tiefling

Tiefling is a humanoid race in fantasy fiction and role-playing games, most closely associated with the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Tieflings are descended from humans who acquired fiendish ancestry through pacts, curses, or bloodlines tied to devils and other infernal beings. This heritage is reflected in their appearance, abilities, and the social experiences they encounter, often marked by curiosity and prejudice from other races.

Appearance and physiology: Tieflings commonly feature horns, a tail, and sharp teeth, with skin tones ranging from pale to deep reds, purples, blues, or browns. They often have eyes with solid, unusual colors or a subtle glow. Physical traits can vary by bloodline, but horns and tails are common, and some may show subtle infernal features such as pointed teeth or hooves. They are typically of medium height and build, with no single standard beyond these traits.

In game terms (D&D 5e): Tieflings gain +2 to Charisma and +1 to Intelligence. They have Darkvision out to 60 feet and possess Hellish Resistance, granting resistance to fire damage. They also have Infernal Legacy: they know the thaumaturgy cantrip; at 3rd level they can cast hellish rebuke (using Charisma as spellcasting ability) once per long rest; at 5th level they can cast darkness once per long rest. All uses recover after a long rest.

Society and culture: Tieflings often face suspicion or bias due to their fiendish heritage, influencing how they are treated in settlements and institutions. Attitudes vary by region and individual, and many tieflings pursue diverse paths, including scholarship, diplomacy, and adventuring. Some communities form kin networks that provide support in the face of prejudice.