Talk:Tiefling

Many kinds of extraplanar beings can infuse humanoids’ bloodlines, whether as a side effect of powerful magic or the result of a tryst; those in whom extraplanar traits surface strongly are known as planar scions. Aasimars and tieflings, the mortal offspring of celestials and fiends, respectively, are the most common of these. Though planar scions resemble their humanoid kin, their appearance and demeanor bear supernatural touches. Tieflings might have horns, vestigial wings, or cloven hooves, while aasimars may have glowing eyes or a metallic sheen to their hair and skin.

Because of their innate curiosity, humans are more likely to dally with outsiders, and as a consequence, a significant percentage of planar scions living in the Pact Worlds are descended from humans. However, because humans are far less populous than in pre-Gap eras, planar scions descended from other humanoid races are now far more numerous. A planar scion might pass for a member of the humanoid parent’s species, or the scion’s otherworldly features could make their origin obvious to those who are familiar with the species’ normal characteristics. Those whose outsider blood is evident still find acceptance in most major settlements across the Pact Worlds, where diverse beings coexist in peace. On Absalom Station, the hub of interspecies relations, few people bat an eye when they meet an aasimar or tiefling.

However, in insular or tradition-bound communities, any signs of plane-touched heritage can be a blessing—or a death sentence—depending on the dominant traditions. The demon-worshiping drow of Apostae see tieflings as a favor from demonic patrons, while the elves of Sovyrian on Castrovel are likely to banish children who bear such fiendish heritage. The Radiant Cathedral, on the other hand, trains aasimars to become beacons of the Sarenite faith, and also guides tieflings to a brighter future than their heritage suggests. Formians, shobhads, vesk, and other species with flexible morality view aasimars and tieflings, particularly those descended from their own kind, with both admiration and suspicion.

Planar scions are often outliers in their community, either put on a pedestal or ostracized because of their ancestry. The potent blood that courses through the veins of aasimars and tieflings also makes them ambitious; many choose a dangerous but rewarding profession, such as explorer, mercenary, spy, or pilot.

In general society, Tieflings are often seen with a mix of caution, superstition, and fascination due to their otherworldly origins. Since they are the offspring of entities from dangerous or unstable planes, their presence tends to evoke strong reactions, which can vary depending on the region and culture:

   Superstitious Fear & Distrust – In more traditional or religious societies, Tieflings may be viewed with suspicion due to their connection to extraplanar forces. People might believe they bring bad luck or are inherently dangerous.

   Curiosity & Exoticism – In more open-minded, cosmopolitan settings, Tieflings might be treated as rare and intriguing, often romanticized or exoticized by those unfamiliar with their struggles.

   Pragmatic Acceptance – In places where supernatural threats are common, Tieflings are often judged by their actions rather than their heritage. If they prove themselves competent and trustworthy, they can integrate fairly well.

   Marginalized or Outcast Status –

[10:35] Dilara Silverpaw (silverpawle): Some Tieflings struggle with prejudice, leading them to form tight-knit communities or adopt nomadic lifestyles to avoid hostility.

   Respected in Occult Circles – Because of their natural affinity for extraplanar knowledge, Tieflings often excel in magic, demonology, or planar sciences, making them valued (or feared) experts in such fields