detriment.”