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 — 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.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Tieflings are derived from human bloodlines, and in the broadest possible sense, they still look human. However, their infernal heritage has left a clear imprint on their appearance. They are crowned with horns on their heads. Thick, prehensile tails also allow them a degree of enhanced balance and dextrous prowess. And, depending on Infernal Bloodline, some Tieflings have cloven hooves or clawed feet rather than human-like ones. A rare number even develop wings like those of a bat.
Biological Traits
Tieflings horns can take any of a variety of shapes: some have curling horns like a ram, others have straight and tall horns like a gazelle’s, and some spiral upward like an antelopes’ horns.
Thick tails, four to five feet in length.
Tieflings are commonly noted to have a so-called "Hellish Resistance" to damage caused by fire.
Thick tails, four to five feet in length.
Tieflings are commonly noted to have a so-called "Hellish Resistance" to damage caused by fire.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Eyes are solid colors — black, red, white, silver, or gold — with no visible sclera or pupil. Sharply pointed canine teeth.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Tiefling homeland has been the island nation of Jamitari since their emergence into the world of Eurra. In the centuries since they established themselves there, the Tiefling people have spread, creating small populations scattered across the globe.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Thanks to their infernal heritage, Tieflings have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. They can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. However, they can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Tiefling names fall into three broad categories. Tieflings born into another culture typically have names reflective of that culture. Some have names derived from the Infernal language, passed down through generations, that reflect their fiendish heritage. And some younger Tieflings, striving to find a place in the world, adopt a name that signifies a virtue or other concept and then try to embody that concept. For some, the chosen name is a noble quest. For others, it’s a grim destiny.
Beauty Ideals
Tieflings share a sense visual aesthetics similar to Humans. Generally, they appreciate athletic to muscular builds among males and graceful curves on females. Females commonly wear cosmetics to accentuate their features and males have also been known to do the same to a lesser degree. Usually allowed to grow long, Tiefling hair cascades down from behind their horns and may be arranged in braids or collected into tresses on males and females. Their hair naturally grows in dark tones, ranging from black or brown to dark red, blue, or purple.
Gender Ideals
Tieflings have a free-minded society that holds little to no expectations or obligations based on gender.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Other races seem to either judge Tieflings collectively or on an individual basis. Given the mistrust commonly assigned to them throughout the world, Tieflings know that they have to make their own way in the world and that they have to be strong to survive. They are not quick to trust anyone who claims to be a friend, but when a Tiefling’s companions demonstrate that they trust them, the Tiefling learns to extend the same trust. And once a Tiefling gives someone loyalty, the Tiefling is a firm friend or ally for life. It also helps that after dealing with this mistrust throughout youth, Tieflings often develop the ability to somewhat overcome prejudice through charm or intimidation.
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