Tiefling

Tiefling is a term used to refer to people with shared characteristics, usually demonic in origin. Though often thought of as a distinct race, most tieflings are unrelated and are in fact humanoids with ancestry stemming from another Realm, often demons, devils or other fiends that have bred with or bestowed power upon a humanoid.

The vast majority of tieflings appear as an altered elf or human with fiendish attributes. These can vary wildly between different tieflings, from horns to tails to hooves.

Tieflings who have strikingly inhuman features are often killed at birth by their horrified parents or others. Only those tieflings with subtle features or born to someone indifferent to their appearance, either out of acceptance or cruel purpose, are likely to reach adulthood. Those tieflings who reach adulthood tend to age at roughly the same rate as their parent mortal race, though can live a few decades longer.

In the Aurelian Empire, and the majority of nations, tieflings are often viewed as fiendish in their own right, and are usually treated with suspicion and distrust. It is not unusual for a tiefling to be barred from entering a community.

Tieflings in History
In the time of the Elders, views of Tieflings differed depending on the community. In some places they were viewed as evil, in others as blessings to be cherished. In Silvan communities, Tieflings were often referred to as Satyrs.

Famous Tieflings

 * The Minotaur: King Minos was a powerful tiefling sorceror with large horns and hooves. Very physically imposing, he was eventually trapped in a labyrinth by a cabal of wizards. Over the centuries, his legend grew to the extent that Minotaurs are often thought of as their own race.