In-Depth Information;

Appearance An ancient demonic cousin of the unicorn, the kirin of Kurai are cervine in appearance with a light, muscular build that enables them to run at great speed for considerable distances. Thick protective scales cover their spine, shoulders and thighs, tapering into either leathery skin or soft fur. They have long manes that run from their skulls down to the middle of their back, sometimes extending further. This is often complemented by an extended tuft which usually begins halfway up their tail, though they are also known to be serpentine in appearance on rare occasions.

Kirin possess only one horn, generally antler-like with sharp points that enable them to deposit a paralytic venom in defense against predators. Sharp, split hooves can sometimes resemble claws, with a dewclaw on each ankle for defense. Multiple variants exist, based on elemental affinity; these variants all have their own unique traits and colors. Markings may be either natural, or influenced by secondary magical affinity, though their base color will always match their primary ability. All kirin are born silver, and gain alternate colors and their affinity as they age.

Air: Air-affinity kirin can be found in a variety of cool, pale colors; whites and silvers are the most common, followed by pastel colors in all hues. Markings are traditionally lighter than the base coat and scales, though darker ones have been noted. Other magic may display bright colors and patterns not normally found on an air kirin, usually more prominent than can be found in other types. Air kirin are also generally dainty of build and more lightweight than other kirin, with smooth, flat scales much like a fish.

Dark: Dark-affinity kirin come in deep colors, primarily blacks, with normally subtle markings and patterns. Their scales are often spiked, larger than others, and may have spines, frills, and burs on their bodies; sharp thorns beneath the fur are common, as are clawed forepaws instead of hooves. While their builds are average, dark kirin are traditionally quite large.

Earth: Earth-affinity kirin come in a variety of colors ranging from browns and tans to stark greens and liquid greys. Their scales are often rocky, rough, and thick while others may appear to have the consistency of wood. Natural markings are often stark and unusual, while sub-elemental patterns are rarer than in other variants. Earth kirin are the largest of the variants, with massive hooves and muscular builds.

Fire: Fire-affinity kirin come in an assortment of oranges, golds, yellows, and reds; deeper colors ranging towards blacks are also found, but are much rarer. Their markings are traditionally bold and bright no matter if they are natural or magically influenced, and may come in any color. A fire kirin's horn is always multi-branched and sharp-edged, with lines of venom-veins visible beneath the surface like glowing lava when they use their abilities.

Ice: Ice-affinity kirin can be found in shades of pale blues, pinks, and whites; silvers and purples are rarer, but can still be spotted on occasion. Very rarely, an ice kirin will be born the color of Kuraian snow - lightless black. Their manes, unlike other kirin, are almost always white with streaks of their base color filtering through. Many ice kirin will have scales cold to the touch with the texture and consistency of ice, similar to their single branching horn. Older individuals may have icicles form across their bodies, especially in colder climes, and will leave frozen hoofprints wherever they may go.

Light: Light-affinity kirin may be found in an assortment of hues; while light, pale colors are most common, vibrant hues with varied markings may be seen as well. These kirin are beautiful and lithe, their scales and horns often iridescent and glossy. Light kirin often have markings they may light up and make glow, either all at once or in patterns; older light kirin may give off subtle glow at all times. The oldest of light kirin may blaze brightly, and leave glowing hoofsteps where they tread.

Lightning: Lightning-affinity kirin often come in blues, golds and whites. Their natural markings often glow, and some may crackle with a near-constant electrical field. Their scales are sharp and often barbed, and a lightning kirin's single horn is commonly jagged and bladed. Their manes have the unique capacity to grow short and straight much like a zebra's, though many grow them out and allow them to become long and fall to one side like other variants.

Water: Water-affinity kirin come in blues, purples, blacks, and greens. Uncommonly may water kirin be born with scarlet coloration, like Kuraian bloodwater. Most water kirin have more scale coverage than others of their race; some may be entirely coated, and those with aquatic ancestry may also sport more scales no matter their true element. When touched, many water kirin seem damp and sometimes slimy, though this varies from individual to individual.

Non-Elemental:Those kirin who are born with no elemental affinity, or with non-elemental magic, appear in shades of grey with little to no accent coloration. They may have the builds and features inherited from their elemental parents, such as extra scales or rough fur coats. However, non-elemental kirin may temporarily take on other colors depending on what their magic actually is, and many have been noted to be able to actively choose their colors, much like a chameleon.

Culture As a species hunted by some of Kurai's top predators, the kirin have developed a number of societal defenses. Until about twenty years of age, by which time they have usually gained mastery over their primary magic, they travel together in small family groups. On rare occasions siblings with a close bond will stay together after this point; however, most strike out on their own, coming together only to mate.

Mixed-element family groups are common, though often stay together for less time than pure-elements do. Mixed elemental kirin groups are also sometimes discriminated against by those of pure elements, as some kirin tend to view their elements - and often lineage - as more important than their kin. Dual-element kirin are very rarely allowed near others of their kind, and may be chased away or attacked.

Each elemental variant has different tendencies, both in their family groups and without. While this does not have to be adhered to for every individual, these are the trends most elemental variants take.

Air: Seen as flighty and easily distracted. Many air kirin are noted to have short attention spans, as the perceive the world as a whole instead of focusing on one thing for too long. They may daydream when alone, making them easily spooked if startled from their musings. Air groups tend to wander more than others, and have no set territory, instead choosing the entire span of every Realm as their home.

Dark: Seen as mysterious and enigmatic. To understand a dark kirin is to know the mysteries of the night; or so it is whispered by demons in taverns. Dark-affinity kirin enjoy mental challenges and mind games, but refer to keep their personal values secret. Many may speak in riddles, and dark groups hide themselves from the rest of the world well. Territories are established, but not fiercely guarded; instead, intruders are often allowed passage without knowing the kirin was ever there.

Earth: Seen as stubborn and steadfast. Though some may perceive earth kirin as slow-witted, they are known to be very intelligent, and may not act until they've reached a hard conclusion. To befriend an earth kirin is to earn its undying loyalty; such friendships rarely break, and they are extremely protective of those they care about. Groups of earth kirin are willful, and may cross into territories without qualms, daring anyone to stop their journeying.

Fire: Seen as brave and quick to anger. Most fire-affinity kirin are courageous and arrogant, reckless and sharp of wit. Both individuals and groups are those most willing to go to war for causes other than their own, and the most likely to challenge for territory wherever they may be. They are known to be severe creatures, more attuned to action than inaction, and very few do not enjoy a good fight.

Ice: Seen as loyal and blunt. Often, ice kirin are difficult to get to know; they present a cold exterior, and many will ignore or disregard those who they don't know rather than having to interact with them. However, when an ice kirin has made a friend, they will warm to them easily and open up; they are quite loyal, and do not leave those they care for behind. Groups of ice kirin may be eerily silent upon meeting, and often go out of their way to avoid meeting others no matter the race or intent.

Light: Seen as fearless and passionate. Many think that light-affinity kirin share much in common with fire kirin; they are both brave and intense. However, where fire kirin do not necessarily need a reason to go to war, those of the light often see and adhere to their own moral code, rejecting anything they do not believe in. Groups of light kirin are self-righteous, protective, and territorial to an extreme.

Lightning: Seen as pessimistic and severe. Perhaps one of the most chaotic variants, lightning kirin are little understood and are often viewed with great puzzlement by those that wish to study them. Their personalities are often very different from one another, but always intense. Most, if not all, lightning kirin are also heavily pessimistic - they seem to be almost incapable of seeing the world in a good light, and chafe at their station as prey animals. Those rare individuals that are optimistic are often ousted from groups, and are not trusted by others of the lightning variant.

Water: Seen as easy-going and kind. Very adaptable and easy to get along with, water kirin are very fluid in their dealings - they may wander far and take no territory, or form large groups with others of their kind depending on the individuals present. Most water kirin are very accepting of others, and are willing to learn the ways of other species without any misgivings. However, those with the water affinity may also be unforgiving in dealing with those who have wronged them - especially those larger herds.

Non-Elemental: Has no tendencies; non-elemental kirin vary as much as the stars.

Abilities All kirin are equipped with a venom, held within their branching horns, that is designed to be used to defend themselves against bigger, stronger predators. To most species, this acts as a simple paralyzing agent - the one injected with such venom from a kirin's antler may spend anywhere from a handful of minutes to several hours for larger creatures, and anywhere from hours to upwards of a day for smaller, depending on the dose.

However, to demons - and demon hybrids - this venom has a much more potent effect. It paralyzes in much the same way - however, afflicted demons will also experience difficulty breathing, extreme weakness and lethargy, and if not treated by a skilled healer, will go into cardiac arrest and die. This venom bypasses the common healing genes found in some demons, and may only be counteracted by magic or kirin-made antivenom.

Most kirin have elemental affinities; those that do not fall under the non-elemental variant. While these are open for interpretation, common traits are listed below. All are weak against their opposing element, and are subjected to anything their magic is naturally immune against.

Air: Commands the element of air. Those with the air affinity are capable of nearly anything having to do with their element, and may summon anything from a breeze to a gale at will. They are very swift, and are more agile than their brethren, running faster and farther than any other type.

Dark: Commands the element of darkness. Dark kirin often can hide in their shadows, and may have their magic clinging to them at all times. They are masters of dark energies, and are the most difficult to see, hunt, and find in their Kuraian homes. While not possessed of true invisibility, they may seem to melt away into the darkness, disappearing from view and sense.

Earth: Commands the element of earth. Stronger physically than all other types, earth kirin have the ability to command earth and nature; anything from rocks and metal to nature's various plants and flora. They have thick hide and tough scales, sometimes with poisonous barbs across their bodies, fitted with better protections than most kirin.

Fire: Commands the element of fire. A kirin with the element of fire has a visible aura of heat; they may command anything from grand firestorms to the subtle heating of the area around them. They may set themselves aflame for defense, and are often too hot to touch, unless they willingly and consciously drop their physical temperature.

Ice: Commands the element of ice. Masters of arctic blizzards and freezing temperatures, ice kirin not only are able to utilize their element, but move freely within it - they are immune to extreme cold, and may even survive encasing themselves completely in ice. As a defensive measure, their core temperatures are also exceptionally low - unless raised willingly, one may experience painful frostbite from their touch.

Light: Commands the element of light. Most specialize in healing and defensive magics such as barriers and protective enchantments, but others may utilize abilities akin to explosive blasts and focused rays of cutting light energy. While most light kirin have gentle, soothing auras, they may create a dazzling flash of light from their horn, eyes, and hooves to drive away attackers.

Lightning: Commands the element of lightning. All lightning kirin may summon electricity in a variety of forms, most commonly arcing strikes from their bodies to whatever target they have in mind. Many with the lightning affinity are charged with their element; if they do not consciously dampen this, others may get shocked if they get too near.

Water: Commands the element of water. Water kirin may both generate their element at will, or pull from existing sources - be it the true water of other Realms, or the bloodwater of Kurai, it matters little. Some may have the ability to manipulate their own or others' blood, in various quantities. As a defensive measure, water kirin are often more difficult to physically catch than others - they may coat themselves in moisture, making their hides slick and slippery as an eel.

Non-Elemental: Does not command any element; instead, either has no magical ability, or has a non-elemental affinity such as reiatsu use, summoning, necromancy, etc. Many, if not all, non-elemental kirin have some form of deflection or barrier magic.

subspecies

Qilin
Classification: dragonlike kirin. Location: widespread, but rare.

The qilin is a rather more draconic cousin of the kirin, predator more than prey. Though their horns lack the kirin's distinct venom and their colors show no sign of what ability they might possess, they sport harder scales and long, serrated fangs. Double-horned and cloven-hooved, the qilin sports a scaled muzzle and a luxurious mane, as well as a short tufted tail with long, thick hair. Loners, these creatures attack with a mixture of potent magic and fierce strength, using their hooves and fangs as weapons like any dragon would. Instead of being herbivores, like their kirin cousins, the qilin are omnivores - able to eat both plants and hunt animals, though a diet of mostly meat is quite common.