Tiefling Thoughts
When we think of Tieflings, we tend to think of Human-patterned demonic-looking people with some extra quirks, right? But what if the Tiefling is born to a different D&D species? You know, other than Human. I mean, a Barbarian-origin Tiefling would hardly matter to the other Barbarians because any strength is a good strength… but I should be broader with this…
Consider… if a Tiefling is born to a non-Human species, they should have aspects and qualities that reflect their Prime Physical Plane attributes.
Orc-born Tieflings would be brawnier, burlier, and may even have Orcish tusks. Since they already have Darkvision, they may also get some other demonic aspect, like healing if they’re on fire.
Dwarf-born Tieflings would be shorter, stouter, and perhaps some ESP in regards to detecting precious metals and gems [because Dwarfs already have Darkvision, and so to Tieflings, you gotta add in a little twist]
Gnome-born Tieflings would be more imp-like, and perhaps have a natural tendency towards being an Arcane Trickster. Perhaps have some extra Demonic spells at their disposal [because Darkvision trade-off]
Dragonborn Tieflings would automatically get wings, because Dragonborns already have horns and a tail. Up to the player whether or not they’re functional wings or just have the quality of Slow Fall. There’s no Darkvision trade-off so they just get to see in the dark.
Elf-born Tieflings would get a Charisma boost and tend towards tall, graceful, and unnaturally beautiful. The Darkvision trade-off in this case might be… extra spell slots or some variety of Nature Sense [eg: Tremor Sense, Green Sense, Hydrosense etc]
Halfling-born Tieflings would have the stature of their Halfling parent(s) as well as the Darkvision of the demon side.
Now onto the non-standard races that Chaotic Nuisances like me are wont to consider. Since I’m sick of typing “–born Tiefling” all the damn time, just consider this the flavour.
Aarakocra - would be more batlike than birdlike, with all the batty additions a player could like to dream up.
Genasi - there would be NO water-aspect Genasi Tieflings. Tieflings are fire-aspect and water would cancel that out. They’d get a fire boost and tend to more red-coloured skin.
Goliath - OFC they’re huge. Player should roll as to whether they get Mountain Born or Fire Resistance.
[Skipping Aasimar because they’re a Celestial, just like the Tieflings are Demonic]
Bugbear - retain the Long-Limbed, fluffy look. Darkvision trade-off might include some kind of blood-related shenanigans. Or dark magics tied to their battle trophies. Depends on how dark your player wants to get. Let the edgelords edge on this one.
Firbolg - Large and soft at the same time. Can Menace without meaning to. They just… accidentally loom.
Goblin - Smol and implike, the Darkvision trade-off might include Vampiric Touch or some extra Fire-theme spells.
Hobgoblin - Tend towards red colouring, the demonic attributes wouldn’t automatically lead to rejection by the group. May gain Qi points for a martial edge in combat. May have Bloodlust attributes mentioned in the Bugbear section above.
Kenku - more batty than birdy. No wings allowed because Kenku curse.
Kobold - Smol and impllike, more likely to have wings, add fire-breath and Sunlight Resistance.
Lizardfolk - This is where the rationale for rainbow hues really hits, because Lizardfolk can have some bright patterns to their scales. May also have Poisonous Bite.
[I already covered Orcs]
Tabaxi - Might resemble a Demonic variety of the hairless goblin cats than a big walking kitty. Darkvision trade-off may include Poisonous Bite or some other fire-themed gift.
[IDK about Tritons because the water-versus-fire thing]
Yuan-ti - Demon Naga! Demon Naga! Poison Bite is the Darkvision trade-off for sure.
That’s all the playable races so far. What do you think of Themed Tieflings?