Kirin

## Introduction

In Equestria, Kirin are viewed as a mystical species that roam the groves of the Peaks of Peril (until Element Bearers Applejack and Fluttershy make contact in 1008DCE).

## Ancient Equestria

Very few sorceresses were able to traverse the long journey to get to the secluded forests, most notably was Sparkle Cloverleaf, or Clover the Clever. In her quest to map out and find settlements to join the new Equestrian Empire, she stumbled across the Peaks of Peril. Inside she found the Kirin, who greeted her with open hooves. She was enamoured by them, but knew she had to return quickly to help Princesses Celestia and Luna.

## Physical Attributes

Kirin are almost like a hybrid between an Eastern Dragon and an Equestrian Unicorn, however their magic is much different to either species. They have one horn, much like a Unicorn, however it grows similar to a Deer's antlers. They also go through a yearly molt; this shed Kirin Velvet can be quite useful in a variety of potions and other magical doings. It is a rich, dark red colour, with lighter spaces that fill with a Kirin's mana when they do magic. They have scales down their forehead and along their muzzle, along their back, and on the front of their legs. These scales are rock hard and are able to shield from most types of magic. Their scales and hooves are usually the same colour. Their mane is thick and curly, growing around to their chest similar to that of a lions mane. They have the same leonine tails as Unicorns, however their hair travels up the tail limb as opposed to Unicorns who have hair just at the end of their tail. They have wider ears than ponies, with the tips of their ears being the same size as the base of their ears, instead of the almost soft 'point' ponies ears end at. All Kirin have a strip of colour around the tips of their ears. They also have fetlock fur, and on their back knees have a small amount of hair the same colour and type as their mane. Overall, Kirin are usually muted colours compared to ponies, and very earthy, such as dark blues, greens, browns, cream colours, etc.

## Magic & Cutie Marks

While Kirin do not have a traditional Cutie Mark, the pattern of lighter velvet on their horns is entirely unique and is said to appear after a Kirin's first molt, which is said to occur after they perform a task that they quite enjoy.

The magic Kirin use includes the basics (such as levitation, etc.) however is much more elemental/plant based. In their regular form it is plant based; making plants grow, stop, pollinate, bloom, etc as well as general control of plants. However, their elemental magic is much weaker. This becomes stronger based on their emotions. When a certain emotion grows strong enough, they can transform into one of 4 forms. Nirik for anger, Ikirn for sorrow, Kiirn for joy, and Rikin for terror. Equestrian Kirin have only been able to tap into Nirik for reasons that will be discussed later. It is only thanks to Applejack and Fluttershy that Equestrian Kirin were able to discover their other elemental forms.

## Elemental Forms

### Nirik

The fiery forms Kirin take when they are overwhelmed with anger. Their bodies turn coal black, their scales ash grey, eyes flaming white and horns fading to the same white from their black coats. Their mane, tail, hoof fur, and back knee hair turns to blazing blue, red and purple flames. Same as their eyebrows. Their omnivorous teeth become entirely carnivorous, thick jagged teeth like a wolf. The only way to tell the difference between them is the shape of their horns.

The most common form out of each; usually seen when sudden anger forms (betrayal, fights, wars, affairs, etc.). Nirik are the bare bones survival instincts of Kirin, and are known to bare their teeth, growl, and snap like non-sentient animals. Bloodlust is not uncommon, but their strength varies on reason and control a Kirin has. Their roar and voice sounds like the deep crackling of a raging forest fire, their thundering hooves like the felling of burnt trees. The ability to understand what they're saying depends on whether you yourself are a Nirik, or the amount of control a Nirik has on their anger. Their magic is fire based, thus those who have turned Nirik will usually find a safe place to burn off, or will direct their anger and magic towards something that needs fire.

### Ikirn

The watery forms Kirin take when overwhelmed with deep sorrow. Their bodies turn deep blues with a water-like pattern on their coat. Their scales, hooves, and tips of horn turn a pale blue. Their mane, fetlock fur, and back knee hair turns into white cap waves. Their eyes glow a deep blue. Most commonly seen after devastating news; a death, betrayal, sudden life changing news. Kirin in these forms are more likely to lie down and appear as puddles with their watery mane. Their abyssal blue eyes constantly have tears flowing, and if you take your eyes off them its possible for them to drift away as if atop a stream. Their magic is more focused on water control and generation as a means to escape the situation. Ikirn usually isolate themselves within bodies of water to release their sorrow without flooding their homes.

### Kiirn

The form Kirin take when feeling light as air, with such sudden high joyful moments. Most commonly seen after large announcements, such as a birth, school acceptance, accomplishing dreams, etc. Their eyes glow warm with sunshine, while their bodies are almost transparent and their mane is a pale yellow that floats in a non-existent breeze. In this form, Kirin are more languid and smiley, and are shown to purr. Their laughter sounds like a breeze through wind chimes, but if they laugh too much they float away beyond control, though this is more common in younger Kirin. Their magic is focused on air.

### Rikin

When stricken with fear, dread, terror, etc. Kirin transform into the mighty Rikin. Most commonly seen in life or death situations, and are seen to fight alongside Nirik. Their coats turn to a light grey, and their scales and hooves are an almost black grey. Their mane, etc. become dark storm clouds with regular flickering lightning within it. Their eyes glow a plasma blue-white, and their horns fade to the same colour. Their hooves sound like thunder when they run, and their voices when severely distressed sounds like crackling plasma. Between this and the Nirik, Rikin are usually in more control, and instead use their stormy mane and magic to keep away whatever is making them fearful.