Tieflings

''Child of the Devils', that's what they called me. Pah. My ma and da were as human as everyone else. Yeah, some of us are born like we are because of a Devil being involved, in the actual process or someone making a deal when we shouldn't, but plenty of us it's just bitter, bad luck. Cursed by a witch in the womb, or by a bitter neighbour whose sheep got worried by da's dog. I look half goat, but that's it. Seems a daft reason to be cast out of a town.' - Promise, traveller

Sometimes, a child is born with clear devilish influence. Their skin will be strange colours, they will grow horns and a tail, some may have fur, or hooves instead of feet, or great, leathery wings, and they have a number of fiendish magical abilities, which can vary depending on which Devil their bloodline originates from. These cursed children are known as the tieflings. A tiefling can be born to any race, for any number of reasons - perhaps they were the child of a devil and a mortal, or perhaps one of their parents made a deal with a devil, or perhaps they were simply unfortunate enough to be cursed. For whatever reason, tieflings are inherently tied to the forces of the Hells, and are often mistrusted and cast out by their communities, considered harbingers of evil. Despite this, many lead a good life, forming communities of their own or finding homes in communities that will accept them. Still, for those assumed to be evil, sometimes it is too easy for them to slip into evil.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Tieflings are fond of warm areas, their devilish blood making them resistant to the heat. Many tiefling communities are found on the edge of deserts, but they are still greatly adaptable.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Tieflings are largely carnivorous, typically preferring rare meat, but they will also eat vegetable matter.

Biological Cycle

Tieflings mature at a similar rate to humans, reaching adulthood in their late teens, but typically live for a short while longer. They breed at a similar rate to humans, though it is up to chance whether their child will be another tiefling or a member of their parent race.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Tiefling facial features are similar to those of humans, though obviously their horns are significantly prominent. Their ears may be human, pointed, or more animalistic. Their eyes are also striking for lacking an iris or pupil, merely having a single colour, ranging from white to red.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Tieflings may be named the same as their parent race, or they may take what's known as 'virtuous names' - names which embody a virtue the tiefling would like to fulfill. Examples include Hymn, Faith, Absolution, and Charity.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Most tieflings have an affinity for Common and Infernal, the language of the Hells, and are typically fluent in both.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Tieflings who are not raised in the culture of their parents often form their own culture based on community and friendship - tiefling communities are well-known for not judging others, and taking in exiles of any race.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Due to their Devilish nature, tieflings are often mistrusted by the other races, though in some more progressive areas they are accepted and treated as any other.

Lifespan

80-100 years

Average Height

Similar to humans, though they may appear slightly taller due to their horns

Average Weight

Similar to humans

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Tieflings can have a variety of skin colours, with red being most common, but blue, purple, black, and pink have all been observed.