Qi Lin is a special animal, deriving from Chinese classical literature, and is considered to be the second most powerful creature in this culture, behind the dragon. It can live for 2000 years, and comes only in times of prosperity.

It represents the strong positive ideas of auspiciousness, and its appearance is said to signify the birth or death of a great ruler, or the compassion and generosity of a living one.

It also appears in Japan but goes by the name of Kirin, and is placed above the dragon in order of importance.

The mixture of animal qualities that form Qi Lin can depend on which culture and which time period you look at, although it is generally agreed to have the following parts.

• The head of a dragon
• The antlers of a deer,
  or single horn of a unicorn
• The skin and scales of a fish
• The feet of an ox, horse or wolf
• The tail of a lion or cow

Qi Lin is considered a kind and gentle creature, and is subsequently vegetarian. It makes sure not to purposefully harm any other creature as long as you are good, but if you are bad, it can spit fire. Other special abilities also include walking on water, and flying.