Newer player to DND here, had a few race ideas that I was considering for making my main character, but I was needing some advice for flavoring. I've talked a bit with my DM about what race options he would have available, and he said that he's willing to let me run just about whatever I wanted, including 3rd party options; however, I admit that I like to try and stick as close to the official lore as I can, within reason. I narrowed my list down to three character options, but got stuck; got a different question for two of the options, and I can't contact my DM due to IRL issues. 

- First question is, and this is going to sound VERY ridiculous, but how important is height to roleplaying and lore? My first idea for a character was a Kenku, had the idea for making a Alchemist Artificer plague doctor-type, but I found that the race is a bit short (roughly around 5'0 according to most sources). I was thinking about giving my crow an extra foot in height to bring him up to the same general average of the rest of the party (around 6'0), but does that come across as too against the established character lore, or no? Again, my DM is willing to let me run whatever I want, but how does it stack against "official" lore?

- Second question, what're your thoughts on beastfolk Tieflings? I've seen a number of posts on Reddit and a few other sites suggesting that a Tiefling, judging from the 2024 PHB, could end up looking like an animal folk; a Chthonic Tiefling with Arcanaloth heritage could end up looking like a fox person/Kitsune from Pathfinder, while one with Rakshasa heritage could look like a tiger, and that an Abyssal one with Molydeus heritage could resemble a wolf. Question is, does it come across as a bit too "out there"? The book itself doesn't really give much of a proper description of Chthonic or Abyssal Tieflings outside of them "inheriting traits", but I was still wanting some... advice, I guess.

Anyone got suggestions or advice for any of this, I guess? I know, "flavor is free", etc., but I was wanting to talk to some of the more experienced roleplayers for advice. As I said, my DM is unavailable for conversation currently, so I came to the only other option I had; tried asking on Reddit a while back, but they weren't exactly helpful.

For the first question, more often then not its more for flavor, so whatever you want you can generally do. Most the time, both official and unofficial books the races have enough variation (not too crazy) to allow players or DM's customize what they are like. As long as you dont change from medium to big or small to big it will rarely matter. In short, do whatever fits best for your character. What might matter is weight, but thats still rare and will also, rarely come up. If you care enough I can give a few funny stories for exmaples. (Ive maybe encountered it 10 times from my 4 years of experience as a DM) 

For the second question, I love beastfolk tiefling's although I have not personally encountered a player wanting to be one. Its a really cool thought that I have, actually argued with someone about (kinda) and I took the "**** yes side" All characters are unique, basic or complex, all of them have a story that make them who or what they are at that point. Making a badass Kitsune tiefling with connections to Baphomet will not be too much, its just another amazing character idea that i am jealous I didnt make first. Also, lore-wise Abyssal tieflings tend to have more wicked, longer black horns alongside a colder and calculating personality and most the time have a black aesthetic.


I hope this answers your questions, if you have any more feel free!