Tieflings in Cheliax

[TritonOne]

I am trying to get my head around the idea of why Tieflings are considered second-class citizens in Cheliax and sub-ordinate to humans. That they are rarely seen in public, appear mainly as unusual slaves, or involved in criminal enterprises.

Is this because of the belief that Asmodeus and Hell serve Cheliax? Do human Cheliaxians believe themselves to be superior to all other races? Do they believe in racial hygiene/racial purity? Perhaps even eugenics?

Although Cheliax suffers from extreme diabolism, are there human and devil unions in Cheliax and the creation of half-fiends? Or are such unions discouraged by the Church of Asmodeus?

[Lilith]

Chelaxians utilize devils to serve them, not the other way around (and it could be argued that Chelaxians feel superior to everybody, not just devils). Tieflings are walking proof that somewhere somebody succumbed to the temptations of a devil (or other extraplanar being)—a failure to maintain the hierarchy and order.

[TritonOne]

Reading the article concerning Belphegor, the Prince of Laziness, in Kobold Quarterly (Fall 2007), I think gave me the incorrect impression that the devils in Cheliax would encourage the people to commit the seven deadly sins: wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony.

Cheliax is probably more a combination of the Spanish Inquisition and the Fascist states of Mussolini's Italy and the Third Reich rather than the Roman Empire. Certainly, Cheliax admires the martial virtues and blood sport, but probably condemns debauchery and has very oppresive sexual mores.

[William Ronald]

Lilith wrote:

Chelaxians utilize devils to serve them, not the other way around (and it could be argued that Chelaxians feel superior to everybody, not just devils). Tieflings are walking proof that somewhere somebody succumbed to the temptations of a devil (or other extraplanar being)—a failure to maintain the hierarchy and order.

The rhetoric of Cheliax can be used as "Hell serves Cheliax." While it can be argued that this is actually the other way around (sorry, I do not think House Thrune has gotten the best of Asmodeus in their dealings), appearances are important in Cheliax. Tieflings in Cheliax meet with scorn, but may be held to a slightly higher standard than halflings -- who are commonly seen as slaves. Mind you, any tiefling with demonic origins might want to consider leaving Cheliax.

[TritonOne]

House Thrune and the new nobility of Cheliax may believethat Asmodeus and Hell serve Cheliax. Or this may be propaganda while Diabolists make infernal pacts to enrich themselves and their families. They may also believe that Cheliaxians are superior to other humans, other races, or even devils.

But their dark pacts only offer them temporal power during their short mortal lives while their souls are given to Asmodeus and the devils to torment and purify after death. While granting temporal power to House Thrune and the new nobility of Cheliax, Asmodeus and the devils may also be executing their own larger plans.

[Matthew Morris]

Evil thought,

What if there's a devil or construct that eats/is made from House Thrune members? And they use it to make the family think they've the upper hand by posing as those dead family members.

"Oh dear Abigale, there's nothing to worry about! Hell has its downsides, but it's a dry heat. You're old Grandmama says hi!"

[TheWarriorPoet519]

Matthew Morris wrote:

Evil thought,

What if there's a devil or construct that eats/is made from House Thrune members? And they use it to make the family think they've the upper hand by posing as those dead family members.

"Oh dear Abigale, there's nothing to worry about! Hell has its downsides, but it's a dry heat. You're old Grandmama says hi!"

This is BRILLIANT.

[Matthew Morris]

Ok, my brain went there... The souls of the house of Thrune are forged (ala wraith) into a massive 'Game of Thrones' style throne, and any devil that sits in it gets huge bonuses to bluff, diplomacy, sense motive etc.

The Devils call it "The Throne of Thrune" and it is the throne the family was promised in their contracts. :-)

[TritonOne]

Perhaps the infernal pacts made by House Thrune have a "No Torment" guarantee? That others will be made to suffer torment and purification and that members of House Thrune are already pure? They're already on the fast track to becoming devils?

[Steelfiredragon]

stupid muntant monkeys.... can't even tell one tiefling from another.... cant even tell the difference between a hellspawn and divspawn.....- Drunken Imp familiar of Ye'old Meedsoomernight

yeah, but they also cant tell the difference between a catfolk and a beastbrood tiefling- Equally drunken water mephit of Ye'old weentur solsteec.