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[Lore] Qilin


Bellosh

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Qilin - Mystical as the Moon

 

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(Art by community artist Zeig)

 

When somepony envisions the eastern land of Long Guo, one of the first things that usually comes to mind are the spellbinding Qilin. Part-pony, part-deer, and part-dragon, the Qilin gracefully takes traits from all three of the former and blends them into an unique, harmonious form. Although it is inaccurate to refer to Qilin as “Long Guo Unicorns,” these draconic ungulates are certainly just as magical as their Equestrian counterparts.

 

Like the equines of Equestria, the Qilin of Long Guo are endowed with pony-esque bodies. Shared attributes include similar sizes, vividly colored coats, and manes. Qilin are also capable of earning cutie marks through the coming-of-age rite of discovering what makes them unique, in the very same fashion as other pony foals.

 

Other physical features of the Qilin differentiate them from equines. Deer-like characteristics include slenderer physiques than ponies, cloven hooves, and straight-growing antlers on their heads. A long, thin tail extends from a Qilin’s rear, complete with a thick tuft of hair on its underside. Additional tufts protrude from each ankle, of the same color as the rest of the Qilin’s hair. When in a gallop, it is said that a Qilin’s flowing tufts create the illusion of a creature burning with a sacred fire.

 

What truly makes the Qilin (and their Longma cousins) remarkable are their connections to Serpent Dragons. Uniformed scaling covers a Qilin’s underbelly and snout, while miscellaneous scales are found on its back and haunches. Most important of all however is a Qilin’s dragonbreath, for that is how a Qilin manifests their magic. Even though a Qilin’s breath will never be as powerful as that of a true dragon’s, it is capable of producing a wide variety of spells. Qilin schoolchildren are taught the basics of dragonbreath, but most will go on to only master those advanced abilities that correspond to their special talent.

 

Compared to their fellow winged Longma, Qilin have a reputation for having a greater attachment to farm work, presenting themselves as more cultivated, meditating for long periods before acting, and relying on breath sorcerery. Obviously, many Qilin cannot be pigeonholed by such expectations, but oftentimes a grain of truth exists behind each stereotype. And the truth is that the physical differences between the Qilin and Longma contribute to the duality that makes Long Guo a more dynamic and cultured nation.

 

Note: Due to linguistic and regional factors, Qilin, Qirin, and Kirin are all acceptable spellings (although outside of Neighpon, "Kirin" generally refers to a related but distinct offshoot species of draconic equine).

~Journey to the Dragon Kingdom

Dr. Tong Zei & Ash Ravencrest

 

Additional concept sketches by Zeig:

Spoiler

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