Dungeons and Dragons

Are you making a character and don’t know what race to pick? There are a lot of options in the Player’s Handbook, but where do you start? Unless you’re trying to make the most optimal character, race and class combinations don’t matter. Pick something that you like the sound of or are interested in playing. It’s your character after all. If you’ve never played before, here’s a brief explanation of Tieflings (without all the confusing numbers attached to it).

What can you expect from a Tiefling?

Tielfings are one of the uncommon races within Faerûn, it is more than that that they seem to be treated with a certain kind of indifference. They know that their appearance comes from a pact, or bloodline long ago with devils (most commonly, Asmodeus). Tieflings come from Human bloodline, in the broadest of senses, but they still look somewhat Human, but their Infernal heritage has left its mark. They have set of horns that can take a variety of shapes: from curling horns like that of a ram, long, tall horns like that of a gazelle or a plethora of other shapes and designs. Additionally, they have a thick tail around four to five feet long, their canine teeth a sharp and pointed, and their eyes are solid colours of black, red, white, silver or gold, showing no signs of sclera or pupil. They skin tones range through the usual Human spectrum, but also included varying shades of red. They hair is usually dark in colour and cascades behind their horns.

Lacking a homeland of their own, Tieflings make their own way in life, knowing that they have to be strong to survive. Tieflings aren’t quick to trust, but when a companion demonstrates that trust, a Tiefling will reciprocate, gaining a friend and ally for life.

How does this translate to your character sheet?

Most Tieflings are naturally smart and charismatic, most likely spanning from their Infernal heritage. Tieflings age the same way that Humans do, but tend to live a little longer. Height and average walking speed replicate that of a Human (between five to six feet tall, and walking speed of 30ft). Unlike their Human counterpart, their Infernal heritage allows them to see in the dark, in shades of grey. Their Infernal blood also means they have a resistance to fire. It doesn’t mean that they don’t burn, it’s just not as painful. Not only that, but they gain access to spells because of their heritage. As always, they are able to speak both Common and Infernal.

What class should I pick for a Tiefling?

With their boosts in both Intelligence and Charisma they are very well suited to Wizards, Bards, Sorcerers and Warlocks. That said, just like I’ve said with all the other races, there isn’t a class that they can’t be. If you’d like a frontline fighting Tiefling, go for it, or maybe a Paladin, creating a juxtaposition on what is generally thought about when it comes to Tieflings.

Does that mean there are more varieties of Tieflings?

There aren’t any in the Player’s Handbook, but in a supplementary book there are. Unlike other races like Dwarves or Elves where their subrace would be Wood Elf or Mountain Dwarf, Tieflings go off bloodlines. As explained above, the standard version is Asmodeus’s bloodline, but there are eight other Archdukes/Archduchesses that you can choose from, each one giving a different set of abilities and stat boost. This can also be a good way to work some story into your character. Using the bloodline as a starting point. You might even still be in contact with the Archduke/Archduchess that you got your bloodline from.