Tieflings are among the rarest births in all of Andórë, appearing unpredictably among every mortal people. They are not a separate nation, nor do they possess a culture or homeland of their own. A Tiefling child is born into the same family, community, and traditions as any other child, differing only in the touch of the divine that marks them from birth.
The signs of this blessing are unmistakable. Tieflings commonly possess horns, unusual eyes, sharpened features, and other traits that set them apart from their kin. Some bear skin in shades rarely seen among their people, while others possess tails, pointed teeth, or an aura that others find difficult to describe. Though their appearance varies, there is often something about a Tiefling that feels powerful, mysterious, or faintly unsettling.
In ages past, the people of Andórë believed Tieflings to be omens of misfortune or wickedness. Their affinity for shadow and flame, and their ability to wield strange powers such as darkness and rebuking fire, caused many to fear that they were somehow tainted by malevolent forces.
Such beliefs have largely faded. Scholars, priests, and historians now generally agree that Tieflings are no more inclined toward virtue or vice than any other people. History records saints and monsters, heroes and tyrants, among their number, much as it does for every race.
The prevailing belief of the modern age is that the gods grant every blessing for reasons known only to themselves. Just as an Aasimar may be given gifts of radiance and healing, a Tiefling may be granted powers of shadow, secrecy, endurance, or righteous wrath. The nature of these gifts says little about the character of the individual who bears them.
No priest, oracle, or sage has ever discovered why one child is born a Tiefling while another is not. Some believe the gods grant such blessings to souls destined to face hardship. Others argue that the powers of flame and darkness are tools bestowed upon those who will one day have need of them.
Whatever the truth, the birth of a Tiefling is rarely met with indifference. They often live beneath the weight of expectation, suspicion, curiosity, or fascination, and many spend their lives deciding for themselves what meaning, if any, should be found in the gods' mysterious gift.
Sub-Cultures¶
Tieflings possess no true sub-cultures of their own.
A Human Tiefling is raised among humans. An orcish Tiefling is raised among Orcs. A dwarven Tiefling learns the traditions of the clan, and an elven Tiefling inherits the customs of their people. The divine blessing changes the individual, but not the culture into which they are born.
Because of this, the customs, beliefs, and values of Tieflings vary enormously from one individual to another. The only common experience shared by many Tieflings is growing up as someone visibly different from those around them.
Even in enlightened societies where old prejudices have faded, Tieflings often become subjects of curiosity. They are asked what powers they possess, which god marked them, or what purpose the gods may have intended for them. Such questions are rarely meant unkindly, but they can leave many Tieflings feeling as though they are viewed less as people and more as mysteries to be solved.
Some embrace the uniqueness of their condition and take pride in the striking forms the gods have given them. Others seek nothing more than to be treated as ordinary members of their communities.
Like all who are touched by the gods, a Tiefling ultimately belongs first to the people who raised them, and only second to the blessing they bear.
Naming Traditions¶
Tieflings do not possess naming traditions of their own. They are named according to the customs of the people among whom they are born.
A dwarven Tiefling bears a dwarven name, an orcish Tiefling an orcish name, and an elven Tiefling an elven name. In some cultures, the birth of a Tiefling is considered significant enough to warrant an additional ceremonial name, epithet, or blessing-name, though such practices vary greatly from one people to another.
Because Tieflings often possess memorable appearances, many acquire nicknames or sobriquets throughout their lives, some affectionate and others less so.
Beauty Ideals¶
As Tieflings are born among every mortal people, they generally inherit the standards of beauty held by their native culture.
At the same time, the unusual features associated with Tieflings—horns, striking eyes, unusual skin tones, and an air of mystery—are often regarded as beautiful in their own right. Many find these traits exotic, intriguing, or even captivating.
Others find the same features unsettling.
As a result, Tieflings often inspire strong impressions, whether favorable or unfavorable, and are rarely considered plain. Throughout history, poets and artists have frequently portrayed Tieflings as symbols of passion, danger, mystery, or forbidden beauty.
Gender Ideals¶
Tieflings possess no common views regarding gender roles or expectations. They inherit the beliefs, customs, and traditions of the societies that raise them.
However, because Tieflings are visibly marked by the gods, they are often expected to possess unusual talents, strong wills, or destinies beyond the ordinary. Such assumptions can lead people to place expectations upon them that differ from those imposed upon others of their culture.
Some societies view a Tiefling's divine mark as evidence that they are destined for hardship or great deeds. Others simply expect them to be exceptional in some fashion, for good or ill.
Like all who are touched by the gods, Tieflings spend much of their lives deciding for themselves whether to embrace, reject, or ignore the expectations others place upon them.
Relationships and Courtship¶
In matters of love and family, Tieflings often live lives marked by patience and caution.
Like other god-touched peoples, Tieflings live roughly twice as long as members of their parent species. A human Tiefling may live to see great-grandchildren grow old, while an elven Tiefling may endure for centuries after the passing of a beloved spouse.
Because of this, many Tieflings are slow to commit themselves to romantic relationships. Some fear the grief that comes with inevitably outliving those they love, while others simply become more deliberate in matters of the heart, preferring deep and enduring bonds over fleeting passions.
Others reject such caution entirely, believing that love's impermanence is precisely what gives it meaning.
Tieflings remain fully members of the peoples into which they were born, and their children inherit the traits of their parents' species rather than the divine blessing itself. A dwarven Tiefling produces dwarven children, and a human Tiefling produces human children. The birth of a Tiefling cannot be predicted through bloodlines, and even the descendants of famous Tieflings may go countless generations without another appearing among them.
Because Tieflings often possess striking appearances and are viewed as mysterious or exotic by many cultures, they frequently attract a great deal of attention during courtship. While such attention is sometimes flattering, it can also be unwelcome.
Female Tieflings in particular often speak of suitors whose interest seems focused more upon their horns, tails, or unusual appearance than upon the individual herself. Among Tieflings, there is an old saying:
"Seek the one who sees your smile before your horns."
For this reason, many Tieflings become adept at discerning genuine affection from simple fascination. A partner who treats a Tiefling as a curiosity rather than a person is unlikely to win their trust for long.
Common Etiquette¶
As Tieflings are raised among other peoples, they generally follow the etiquette and social customs of their native culture.
However, centuries of superstition and curiosity have given rise to a few customs that are nearly universal.
It is considered rude to touch a Tiefling's horns or tail without permission, particularly among strangers. While some cultures view horns as symbols of beauty or status, most Tieflings regard them as no different from any other part of their body and consider unwanted touching to be intrusive.
Likewise, asking a Tiefling what their blessing "means" or assuming that their powers reveal their destiny is generally considered impolite. Many Tieflings spend their entire lives answering such questions and often grow weary of being treated as puzzles to be solved.
As with Aasimar, society frequently holds Tieflings to standards different from those applied to others. People often expect them to be resilient, self-reliant, or possessed of unusual insight and strength of character. Some embrace these expectations, while others resent being defined by them.
Common Dress¶
Tieflings generally dress according to the customs of their native culture, though their unusual anatomy often requires practical modifications.
Hats, helmets, hoods, and crowns are commonly tailored to accommodate horns, and many garments feature reinforced collars or altered fastenings to avoid discomfort. Armorers and tailors in larger cities often maintain patterns specifically designed for Tiefling customers.
Likewise, trousers, robes, and formal garments are frequently altered to allow freedom of movement for the tail. Clothing that fails to account for a Tiefling's anatomy is considered poorly made and may even be viewed as discourteous.
Many Tieflings take pride in their distinctive features and choose hairstyles, jewelry, or clothing that draw attention to their horns or tail. Others prefer simpler attire that minimizes notice and allows them to blend more easily into the crowd.
Decorative rings, chains, ribbons, and carved ornaments worn upon the horns are fashionable in some regions, though these practices are entirely matters of personal taste rather than shared cultural traditions.
Customs and Traditions¶
The birth of a Tiefling often becomes a memorable event within a family or community. Even in societies that no longer regard such births with fear, the appearance of a child visibly marked by the gods is seldom forgotten.
Some communities hold blessings or naming ceremonies similar to those performed for Aasimar, while others simply celebrate the birth of a healthy child and leave questions of divine purpose to the gods themselves.
Throughout their lives, Tieflings are often encouraged to discover the particular gifts associated with their blessing. Families may keep journals recording unusual traits, talents, or manifestations of magic in the hope that some clue to the gods' intentions might one day become apparent.
Many Tieflings also develop small personal habits regarding their horns or tails, treating them as expressions of identity. The polishing of horns, the decoration of tail rings, or the careful maintenance of specialized clothing are common practices among individuals, though not universal customs of the species.
Common Taboos¶
It is widely considered improper to judge a Tiefling's character solely by their appearance or magical gifts. Although older superstitions still linger in some regions, most educated people regard such assumptions as ignorant and unfair.
Likewise, many Tieflings take offense at being compared to demons or treated as harbingers of ill fortune. Such beliefs are considered relics of a less enlightened age.
Among Tieflings themselves, one of the greatest social offenses is reducing another Tiefling to their appearance. Treating a person as a curiosity, a symbol, or an exotic novelty rather than as an individual is widely frowned upon.
Finally, because the gods' reasons remain unknowable, many people consider it arrogant to claim certainty regarding why a particular child was born a Tiefling. The purpose of the blessing, if indeed there is one, belongs to the gods alone.
Historical Figures¶
Stats¶
Scientific Name
Homo infernus ambiguum
Lifespan
Double that of their parent races, unless that is greater than 500 years.
Average Height
The same as their parent race.
Average Weight
The same as their parent race.
Average Physique
Lean and agile
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
- Skin tone: Their skin tone varies, from reddish, blue, green, gray, or even black.
- Tail: Tieflings have a prehensile tail that can be used for balance or manipulating objects.