Tiefling

“BUT YOU DO SEE THE WAY PEOPLE LOOK AT YOU, devil’s child.” Those black eyes, cold as a winter storm, were staring right into her heart and the sudden seriousness in his voice jolted her.

“What is it they say?” he asked. “One’s a curiosity, two’s a conspiracy—”

“Three’s a curse,” she finished. “You think I haven’t heard that rubbish before?”

“I know you have.” When she glared at him, he added, “It’s not as if I’m plumbing the depths of your mind, dear girl. That is the burden of every tiefling. Some break under it, some make it the millstone around their neck, some revel in it.” He tilted his head again, scrutinizing her, with that wicked glint in his eyes. “You fight it, don’t you? Like a little wildcat, I wager. Every little jab and comment just sharpens your claws.”

       — Erin M. Evans, Brimstone Angels

To be greeted with stares and whispers, to suffer violence and insult on the street, to see mistrust and fear in every eye: this is the lot of the tiefling. And to twist the knife, tieflings know that this is because a pact struck generations ago infused the essence of Asmodeus—overlord of the Nine Hells—into their bloodline. Their appearance a nd their nature are not their fault but the result of an ancient sin, for which they and their children and their children’s children will always be held accountable.

Infernal Bloodline

Tieflings are derived from human bloodlines, and in the broadest possible sense, they still look human. However, their infernal heritage has left a clear imprint on their appearance. Tieflings have large horns that take any of a variety of shapes: some have curling horns like a ram, others have straight and tall horns like a gazelle’s, and some spiral upward like an antelopes’ horns.

They have thick tails, four to five feet long, which lash or coil around their legs when they get upset or nervous. Their canine teeth are sharply pointed, and their eyes are solid colors—black, red, white, silver, or gold—with no visible sclera or pupil. Their skin tones cover the full range of human coloration, but also include various shades of red. Their hair, cascading down from behind their horns, is usually dark, from black or brown to dark red, blue, or purple.

Self-Reliant and Suspicious

Tieflings subsist in small minorities found mostly in human cities or towns, often in the roughest quarters of those places, where they grow up to be swindlers, thieves, or crime lords. Sometimes they live among other minority populations in enclaves where they are treated with more respect.

Lacking a homeland, tieflings know that they have to make their own way in the world and that they have to be strong to survive. They are not quick to trust anyone who claims to be a friend, but when a tiefling’s companions demonstrate that they trust him or her, the tiefling learns to extend the same trust to them. And once a tiefling gives someone loyalty, the tiefling is a firm friend or ally for life.

Mutual Mistrust

People tend to be suspicious of tieflings, assuming that their infernal heritage has left its mark on their personality and morality, not just their appearance. Shopkeepers keep a close eye on their goods when tieflings enter their stores, the town watch might follow a tiefling around for a while, and demagogues blame tieflings for strange happenings. The reality, though, is that a tiefling’s bloodline doesn’t affect his or her personality to any great degree. Years of dealing with mistrust does leave its mark on most tieflings, and they respond to it in different ways. Some choose to live up to the wicked stereotype, but others are virtuous. Most are simply very aware of how people respond to them. After dealing with this mistrust throughout youth, a tiefling often develops the ability to overcome prejudice through charm or intimidation.

Tiefling Names

Tiefling names fall into three broad categories. Tieflings born into another culture typically have names reflective of that culture. Some have names derived from the Infernal language, passed down through generations, that reflect their fiendish heritage. And some younger tieflings, striving to find a place in the world, adopt a name that signifies a virtue or other concept and then try to embody that concept. For some, the chosen name is a noble quest. For others, it’s a grim destiny.

Feminine Infernal Names: Akta, Anakis, Bryseis, Criella, Damaia, Ea, Kallista, Lerissa, Makaria, Nemeia, Orianna, Phelaia, Rieta

Masculine Infernal Names: Akmenos, Amnon, Barakas, Damakos, Ekemon, Iados, Kairon, Leucis, Melech, Mordai, Morthos, Pelaios, Skamos, Therai

“Virtue” Names: Art, Carrion, Chant, Creed, Despair, Excellence, Fear, Glory, Hope, Ideal, Music, Nowhere, Open, Poetry, Quest, Random, Reverence, Sorrow, Temerity, Torment, Weary

Tiefling Traits

Tieflings share certain racial traits as a result of their infernal descent.

Age. Tieflings mature at the same rate as humans but live a few years longer.

Alignment. Tieflings might not have an innate tendency toward evil, but many of them end up there. Evil or not, an independent nature inclines many tieflings toward a chaotic alignment.

Size. Tieflings are about the same size and build as humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision. Thanks to your infernal heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Hellish Resistance. You have resistance to fire damage.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Infernal.

Subrace. Your tiefling character has a special link to one of the Lords of the Nine Hells. This link is represented by a subrace. Choose one of the following options—whichever one corresponds to the infernal being connected to your family.

Tiefling of Asmodeus

The tieftings connected to Nessus command the power of fire and darkness, guided by a keener than normal intellect, as befits those linked to Asmodeus himself. Most tieflings are descended from Asmodeus, and as such most of the description above pertains to you.

Asmodeus Tiefling Appearance

Tieflings descended from Asmodeus have the traditional “Tiefling” look with red skin and horns that form part of their brow structure. It is said that the configurations appearing on the bodies of Asmodeus tieflings reflect the pattern of wounds sustained by their patron during his descent through the Nine Hells in whatever his current state of regeneration may be.

Asmodeus Tiefling Traits

Tieflings of Asmodeus have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 2 and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Infernal Legacy. You know the thaumaturgy cantrip.

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the hellish rebuke spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Tiefling of Baalzebul

The crumbling realm of Maladomini is ruled by Baalzebul, who excels at corrupting those whose minor sins can be transformed into acts of damnation. Tieflings linked to this archdevil can corrupt others both physically and psychically.

Baalzebul Tiefling Appearance

Descendents of Baalzebul are identifiable by their long curling horns that are sometimes more antler-like than what one would expect, giving them an almost Fey appearance. They tend towards a slender build, with tanned or goldish skin, and blue, grey, purple, or multi-coloured eyes. Light blonde or other pale and ethereal coloured hair typically frame their usually freckled faces. Their long, tapered fingers are topped with opaque white nails.

Baalzebul Tiefling Traits

Tieflings of Baalzebul have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 2 and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Legacy of Maladomini. You know the thaumaturgy cantrip.

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the ray of sickness spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

When you reach 5th level, you can cast the crown of madness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Tiefling of Dispater

The great city of Dis occupies most of Hell's second layer. It
is a place where secrets are uncovered and shared with the highest bidder, making tieflings tied to Dispater excellent spies and infiltrators.

Dispater Tiefling Appearance

A tiefling of Dispater is distinguished by (sometimes multiple) rows of smaller horns that go back along their head, starting from the highest arch of the brow. These horns are black or rust-red in colour, and their thin black hair typically has an oily sheen. Dispater tieflings are born with a slender ankle-length tail that ends in a pointed stinger, though they themselves usually sport a thicker build. Their waxy-looking skin is either pink or grey/blue.

Dispater Tiefling Traits

Tieflings of Dispater have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 2 and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Legacy of Dis. You know the thaumaturgy cantrip.

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the disguise self spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

When you reach 5th level, you can cast the detect thoughts spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Tiefling of Fierna

A master manipulator, the fiery archdevil Fierna grants tieftings tied to her bloodline potent, forceful personalities.

Fierna Tiefling Appearance

Tieflings who trace their heritage back to Fierna are almost always exceptionally attractive creatures, with golden, red, or pale pink coloured skin. The have thin, swept-back black horns of no more than six inches in length, and black or white hair (though very rarely it has been known to be red). Completely black or dark brown eyes are common.

Fierna Tiefling Traits

Tieflings of Fierna have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 2 and your Wisdom score increases by 1.

Legacy of Dis. You know the friends cantrip.

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the charm person spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

When you reach 5th level, you can cast the suggestion spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Tiefling of Glaysa

Glasya, Hell's criminal mastermind, grants her tiefiings magic that is useful for committing heists.

Glaysa Tiefling Appearance

Tieflings descended from Glaysa sport dark, sharply angled horns usually protruding from high on their forehead. Their skin tends towards copper, with red or black hair and a forked tail.

Glaysa Tiefling Traits

Tieflings of Glaysa have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 2 and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Legacy of Dis. You know the minor illusion cantrip.

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the disguise self spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

When you reach 5th level, you can cast the invisibility spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Tiefling of Levistus

Frozen Stygia is ruled by Levistus, an archdevil known for offering bargains to those who face an inescapable doom.

Levistus Tiefling Appearance

Levistus imparted solid, dark horns that grow up close to the sides of the head from just behind the ears. These eventually develop a paler coloured twist in old age, but are blackish-blue until that time. Tieflings of Levistus have light skin, and pastel ocean blues, greens, or muted white for hair colours. Their eyes are primarily gold or blue, and their teeth small and sharp.

Levistus Tiefling Traits

Tieflings of Levistus have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 2 and your Constitution score increases by 1.

Legacy of Dis. You know the ray of frost cantrip.

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the armor of Agathys spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

When you reach 5th level, you can cast the darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Tiefling of Mammon

The great miser Mammon loves coins above all else. Tieflings tied to him excel at gathering and safeguarding wealth.

Mammon Tiefling Appearance

Mammon granted the traits of his Pit Fiend aspect to his followers in the form of large steer-like horns that sweep outwards in those whose devil blood is thinner, and backwards for those with thicker blood. Their eyes are always green or pure white, their nails are always black, and their skin usually a shade of brown or ashen grey.

Mammon Tiefling Traits

Tieflings of Mammon have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 2 and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Legacy of Dis. You know the mage hand cantrip.

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Tenser's floating disk spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

When you reach 5th level, you can cast the arcane lock spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Tiefling of Mephistopheles

In the frozen realm of Cania, Mephistopheles offers arcane power to those who entreat with him. Tieflings linked to him master some arcane magic.

Mephistopheles Tiefling Appearance

The Prime Material blood of Mephistopheles is evidenced in multiple ways; these tieflings have small, upturned horns about 2-4 inches in length that normally appear low on the forehead, and all have straight black or ashen hair with red skin. The horns themselves are always black or dark brown. Those with more potent Mephistopheles blood have white eyes with solid red irises and pupils, and longer horns that jut up 7-9 inches before twisting and curling out sharply to the sides.

Mephistopheles Tiefling Traits

Tieflings of Mephistopheles have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 2 and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Legacy of Dis. You know the mage hand cantrip.

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the burning hands spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

When you reach 5th level, you can cast the flame blade spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Tiefling of Zariel

Tieflings with a blood tie to Zariel are stronger than the typical tiefling and receive magical abilities that aid them in battle.

Zariel Tiefling Appearance

Tieflings of Zariel blood boast great curling horns that sweep back and forward like a ram, and skin that ranges from light brown to jet black. Their hair can be any shade, though purple or black is common.

Zariel Tiefling Traits

Tieflings of Zariel have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score increases
by 2 and your Strength score increases by 1.

Legacy of Dis. You know the thaumaturgy cantrip.

When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the searing smite spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

When you reach 5th level, you can cast the branding smite spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Variant Tiefling (Feral Tiefling)

Some tieflings are slightly more feral than their more civilized brethren. These tieflings have a more devilish look to them, made complete with functional wings.

Variant Tiefling Appearance

Your tiefling will take on the appearance of one of the previously mentioned tieflings—or you can modify it a bit. Generally, you will have more pronounced demonic features than other tieflings. This could manifest itself in claws, hooved legs, massive horns, or scaly skin. Your most pronounced demonic feature is a large set of bat-like wings.

Variant Tiefling Traits

Variant tieflings have the following traits in common, in addition to the traits they share with other tieflings.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases
by 2 and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Tiefling Subrace. Choose a previously mentioned tiefling subrace. Your base appearance resembles others descended from that demonic blood. You gain the ability score increase of your chosen subrace.

Variant Options. You gain one of the following traits:

• Devil's Tongue. You know the Vicious Mockery cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Charm Person spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Enthrall spell once with this trait. You must finish a long rest to cast these spells once again with this trait. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for them. This trait replaces the Infernal Legacy trait.

• Hellfire. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Burning Hands spell once per day as a 2nd-level spell. This trait replaces the Hellish Rebuke spell of the Infernal Legacy trait.

• Winged. You have bat-like wings sprouting from your shoulder blades. You have a flying speed of 30 feet while you aren't wearing heavy armor. This trait replaces the Infernal Legacy trait.

Tiefling Lineage

The description of this race might suggest various things about the behavior and personality of that people's archetypal adventurers. You break the mould, however. You may ignore those suggestions, whether they're about alignment, moods, or interests. Your character's personality and behavior are entirely yours to determine.

Instead of choosing the previous traits of a stereotypical tiefling, you can use the following traits to represent your character's lineage.

Ability Score Increase. One ability score of your choice increases by 2.

Creature Type. You are a humanoid. You resemble any of the aforementioned tiefling bloodlines.

Size. Tieflings are about the same size and build as humans. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Feat. You gain one feat of your choice for which you qualify.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Infernal.

Variable Trait. You gain one of the following options of your choice:

• Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

• Skilled. You gain proficiency in one skill of your choice.

Tiefling Sourcebooks

This version of the tiefling race is official D&D material. The subraces were sourced from multiple places; the following is a list of where each one came from.

The physical descriptions of each subrace are not fully canonical, but they do a good job of separating each subrace.

This Document's Credit

This document was compiled, formatted, adjusted, copy edited, and (semi)-balanced by LtKodiak.
homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/user/ltkodiak
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BigBeard.Design/LtKodiak

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