Tiefling
The Devil-kin; the Horned Children
The party was a quieter one. That was probably why they had both been allowed to come. Their Mama took great care and consideration in such things. Cathal was pretty sure that was why she always looked so tired and stressed right before public outings with the family. It was alright, though. They would stay out of trouble for her. Out of the way. They would be good. She had made both him and Artie promise her, and Cathal wasn't the type to upset his Mama. No, Cathal would be good! Just like Artie! Together, they would hide in the library! Out of everyone's sight and mind! With some cheese!
Cathal glanced around, watching on as the Somer boy got pulled away from the food table by his father. The man looked angry at something. The boy looked bored. Cathal couldn't bring himself to care.
Finally.
He grinned, scampering over to where the hors d'oeuvre had been set, and grabbed as much food as he could fit on two plates. Then, after glancing around again to make sure that none of the other children of court had noticed him, he rushed out of the dancing hall, and scuttled into the guest wing. None of the adults paid him much heed as he weaved in and out of their way. Good. Cathal liked that. He wondered if he might be able to learn whatever it was that Artie had cast to make them not see him. He would ask later. After the party, of course. Mama wouldn’t need to know.
Cathal ducked into the second left hall, past the standing guards, who didn't even grant him a single look. Good, good. The spell was holding out, then. Cathal had to remind himself not to grin. Acting out might draw attention, even if he supposedly couldn't be seen. Artie wasn't the type to want attention. But Artie did like books and cheese. Cathal smiled down at the small plates of fruit, cheeses, and meats. He made his way into the entrance of the small foyer that served as an entrance hall to the East Wing's library. Looking around, Cathal noticed the small pile of books that were beginning to form, just barely not tucked behind one of the shelves.
"Artie!" He sing-songed, and he heard a small gasp before it was quickly stifled. He made his way around the shelf. "I brought snacks! For you, and for me!"
Artie was pale, and there was poorly disguise fear in his eyes. He shuffled to put the hat that their Papa had given him back on. Cathal's brow furrowed, even as he set down the plates. "Mama told you not to take it off." He said, nearly whinging.
"Cathal?" Artie asked, relief becoming evident on his features. He waved away his magic with a flick of his right hand. He then lets out a sigh.
"It feels weird. Between my horns. The pins hurt." Artie said, but the eventual counter was soft spoken, hesitant. His gaze was trained on the book in his hand. His tail was untucked and sweeping on the floor, occasionally bumping against a book. Cathal grumbled, huffing. All the other kids' older siblings were supposed to be the rambunctious ones. Louder. But Artie wasn't. He never had been. Cathal sat down beside him and pulled at one of the sleeves of his tunic, to get him to bend down.
"Mama said!" He repeated, pulling gently at the pins that were still gripping at Artie's black hair. The surrounding torches were dimmer than in the Guest Wing and Dance Hall, probably because the Hawkes weren't expecting guests to visit the library, but Artie's hair still shone blue in the light. It was like their mother's hair, Cathal supposed. All dark and curly. "She'll get all mad, if she finds out." Once Cathal got the remaining pins out, he replaced the hat and started pinning it back on. It was difficult, like Artie mentioned. The horns defiantly stuck out against the attempt, as did Artie's curls. Finally, however, after only a little bit of trying (and only one pained wince from Artie), he managed to affix it.
"There!" He said, beaming, pulling back to offer Artie a cube of Asiago cheese on a skewer. He watched as the other's complexion grew rosier, his ears blunted, and his horns vanished. Their Papa had told Artie to keep his illusion as close to what he looked like as he could.
"Others will have a harder time disbelieving it." Their Papa had said, and there had been a sadness in his eyes that Cathal hadn't liked. Almost an apology. Cathal didn't like a lot of things regarding their combined situation. He had to hide some things, too, after all. He wasn't supposed to talk in the Church's language except when in service or singing hymns. He wasn't supposed to make light the way that he did. But he, at least, didn't have to constantly hide. Not the way that Artie did.
He didn’t like that Artie wasn’t allowed to go to school with him.
He didn’t like that the other wasn’t allowed to go to fancier parties, like the one with the King last year.
He didn’t like that the other had to wear the specific hat in order to only go outside.
Artie was nice. Artie deserved people to be nice back.
Artie took the cheese with gentle fingers, and looked at Cathal with a smile. His teeth would be slightly pointed, if not for the hat, Cathal knew. But Cathal smiled back.
"You can go back to the party." Artie said, after a moment of quiet. One of his left fingers still was wedged in the book he had been reading, marking his place. His other hand reached for the plate of food. Cathal looked at him. He saw the flicker of hesitation as it flashed across the other's face. That was the deciding factor for him.
Cathal settled beside his brother, feeling Artie tense for a moment, before relaxing. He reached out and grabbed both of the plates, to drag them closer. He then pulled one of the books to him, only to have Artie take it and replace it with another. "No, I think that I will stay here. Alton and the others were being loud. I like it here, more."
Basic Information
Anatomy
Tieflings are humanoid, drawing mainly from their human parents. In fact, the only defining characteristics that are distinct to the supposedly corrupted race are their skin color, horns, and other occasional unique trait, like hoofed feet. Tieflings’ skin color vary widely in shade and hue, typically belying their supposed ancestry. Throughout recorded history, reds, purples, greens, and unnatural pales have been discovered and, generally, reviled. While a very select few Tieflings have more human coloration, these are very rare and are often the results of a human and Teifling couple.
Tieflings are also known to have horns, though the morphology, number, and color of said body parts vary widely. For example, Devil-kin descended from interactions with Hamatula are known to have crowns of thorny horns, though most Tieflings typically are only burdened with two.
Genetics and Reproduction
Tieflings are born of humans that either have an infernal lineage, or have otherwise been touched by the corrupt nature of Devils. Tieflings can only be born of humans, and can only reproduce with humans or each other. These rare couplings are reported to give birth to only other Devil-kin. These offspring, however, are more prone to have more human-like skin tones.
Growth Rate & Stages
Tieflings typically mature at the same rate as humans, though it has been reported that they live a few years longer. However, their lifespans are typically shortened, due to violence and hatred directed toward them by loyal members of The Great Church.
Ecology and Habitats
Tieflings are born around the world of Orbem, however they typically only reach adulthood in the nations that the Great Church does not have a holding in. This means that there are relative increases in the presence of Devil-kin in the regions of Alhajim and The Prosperous East.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Tieflings are characterized by their horns, though the number and shape of the horns can vary widely. Some Tieflings also attempt to cut off or remove their horns. This procedure, however, is incredibly painful. It is thought that Tieflings horns are akin to that of a goat, with the tissue of the horns being composed of blood vessels and nerves. Cauterization is often necessary, and can lead to infection if not treated with care.
Average Intelligence
Select variants of Tieflings, with specific infernal ancestry, are thought to have innately keener intellects than other races. However, it is unknown if such conclusions are scientifically factual, or if only the smarter, more cunning individuals of the Devil-kin manage to claw or hide their way to adulthood.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Tieflings are known to have the capability to see in the dark, resistance to the heat of Kador's fires, and have an innate understanding of the Infernal language of their supposed ancestors.
All Tieflings are also known to have innate magical capabilities, though the nature of these magics vary depending on the nature of the Devil-kin’s infernal heritage. The Great Church has noted that some of their magical capabilities is mirrored in that of Godchosen, leading to the debunked but still popular theory that Tieflings are the evil gods’ corrupted counterpart to the Lords of Goods’ chosen servants.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Tieflings typically have the naming scheme characteristic of their parents' lands of origins, should their parents deem to name them. Those that are raised on their own will also occasionally take names derived from their Infernal tongue, if only to have something to call themselves.
There is also a trend among the Devil-kin, where the Tieflings will take names corresponding to virtues and vices. Names such as Temperance, Constance, Sorrow, Hope, and Glory are taken by those wishing to throw off the chains of their devilish heritage, while others, either in humor or resignation, will call themselves names like Carrion, Despair, Fear, or Callous.
Major Organizations
Tieflings, by their very existence, tend to be outcasts in society. Very few of them tend to gain entrance or form major organizations. Those that do take part in such organizations tend to do so under illusions and disguises, so as to protect themselves and their interests. That being said, the Brotherhood of Shadows has gained some relevance in Florin, and the Pirate Lord Farah and their fleet are also known to have relative influence throughout Aljahim, especially within the seas of the Golden Strait.
Beauty Ideals
Most Tieflings do not see themselves as beautiful, if only due to others' views of them and their appearances. However, this is not always the case. In the political and influential circles of Alhajim, many Tieflings are viewed as charismatic and alluring, a view that can be shared among the Devil-kin that grow up there. Most Tieflings' views of beauty are representative of those who raise them.
Within the nations of Eliwyn, most Tieflings typically view those of their kind who appear more human as more attractive.
Relationship Ideals
Most Tieflings do not enter romantic relationships. Of those that do, very, very few of them decide to have children, if the partnership is viable, knowing that those that they give birth to or sire are likely to be cursed with their devilish appearance. With that said, most relationships between Tieflings and members of other races are known to be close and quite supportive. The spouse or partner often does all that they can to protect and cherish their significant other. This is so commonly seen among these rare partnerships, that rumors and superstitions have spread regarding Tieflings' ability to bewitch and enchant potential partners, much to said couples' disapproval and fear.
What is also interesting is that this seeming loyalty is often even found in close knit, non-romantic communities or groups that accept the Tieflings. It is known that Devil-kin are charming and persuasive in their own right, and it is thought that, if given the chance to flourish, the Tieflings tend to become inspiring leaders and supporters within their communities.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Tieflings are outcasts that typically live on the fringes of the societies that they are born into. Rarely born and even more rarely seen, they typically do not have a uniform heritage with one another. Instead, they tend to share the same cultural values as the communities within which they are raised. However, there have been instances of shared cultural folkways and mores between Tiefling families. This is most typically seen in the value or vice names taken by Tieflings, with certain values such as Sorrow and Respite being deemed as darker than traditional community values.
History
The history of the Devil-kin has been one of violence and tragedy. Tieflings are often born to parents with no visible heritage of infernal influence or corruption, and are often shunned, feared, hated, or even killed by their parents. The few that are born to loving families are often hidden away and raised to fear the outside world, as their parents attempt to desperately protect and shield them from those that would harm them.
Throughout history, Tieflings have been viewed as the representatives and spreaders of the darker and evil deities. They are often first to be blamed for plagues, crop failures, and even break outs of the Chaos Phage. The horned children often have limited protection, and are often the subjects of mobs’ rage and violence at the start of any unrest. They are also not safe from cults of the Lords of Ill, who tend to either adopt them as their leaders and representatives, or utilize them as sacrifices to the gods they supposedly represent. Dozens were killed in and during both the Long War as well as the resulting Cadoran White Scare, as the pubic tensions and anxieties rose.
Such being said, there have been some Tieflings that have carved a name for themselves in the few areas where they can. Numerous Tieflings have taken to illicit trade or piracy through the ages, striking fear and reverence in select circles. At least one has become a Pirate Lord in recent history. There are also whispers and rumors of a bardic circle in Florin. This circle, hidden away from the eyes of the nobility and Church, is said to be comprised mainly of Tieflings that have specialized in using and honing their innate magical capability to cloak themselves in shadows and illusions to gather information, secrets, and objects of interest. This group, while clearly at odds with the Great Church, seems to have entrenched itself within the Duke's nobility and the Court of the Republic. Their collective shadow of influence stretches out over the Holy City and into neighboring areas and states. While their nature and trade is indeed imposing and nebulous, it is said that this circle has refused partnership with both the Iron Circle and the Deadmen. It is reported that they also refuse to take part in any assassination attempts.
Historical Figures
In the History of Orbem, there have been only a handful of well-known or documented Devil-kin;most are unnamed, besmirched and marked down as cult leaders or highwaymen. However, there are two known and named figures that have remained relevant and known though both's lives are seeped in tragedy and discourse. One is Xandolin the Bronze, who's classification as a Tiefling is highly debated, due to him being a Draconic Shaper of Man. However, it is commonly known that Xandolin favored a form that closely matched Devil-kin, and that many Devil-kin were welcomed into the City of Brass during his lover's, the Lady of Brass's, rule over the land. Many of the visualizations of him, however, have been either disputed by the Great Church and Dragon Houses of Eliwyn. Most of depictions of him, it is said, were destroyed along with those of the Lady of Brass, after their deaths against the Grand Caliph. However, it is thought that within the Brass Citadel, the former home of the Brass, Cerlydir, depictions of the two still stand, guarded by the magic that the two had interwoven into the castle walls.
The other is The Fire Bird, a supposed, highly disputed, Godchosen of Anwyn.
An Artist's Rendition of the Fire Bird, currently held in the archives of the Grand Church
The Fire Bird was a controversial figure during the time of her life, and she has grown even more so in the centuries following her death. Born Maria du L'abri, in the defunct southern city-state of Téméraire, from a young age, the girl was reported work as an apprentice in a blacksmith's shop. One winter night, when curled beside the forge's light, she said that she experienced a vision, looking into the embers of the hearth. She reported this to be the first time that Anwyn came to her, calling upon her to protect the innocents that were soon to perish. Confused and afraid, the girl was said to have left her village and traveled to the city proper of Téméraire. Once there, however, her questions were answered through tragedy. Instances of the Chaos Phage struck out quickly, and seemingly at random, with large aberrations appearing from the seas and caves surrounding the city.
Aid was immediately requested from Florin, Téméraire's closest neighbor, though within the next few weeks, all contact with the royal courts had gone quiet, and Templars of the Great Chruch were dispatched. What they found when they reached the walled city in a few months' time shocked all who viewed it.
The city had defended itself from the brunt of the Phage's attack, though many, including all of the royal family, had fallen to the Phage's sickness. Only the middle daughter, the final Queen, Henrietta, Le Coeur de Flamme, survived the initial bout of the corruption, having recovered from the Phage's infection, seemingly miraculously, with only a change in eye color. The youth had thrown the strength of her nation's military behind the supposed Godchosen, the Firebird, who was reported to have restorative magics at her call. All the sick, regardless of class or station, were brought to either her or the Queen's Men. Most recovered, though all were marked by the Phage's corruption, and were given shelter within the city. Those that lost their mind, or sense of self were burned.
The Templars reported on the corrupted nature of the city's inhabitants, and the ruthless nature of the nation's two new leaders. After receiving confirmation that, should the nation's leader be deemed corrupted by the Devil-kin's fire, they were to purge the remains of the city, the Templars clashed with the Firebird. When the city guard, supposedly led by the Queen herself, came to her defense, a Purge was initiated. The resulting near slaughter of the remaining survivors, and what might have been done in order to limit the bloodshed is still debated within historical circles in present day.
The Firebird was one of the few survivors of the Purge, and was reported to have been burned at the stake for her crimes. The lack of immediate divine retribution or response has led to even more speculation regarding her supposed divine linkage. However, in the following decades, the ruins of the city have been left to rot and wear away. Prospective inhabitants typically leave within a month of arriving, complaining bitterly of feelings of unease and depression, should they attempt to claim the lands for their own. Florin has since left the city to return to crumble.Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Tieflings do not have good relations with many of the major races of Orbem, however, they and humans are the least likely to get along, especially if the humans are of the faith of the Great Church. Tieflings do, however, seem to often strike up partnerships with members of other races that are also deemed outcasts. They also occasionally are found settling near Dragonborn encampments, as the scaled race is less likely to drive them away than members of the other humanoid races.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Origin/Ancestry
Tieflings are known to have Infernal heritage, and are typically born of human parents.
Lifespan
Roughly 120 years of age, naturally
Average Height
Male: 5’4”-6’ foot
Female: 5’2”-5’10” foot
Average Weight
100-150 lbs.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Tieflings have been reported to appear in a wide variety of shades. Reds are most common, though purples, yellows, soft blues, whites, and even greens have been recorded.
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