Kirin

## General

Kirin are the manifestation of Celestial will, a species made up of flame wielding ponies that bridge the gap between the dragon gods and the mortal equines. While this mantle was once held proudly, their society has been lost to time in the Wild Remnants.

## Kirin Creation Guide

   The information listed below is integral to making a kirin character. We ask you prioritize our worldbuilding, these facts must be kept in mind *even when* deviating from societal norms.

### Appearance

Kirin are large, strong equines, standing taller than all other pony species, just beneath the horns of kirnous sun ponies. Thick, coarse fur covers their bodies, protection from the rough jungle flora living within the Wild Remnants. While their coat can be any color, the fur along their spine tends to be a bit darker than the rest. Along with that, this back fur is also tougher. Kirin have manes, similar to that of a lions, just as protective and fireproof as the rest of their hair. The kirins horns or "spires" as they're typically called are spiraled and twisted, with a shape unique to each and every kirin.

#### Nirik Forms

When a kirin becomes a nirik their fur will darken, becoming coal black and losing all distinguishing markings until they turn back. Their manes and tufts of their tails ignite, turning to flame. Kirin fire comes in unique and often unnatural colors unique to the individual, the fire that engulfs them in this form will be that same hue. The eyes of a nirik glow a stark white, regardless of their preexisting color.

### Naming Scheme

Kirin do not have a set naming structure and may often go unnamed by their parents entirely.

### Cutiemarks and Capabilities

Kirin do *not* receive cutiemarks. They do not have spellcasting or the ability to fly. Kirin are skilled pyromancers from a young age, being able to command flame that burns hotter than any natural fire. Should they encounter high amounts of stress or emotional turmoil, a kirin will transform into a nirik. Nirik are unruly and instinctual, opting to behave in terms of fight or flight. Hot to the touch and exceptionally dangerous, they are capable of leaving apocalyptic ruin in their wake. Becoming a nirik can overexert a kirin, leaving them burnt out for a short time after returning to their true form, vulnerable and near catatonic.

## Society

The information found below is also very important to the character creation process, it is everything your OC would have been exposed to throughout their lives, it's what they know best, whether or not they fit that societal norm.

### Values and Demeanor

Thousands of years ago, kirin valued composure and grace. They lived magnificent lives defined by their near divinity. While they still live in the name of composure, the showier side of their culture has been lost to time. Kirin are held to standards of high emotional control, leading to the few who stray into the rest of Equestria seeming cold, uncaring, and stoic. Kirin are rarely seen as they see themselves and their command of fire dangerous. Nirik are even less common, commanded by the flame instead. They keep to themselves with such a diligence that their very existence has been reduced to mythology. Historians who argue their existence have so little to work with, as the Wild Remnants are a deadly place, often proving too perilous for normal ponies.

Kirin are nowhere near as fragile as other ponies, though. Even with their isolationist lifestyle, sticking to romantic pairs if choosing to live with anyone at all, a kirin is not something to challenge. Young kirin are raised with a confidence in battle, while keeping their eagerness for it in check. The ideal kirin would be one who wins every fight they fail to avoid. They are taught to handle themselves against all manner of jungle beast — from whole groups of colorful wyverns to the demonic abominations known as chimeras — from birth, expected to fend for themselves once they hit adolescence.

In adulthood, kirin adopt nomadic lifestyles, avoiding personal possession and interaction most days. Possessions — in the eyes of modern kirin — fuel greed and self importance, feelings that can easily develop into the same negative emotions that tore their once great kingdom down. When they do interact with their fellow kirin, it is kept cordial and impersonal, at least for the first few meetings. Kirin are slow to trust, slow to open up, and slow to admit attachment.

Kirin that stray into pony society, wandering eastward into deeper Equestria, are met with confusion and idolization. For the other species, kirin are a rare sight, they've gone from a forlorn memory to a complete fairytale in the odd thousand years since their kingdom's destruction. They are a good omen to those who encounter them and are often treated with warmth and worship, regardless of the kirin's wants. However, this deification lessens the further east they go.

### Religion and Traditions

Few things have been kept alive in regards to kirin religion. They have retained their affinity for rainbows. While those colors once stood for individuality and beauty, their meaning now relies upon the individual kirin. They no longer have organized religion, instead having highly interpretive versions based on their unique experiences. No two kirin worship Celestia the exact same, something that fuels their fear of others. Faith based arguments are what brought their kingdom to its knees after all, and no kirin is free of that fear, no matter how little they know.

Kirin children are typically abandoned at fifteen, though this age varies from family to family. Many do not make it. Recently, young kirin have started seeking each other out to share camps for the night, finding safety in numbers. While they still avoid conversation and leave come morning, the sense of community and empathy within the younger generations is worth noting.

Kirin of old used to explore creation through blacksmithing and metalworking. Their metalworking has lost most of its religious importance, kept alive only through necessity. Remaining crafty and arming themselves and their loved ones keeps them alive in the dangerous jungles.