The birth of a Tiefling is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood aspects of Dungeons & Dragons lore. Whether you’re a player creating your first Tiefling character or simply curious about these infernal-blooded beings, this comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about how Tieflings come into existence.
Understanding Tiefling Origins
Tieflings trace their lineage back to an ancient infernal pact. Unlike common misconceptions, most modern Tieflings aren’t direct descendants of devils or demons. Instead, they inherit their supernatural traits through a complex magical bloodline that manifests across generations.
The original Tieflings emerged from a powerful ritual conducted by human nobles who sought to harness infernal power. This event, known as the Pact of Asmodeus, transformed these humans and marked their bloodline forever. Now, centuries later, this infernal heritage continues to manifest in their descendants.

The Genetics of Tiefling Birth
The inheritance of Tiefling traits follows unique magical patterns that often puzzle scholars. When two Tieflings have a child, that child is always born a Tiefling. However, the most intriguing cases occur when humans have Tiefling children.
Tiefling genetics can remain dormant for generations before suddenly manifesting. A human couple might unexpectedly have a Tiefling child if either parent carries this latent infernal bloodline. This phenomenon explains why Tieflings can appear in seemingly pure human families.
Physical Development and Characteristics
One of the most common questions about Tiefling development is whether they are born with horns. The answer is yes – Tieflings typically emerge from the womb with small horn buds, which grow and develop throughout their childhood.
A Tiefling’s early development differs from human children in several ways:
- Horn growth begins within the first year
- Tail development is complete by age three
- Skin color stabilizes around age five
- Infernal marks or patterns may appear during puberty
Types of Tiefling Parents
Tieflings can be born from various parental combinations:
Two Tiefling Parents
When both parents are Tieflings, their children inherit clear and consistent Tiefling traits. These children often show stronger manifestations of their infernal heritage compared to those with mixed parentage.
Human and Tiefling Parents
Mixed partnerships between humans and Tieflings typically result in Tiefling offspring. The infernal bloodline tends to be dominant, though the child may inherit some physical characteristics from their human parent.
Human Parents with Tiefling Heritage
Perhaps most surprisingly, two human parents can have a Tiefling child if either carries the dormant infernal bloodline. This occurrence, while rare, demonstrates the persistent nature of Tiefling genetics.
Societal Impact and Cultural Significance
The birth of a Tiefling often carries significant social implications. Communities unfamiliar with Tieflings might react with suspicion or fear. However, many modern societies have grown to accept and even celebrate these unique individuals.
Tiefling communities often develop strong support networks for new parents, sharing crucial knowledge about raising children with infernal heritage. This cultural wisdom helps families navigate the unique challenges their children may face.
FAQ About Tiefling Birth
Can two humans have a Tiefling baby?
Yes, two humans can have a Tiefling child if either parent carries the dormant infernal bloodline from their ancestors.
Are Tieflings born with all their distinctive features?
While Tieflings are born with some characteristics like horn buds and unique skin tones, other features develop throughout childhood and adolescence.
Can Tieflings have non-Tiefling siblings?
Yes, it’s possible for Tieflings to have non-Tiefling siblings, especially in families where the infernal bloodline manifests inconsistently.