Tieflings

You never met my father. He was a real piece of work, I tell you. Swore we were all descended from those fools that bargained with the devils back in the day. Completely obsessed with the idea of 'restoring the family honor.' Whatever. That idiot also thought I was a boy the majority of my life, so I wouldn't put much stock in what he thinks.

Rieta, tiefling thief

Basic Information

Anatomy

Humanoids with horns. Many have long tails, though the shape and length differs for each. Some also have cloven hooves instead of feet, but this is less common.

Genetics and Reproduction

Tieflings can reproduce with any race and pregnancy lasts an average of 280 days (same as humans). Their children are almost always born fully tiefling in appearance, and do not take on any of the phenotypes of their other parental race.

Growth Rate & Stages

Tieflings mature at the same rate as humans, though live slightly longer as a result of their slightly more durable bodies, as well as the hellish fire burning in their blood.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

All have horns, though some have them growing from the brow ridge, others have them extending from the temples or forehead. Tiefling horns come in all shapes and sizes and are extremely durable.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Generally found in tiny pockets throughout the Falondan Empire , but virtually unheard of elsewhere. Villages of all-tieflings exist, but they are typically so isolated, the great majority of them are likely not even mapped. Tieflings in cities are typically relegated to the slums, unless they are able to make a name for themselves elsewhere.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Darkvision (60')

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Often keeping in line with traditional naming of their honored forebears, many tieflings have noble names. Others share their names with devilish entities -- perhaps hinting at their parents' desire to ingratiate themselves with a particular patron, or, more likely, simply out of traditional family naming practices.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Tieflings inherently speak Infernal, the language of devils.

History

Tieflings were born from a dread pact between noble human warlocks and devils. Desiring more power, the human nobles contacted the entities of the Nine Hells, hoping to bargain. Believing in their own superiority and blinded by arrogance, the warlocks had no idea the mistake they had made.
Fire continues to burn in the veins of the descendants of those foolish humans, tainting their appearance, if not their hearts.

Historical Figures

Show spoiler

Asmodeus

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Much like orcs and other non-human bipeds, tieflings have difficulty integrating into the larger society due to their stark differences in appearance. They have always had a reputation for bringing darkness wherever they go and as a result are often turned away from businesses and other reputable establishments. The last century has seen considerably more tolerance and inclusion for tieflings, though their numbers continue to dwindle as a result of crippling poverty and lack of opportunity.

by Wizards of the Coast

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Humans

Lifespan

100 years

Average Height

5'5"-6.2"

Average Weight

140-220 lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Reds, browns, purples, blues -- from pale to deep shades.