Crystal Tiefling

I take after my Mother, embodying the elemental earth and air traits of crystals. My crystal type is Black Opal, so while I initially look dark, in the light, I tend to reflect and sparkle all kinds of colours. This is from my horns, my tail, and my hair.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Crystal Tieflings are bipedal sapients (I hate the term "Humanoid"), and all of us have horns and tails. Our skeletons are tough but light, mostly so that we aren't held down by the weight of our horns and tail, so we actually feel a lot lighter than we look. In terms of musculature, we're on par with Humans, though we do have additional muscle groups to account for the tail. Some of us have a slightly different layout of facial muscles depending on our horn style; because my horns grow from further back, my facial muscles are very Elfin in appearance. The cores of our horns and tail are made of bone (spinal, in the case of the tail) while the external shell is comprised of a biological crystal that can vary in appearance from rubies to diamonds to pearls. This shell grows from Anchors present in the bones of our horns and tail; it never stops growing throughout our lives, which means our horns and tail can get quite bulky if we miss a shed. The outer shell can be damaged and it will grow back, but if the Anchors or the horn's inner core is damaged, as in the bones are completely broken, then crystal growth stops. Because of our crystals, Crystal Tieflings rarely have prehensile tails.

Crystal Tieflings lack the erogenous zone of the tail that other types of Tiefling have. Instead, they are more sensitive to stimulation as a whole, and it is known that both sexes are capable of achieving multiple orgasms during sexual activity. Ridgeback Crystal Tieflings also possess erogenous zones around the crystals of their spine. These facts have led to many rumours about Crystal Tieflings being particularly highly charged sexually, but it's not actually true; they're just more prone to intense relief.

Biological Traits

Infused with the magic of the Elemental Planes of Earth and Air, Crystal Tieflings are recognisable by their segmented tails and crystalline features. We have an affinity for sound and have the natural ability to create a Thunderclap as though casting a spell. More powerful Tieflings can cast a more powerful Thunderwave, and some can even Shatter. I can't do these final things just yet; I'm not powerful enough.

Like all Tieflings, Crystal Tieflings have fanged canines. We can also manifest a variety of different types of "crystals", ear, horn and tail styles. While horn and ear styles appear to be inherited, tails can vary depending on how the crystals grow from their Anchors, even if the base shapes are similar. Additionally, the crystal that we present is not inherited; it is determined randomly. My Mother's crystal, for example, is turquoise, which is quite common; mine is Black Opal, and is considered extremely rare.

Some Crystal Tieflings possess shimmering hair and nails, which sparkle with the colours of their gems. About half of Crystal Tieflings manifest this. Some have goat-like legs, which appears in about 70% of us. Around 2% of Crystal Tieflings have crystalline ridges growing along their spine and a gem-like protrusion on their forehead. This is considered very rare and very beautiful, but despite this, most of us don't want them. That's because these ridges and protrusions are quite fragile, and cause a great deal of pain when broken or removed because their Anchors are under the skin, rather than on top of it like they are with our horns and tail.

Growth Rate & Stages

Crystal Tieflings mature at about the same rate that Humans do and can live to be around 200-400 years old.

When we're born, we have only horn nubs and our tails are bare of crystal. Instead, we have anchor growths from which our crystals start to grow. Our crystals start to form as soon as our horns start growing out, which is usually around two years old. This means we have bare, very ridged-looking tails for quite some time, usually appearing the same tone as our skin.

Our horn cores and tail length reach their full size by the time we're eighteen.

Biological Cycle

Crystal Tieflings go through a "Shedding" twice a year, where they shed the outer layers of their crystals. This is because our crystals are constantly growing and would become too bulky if shedding did not occur.

Some Crystal Tieflings shed in large slivers, while others (myself included) shed a fine dust.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Crystals from a Crystal Tiefling can be used as substitutes for crushed gems or gem shards in spellcasting and potion-making due to their innate magical properties. These can sometimes be more potent than a real gemstone, depending on the innate magical prowess of the Crystal Tiefling.

Facial characteristics

Fanged canines, and our ears are usually pointed in some manner. Crystal Tieflings tend to have more delicate features than other types of Tieflings.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Crystal Tieflings have Darkvision, but it's no more special than other species'. Because of our affinity to sound, we usually have good hearing and are resistant to Thunder and Sonic damage.

Crystal Tieflings possess a condition known as the Crystalline Legacy.

Contents

Lifespan

200-400 years

Average Height

5ft 0ins - 5ft 10ins

Average Weight

90-135lbs

Average Physique

Usually slim and light, with lighter-than-expected bones

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Varies depending on genetics and crystal type

Known Crystal Tieflings

• Mercy Lonyn
• Iola Lonyn