From lore and descriptions to traits and abilities, learn all about Tieflings in D&D 5e
Tieflings have the heritage of Humans but at some point back in their lineage, had their bloodline mixed with those of a fiend (most commonly, a devil). This might have come from a pact made and the magic associated transforming that bloodline, or it could be from direct relationships with a fiend. Either way, a Tiefling has the blood of both Humans and fiends flowing through their veins and inherits both sets of attributes.
Tieflings were introduced as a playable character in D&D 5e in the Player’s Handbook and have had various subspecies added into the mix from Mordenkeinen’s Tome of Foes giving you 9 subraces of Tiefling to choose from. This makes Tieflings one of the most adaptable and powerful races in D&D 5e. Read our guide to find out everything you need to know to play as one of these infernal characters.
What are Tieflings?
Tieflings are beings that once in their lineage, were Humans, but have since had their bloodline influenced by fiends and have taken on the attributes of infernal creatures. Because of this lineage and the clear visual clues this grants to others, Tieflings are often shunned and distrusted for their heritage and it’s clearly untrustworthy origin, even if Tieflings are not inherently evil beings.
Description
Tieflings appear mostly like Humans but have some very prominent features that give away their bloodline. They often have a pair of horns on their head, thick, long tails of about 4-5ft, canine teeth and eyes of a solid colour with no visible pupils. While their skin colour can adopt the usual range of Human colours, it can also be tinted red or purple. Tiefling hair is usually black, brown, dark red, blue or purple.
Personality
As much as they may try to avoid it, Tieflings are influenced by their infernal heritage. That’s not to say that all Tieflings are evil, they are as capable of being good as any other race, but they tend to have a sharp and witty tongue on them and derive attributes from the Archdevil their bloodline is associated with (read on for more details about the different bloodlines).
The main challenge for Tieflings is how they’re perceived by the world. People are generally distrustful towards them for their fiendish ancestory. This behaviour typically leads Tieflings towards the fringes of society, often leaving them in poverty in the Human cities they typically live in. Such a lifestyle often pushes Tieflings into a life of crime creating a harsh, self-fulfilling prophecy that can be difficult to escape.
Some Tieflings live outside of the cities in other communities with Tieflings or other races that are not often accepted in wider society. These Tieflings are generally treated much better than their city-dwelling peers.
How to play as a Tiefling
Tieflings come in a wide variety of personalities, but you’ll probably want to focus on a couple of aspects when playing as a Tiefling. The first is your bloodline which you can read about in more detail below. Depending on your bloodline will depend what attributes you may be predisposed towards or have inherited from your lineage.
The second thing to consider is how society’s treatment of you has influenced who you are. Most likely, you’ve lived on the fringes of society and have been shunned by most other than those who believe they can take advantage of you. How did you survive? Did you take up a life of crime? Where you taken in by a kindly priest? It’s up to you but you may also want to consider how you survived mentally from the persecution. Do you react with a witty tongue for instance or do you hide from those that would be unkind to you.
Tiefling features in 5e
| Ability Scores | +2 Charisma |
| Creature Type | Humanoid/Fiend |
| Size | Medium |
| Speed | 30ft |
| Languages | Common and Infernal |
| Traits | Darkvision, Hellish Resistance |
| Book found in | Player’s Handbook, Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes |
If you want to play as a Tiefling, your character will have the following traits and abilities:
Tiefling 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.
Tiefling Subraces
Not all Tieflings tie their lineage back to the same line of fiends. Devils associated with each of the Arcdevils of Hell have different attributes that differentiate themselves from other devils. This means that as Tieflings come from different lines of devils, they also gain different abilities.
When you play as a Tiefling, choose one of the following subraces or variants to show your lineage and the additional abilities and traits your character has.
Bloodline of Asmodeus
Asmodeus is the ruler of all of Hell and its Archdevils. He has a cunning and devious mind, ruling over the fiery realm of Nessus. Tiefling’s of Asmodeus’ bloodline inherit his keen mind and infernal magic.
Ability Score Increase – Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Infernal Legacy – You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Hellish Rebuke spell once as a 2nd-level spell. Once you reach 5th level, you can also cast the Darkness spell once. You must finish a long rest to cast these spells again with this trait. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Bloodline of Baalzebul
A corrupted angel that transformed into a foul being, Baalzebul is a master of corrupting others also. Tiefling’s of his bloodline gain the ability to corrupt others both physically and mentally.
Ability Score Increase – Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Legacy of Maladomini – You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Ray of Sickness spell once as a 2nd-level spell with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast cast the Crown of Madness 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.
Bloodline of Dispater
Dispater is a paranoid trader of secrets. He uses these secrets to manipulate others to his will and Tieflings born of his bloodline inherit some of these secretive abilities.
Ability Score Increase – Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Legacy of Dis – You know the Thaumaturgy cantrip. Once you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Disguise Self 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 Detect Thoughts 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.
Bloodline of Fierna
Fierna has a fiery personality and is an expert at manipulating others to her will. Tieflings born of her bloodline inherit abilities that help them manipulate others.
Ability Score Increase – Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Legacy of Phlegethos – You know the Friends 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.
Bloodline of Glasya
Glasya, delights in political intrigue and is a criminal mastermind, always plotting and scheming. Tieflings born of her bloodline inherit abilities that aid in operating subtly.
Ability Score Increase – Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Legacy of Malbolge – You know the Minor Illusion cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Disguise Self 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 Invisibility 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.
Bloodline of Levistus
Ruling over the frozen wastelands of Stygia, Levistus is a master bargainer who gains power through cold magic. Tieflings of his bloodline gain the ability to use his cold magic to their advantage.
Ability Score Increase – Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Legacy of Stygia – You know the Ray of Frost 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 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.
Bloodline of Mammon
Mammon is a greedy being that loves wealth and power above all else and he gathers it voraciously. Tieflings of Mammon’s bloodline gain abilities that aid them in acquiring and safeguarding wealth.
Ability Score Increase – Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Legacy of Minauros – You know the Mage Hand cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Tenser’s Floating Disk spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a short or long rest. When you reach 5th level, you can cast the Arcane Lock spell once with this trait, requiring no material component, and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Bloodline of Mephistopheles
A master of the arcane, Mephistopheles is an intellectual and cunning Archdevil. Tiefling’s born of his bloodline gain access to powerful magic.
Ability Score Increase – Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Legacy of Cania – You know the Mage Hand cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the Burning Hands 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 Flame Blade 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.
Bloodline of Zariel
Zariel is a commander of the armies of Hell and a powerful warrior in her own right. Tieflings of her bloodline are stronger than most Tieflings.
Ability Score Increase – Your Strength score increases by 1.
Legacy of Avernus – You know the Thaumaturgy 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 Branding Smite 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.