Zarg Tiefling Lore

Creation Mythos

The Zar'vrektar—more commonly known as Zarg Tieflings—were the creation of Zargoth, the Obsidian Serpent, a powerful archdevil ruling from the depths of Nessus, the Ninth Layer of Hell. Zargoth, desiring beings that could spread his influence across the multiverse, infused these Tieflings with the dark, volcanic energy of his domain. The Zar'vrektar were crafted with obsidian-cracked skin, radiating infernal power, and sharp, devilish features that mirrored Zargoth’s own terrifying visage. Their role was clear: to serve as agents of corruption and domination, manipulating mortals, sowing discord, and gathering souls for Zargoth’s endless ambitions.
For a time, the Zar'vrektar were immensely powerful and fiercely loyal to their creator, wielding both shadow and flame to great effect. However, as Zargoth’s ambitions grew, so did his dissatisfaction with his creations. Despite their ruthless efficiency, Zargoth deemed them failures, having fallen short of his impossible expectations. In a fit of disdain, Zargoth banished the Zar'vrektar from Nessus, stripping them of much of their infernal strength and leaving them without his protection. From that moment, they were scattered across the planes, weak, vulnerable, and forced to fend for themselves.

Early History

After their banishment, the Zar'vrektar quickly found themselves in dire straits. Without Zargoth’s infernal blessing and the powers that came with it, they became targets for mortals, rival devils, and even other Tieflings, many of whom harbored long-standing hatred for the Zar'vrektar due to their ruthless past. Mortal kingdoms, tired of the corruption the Zar'vrektar had spread, mounted hunts to exterminate them, while other Tiefling subraces sought revenge for past transgressions. With their powers diminished and without Zargoth's shield, the Zar'vrektar could not defend themselves against the onslaught.
This Great Purge led to the near extinction of the Zar'vrektar. Entire enclaves were wiped out, and those who survived were forced into hiding. They became masterful at concealing their true identities, posing as other Tiefling subraces or even entirely different races. The once-mighty agents of Zargoth were reduced to living in fear, always on the run, clinging to the shadows that once empowered them. To this day, most of the multiverse believes the Zar'vrektar are either extinct or nothing more than a cautionary tale from a forgotten era.

Cultural Evolution

The downfall of their once-great society shaped the Zar'vrektar’s culture into one of secrecy, survival, and deception. Without a unified homeland or society, the Zar'vrektar live as nomads, blending in wherever they can, always hiding their true nature. Their culture now centers around the necessity of survival, and they pass down the art of deception and subterfuge as essential skills. Many have learned to mask their infernal heritage, using illusions, disguises, or simply blending into societies that accept Tieflings without too many questions.
Some Zar'vrektar, however, still cling to the memory of their former power and status, attempting to practice their dark arts in secret, hoping to one day reclaim the strength they lost. These scattered groups perform what remains of their old rituals, venerating Zargoth in hopes of regaining his favor or seeking new sources of power. However, most have resigned themselves to the life of outcasts, hiding their lineage and quietly plotting for survival in a multiverse that seeks their destruction.

Religion and Spirituality

Originally, Zargoth was the center of Zar'vrektar spirituality. They worshiped him as their creator and ultimate master, performing dark rituals that involved shadow manipulation and offerings of corrupted souls. But after their banishment, many Zar'vrektar became disillusioned with Zargoth, viewing him as a cruel and ungrateful master. The majority abandoned their worship, seeing Zargoth as a symbol of their fall from power rather than a being worthy of reverence.
Some Zar'vrektar, however, still maintain their devotion to Zargoth, practicing the old rituals in secret, hoping to regain his favor and reclaim the might they once wielded. Others have turned to new deities or sources of power, seeking protection and salvation in whatever way they can. In the absence of a unified religion, Zar'vrektar spirituality is fragmented, with each Tiefling following their own path of survival or seeking redemption for their fallen race.

Notable Historical Events

• The Creation of the Zar'vrektar: The birth of Zargoth’s Tieflings, heralding the beginning of his campaign to corrupt the multiverse and spread his influence across mortal realms.
• The Banishing: Zargoth’s decision to banish the Zar'vrektar from Nessus, stripping them of their powers and scattering them across the planes. This event marks the turning point in their history, leading to their decline and near extinction.
• The Great Purge: Following their banishment, mortal kingdoms and other Tieflings sought to destroy the Zar'vrektar. This systematic extermination wiped out the majority of their race, leaving only a few survivors in hiding.

Heroes and Legends

• Sarvath the Shadowed: A master assassin who served Zargoth with unwavering loyalty before the banishment. His legend is still whispered among the Zar'vrektar as a symbol of their former power.
• Lira the Forsaken: After the banishment, Lira sought to unite the scattered Zar'vrektar and reclaim their former glory. Though her efforts failed, she is remembered as a tragic hero who refused to abandon her people.

Relations with Other Races

The Zar'vrektar are universally hated and feared by most races, especially those who remember their dark history of corruption and manipulation. Mortals, particularly those who suffered under their influence during Zargoth’s campaigns, view them as dangerous remnants of a forgotten evil and believe them to be either extinct or deserving of extermination. Even other Tiefling races despise the Zar'vrektar for their past ruthlessness and for the role they played in spreading Zargoth’s influence, seeing them as enemies who must be eliminated.
The few Zar'vrektar who survive do so by adopting disguises or posing as other Tiefling subraces. They are adept at hiding their true nature, often blending into societies that have little knowledge of their dark history. On rare occasions, they may find uneasy alliances with other outcast races or individuals, but these partnerships are often short-lived, built on necessity rather than trust.
Among other Tiefling subraces, the Zar'vrektar are viewed with particular disdain. Many Tieflings see them as a stain on their shared infernal heritage, believing their downfall was well-deserved. This animosity makes it even harder for Zar'vrektar to find refuge, forcing them to hide their identities not just from mortals but from their own kind.

Current Era

Today, the Zar'vrektar are scattered across the planes, living in hiding, pretending to be other Tiefling subraces or entirely different races to avoid detection. Most mortals believe them to be extinct, and only a select few among the knowledgeable know that they are still out there, living in the shadows. These survivors maintain a fragile existence, constantly on the run, trying to avoid the fate that has claimed so many of their kind.
Some Zar'vrektar still hold onto hope, seeking ways to reclaim their lost power, while others have resigned themselves to a life of quiet survival, hoping only to avoid detection and live in peace. Despite their small numbers and scattered communities, the Zar'vrektar remain resourceful and dangerous, always seeking opportunities to regain what was taken from them.

Notable Locations

• The Obsidian Sanctum: Once the heart of Zar'vrektar culture, this sanctuary on Nessus was destroyed after their banishment. Ruins of the Sanctum are said to hold ancient relics of their past.
• The Shadowed Enclave: A hidden community of surviving Zar'vrektar in the depths of the Shadowfell, where the last of their kind live in secrecy, clinging to their dark heritage.

Artifacts and Treasures

• The Obsidian Dagger: A legendary weapon wielded by Sarvath the Shadowed, said to corrupt the soul of anyone it wounds. Rumored to be hidden in the ruins of the Obsidian Sanctum.
• The Tome of Shadows: An ancient book containing the dark rituals of the Zar'vrektar, said to hold powerful secrets of shadow manipulation. Its whereabouts are unknown, but some believe it was lost during the Great Purge.

Legends and Prophecies

• The Prophecy of the Serpent’s Return: A haunting prophecy that speaks of a time when Zargoth will summon the surviving Zar'vrektar back to Nessus, marking the beginning of a new era of corruption and domination.
• The Legend of Lira’s Redemption: A story of Lira the Forsaken, who attempted to atone for the sins of her people after their banishment. It is said that if her spirit is laid to rest, the curse of Zargoth may be lifted from the Zar'vrektar.