Tiefling
The descendants of T'sara mortals and demons from another realm, these half-breeds are outcasts in every part of the world, and often overtly persecuted for transgressions they never comitted.
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
The exact nature of how Tieflings are created is muddled and confusing, much of it outside the understanding of academics and magical experts. The most common understanding is that a Tiefling child is the direct result of a pregnancy resulting from sex between the mortal and a demon. This has a number of problems, not the least of which is putting onus solely on women, as it's rarely thought of mortal males impregnating demonic females.
There's also a large number of circumstances in which Tieflings can be birthed. Merely having interactions with demons have on occassion caused it. A number of human scandals have occurred when it has been revealed after a Tiefling child was born that the father had previously summoned a succubus for a pleasurable affair. Spending time and especially being born in lands thought to be evil or corrupted with demonic taint has been a cause as well. The last of the more common methods is a demonic curse is known to exist that causes any children of that person to be Tiefling, regardless of partner.
Tieflings can be from any sentient parentage, although they are most commonly human. This is a particular quandry, as the native sentient species of T'sara, while being sexually compatible, are not known to reproduce together.
There's also a large number of circumstances in which Tieflings can be birthed. Merely having interactions with demons have on occassion caused it. A number of human scandals have occurred when it has been revealed after a Tiefling child was born that the father had previously summoned a succubus for a pleasurable affair. Spending time and especially being born in lands thought to be evil or corrupted with demonic taint has been a cause as well. The last of the more common methods is a demonic curse is known to exist that causes any children of that person to be Tiefling, regardless of partner.
Tieflings can be from any sentient parentage, although they are most commonly human. This is a particular quandry, as the native sentient species of T'sara, while being sexually compatible, are not known to reproduce together.
Growth Rate & Stages
The demonic taint does not change the life stages or growth patterns dramatically from the normal species. A tiefling with an Elvish mother would still be expected to live for centuries, even if they would look more similar to a tiefling with Human parentage.
Behaviour
Tieflings are often reclusive and brooding beings. Though it is understood that they are not at fault for being who they are, the obvious physical appearance is a reminder to all of a suspected deed that is frowned on by all. Either their parent was raped by a demon, or had consensual intercourse with a race that instigated the Triumverate and nearly destroyed T'sara, which is just as bad. In communities that suffered greatly at the hands of the Dreadlord Armies, there is little distinction between demon and demon-spawn.
Many Tieflings will spend their lives attempting to be accepted by their society, to get those around them to forget about or ignore the horns and darkened skin and see the "real" person underneath, though they typically fail.
A minority of concern are those that lean into the preconceptions of their kind. If they are never going to be trusted or accepted, the thought process goes, than one may as well embrace it and do the best for themselves. This sort typically resort to becoming theives, killers, and other reprobrates that only fuel the negative stereotypes of all Tieflings.
A minority of concern are those that lean into the preconceptions of their kind. If they are never going to be trusted or accepted, the thought process goes, than one may as well embrace it and do the best for themselves. This sort typically resort to becoming theives, killers, and other reprobrates that only fuel the negative stereotypes of all Tieflings.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The exact nature of their capabilities depends on the demonic ancestor, but nearly all Tieflings have inherited the capacity to see in complete darkness. Some have the ability to read minds, while others' tails function like third arms, and a select few have functioning wings
Civilization and Culture
History
Tieflings are a relatively new presence in T'sara, they did not make an appearance until the attack of the Triumverate in the end of the Second Age. The invasive demonic hordes under command of the Dreadlords sought to not only conquer, but to terrify and traumatize along the way. Rape of victims was tragically commonplace. Not all cases resulted in pregnancy, but a number did, resulting in further horror and fear among the victims. What to do with the demonic offspring was a contentious issue at first, especially as it was thought the children were more demon than not, and would serve their demonic ancestries if given the chance. The majority of the first generation of tieflings were killed immediately upon birth. The brave parents of the first group who did not do so paved the way for the future generations, as they proved that their children were effectively the same and had no demonic loyalty, despite the appearance.
Although the War of the Triumverate was over, the demonic threat was now constant. Unlike the Drow and Orcs, the Dreadlords had actually conquered territory and held it to this day. As the invaders are still present in T'sara, so are Tieflings. Even though their nature is more understood, they are still pariahs in most of the world with no place to call their own. Their populations have reduced since the horrors of the Triumverae, and some may quietly hope for the day that Tieflings quietly fade away from existence.
Although the War of the Triumverate was over, the demonic threat was now constant. Unlike the Drow and Orcs, the Dreadlords had actually conquered territory and held it to this day. As the invaders are still present in T'sara, so are Tieflings. Even though their nature is more understood, they are still pariahs in most of the world with no place to call their own. Their populations have reduced since the horrors of the Triumverae, and some may quietly hope for the day that Tieflings quietly fade away from existence.
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