Difference between revisions of "Ki-rin"

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| noapp = 1
 
| noapp = 1
 
| behaviour = solitary
 
| behaviour = solitary
| range = [[Alpine (range)|alpine]] (high), [[Woodland (range)|woodland)]]
+
| range = [[Alpine (range)|alpine]] (high), [[Woodland (range)|woodland]]
 
| size = 8 ft. at the shoulder
 
| size = 8 ft. at the shoulder
 
| weight = 4,100 lbs.
 
| weight = 4,100 lbs.
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| HD = 12
 
| HD = 12
 
| AP = 6
 
| AP = 6
| THAC0 = 12
+
| Stride = 8
 +
| THAC0 = 14
 
| hpdie = d6+d8
 
| hpdie = d6+d8
| attack = hoof/hoof & horns
+
| attack = '''4''': two [[Hoof (attack)|hooves]]; two [[Horn (attack)|horns]]
| dmg = 3–12/3–12 & 3–30/3-30
+
| dmg = hoof (3–12); horn (3-30)
| special = [[Call Lightning (spell)|call lightning]], [[Control Weather (spell)|control weather]], [[Create Food & Water (spell)|create food]] &<br>[[Minor Creation (spell)|objects]], [[Flight|flight]], [[Gaseous Form|gaseous form]], [[Roll to Hit|+3 with horns]],<br>[[Magic Resistance|magic resistance]], [[Phantasmal Feature (spell)|phantasmal feature]],<br>[[Spellcasting|spellcasting]], [[Wind Walk (spell)|wind walk]]
+
| special = [[Call Lightning (spell)|call lightning]], [[Control Weather (spell)|control weather]], [[Create Food & Water (spell)|create food &<br>water]], [[Flight|flight]], [[Gaseous Form|gaseous form]], [[Minor Creation (spell)|minor creation]],<br>[[Roll to Hit|+3 with horns]], [[Magic Resistance|magic resistance]], [[Phantasmal Feature (spell)|phantasmal<br>feature]], [[Wind Walk (spell)|wind walk]]
 
}}
 
}}
  
'''Ki-rin''' are extraordinarily powerful hooved beasts that dwell in northern Asiatic forests and atop high mountains, most importantly the Himalaya and Hindu Kush ranges.  The momentary appearance of a ki-rin before large numbers of witnesses is understood to be a presage of the imminent arrival of passing of a sage or great leader. The beasts are enormous, with the center of their back some 12 feet above the ground; their head, when lifted, reaches fully 18 feet in height.  The ki-rin has a lush mane, prodigious antlers hard as stone, tessalated fur covering its upper body and scales upon its legs and mid-tail (which ends in a large, lush festoon of soft fur).  Tufts of hair appear over the upper body.  The eyes are glistening and extraordinarily piercing.  Magic emanating from the beast creates flashes, causing some to believe that they are covered with jewels. Their voice is deep and has been described to sound like a gentle ocean's roar.
+
'''Ki-rin''' are extraordinarily powerful hooved beasts that inhabit the dense forests between India and China, particularly in the lush valleys of the Himalayas and Hindu Kush ranges.  The unexpected appearance of a ki-rin in front of a multitude of onlookers is thought to signify or forewarn a great moment, either good or bad, such as the arrival or departure of a wise or illustrious leader.
 +
[[File:Ki-rin b.jpg|left|350px|thumb]]
 +
__TOC__
 +
These colossal beings are celebrated deeply by Confucianists, Taoists and Buddhists as symbols of virtue and serenity, representing the harmony of nature and the spiritual realm.
  
[[File:Ki-rin.jpg|left|420px]]
+
They tower amid the trees, being a remarkable 12 feet tall at the center of their back, with their majestic heads reaching an astounding 18 feet.  Adorned with a luscious mane, formidable stone-like antlers, tessellated fur enveloping their upper body, and scales adorning their legs and mid-tail, the last of which culminates in a voluminous tuft of soft fur; tufts of wisphy hair graces their upper body.
They are herbivores who do not eat meat, and are extraordinarily gentle, especially with children. Though fearsome when angered, ki-rin have malice only towards the wicked, particularly if a scholar or bard is threatened.  Ki-rin can be deeply affected in the presence of great art.  They prefer to punish rather than harm, seeking to imprison rather than kill. They are adverse to hurting even the weakest of creatures, and will usually employ their magic to maintain an inch of air between themselves and the earth, to keep from crushing insects or grass. Ki-rin are considered a symbol of luck, good omens, protection, prosperity and longevity, and are often equated with the arrival of a baby to a family.
+
 
 +
The ki-rin's eyes shimmer with an extraordinarily penetrating gaze, revealing the creature's magical essence; some accounts have described parts of the creature being adorned with precious jewels. The beast's resonant voice rumbles like the gentle roar of an ocean.
 +
 
 +
== Behaviour ==
 +
These gentle giants are herbivores, abstaining from consuming meat; they exhibit exceptional tenderness, particularly towards children. While they can be formidable when provoked, ki-rin harbor malevolence only for the wicked, especially when scholars or bards are threatened.  In the presence of great art, ki-rin can be profoundly moved.  They prefer moral retribution over causing harm, aiming to confine rather than kill.
 +
 
 +
Reluctant to harm even the most fragile of creatures, they often employ their magic to hover an inch above the ground, preventing them from crushing insects or grass. Ki-rin are revered as symbols of fortune, auspicious signs, guardianship, prosperity, and longevity often associated with the arrival of a newborn into a family.
 +
 
 +
== Boons ==
 +
Numerous individuals actively seek out the ki-rin in pursuit of assistance or a favor, typically desiring a magical artifact. However, the creature rarely deigns to manifest itself for such self-centered supplicants. When the cause is undeniably noble and holds the promise of enhancing the well-being of hundreds or even thousands, the ki-rin may, on occasion, grant an audience to those who have embarked on arduous journeys and endured hardships to present their case.
 +
 
 +
With only a mere dozen of these majestic beings in existence, gaining access to them is a formidable challenge. Should they be persuaded, they might bestow a powerful item or, in dire circumstances where the adversary's might is overwhelming, personally intervene, recognizing that the questing party is ill-equipped to prevail without aid.  They consistently advocate for restraint and the pursuit of justice, yet they do not impose these principles. The creature understands the profound emotional response that humanoid beings experience when confronted by malevolence, acknowledging that, for many, exercising restraint may prove to be an insurmountable task.
  
 
== Advantages ==
 
== Advantages ==
Ki-rin perform their [[Natural Abilities|natural abilities]] as a 12th level spellcasterWhen needing to '''call lightning''', the beast will typically '''control the weather''' to produce '''threatening clouds'''. They like to keep the area of change quite small, only a mile across, to forego upsetting too many innocent creatureLikewise, it prefers to use its ability to create a '''phantasmal feature''' appearing like a stone wall, to hem in and trap its enemies.
+
Kirin possess a number of [[Natural Abilities|innate abilities]] that they can employ effortlessly, each requiring no more than 1 [[Action Points|action]] point (AP) to activate, and they can use these abilities as frequently as they desireHowever, they can only employ one such ability per [[Combat Round|round]], so they are judicious in selecting the most advantageous choice.
 +
 
 +
'''Magic.'''  This includes a range of effects resembling various spells, as though woven by a 12th level spellcasterThese effects include [[Call Lightning (spell)|call lightning]], [[Create Food & Water (spell)|create food & water]], [[Phantasmal Feature (spell)|phantasmal feature]] and [[Wind Walk (spell)|wind walk]].
 +
 
 +
: '''[[Control Weather (spell)|Control the weather]].''' This can be counted in the list above, understanding that the ki-rin primarily uses the spell to creature the necessary clouds in order to cast lighting bolt.
  
It maintains its '''wind walk''' ability almost continuously, preferring to alight fully upon the ground only when standing upon rock or snow. If seriously threatened, it will take to '''flight''', lifting itself to where it will be invulnerable to spells and missiles; it has a vast knowledge of spells and will know what a safe distance would beFrom there, it will observe the threat and decide how best to contain itIf this defense is not sufficient, it will assume '''gaseous form,''' and attempt to parley with the enemy.  It is further protected by '''90% magic resistance,''' so it has little to fear from most spellcasting.  
+
: '''[[Minor Creation (spell)|Minor creation]].'''  When [[Parley & Negotiation|parleying]], it will offer to '''create [[Food|food]]''' for its guests, which appear in a variety of bowls and tureens set upon a table with chairsThe ki-rin is able to create various household objects for the comfort of its guests, but disdains to make shelters as well.  These objects are permanent and won't dematerializeIn addition, the ki-rin is able to create any sort of [[Magic Item|magic item]] it wishes, though it will only do this under special circumstances, and will never create an item that might cause a creature to become preoccupied with the power offered.
  
 +
'''Flight.'''  These beings may take flight, though they possess no wings, being able to turn in the air and hover in place.  They prefer to do so when gaining height in order avoid attacks with missile weapons or spells.
  
WORKING...
+
'''Gaseous form.'''  Should other strategies to avoid combat fail, the ki-rin is likely to assume this form prior to an attempt to parley with an enemy. When in this form, the ki-rin can pass through small openings and cracks, making it difficult to contain or trap.
  
create food &
+
'''Horns.'''  When attacking with it's horns, the ki-rin receives a +3 bonus [[Roll to Hit|to hit]].  However, the creature often suspends using it's horns in combat unless dealing with a considerable malevolence or should it be seriously threatened.
objects, horn +3,
 
  
spellcasting
+
'''Magic resistance.''' A ki-rin's magic resistance is 90%.  This means that it's immune to any spell cast by a character of less than 10th level.
  
They sometimes aid
 
humans if properly abjured or the need to combat evil is great. They
 
sometimes travel the astral and ethereal planes.
 
The attack of a ki-rin can take the form of two powerful hoof-blows and a
 
thrust with a magically sharp (+3) horn much resembling that of a
 
unicorn. The ki-rin can also attack in other ways.
 
Ki-rin are able to employ spells of all levels at 18th level quality, 9 of the
 
Ist, 8 of the 2nd. 7 of the 3rd, 6 of the 4th, 5 of the 5th. 4 of the 6th, 3 of the
 
7th, 2 of the 8th, and 1 of the 9th during any given day. They also
 
command 4 major and 6 minior psionic disciplines, operating at ninth level
 
of mastery in all. Ki-rin can, once per day, do each of the following: create
 
nutritious food for 2-24 persons, create drinkable beverages for 2-24
 
persons, create soft goods or wooden items (up to 32 cubic feet of the
 
former, 18 cubic feet of the latter) which are permanent, create metal
 
items of relatively short life span (gold which lasts 2-5 days to adamanite
 
which lasts but 1 hour) of up to 2,000 gold pieces weight, create an illusion
 
with audial, visual, and olfactory components which lasts without
 
concentration until magicaly dispelled or touched in disbelief, assume
 
gaseous form, wind walk, call lightning, and summon weather.
 
  
When a ki-rin conjures things of the sky or which involve air, the creature
+
See also,<br>
or magic is at twice normal strength, including hit points and damage
+
[[Beast]]<br>
inflicted.
+
[[Bestiary]]<br>
Ki-rin speak their own tongue, but with their special telepathic speaking
+
[[Dispel Malevolence (spell)]]
ability they are able to converse with virtually any living thing.
 
Description: The coat of the ki-rin is luminous gold, much as a sunrise on a
 
clear day. Its mane and tail are darker gold. Its horn and hooves are
 
golden pink. Its eyes are violet. (The skin of this creature is worth 25,000
 
gold pieces if it is perfectly intact.)  
 
  
See [[Bestiary]]
+
[[Category: reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 21:27, 1 November 2023

Ki-rin
Species beast
No. Appearing 1
Behaviour solitary
Range alpine (high), woodland
Size 8 ft. at the shoulder
Weight 4,100 lbs.
Intelligence 19
Armour Class -5
Hit Dice 12
Action Points 6
Max. Stride {{{stride}}}
THAC0 14
Hp/Die d6+d8
Attack Forms 4: two hooves; two horns
Damage hoof (3–12); horn (3-30)
Special Attacks call lightning, control weather, create food &
water
, flight, gaseous form, minor creation,
+3 with horns, magic resistance, phantasmal
feature
, wind walk

Ki-rin are extraordinarily powerful hooved beasts that inhabit the dense forests between India and China, particularly in the lush valleys of the Himalayas and Hindu Kush ranges. The unexpected appearance of a ki-rin in front of a multitude of onlookers is thought to signify or forewarn a great moment, either good or bad, such as the arrival or departure of a wise or illustrious leader.

Ki-rin b.jpg

These colossal beings are celebrated deeply by Confucianists, Taoists and Buddhists as symbols of virtue and serenity, representing the harmony of nature and the spiritual realm.

They tower amid the trees, being a remarkable 12 feet tall at the center of their back, with their majestic heads reaching an astounding 18 feet. Adorned with a luscious mane, formidable stone-like antlers, tessellated fur enveloping their upper body, and scales adorning their legs and mid-tail, the last of which culminates in a voluminous tuft of soft fur; tufts of wisphy hair graces their upper body.

The ki-rin's eyes shimmer with an extraordinarily penetrating gaze, revealing the creature's magical essence; some accounts have described parts of the creature being adorned with precious jewels. The beast's resonant voice rumbles like the gentle roar of an ocean.

Behaviour

These gentle giants are herbivores, abstaining from consuming meat; they exhibit exceptional tenderness, particularly towards children. While they can be formidable when provoked, ki-rin harbor malevolence only for the wicked, especially when scholars or bards are threatened. In the presence of great art, ki-rin can be profoundly moved. They prefer moral retribution over causing harm, aiming to confine rather than kill.

Reluctant to harm even the most fragile of creatures, they often employ their magic to hover an inch above the ground, preventing them from crushing insects or grass. Ki-rin are revered as symbols of fortune, auspicious signs, guardianship, prosperity, and longevity often associated with the arrival of a newborn into a family.

Boons

Numerous individuals actively seek out the ki-rin in pursuit of assistance or a favor, typically desiring a magical artifact. However, the creature rarely deigns to manifest itself for such self-centered supplicants. When the cause is undeniably noble and holds the promise of enhancing the well-being of hundreds or even thousands, the ki-rin may, on occasion, grant an audience to those who have embarked on arduous journeys and endured hardships to present their case.

With only a mere dozen of these majestic beings in existence, gaining access to them is a formidable challenge. Should they be persuaded, they might bestow a powerful item or, in dire circumstances where the adversary's might is overwhelming, personally intervene, recognizing that the questing party is ill-equipped to prevail without aid. They consistently advocate for restraint and the pursuit of justice, yet they do not impose these principles. The creature understands the profound emotional response that humanoid beings experience when confronted by malevolence, acknowledging that, for many, exercising restraint may prove to be an insurmountable task.

Advantages

Kirin possess a number of innate abilities that they can employ effortlessly, each requiring no more than 1 action point (AP) to activate, and they can use these abilities as frequently as they desire. However, they can only employ one such ability per round, so they are judicious in selecting the most advantageous choice.

Magic. This includes a range of effects resembling various spells, as though woven by a 12th level spellcaster. These effects include call lightning, create food & water, phantasmal feature and wind walk.

Control the weather. This can be counted in the list above, understanding that the ki-rin primarily uses the spell to creature the necessary clouds in order to cast lighting bolt.
Minor creation. When parleying, it will offer to create food for its guests, which appear in a variety of bowls and tureens set upon a table with chairs. The ki-rin is able to create various household objects for the comfort of its guests, but disdains to make shelters as well. These objects are permanent and won't dematerialize. In addition, the ki-rin is able to create any sort of magic item it wishes, though it will only do this under special circumstances, and will never create an item that might cause a creature to become preoccupied with the power offered.

Flight. These beings may take flight, though they possess no wings, being able to turn in the air and hover in place. They prefer to do so when gaining height in order avoid attacks with missile weapons or spells.

Gaseous form. Should other strategies to avoid combat fail, the ki-rin is likely to assume this form prior to an attempt to parley with an enemy. When in this form, the ki-rin can pass through small openings and cracks, making it difficult to contain or trap.

Horns. When attacking with it's horns, the ki-rin receives a +3 bonus to hit. However, the creature often suspends using it's horns in combat unless dealing with a considerable malevolence or should it be seriously threatened.

Magic resistance. A ki-rin's magic resistance is 90%. This means that it's immune to any spell cast by a character of less than 10th level.


See also,
Beast
Bestiary
Dispel Malevolence (spell)