Ecology of the Kirin

by Fortuan

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Ecology of the Kirins

S ome call it a ghost, however, the wise know enough not to shy away from the good fortune to have such a caring guardian. I feel safe knowing that a thunderstorm is merely our angel at play. - Local Wise Woman

Introduction

Kirins are a mysterious and aloof creature. Documentation on these benevolent creatures is so sparse that even some informed scholars believe they are merely folk tales and legends. I am here to fill that gap of knowledge once again. I have found that while they are indeed rare in our Material Planes, they certainly exist. It was a treat to be able to research such a fascinating creature.

Kirin Physiology

Origins

These ancient beings have been around since the beginnings of time. Just as Demons have always been part of existence, so have Kirins in the celestial planes. While not nearly as wide-spread or numerous as the vile creatures of chaos, Kirins have been around just as long. Most mistakenly think that as most Unicorns are of similar build, they are related, but it is merely a coincidence.

Part of their rarity is their origins as Celestials. While we know of many beings from those planes, most often because they are kind and outgoing, Kirins tend to keep to themselves, which can account for their lack of sightings and knowledge in our planes. Why they even travel from the higher planes is a mystery, but then again, most who dwell there are an enigma to many Material Plane dwellers.

What a Kirin Looks Like

Kirins resemble a huge horse covered in scales instead of fur. The few recorded sizes of Kirins range between 10 and 18 feet tall at the shoulder. Their manes also usually extend down the chin for males and to great lengths, sometimes half of their height, for females. The scales are not dull like many reptiles, but instead, they shimmer and glisten with sparkling energy. They come in many colors depending on the variation, but all of them are vibrant.

All Kirins have a horn or horns, again depending on the species. Unlike Unicorns who have a single forehead mounted single spiraled horn, Kirins vary from antlers, crooked spikes, or a single straight horn.

Vegetarians with a Sweet Tooth

It's not surprising that a horse-shaped creature would be a vegetarian. However, unlike equines built for eating grains and grasses, Kirins thrive on fruits and more sugary plants. When fruits are scares in an area such as a pine forest Kirin will puncture a tree and drink its sap if needed.

Even though there is plenty of fruit naturally available, Kirins are curious and attracted to baked goods. While it's not near a guaranteed tactic to finding a Kirin, it can help to have a tart with you if you hope to encounter one.

Strong and Agile

The mystical creatures are adept athletes with both strength and agility. Some Kirins have the ability to fly and do so by running in the air on what seems like an invisible roadway. Most varieties of Kirin, however, can't fly. They are strong enough to jump well over 20 times their height and agile enough to land on a small ledge in perfect balance like a mountain goat.

With their amazing legs can run at speeds topping over 80 miles an hour on land. They also can even achieve speeds of 60 miles per hour with extensive terrain obstructions given their agility. I wouldn't dare stand in their way.

Masters of Elements

While not elementals themselves, instead, we categorize them as Celestials because of their home origins, all varieties have some deft use of elemental energies. Most commonly known for Kirins is that of the ability to wield and control lightning. Druids or Wizards with decades of experience can achieve this feat, but not as thoroughly as a Kirin does. Others can use fire, water, ice, and even control of metals.

This ability to control elements, as strange as it seems, is centered on their horn(s). If their horn becomes broken, an explosion of elemental energy is released, and the creature can no longer control their respective element to the same degree. What makes this phenomenon more curious is that the level of control or power they have over an element isn't dependent on their horn size.

Some Kirins have recovered from losing a horn by re-learning how to control their powers. This recovery is similar to how I would assume, a humanoid adapts to a lost limb. The lost portion of a horn is also considered dead. While severed Kirin horns sound like a powerful aid in magical uses, it ends up being completely inert.

Skin of Scales

While the beauty of their scales can't be denied, there's a great functional use to the scales. Protection is critical among those qualities. Their scales don't shed like many reptiles, though, and are very difficult to remove. Instead of shedding, they grow like hair. Older scales will have tufts of hair at their ends. Kirins groom their fur/scales meticulously as to keep them in top condition.

Kirin Scales have adapted to the elements they wield. For instance, water aligned Kirins have scales that repel water keeping their coats dry as possible. These adaptations, when removed from the Kirins, still work. I'm not sure I like the moral implications of making a Kirin wet-suit, but it would work well.

Habitat and Home

Kirins are not particularly bothered by heat or cold. They live in a wide variety of climates. However, they chose their homes very carefully. First of all, they avoid conflicts unless necessary, thus stay away from powerful and evil creatures.

Most of the time, they are found in their home the celestial planes as nomadic adventurers exploring the beautiful landscapes. When they do make their way to other planes for a time, they will roam the lands and helping those in need, regardless of that creature's mindset. It's not uncommon though if the Kirin suspects they've aided a less than scrupulous individual, they watch them for a time and make sure the rescued creature respects the second chance they've been given on life.

Occasionally a Kirin will take up home in a secluded area and watch over a group or individual. In the Prime Material plane, we owe most of our previous knowledge on Kirins to this practice. Their actual dens are usually dens, as long as the cove is abandoned, or they will have a roommate such as a bear who may not care if one section finds a sleeping horse.

Plane Travelers

Kirins, while native to the Celestial Planes, can easily traverse many the Planes. Once per week, a Kirin can push themselves to run fast enough to jump through the connecting fabric of the planes into another plane. While they don't know where they will be exactly going, Kirins have some idea of a direction as to where they would need to go for many of the planes. They will avoid traveling to the lower planes at nearly any cost, though, as it's simply too hard to avoid conflict, let alone survive in the unforgiving depths.

When making this Plane jump, they leave a tear in the fabric of the plane that repairs itself after 2 to 3 hours. Any creature small enough to fit can follow the rift into the same plane the Kirin traveled. Because of this open gate Kirins like to make the gates in hard to reach, which since they can fly could be simple, and hidden places. The last thing a Kirin that escapes a lower plane wants to do is unleash its denizens upon innocents.

Life Cycle

Kirins are celestials and thus have long lives. They don't age; therefore, they have no biological need to pass their genetics on for survival. While they aren't immortal, they can die by external means, such as harm or disease; it is said that when a Kirin dies, another wakes.

There may be some truth to this tale as it seems there isn't much fluctuation in Kirin numbers. Finding this information isn't the easiest as there isn't a Kirin census, especially in the multi-verse of planes. The exact number isn't awe-inspiring to my best estimations; probably only a few million Kirins exists. However, there's always the potential of not knowing what we don't know.

Intelligence and Social Structure

Intelligence

Kirins are brilliant and sentient beings. While they don't involve themselves in academic endeavors such as math or sciences, they are quick to learn any subject. Where Kirins excel naturally is social intelligence. These majestic equines can read individuals of all kinds and social situations. These skills would make them useful moderators, but they aren't often fond of circumstances that require a mediator as most often, both sides are in the wrong.

Communication

While they may not speak to most creatures, they are not only adept at getting their thoughts across superb body language but also telepathy when needed. Kirins are masters of not just portraying body language but also interpreting. With a keen eye, most can see your intent before you speak it.

When it's clear they are attempting to communicate with a creature ignoring their cues, they can speak telepathically. Their ability to communicate psychically regardless of any language barrier. Even in the absence of any language they can deliver. The voice is often described as melodic or a song that appears in your head. The experience is quite pleasant once I had experienced it myself.

Solitary Free Spirits

Kirins most often are found alone, wandering the universe. Exploration and seeing the wonders of the worlds seems to be how most live their lives. Unless, of course, they decide to watch over an area. Even then, this is usually a temporary situation.

With no need to reproduce or social ties to other Kirin or any other creatures, they are free to go where they please. Most decide to simply observe and rarely involve themselves in the affairs of others. However, most follow the same ideology of leaving the world better than how they found it. Most often, they only aid in secret. However, if directly confronted, a Kirin will stand up to the challenge.

Love not Forgotten

"How many seasons had it been? A dozen at least I'd say. Here I am lost in play with her once again, just like the first day we met. My heart aches, though; soon she will leave, I can sense it. I'll miss her dearly. All I can do is cherish the time we have now. The memories will comfort me later." - Barash Male Kirin

Each Kirin has its path to travel. It doesn't mean that they don't enjoy each other's company. Kirins, for a brief time, will settle down and work together to watch over an area. During this time, they will enjoy each other's company with play and affection. It may only happen a few times in a Kirin's long existence, and it is always fondly remembered. Some folk tales say a thunderstorm is simply 2 Kirin racing in the sky.

While biologically, they do not need to mate, Kirins still participate in the act. With no biological needs, their relationships are not born of urgency but, instead, their passion and connection of heart and mind. While Kirins come to love one another honestly, they know each has their way to go. Monogamy simply isn't practical and a barrier to new connections in their thinking. Kirins also do not choose a mate based on gender as well. Love only needs an opportunity for a Kirin and time.

Religions and Philosophies

As mentioned before, the most common ideologies of Kirins lie within the phrase, "Leaving your mark is unavoidable, so make it a beautiful one." Koriel, the fallen, spoke this short remark. Most Kirins do not follow a religion or a God but pay respects to those that follow benevolent gods.

Koriel was said to be the first Kirin to have come into existence. Revered as their diety but ultimately had sacrificed himself. While the conflict was not in some grand battle as most would think it was a battle of principle. Koriel loved his kind, but they were under the service and leadership of a diety, Torm, a god whose portfolio consisted of duty, loyalty, righteousness. In this service, they obeyed and worked as mounts and workforces in the heavens. In a cause Koriel supported, Torm waged war, but when Kirins were still under service after the conflict, Koriel fought for their free will. To reach a peaceful agreement, Koriel paid for Kirin kind's freedom with his essence. Legends say that the only time a new Kirin didn't emerge in the Celestial Planes was when Koriel left.

Most modern-day Kirins believe this tale and take a brief moment of silence for their given freedoms. Even those Kirins who don't follow the stories, tend by nature to still hold the same values. Some of these individuals have come to worship other deities and even pledge their services to them. That is their freedom to do so.

A Matter of Pride

No creature is entirely virtuous, even celestials. While Kirins are often very kind and compassionate, they are prideful creatures. As free spirits accepting help is often seen as debt or bondage. This pride may also contribute to their aloof and distant style of interactions. Needing help with even simple tasks in Kirin mentality is a weakness. This way of thinking extends only one direction, as Kirins hold no ill thoughts of helping others. To give is free to take is a burden. While most can easily see the flaw in this logic, it is difficult to break the social structure.

Interactions with Other Creatures

Elusive Guardians

While I have stressed on the whole Kirins are nomadic, they are not at all times. Most of the interactions concerning Kirins and humanoids come from those who have settled down for a time to protect an area and its people. Even then, they only appear in times of need or dire situations.

This guardianship is probably of a short-term, at least to the Kirin's perspective, mutualistic relationship. While the protected creatures benefit from the Kirin's watchful eye, the Kirins learn about an area and its inhabitants more closely. According to the few Kirins who would communicate with me, they love to watch communities grow in ways that harmonize with the environment. A favorite activity for them to watch is a wedding as devoting your whole existence to another, isn't something they would ever do but admire the thought.

They are not open guardians because it attracts attention. Most Kirins want to watch from afar and distance themselves not just from those they protect but also from others. To inject themselves is to interfere. Being upfront about guardianship can also attract powerful enemies.

Devils and Demons

Being celestials, Kirins are clear enemies of Devils and Demons. Many vile creatures consider them an easy target. Kirins are often in avoidance of conflict and avoid the lower planes in their travels. A Kirin would rather avoid a fight than coming to blows even if encountered in other domains. Demons, who especially love violence, find a Kirin aggravating for their refusal to fight unless they are protecting something.

Elves and Gnomes

Kirins are most fond of watching Elves and Gnomes as they are the most mindful of nature in their communities. Living in harmony with all life is something with which they can relate. They are also fond of watching those talented in the arcane arts. While Kirins are adept at manipulating certain elements, magic is something that eludes them. Since both Elves and Gnomes have an affinity to at least some magic, Kirins often seek out Elven of Gnomish communities, especially if it's their first time on the Material Planes.

Dragons

Kirins are not fond of dragons, regardless if they are metallic or chromatic. Living such greedy lives doesn't sit well with a Kirin's sensibilities. Since Kirins don't have a need or want for material possessions, the obsession with such things is seen wasteful and pointless. Kirins often pitty the dragons for their vice.

Not caring for material things extends to even their giving nature. While Kirins don't possess anything other than themselves, they often will not aid others in obtaining an item. Unless an item is needed and entirely critical to a more significant issue, usually words of encouragement are all they will offer in aid.

Unicorns

The difference between a Kirin and a Unicorn to some may seem as menial debate. However, Kirins are far more intelligent and aware of their surroundings. Often unicorns are mistaken as entirely sentient, while no doubt they are brilliant, they have no awakening awareness. Kirins are fond of unicorns, as most creatures are. Being fond of Unicorns for the mystery and beauty is about as far as they take it. Kirins have no affiliation or relation, to their thinking, with Unicorns. When mistaken for one, they take it as a high compliment on their beauty.

It may seem difficult to imagine that the 2 creatures are not related. With little to no biological background for Kirins, it seems there may not be such a connection. We do know of a linage of horses that became unicorns, but there is no lineage of horses that exhibit the key identifiers of a Kirin. Kirins also pre-date any member of not just horse families but any family of ancient creatures that had contributed to modern horses. Parallel evolution is an ordinary happening, but I'm not sure we can even call it that. Kirins didn't evolve.

Battle Tactics

These masters of elements are fierce opponents in battle, although they do avoid physical confrontation at nearly all costs. When forced to defend themselves or others, Kirins won't shy away from acting. Even in dire circumstances, they almost always, unless forced, use non-lethal methods.

Kirins like to fight from a distance. They lash out with their elements and abilities from afar and keep a reasonable range. Often they will bound around an opponent with their incredible agility to keep them searching. Ghost stepping is the name for this tactic, which is keeping just out of an opponent's sight, like a ghost.

Occasionally if a kirin does need to intervene physically, they will charge at their foes, surrounding themselves in elemental energy, leading with their horn at a dazzling speed. Charging is a final resort, as often it is lethal, and potentially gorry.

Gorillions

It may seem a strange interaction, but Girrilions and Kirins have a common legend together. While this only concerns a specific and rare variation of Gorillians, the myth still prevails. Rajang, the lightning enchanted Goriillians, are said to gain their powers by eating a Thunder Kirin's horn. Given how scarce both creatures are, I find this more speculation than hard fact. None the less, it seems that at least there could be some truth to the tale. They both can inhabit the same biomes, and I'm sure a blood-thirsty Gorillian wouldn't shy away from eating a Kirin horn. A Kirins' superior speed and control of elements would suggest an easy win in its favor.

Variations

Thunder Kirins

The most commonly seen Kirins on the Material Planes is that of the Thunder Kirins. Thunder Kirins have white and blue scales with white mains usually arcing with brilliant blue electricity. Their horns are a single spiraled white horn. They are masters of lightning and often play in thunderstorms. Standing between 6 and 8 feet tall, they are the smallest variety of Kirins. Thunder Kirins are of the flightless type but can bound many times their height and even stand on cliffs impossibly narrow it seems like a mountain goat.

Black Ice Kirins

Another flightless Kirin is that of the Black Ice, or as some locals call it the Oroshi Kirin. They wield the elements of wind and water together as ice. While the celestial planes have yet to be entirely explored, I was unaware of arctic or sub-arctic temperatures. Yet they exist. Most often found only cold environments Oroshi Kirins have small spikes and grips on their hooves that grip ice very well. Their tracks leave minor spiked abrasions on the surfaces in which they walk, even on stone. Identifying marks of Black Ice Kirins are dark blue scales accented with lighter hues of blue and a single horn that splits into a fork.

Cloud Kirins

Cloud Kirins are the oldest known species. With bright yellow scales and white manes, they more represent the cloudscapes of the Celestial Planes. They run through the skies exploring their home planes and other planes from the safety of the clouds. Cloud Kirins also have powers of lightning. Instead of the familiar arcing blue lines, we would be more familiar with, yellow and white electricity is what they utilize. Their horns are more like that of an elk with many branches and lie in pairs swooping straight back.

Sun Kirins

Running the on the horizon with a sparking trail of orange cinders, Ash Kirins make brilliant streaks in the air. They have an affinity with both light and fire and tend to explore more oppressively hot planes, such as the Elemental Planes of fire and steam. Most other Kirns summon pillars or bolts around themselves Sun Kirins are known for breathing fire in a gout of flame. Sun Kirins are also usually much less passive than their brethren. With firey orange manes and white or yellow scales, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish them from Cloud Kirins. Although, their horns are quite different being a set of 6 horns with 3 on each side that are near perfectly straight spikes.

Coral Kirins

Kirins who use water as well as any water elemental, Coral Kirins, roam the worlds exploring the depths of their oceans. With bright pink and sky blue scales, they are easily the most striking visually. Not only can they run in the heavens but also run through the water as if they suffer no resistance in movement. Their horns are like that of impressive coral structures in an arch around the back of their head. Sheild like one could say. Their manes are also usually a bright red or purple and are thick like seaweeds.

Mud Kirins

Despite being the closest related to one of the most impressive, aesthetically, at least, Coral Kirins, Mud Kirins seem rather dull. With brown and grey scales and dark green manes, they blend in more with freshwater environments. Their horns are two horns that flatten out into scoop like structures. Mud Kirins also have powers of water and even some ability in the earth to make mud-pits.

Crystal Kirins

Earth aligned Crystal Kirins are probably the most varied aesthetically. With scales and manes that can represent almost any combination of known gemstones across the known multi-verse. Each one is incredibly reflective and has the added ability that their hides naturally reflect many things, including magic. Crystal Kirins are explorers of the darker cave systems beneath the surfaces of worlds. Their horns curl down around their ears like that of a ram, giving them a lower head clearance. Crystal Kirins can manipulate crystals, stone, and gems at alarming speeds. With their effective control of the earth, it makes them able to traverse cave systems quickly. They are also flightless but can create elevating stairs or pillars up to any height they need.

DM's Notes

Kirins can be a fun monster to use as an unseen ally. My interpretation takes a fair amount of influence from both Monster Hunter, where they appear as the elusive elder dragons of thunder and D&D as angel horses who aid all in need. Kirins are a magnificent creature to use as a celestial outside of the traditional and often expected angels. They are also incredibly fast, and with access to planiar travel, they can make travel a menial thing.

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