Tiefling (Half-Demon)

Size: Medium
Speed: 30 feet
Lifespan: 80 years
Languages: Tanglish

Note: In The Gods Are Bastards setting, Tieflings are explicitly half-demons, born from unions between humanoids and demons rather than infernal heritage alone. They do not have an overarching culture and are relatively rare. However, depending on what type of demon sired a tiefling, their physical attributes and mechanics are different.

Overview

TBD — DM

Physical Description

Tieflings are half-bloods that result from a union between a humanoid and a demon. Their appearance varies dramatically depending on what type of demon parent they have, though all share some common infernal traits. Examples include horns, tails, and some form of infernal coloration or features that mark them as different from their humanoid parent's race.

Society and Customs

Tieflings are relatively rare and do not have an overarching culture of their own. They are born from unions between humanoids and demons—relationships that can result from demonic pacts, seduction, coercion, or even genuine (if rare) affection between mortal and demon. Most tieflings are raised in the culture of their humanoid parent, though they often face prejudice and suspicion due to their infernal heritage.

Their rarity means that tieflings rarely encounter others like themselves, making each tiefling's experience unique. Some embrace their demonic heritage and seek to understand or harness their infernal power, while others reject it entirely and try to live as normal members of their humanoid parent's culture. Still others struggle with their dual nature, feeling caught between two worlds.

Regardless of their parentage, tieflings must navigate a world that often views them with suspicion or fear. Their demonic features make it difficult to hide their heritage, and many tieflings find themselves ostracized or discriminated against. Some tieflings turn to warlock pacts to better understand their infernal nature, while others distance themselves from anything infernal.

Population and Distribution

TBD — DM

Role in the World

TBD — DM

Ability Score Increase

Your Charisma score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Racial Traits

Darkvision

Thanks to your infernal heritage, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Hellish Resistance

You have resistance to fire damage.

Infernal Language Affinity

While you do not know Infernal by default, you have an easier time learning it due to your infernal heritage. You have advantage on ability checks to learn Infernal, and if you choose to learn Infernal as one of your languages (such as through your background or class), you can learn it more quickly than others would.

Infernal Heritage

Your specific demonic parentage determines your additional appearance and abilities. Choose one of the following heritages based on what type of demon parent you have:

Rhaazke Heritage

Physical Traits: You have mottled skin that gives you a distinctive appearance. Your eyes are slitted, and you have small horns on your head. You may have clawed hands or feet, though these are less pronounced than those of a full Rhaazke. You might have a small tail, though it's typically not the spaded tail of a full Rhaazke. You stand taller than average for your humanoid parent's race, with a more muscular build.

Infernal Legacy: You know the Produce Flame cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Searing Smite spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Aid spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Additional Traits: You have proficiency in Athletics. Additionally, you can use your action to make an unarmed strike with your claws, dealing 1d4 + your Strength modifier slashing damage.

Khelminash Heritage

Physical Traits: Your skin has a bluish or reddish tint (ranging from dark blue to deep red). You have elongated, pointed ears that extend slightly past your head, and prominent horns that curve back from your forehead. You may have small bony frills or facial spikes, and your build is more robust and muscular than your humanoid parent's race. You might have a small tail or cloven hooves instead of feet.

Infernal Legacy: You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Hellish Rebuke spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Darkness spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Additional Traits: You have proficiency in Arcana and Infernallia. Additionally, you have advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened by infernal magic.

Hethelax Heritage

Physical Traits: You have natural armor plating on parts of your body—typically on your forearms, shins, or shoulders—though these plates are less extensive than those of a full Hethelax. Scales or chitin may appear on your forehead and cheekbones, giving you a slightly scowling or menacing appearance even when neutral. You may have fine, angular features that suggest refinement despite your demonic heritage. Your posture may be slightly hunched, and you move with the powerful grace of a warrior.

Infernal Legacy: You know the Blade Ward cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Armor of Agathys spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Shield spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Additional Traits: While you are not wearing armor, your AC equals 13 + your Constitution modifier. You have proficiency with martial weapons.

Sshitherosz Heritage

Physical Traits: You are thin and wiry, with an elongated skull that gives you a distinctive appearance. You may have small, vestigial wings on your back (though they are not functional for flight). Your features are gaunt and somewhat unsettling, though you have a natural ability to make others feel comfortable despite your appearance. You tend to be shorter than average for your humanoid parent's race.

Infernal Legacy: You know the Guidance cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Charm Person spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Suggestion spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Additional Traits: You have proficiency in Insight and Persuasion. Additionally, you have advantage on Charisma checks when trying to convince someone that you understand their struggles or can help them.

Vrardexi Heritage

Physical Traits: You have elongated limbs and ethereal features that reflect your demonic parent's soulcraft specialization. Your appearance has spectral or shadowy qualities, and you may have a faint, otherworldly glow. Your features are optimized for magical work rather than physical combat, giving you a refined, scholarly appearance despite your infernal heritage.

Infernal Legacy: You know the Chill Touch cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Speak with Dead spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Animate Dead spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Additional Traits: You have proficiency in Arcana and Religion. Additionally, you have advantage on Intelligence checks related to soul magic, necromancy, or the afterlife.

Khaladesh Heritage

Physical Traits: You have a graceful and deceptively dainty appearance, with clawed feet, a thick tail, and curling horns. Despite your dainty appearance, you possess a muscular build and move with elegant grace. Your features suggest both beauty and combat capability, reflecting your demonic parent's role as a soldier.

Infernal Legacy: You know the Blade Ward cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Armor of Agathys spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Wall of Fire spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Additional Traits: You have proficiency in Perception. Additionally, you have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and can't be surprised while you are conscious.

Ikthroi Heritage

Physical Traits: You are slightly larger and significantly stronger than average for your humanoid parent's race. You have a hulking, brutish build with horns and demonic features typical of heavy infantry demons. Your muscular frame gives you an intimidating presence, and you move with the powerful grace of a warrior built for massed assault.

Infernal Legacy: You know the Produce Flame cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Burning Hands spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Scorching Ray spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.

Additional Traits: You have proficiency in Athletics. Additionally, you count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Horogki Heritage

Physical Traits: You have red skin and a hobgoblin-like appearance, with demonic features that mark your infernal heritage. You are stronger than you look and very durable, with a build suited for physical labor. Your features suggest both strength and craftsmanship, reflecting your demonic parent's role as a laborer.

Infernal Legacy: Horogki are non-casters and grant no spells. Instead, your heritage manifests through physical resilience and crafting ability.

Additional Traits: You have proficiency with one type of artisan's tools of your choice. Additionally, you have advantage on Constitution saving throws and can work for extended periods without rest. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.