Homebrew Dwarfling Species Details

Still suffering the consequences of being infused with the essence of Asmodeus—overlord of the Nine Hells—into their bloodline, the Dwarflings deal with many of the issues as their Tiefling cousins when in public situations. 

 

Infernally Stout Bloodline

Dwarflings are derived from tiefling and dwarven bloodlines. They have many of the same characteristics of their Tiefling ancestry but are seldom taller than five feet and they are typically stout and weigh much more than they look thanks to their dwarven genes. Dwarflings have small or medium sized horns that take any of a variety of shapes that stay close to their head: some have curling horns like a ram, others have curling horns that stay circle their head almost like a crown. Some may have tails and if they do, their tails tend to be shorter and thicker than a Tiefling's. Their canine teeth are slightly pointed, and their eyes are solid colors that usually have a metallic or gem like sheen with no visible sclera or pupil. Their skin tones cover the full range of dwarven coloration, but with an opalescent sheen. Their hair can be any color or texture that is normally found with dwarves; black, brown, blonde and sometimes shades of red.  They maintain the endurance of their dwarven genes.

Suspiciously Charismatic

Because they don't have a long lineage and tend to be outcasts, they do not easily trust anyone or thing. They will hang around others if they know it will benefit themselves but often never truly trust anyone else. Though they find everyone suspicious, they often get what they need through their charismatic abilities. Because their appearance is often something new to people, dwarflings are either immeidately banished or found extremely intriguing and welcomed. They are unable to grow the facial hair like a dwarf so the males are looked down on by their dwarven families.

Dwarfling Names

Dwarfling names fall into three broad categories. Dwarflings born into another culture typically have names reflective of that culture. Some have names derived from the Infernal language, passed down through generations, that reflect their fiendish heritage. And some younger dwarflings, striving to find a place in the world, adopt a name that signifies a virtue or other concept and then try to embody that concept. For some, they may lean on or come directly from a dwarven family to which they are given their name.

Male Infernal Names: Akmenos, Amnon, Barakas, Damakos, Ekemon, Iados, Kairon, Leucis, Melech, Mordai, Morthos, Pelaios, Skamos, Therai

Female Infernal Names: Akta, Anakis, Bryseis, Criella, Damaia, Ea, Kallista, Lerissa, Makaria, Nemeia, Orianna, Phelaia, Rieta

“Virtue” Names: Art, Carrion, Chant, Creed, Despair, Excellence, Fear, Glory, Hope, Ideal, Music, Nowhere, Open, Poetry, Quest, Random, Reverence, Sorrow, Temerity, Torment, Weary

Male Names: Adrik, Alberich, Baern, Barendd, Brottor, Bruenor, Dain, Darrak, Delg, Eberk, Einkil, Fargrim, Flint, Gardain, Harbek, Kildrak, Morgran, Orsik, Oskar, Rangrim, Rurik, Taklinn, Thoradin, Thorin, Tordek, Traubon, Travok, Ulfgar, Veit, Vondal

Female Names: Amber, Artin, Audhild, Bardryn, Dagnal, Diesa, Eldeth, Falkrunn, Finellen, Gunnloda, Gurdis, Helja, Hlin, Kathra, Kristryd, Ilde, Liftrasa, Mardred, Riswynn, Sannl, Torbera, Torgga, Vistra

Clan Names: Balderk, Battlehammer, Brawnanvil, Dankil, Fireforge, Frostbeard, Gorunn, Holderhek, Ironfist, Loderr, Lutgehr, Rumnaheim, Strakeln, Torunn, Ungart

Dwarfling Traits

Dwarflings share certain racial traits as a result of their infernal descent but also a stout and sturdy build thanks to their dwarven ancestry.

Ability Score Increase

Because of your lineage, you maintain a dwarven stoutness but also get a boost to your Charisma becuase of your unique features and gifts.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Size

Dwarflings stand between 4 and 5 feet tall and average about 150 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Age

Dwarflings mature at the same rate as humans.  It's unknown how long they live but they have been known to be up to 100 years old and still striving in health and stature.

Dwarfling Resilience

You have advantage on saving throws against poison, and you have resistance against poison and fire damage.

Continuous Infernal Legacy

You know the thaumaturgy cantrip. When you reach 3rd level, you can cast the hellish rebuke spell as a 2nd-level spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a long rest.

 

Dwarfling Combat Training

You have proficiency with the battleaxe, handaxe, light hammer, and warhammer.

Darkvision

Thanks to your infernal heritage and being accustomed to life underground, you have superior vision in dark and dim conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. 

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Infernal and Dwarvish.