1. Races

Tyrthlien

Tyrthliens are a distinct proto-race of tieflings, descendants of the earliest infernal beings that invaded this plane millennia ago. Unlike their more diluted tiefling kin, tyrthlien exhibit characteristics that are closer to their devilish ancestors. They possess larger, fuller horns, thicker tails, often glowing eyes, and a more powerful build, embodying the fierce and formidable nature of their forebears. Their appearance and heritage have made them objects of great mistrust and fear, leading to a life of seclusion and frequent conflict with other races.




"You call us 'tieflings,' I know, but we are not like the others. We are the Tyrthlien, the first-born, the true heirs of the infernal blood that courses through our veins.
Long ago, our ancestors were not mere settlers of this plane; they were conquerors, warriors spawned from the depths of the underworld itself.

When the rifts first opened, it was our forebears who surged forth, fierce and formidable, ready to claim this realm.

But the tides of time and magic waned, the rifts closed, and those warriors were stranded, left to carve out an existence in a world that neither wanted nor accepted them.
Over millennia, their bloodline diluted, the memories faded into myths, and our once-mighty ancestors became the tieflings you know today—scorned and mistrusted, yet pale shadows of what they once were."


- Lord Malifex of the Smoldering Eye


Description

Physical Appearance:

Tyrthliens stand taller and more robust than their common tiefling counterparts, reflecting their closer lineage to the original infernal invaders. Their skin tones range from deep reds to dark purples, and their eyes frequently glow with an eerie, supernatural light. Their horns are large and menacing, often curling back or spiraling upwards from their foreheads, while their tails are thick and prehensile, capable of grasping and holding objects.


Society:

Tyrthliens have formed roving bands and warbands, living at the fringes of society. These groups are often involved in skirmishes and raids, as they are frequently pushed into the shadows of civilization. Their communities are tightly knit, with a strong sense of loyalty and kinship binding them together against a world that loathes them. Leadership within these groups is typically based on strength and cunning, with the most powerful Tyrthliens asserting dominance over their peers.


Culture:

Cultural practices among the Tyrthliens are deeply influenced by their harsh lifestyle. They value strength, resilience, and cunning, viewing these traits as necessary for survival. Oral traditions recounting their infernal heritage and the epic battles of their ancestors are common, serving both as entertainment and as a way to instill a sense of pride and identity among the younger generations. Despite their tough exterior, many Tyrthliens hold a deep reverence for their infernal ancestors, performing rituals and offerings in hopes of gaining favor or power, or even a potential return to their homelands.


Relations with Other Races:

Tyrthliens are widely mistrusted and despised by other races due to their intimidating appearance and status as outsiders that sought to aide the consumption of this plane. Their interactions with other communities are strained at best and more often outright hostile. However, some Tyrthliens have managed to forge alliances or establish trade with those who are willing to look beyond their fearsome exteriors. These relationships are fragile but represent a crucial step towards potential integration and acceptance for the Tyrfliens.


Abilities and Traits:

Like other tieflings, Tyrthliens have innate magical abilities, though theirs often lean towards more destructive and manipulative magics, reflective of their devilish heritage. They are known for their resilience to fire and their ability to see in the darkest conditions. The most distinct trait of the Tyrthliens is their ability to intimidate and instill fear, which they can sometimes use to their advantage in negotiations or combat.