Qilin (Kirin)

The noble and holy creature that is bound to, and chooses, one that would be known as the Great Ruler to save the world from Calamity, and would earn the title of Emperor of Heaven. As creatures of benevolence, a Qilin serves as the Ruler’s advisor until the Ruler’s death and will bow only before its Ruler. No matter if the Qilin objects they cannot go against their master's orders, even if that means killing someone.

Should a Ruler lose the way and begin to govern in a way that violates the mandates presented to them upon ascending their throne, the Qilin will be struck with an illness known as Haze. The disease is often fatal and the death of the Qilin will result in the death of their Ruler soon afterward; however, should a monarch manage to return to the way or renounce their throne and die, a Qilin can recover from Haze to search for a new ruler.

A Qilin’s source of power is the single horn that is located on their forehead. Qilin, in both human and true form, loath people (with the possible exception of their Ruler) touching their horn. While in human form the horn is only visible as a light freckle.

Among other abilities, they are known to be the swiftest creatures in the world, capable of riding upon the winds. They are extremely, extremely rare and cannot be easily found, that’s why they are hunted for their legendary existence. It has been described that a Qilin’s blood, horn and everything about it is linked to various high-quality medicines including Immortality.