#tiefling rant

Spinal, Sternal, Costal Ridges:

Points are made of cartilage covered in skin like ears

Some individuals may develope slight ossification in these ridges as they age, adding to durability

Wingtips:

Superstition leads to some thinking that bigger/more prominent wingtips are good luck

More developed wingtips can indicate a stronger lineage of flight-capable ancestors

Some individuals experience minor sensitivity in their wingtips due to a high concentration of nerve endings

Upper Tail/Tail Root/Tail Base:

Off-limits to those who aren't romantically involved with specimen

Very sensitive, often causing reflexive movement when touched

Tieflings with damaged tail bases can experience difficulty balancing properly

Lower Tail:

Okay for friends/close family to touch

Partially Prehensile and can grab/pull/push things

Babies often cuddle with their tails for comfort

Often used for balance as well, especially with younglings learning to walk

Specimens may involuntarily twitch their tails when startled or excited

Tail Tip/Tail Barb:

Babies may chew on the flats of these tails and parents are recomended to put coverings over them for protection

Becomes pointier by the age of 5-6

Some individuals develope hooked or blunted tail tip rather than a sharp point

Tails May Convey Emotions: (Very Often A Subconscious Behavior)

Happy/Ecited: Tail is often upright and wags (different levels of wagging exist)

Angry/Agitated: Tail is often low and lashing side to side

Nervous/Anxious: Tail is often tucked or wrapped around the specimen's leg

Possessive/Protective: Tail is often wrapped around the s/o's waist (Very intimate)

Affectionate: Tail may wrap around a s/o's wrist or (If they have one) link with their tail

"Presenting": Tail may curve into an 'S' shape, base raises a bit (Often called "F*ck Me Tail")

Horns:

Often cut at a certain point to keep them healthy and from over-growing (Like sheep horns)

Grow rapidly

A male specimen's pride, bigger is better (More attractive)

Horns may be covered or slightly dulled at the points for infants so they don't hurt themselves/others

Cutting the horns past a certain point will stunt growth of the horns

At a certain age, they stop growing back (Often much much older which is unlike sheep horns)

Certain horn shapes and patterns can be indicative of ancestry

Claws:

Stronger, thicker and sharper than human nails

Grow quickly, like horns

Often end in tips

Can be filed down for younglings to prevent harm to themselves/others

Fangs:

First set of teeth are blunt

Get their fangs around the same time their tail gains it's point

Four canines that are strong, sharp and elongated

Sharper and stronger fangs are considered more attractive

Some may have additional ridges along their molars, aiding in the consumption of tougher food

Tongue:

Can be forked or single point

Usually longer than the average human's

Some specimen's tongues have a rougher texture similar to a felines

Eyes:

Sclera can be black or white

Irises can be almost any color and often have a bit of a glow to them

Pupils can be normal, goat-like or slits (Cat like)

Can adjust to low-light conditions, allowing for night-vision

Ears:

Pointy and elongated

Sensitive to stimulations (Sound, touch, etc)

Vocalization:

Specimens may purr, growl, or even snarl

Purring is often done for comfort and parents often purr to comfort their young (Affectionate Action)

There is also many variations of purring, including a "suggestive purr" that is deep, low and faint

Growling can be a sign of aggression and a protective response to percieved threats

Some specimens have been recorded to mimic sounds acceptionally well, using it as a survival trait

Dietary Traits:

Omnivorous but tend to favor meat-rich diets

Can metabolize certain minerals and trace elements better than humans

Often enjoy spicey or highly seasoned foods, possibly due to hightened taste receptors

Reproduction/Growth:

Infants are born with soft pliable tails that harden over the first few months

Infants are also born with nubs for horns that grow rapidly for the first few months

Rapid early growth slows after adolescence, with some specimens aging more slowly than humans

The closer in a lineage the tiefling is to its demonic ancestor, the more similar traits they will gain

Temperature Regulation:

Specimens naturally have a high body temperature

Often specimens are resistant to extreme heat and can endure hotter climates better than humans

Cultural Aspects:

Many adopt a second name to relect their true self, some infernal or exhibiting virtues to defy stereotypes; These names are often inscribed onto a personal talisman

Often they enjoy high-stakes games of chance or philosophical debates where wit and cunning are just as important as the subject matter

Structures/Communities:

Community structures vary widely, with some forming tight-knit clans while others integrate into broader societies

Some specimens prefer to travel in groups, forming wandering caravans to follow trade routes or avoid persecution

In larger cities, tieflings may form distinct neighborhoods where their customs and heritage are embraced rather than shunned

Due to historical discrimination, some may fom underground networks for mutual aid, intelligence gathering or occult study

Traditions:

Coming-of-Age ceremonies often include mastering latent magical abilities or ritual horn carving

Horn engraving can symbolize personal achievements, lineage, or even spiritual beliefs; Some families pass down traditional designs that represent lineage or infernal ancestry

Infernal festivals include magic performances, blood offerings (Symbolic or real) and competitive duels that can test wit, strength or magic ability

Funerals may involve sealing the deceased within a magically warded tomb to prevent soul theft as many believed their souls are claimed by powerful fiendish ancestors

Many engage in storytelling and oral traditions that preserve their infernal heritage

"Night of Burning Echoes" where they light a large bonfire and write down past mistakes/regrets onto parchment, burning them as an act of renewal

Beliefs/Philosophy:

Many believe destiny is not fixed and seek to forge their own paths, whether by seeking power, defying expectations, or proving their worth

Some struggle between honoring infernal legacies and rejecting them; some embracing fiendish patronage for power while others work to cleanse themselves of dark influences

Some cultures view morality as a balance between chaos and order rather than good and evil and may have different view on justice and punishment

Fashion/Adornments:

In certain societies, specimens wear adornments like tail jewelry to signify status or accomplishments

Tail jewelry like rings, chains or bands are commonly used to signify rank, relationships, or achievements (Some are enchanted to reinforce durability or provide minor protective charms)

Some may practice controlled scarification rituals to create patterns that enhance magical energy or symbolize life experiences

Marriage/Bonding Rituals:

Tail binding to signify commitment

Partners may polish, engrave or anoit each other's horns in scented oils/enchanted dyes as a sign of trust and love

Rather than traditional rings, some forge their wedding bands in ritual flames, infusing them with personal magic or protective charms

Wedding celebrations may include a ceremonial fire dance where partners perform together before their community and the flames are sometimes guided by manipulation magic