Tieflings

File:Hum-tief.jpg

Human and Tiefling. Image © WotC

Towards the end of the last century the once proud people of Byzantrium fell under a terrible curse set by the Demon Lord, Orcus. This curse caused all the children to develop horns and a tail and to link a portion of their soul eternally to Orcus’ realm.

Originally called “The Children of Orcus” this people now go by the collective term of “Tiefling” (pronounced “Ty-fling”) and the grandchildren of the original generation to bear the curse can now be found throughout much of the Imperial lands.

Tiefling nature makes them particularly adept at the Warlock class and their keen intellect make them talented Rogues but their natural charm and strength against adversity also makes them good Clerics and Warlords.

As part of their "blood curse", Tieflings are actually born knowing the language of demons (generally referred to as “Infernal”). They usually choose to learn a human language to make their assimilation in Imperial lands easier.

It should be noted that, on Terearth, Tieflings are effectively a type of human and hence they can reproduce with any of the human races. However, unions between Humans and Tieflings also produce a pure Tiefling child.

Although Byzantrium has spent some time outside of the Empire it has recently rejoined. The Empire recognises that it is an important buffer between the Empire and the lands to the South and East and hence, somewhat begrudgingly, accepts Tieflings as part of that buffer. Many people believe that if the Empire could find a way to keep Byzantrium but get rid of Tieflings then it would. A few people even believe that the Empire is working on doing exactly that.

Perceptions of Tieflings

Responses to the appearance of Tieflings has been "predictable". They have red skin, horns and a tail and got that way either by being born to someone that looks the same or from a curse bestowed by a demon lord. Naturally they aren't going to be anyone's first choice of guests to a party. The enlightened people of the Empire understand that Tieflings are basically humans that were cursed but that doesn't stop the sharp intake of breath that everyone makes when they meet their first Tiefling. Add to this the fact that their preferred class is a user of dark magics gained through a pact with an otherworldly power and you've got a real recipe for disaster.

Lastly, many people still believe that their blood curse is still transmitted by air, touch or even sight (it isnt by the way). Tieflings can expect most people to destroy anything they come into contact with at best; at worst they may get hounded out of town by a pack of villagers with pitchforks and torches.

The Eladrin have a pet name for Tieflings; "Bael Sidhe", which means, "new Elves" which is a sarcastic reflection of how the Elven people were treated before they left Terearth.