Tiefling

Heirs to an ancient, infernal bloodline, Tieflings have no realms of their own but instead live within Humans kingdoms and cities. They are descended from Human nobles who bargained with dark powers, and long ago their empire subjugated half the world. But the empire was cast down into ruin, and Tieflings were left to make their own way in a world that often fears and resents them. Tieflings seem to have an affinity for magic, or maybe it's just a coincidence that the vast majority of the Tiefling population practices magic in some form. Many of these Arcane Tieflings are drawn towards the Warlock specialization, as they tend to tap into their Demonic heritage. Few Tieflings may even take up Warlock magic as a way to directly counter their Demonic heritage, drawing power from creatures from Arcadia. Either way, it is rare to find a group of Tieflings, and rarer still for none of them to have no Arcane knowledge at all.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Tieflings’ appearance testifies to their infernal bloodline. They have large horns; thick, non-prehensile tails that range in length from 4 to 5 feet; sharply pointed teeth; and eyes that are solid orbs of black, red, white, silver, or gold. Their skin color covers the whole human range and also extends to reds and blues, from a brick red to a deep ocean blue and variants of purple in between. Their hair, cascading down from behind their horns, is as likely to be dark blue, red, or purple as more common human colors.

Genetics and Reproduction

Tieflings reproduce through sexual intercourse and a pregnancy period of anywhere between 3 to 12 months. Despite the significant difference in gestation periods, most Tieflings are born in similar conditions and there is largely no noticeable difference between a "demon" birth, and a "human" one.

Growth Rate & Stages

Tieflings, reach age of maturity after about 10 years of age, though their bodies do not stop growing until they are closer to 25 years old. Most of this growth is centralized to their tails, with many Tieflings reaching full body height by age 15.

Ecology and Habitats

Tieflings are often discriminated against due to their questionable past. This leads them to form many small, tight-knit groups, that are either nomadic, or stay secluded in hard to reach areas. All Tieflings prefer to be located near warmer climates, preferring desserts, volcanic islands, and places near the world's equator.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Tieflings are omnivores by nature, though they vastly prefer a carnivorous lifestyle.

Biological Cycle

After reaching maturity, Tiefling bodies barely change at all. There is no obviously noticeable difference in a Tiefling who has just reached physical maturity, to one that is close to the end of their natural lifespan.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Due to the majority of other species looking at Tieflings as an abomination or a threat, Tieflings tend to keep small communities. These are typically democratically lead with the group deciding on how they should govern themselves. If there is a large enough split on a common or important issue, it is not uncommon for the divisive Tieflings to break off into their own community. For the Tieflings that call a certain area their home, this often leads to a small civil war, until either one side kills the other, or a compromise can be met.

Facial characteristics

Tieflings have very defined facial bone structures that often meld into their horns. Tiefling horn sizes vary from Tiefling to Tiefling, though there are more common patterns than others, all horns are unique.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Most Tieflings can be found in central Tandris or on the Withered Expanse in Anor due to the warm climate.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to their demonic ancestry, Tieflings are often able to see pretty well in the dark and have a natural resistance to heat. While they have no control over fire themselves, many Tieflings are often described as "hot-headed", or "fiery."

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Tiefling naming traditions tend to borrow from both Human and Demonic naming values. Often a Tiefling’s name is a combination of a Human and Demon name, though more Tieflings prefer more Human sounding names, so they can better fit in. No one wants Balthrazog as their best friend.

Major Organizations

There are no current day major Tiefling organizations, though they do often show up in small numbers where ever large civilizations are.

History

Tieflings didn't exist as a species until the latter end of the Era of War. Many Human captives were under the thumb of their demonic oppressors, and one of the many ways Humans learned to free themselves was through seduction. The first such Human to employ this technique was a man named Tief. After word of Tief's revolution, and his methods, reached other Human groups, this technique was more widely adopted. Many lesser demons that worked for the higher overlords, would actually fall in love with certain Humans, and for their part, some of the Humans fell in love as well. After the Planar Separation, these Tieflings were now a part of Morad as much as any other species, even though they were still rare. During the Era of Understanding, Tieflings largely just tried to incorporate themselves into other societies that now saw them as sexual mistakes. After the Living Gate was destroyed, and the beings of the other planes were allowed to return back to the The Primelands, many Tiefling societies now saw the opportunity to rise above the other species. Harnessing their demonic heritage, they created the Empire known as Bael Turath. Bael Turath extended across all of Tandris, and southern parts of Diozan, creating the largest amount of land controlled by any single civilization even to date. Their fall, as many during the Era of Chaos, was at the hands of Good King Hamwell and his Almat Knights. Now, Tiefling groups are once again scattered around Morad, some just trying to erase the stigma that has now been reinforced that they are evil, some wanting to bring back the glory days of Bael Turath for good.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Humans

Scientific Name

Malum Homonis

Lifespan

120

Average Height

5' 6" - 6' 2"

Average Weight

140 - 230 lbs

Average Length

4 - 5 ft tail length

Average Physique

Tieflings share many physical characteristics with Humans, with the large exception of their demonic tail.