Qilin

Qilin, the Exemplars of the Emperor, are reforged by the Emperor’s hand to serve him and all the lands of Sheng.

   To become a Qilin is to be rewarded for years of service or extraordinary feats done by the individual. The process itself is shrouded in mystery but it is believed to be a form of reincarnation, discarding all memories of the person's past life as they become a new person.

* No age nerfs, but a Qilin's body begins to break down at 60 and dies at around 65
* Infertile, though they do retain their reproductive organs
* Proficient in manipulating raw mana (energy magic)

## Physiology

Once granted their new augmented bodies, Qilin retain a youthful appearance, not growing or ageing in the traditional sense. Their bodies maintain the appearance of their first creation throughout their new lives, although this does not stop the Qilin’s mana refinement and techniques from being honed as they age. These bodies will retain their vigor and youth throughout their lives, but they will eventually break down, passing away much earlier than a magi of equivalent age. The modifications imbued within do not allow them the same lifespan of what was imbued into humanity; such is the price of the Emperor's blessing.

## Society

When Qilin are reborn, they will often spend their first three years in the Imperial Palace and the surrounding capital of Quanzhou, performing tasks for higher ups of the palace as they learn and get used to their role as the Emperor’s hands. This “childhood” of sorts is spent relearning some decorum, unlocking the inner secrets of their new powers, and gauging their new responsibilities. Life in the Imperial Palace is highly ritualized and dictated by ceremony and protocol; however, practicality is emphasized on new Qilin, as they may not have the same resources to pull from as they do in the heart of Jianghu.

The operations of the Qilin are founded in the Tribunal, the judicial branch of Imperial government. The institution consists of the Chosen themselves, aided by their loyal retinue, leading a veritable force of scribes, enforcers, and informants to document and uphold legislation within the Jianghuren community. While there is no official hierarchy among the Qilin, seniority is highly regarded. It is not uncommon for Tribunal chapters in outlying territories to have an elder, experienced Qilin coordinating the efforts of their peers.

Romance is a complicated affair for a Qilin. While it is considered important to embody family, one of the four core tenets of the Fourfold Path, setting an individual above their duties to the Emperor is considered a grave taboo in some Tribunal chapters. Consequently, marriages involving a Qilin are astoundingly rare despite there being no official edicts discouraging such unions. Additionally, the enhanced physiology of a Qilin renders them sterile and unable to bear children.

## Abilities

Rare as they are, the Qilin are shrouded in rumours among the burgeoning population of Sheng regarding what they can do. Some, such as their encyclopedic knowledge of the laws of Jianghu and the Emperor's edicts, are common knowledge. Others, like their enhanced empathy and ability to discern innocence, are partially training and partially inherent ability. Their bodies and mana circuits are altered to help them understand the world better, although it does take years of training in order to fully master the full breadth of their gifts and abilities.

Qilin are masters of pure mana, born with an innate affinity for magic and able to manipulate it freely from conception. This talent makes them particularly proficient in energy magic, wielding it with a degree of finesse and control that is unparalleled in the known world.

Just as a Qilin may be chosen for any manner of accomplishments and contributions to Jianghu, so too does their specialty and expertise vary accordingly. Some are reborn from legendary warriors and generals, becoming the Emperor's Swords who guarantee victories on the field. Scholars and investigators are known as the Emperor's Vigil, rooting out corruption wherever it may rise and uncovering all the secrets the world and magic have to offer. Diplomats, scouts, bureaucrats, martial artists-- in any given field, the Qilin will be at the forefront.

## Price of Betrayal

Spoken of in hushed tones, there have been cases where Qilin have betrayed not only the Emperor but all of Sheng. These stories are told in the darkest of corners, many unwilling to let them see the light of day. When a Qilin betrays the Emperor, their bodies start to break down. It begins with discoloration of the skin, flaking and peeling off as blood vessels burst. Over the period of less than a decade, bones grow brittle and snap without warning, organs shrivel and fail, and muscles and memories alike fade away. In their final moments, they are left as a gaunt mess of broken bones, withered organs, and necrotic flesh. No Qilin has been documented betraying their liege and thriving for long.