Appearance

Kirin are born completely white in color, with no antler or visible scales. Their scales grow in size as they age within their first year, with their pigmentation coming in weeks after their birth. A kirin will not grow its antler until after their first year of life.

Kirin have long, slender bodies similar to that of a deer, with long legs ending in either claws or cloven hooves, depending on the amount of dragon content in their blood. All kirin sport an antler in the middle of their forehead, just like their unicorn cousins. Their antler can have many branches depending on age, and unlike unicorns, kirin shed their antler annually. It’s not uncommon for kirin to sport long whiskers or addition hair on their elbows, ankles, and wrists. Their antler can face forward or backward--neither is considered more preferable in kirin society. Their society, like their unicorn cousins, is based on their appearance.

Myras: They are covered almost entirely in scales except for their soft furred underbelly. These scales come in all manner of colors, just like the dragons they herald from. Their feet end in hand-like claws, rather than hooves, giving them more dexterity than their Escel relatives. Their heads are more draconic in nature, where some even sport small horns along their noses or the ridges of their eyes. They sport long, flowing manes that run down to the base of their tail. Their tail is bare except for the tuft of fur at the end.

Escel: They have scales along their face, neck, back, shoulders, and thighs, leaving the rest of their body covered in fine, soft fur. These scales come in all manner of colors, and some Escel kirin have scales that run down the front of their legs. They have a pair of sharp cloven hooves. Their heads are deer-like except for the scales on the bridge of their nose, and the manes they sport only run down to the base of their neck, picking up once again at the end of their long tail.

Abilities

Kirin are far more physical than their unicorn cousins. They fight with their fangs, antler, and hooves (or claws). They are a proud warrior species, and wear their scars with pride. They posses great strength, endurance, and agility. They are prized war mounts, should one be brave (or stupid) enough to tame one. When war threatens the land, it is not uncommon for kirin to abstain from combat, unless they are directly in danger.

While not inherently a magical race, kirin do have elemental breath. They can breathe their element out at a steady rate, and use this to their advantage in close range combat.

History

The unicorns and kirin are believed to been the creation of both Malina, godess of the forest, and Haliea, goddess of the sun and moon. It is said that Haliea was amused by the Draires who now roamed the lands. Each took on their own unique appearance while never creating two were were alike; even with twins. One day, she spotted a draire with pale white hair that shined in the light. The hooves were cloven, the body slender, and a long crescent-like horn rested upon its head. Its presence radiated purity no matter where it went.

Malina noticed Haliea around the forest far too much for her own comfort, and confronted the other goddess; assuming she was trying to take on her role. Haliea apologized for the misunderstanding quickly before explaining to Malina why she was around. Malina, fascinated by the driare as well, wanted to capture the purity the creature seemed to possess. Malina spoke with Haliea about her idea, who in turn wanted to help her as best she could. The two spent years discussing what characteristics they liked best about the creature and what they didn’t. They two couldn’t see eye to eye on all aspects, with some differing more-so than the other.

Haliea concocted a solution for their problem; to make two species out of both the sun and the moon. One would reflect the purity of the animal they watched while the other would exhibit other qualities that they both admired. In turn, the two crafted the two species; resulting in the creation of the unicorn and kirin. Malina, pleased with how the two came out, gave the two creatures homes in the forests to always keep themselves safe. The kirin, however, liked to roam more-so than their unicorn cousins. While found in forests, they have been known to travel beyond the boundaries of their domains.