Through a strong book bundle with 40 novels, MeinMMO editor Caro finally gets the chance to dive deeper into the lore of Dungeons & Dragons. Although she is actually not a fan of reading, she is particularly drawn to 4 novels about her favorite race, which she has been keeping an eye on for a while.
At Humble Bundle, there is currently an offer running until March 5th that lore fans and D&D nerds might find particularly exciting. The bundle includes 40 novels about the Forgotten Realms for €16.09, which deal with various stories from the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Among them is a book series that I have been watching for some time because it deals not only with the best race in Dungeons & Dragons but also with the best class.
That I am a fan of Tieflings has already become clear in many articles here on MeinMMO. However, I am not the only one. Among our readers, this race, along with Elves and Dwarves, ranks among the Top 3 most popular D&D races (so far). But also the Warlock class is my favorite, as well as many of yours rank it at number 1.
The Humble Bundle includes 4 novels from the “Brimstone Angels” series, which is especially aimed at those who want to learn more about the lives of Tieflings. It tells the story of two Tiefling twin sisters, who both have very different ways of dealing with their “tainted bloodline” and the burdens it brings.
Their story is suitable not only for newcomers who do not have much knowledge about Dungeons & Dragons or its races yet, but also for those who want to deepen it.
But especially, as a third point, for me. Since I play as a Tiefling Warlock and can’t get enough of this race and class, this story feels like it was written for me. And maybe you feel the same way about it.
Two Tieflings, Two Perspectives
In Brimstone Angels, the story revolves around the two sisters Farideh and Halivar, who were abandoned at birth and taken in by a dragonborn guardian. Halivar is the more carefree and somewhat reckless of the two, willing to get into trouble from time to time. Farideh, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. She is cautious and feels the weight that has been placed upon her shoulders because of her bloodline.
After Farideh gets embroiled in a pact with a devil that promises her everything she ever dreamed of – without any apparent cost – she finds herself torn between the safety of her family and the promised intoxicating power.
In addition to this conflict, the two sisters, together with their dragonborn guardian and other allies, become embroiled in a conflict between Hell and Neverwinter that demands a decision.
Familiar Faces in a Famous City
Anyone who is as deeply in love with Tieflings as I am will have recognized from the title image or the name that Farideh is especially not an unfamiliar character. Farideh adorns the race page of Tieflings in the 2014 Player’s Handbook for 5e. There is also an excerpt from Brimstone Angels that strongly reflects the theme of the series:
“But you see how they look at you, child of the devil.”
[…]
“What do you call it?” he asked, “One is a curiosity, two are a conspiracy…”
“Three is a curse,” she completed. “Don’t you think I haven’t heard this nonsense before?”
“Yes, I know.” As she looked at him, he added: “It’s not like I want to meddle in the depths of your soul, girl. That’s the burden of every Tiefling. Some crumble under it, some turn it into an albatross around their neck, some take joy in it.” He tilted his head and regarded her with that strange glow in his eyes. “You fight against it, don’t you? Like a little wildcat, I’ll wager. Every little jab, every comment just sharpens your claws.”
Also, the places in the story are not unknown names of the Sword Coast. With Waterdeep and Neverwinter, one can learn more about the west of Faerûn while the characters pursue their quests.
As if my fondness for Tieflings weren’t enough, I have made the Warlock my absolute Edgelord choice in my D&D group. This archetype can become problematic in many ways and is understandably regarded as frowned upon in the community. Nevertheless, I have found in my campaign how to play a dark character without boring my friends: I am the dark, cliché Warlock in our D&D group, but I manage to avoid getting on everyone’s nerves
