Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Carnivora
Genus: Drakkus
Species: Luong Ki-rin
Height: 2.4 meters
Length: 4.8meters
Weight: 886 kg
Point Total to Slay: 24 points
Description:
Wrongfully referred to by European traders, adventurers and explorers as Oriental Unicorns, Kirin are actually a species of Luong (Asiatic wingless dragon) that were mistaken for Unicorns due to their hoof-like claws; bearded heads and tails; glistening, golden scales; and a pronounced, silvery horn protruding from their head slightly forward of the ears.
Kirin typically make their life among the clouds and wind currents, rarely touching the ground. It is unknown exactly how Kirin stay afloat, but they appear to propel themselves using a combination of galloping movements and snake-like slithering. Regardless, those who have seen a Kirin in flight have described it as “graceful” and “awe-inspiring.”
While Kirin typically leave humanoids alone, they are omnivorous dragons and will attack if threatened, hungry or protecting territory. As dragons, they can breathe a cone of white-hot fire that melts metal and stone within seconds. In close combat, a Kirin will unleash a fury of claw and bite attacks, as well as slash at opponents with its horn. Additionally, many have reported Kirin to be able to magically manipulate the air around them, lifting and throwing attackers with gusts of wind that are estimated to be in excess of 250 kmph.
Ordinarily, we would not go out of our way to hunt this type of beast as Kirin are typically indifferent (and even beneficial) to humans, elves and other humanoids. However, the specimen in Pavio Yaz’s menagerie goes by the name Noi Tien Duong (translated as “Anger of the Heavens”) and is noted as being, “Curiously aggressive and bloodthirsty for its kind.”
Hunting the Kirin:
We have received several reports of attacks by a “golden horse” or “sky snake” since the fall of Pavio Yaz’s laboratory and can only assume those attacks are Noi Tien Duong. Aim for the heart of the creature by targeting the softer scales on its underbelly.