what makes a d&d sub race stick?

[Xervous]

Number one, in aggregate, is all the animal-folk options, with Tabaxi being especially common. Tieflings are a close second. I try not to judge too harshly, but there's a certain type, often kids but not always, who like playing Tabaxi as a walking cat meme.

I’ve found the lack of lore is the biggest flaw with the animal sorts. Without common ground within or outside D&D they’re functionally little more than a costume. Tieflings benefit greatly from being tied into lore. I may not like what has been done with some particulars recently, but there’s no confusion over where they fit into a setting.