Tiefling
A tiefling is a Humanoid of any lineage who is influenced by the Lower Planes profoundly enough to change their bloodline and appearance.
In rare instances, a Fiend may ascend to the Material Plane, whether summoned by dark magic or simply having taken advantage of a spot where their plane temporarily weaves closer to the Material Plane. They leave negative energy wells on the locations they visit. A baby born in the area, or born of parents who dabble in the dark arts or spend too much time around the negative energy wells, has a high likelihood of being born a tiefling—horned humanoids with skin in unnatural hues, who tower over all but the tallest humans and elves.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A tiefling is fundamentally humanoid, but with a number of notable differences. They are typically between nine and twelve inches taller than would be genetically expected, and with a smooth, prehensile tail between three and four feet in length. Their skin tone can resemble that of their parents or display more vibrant hues, most commonly red, violet, or purple; other shades, from blues and greens to shades of gray, are also possible, if quite rare. Tieflings have horns (less frequently, antlers) in a wide variety of shapes. Most tieflings have humanoid-like feet, but a minority have cloven hooves.
Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Tieflings can come from anywhere, born of any parents—it's hard to quantify any specific "tiefling culture," as they're fairly rare and scattered across the plane. A notable exception is the small island of Chorr'zya in the Aquatic Kingdoms, which is frequented by devils and thus has a sizeable tiefling minority.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Most cultures are wary of tieflings, and there are a number of superstitions about tieflings. Some believe making eye contact with a tiefling portends doom; others argue that their fiendlike appearance is a sign that they lack a soul. Given this pariah status, many tieflings are understandably drawn to criminal enterprises, or to large cities like Cantonova where they may be less unusual.
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