What Race Size is a Tiefling? A Comprehensive Guide to Tiefling Size and More!

The captivating and often misunderstood tiefling! These charismatic descendants of devils are a popular choice for players in fantasy role-playing games, particularly Dungeons & Dragons. One of the fundamental questions when creating a tiefling character is: What race size is a tiefling? The answer, in most official D&D settings and rule sets, is Medium. This means tieflings occupy a 5-foot-by-5-foot space in combat and can generally wield weapons and interact with the environment as a human would. However, like many aspects of character creation, nuances and setting-specific variations exist. Let’s delve deeper!

Tiefling Size: The Core Concept

The Medium size designation for tieflings is quite significant. It impacts several gameplay elements:

• Movement: Their base walking speed is typically 30 feet, the standard for Medium creatures.
• Combat: They can use Medium-sized weapons effectively without penalty. Smaller creatures might suffer disadvantage on attack rolls with heavier weapons.
• Carrying Capacity: A character’s size influences how much weight they can carry. Tieflings, being Medium, have a carrying capacity determined by their Strength score.
• Space Occupied: As mentioned, they occupy a 5-foot square on the battlefield.
• Interactions: They can easily navigate standard-sized doorways and interact with furniture and objects designed for Medium creatures.

Why Medium Size Makes Sense for Tieflings

Consider the lore. Tieflings are typically the descendants of humans and devils. Since humans are Medium-sized, it’s logical that tieflings generally inherit this size. It allows for a good balance between power and maneuverability, fitting their often complex and morally ambiguous nature. The Medium size further allows tieflings to blend in more easily with human society (although their horns and tails might give them away!), which is crucial considering they often face prejudice.

FAQs About Tiefling Size and Related Traits

Let’s explore some frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering doubts and delve into related aspects of tiefling characters:

1. Are there any exceptions to the Medium size for tieflings?

   In rare cases, specific homebrew settings or character options might alter a tiefling’s size. Consult your Dungeon Master (DM) if you’re interested in deviating from the standard. There may be specific lineage variants or even magical effects that could impact size, but these would be exceptions, not the rule.

2. Does a tiefling’s lineage affect their size?

   While the specific devil ancestor doesn’t usually change their overall size category, some DMs might allow for minor variations in height and weight based on lineage. For example, a tiefling descended from a powerful pit fiend might be slightly taller and heavier than one descended from a succubus, even though both are still considered Medium.

3. Can tieflings change their size with magic?

   Yes! Just like any other creature, tieflings can be affected by spells like Enlarge/Reduce or magical items that alter size. This is independent of their racial size and provides temporary changes for specific situations.

4. How tall are tieflings typically?

   Tieflings generally range from around 5’6″ to 6’2″ in height, similar to humans. This can vary slightly depending on individual genetics and, as mentioned before, potential lineage influences.

5. What is the average weight for a tiefling?

   Their weight typically ranges from 140 to 220 pounds, again, similar to humans. Muscle mass and build can significantly influence their weight within this range.

6. Does size affect a tiefling’s ability scores?

   No, the Medium size designation itself doesn’t directly affect ability scores. Ability scores are determined by other factors like racial traits and character class.

7. How does size interact with grappling and shoving?

   Grappling and shoving are affected by the size of the creatures involved. A Medium-sized tiefling can grapple or shove creatures that are Small, Medium, or Large. They would have disadvantage against Huge or Gargantuan creatures.

8. Can a tiefling use Small-sized weapons?

   Yes, a Medium-sized tiefling can use Small-sized weapons, but they might not be as effective. They wouldn’t suffer disadvantage, but the damage output might be lower. It’s often better to stick to Medium-sized weapons unless there’s a specific tactical reason to use a smaller weapon.

9. What about riding a mount? Does size matter?

   Absolutely. A Medium-sized tiefling can ride a mount that is Large or larger. The mount’s carrying capacity must also be sufficient to carry the tiefling and any equipment.

10. Are there any racial feats that affect a tiefling’s size?

    There aren’t any specific racial feats exclusive to tieflings that directly change their size. However, general feats or class features might indirectly influence size or abilities related to size.

11. How does size impact stealth?

    Larger creatures generally have a harder time being stealthy. While tieflings are Medium, their armor and equipment can affect their Stealth checks. Keep in mind that visual obstructions provide better cover for smaller creatures.

12. Can a tiefling squeeze through tight spaces?

    Yes, a Medium-sized tiefling can squeeze through a space that is at least half their normal width (2.5 feet). While squeezing, their movement is halved, they have disadvantage on attack rolls, and attack rolls against them have advantage.

13. Does the environment affect a tiefling’s size advantage or disadvantage?

    The environment doesn’t inherently grant size advantages or disadvantages. However, environmental factors can interact with size. For example, a dense forest might provide better cover for a Small creature than a Medium creature.

14. How does multi-classing affect the tiefling’s size?

    Multi-classing doesn’t change the tiefling’s base size. It only adds class features and abilities on top of their racial traits.

15. Where can I learn more about game design principles that inform character creation?

    For a deeper understanding of the mechanics and design principles behind role-playing games, explore resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society, accessible at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Understanding these principles can greatly enhance your role-playing experience. GamesLearningSociety.org offers great resources.

Conclusion: Tiefling Size and Beyond

The Medium size of tieflings provides a solid foundation for building a compelling character. While it’s the standard, remember that role-playing games thrive on creativity. Work with your DM to explore unique character concepts and don’t be afraid to add your personal flair to your tiefling’s story. The provided FAQs should further enrich your understanding of the race. The world of D&D is vast, and the possibilities for your tiefling are endless! Remember to consult official rulebooks and your DM for the most accurate and relevant information for your specific campaign. Happy gaming!