They were initially going to be called qilins, until I realized that "qilin" is just another name (among others) for kirins... Not wanting to seem unoriginal, I stuck a pair of wings on them because that's obviously the most original thing one can do... Whoops... And thus, we have the glittery abominations that are winged kirins.
I will probably update this with a more fittingly-sized sprite for the adult some time next week, just to keep things consistent. Not to my liking but I think I've gotten my point across.
The fabricated name stems from two sources:
Oneirocritic - An interpreter of dreams (the original Greek spelling retains the "Oni")
Keros - The horn of an animal
The Design_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Egg:
Description:
This egg gives off a surreal glow, inspiring feelings of tranquility.
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Hatchling:
Description:
While any sort of interaction between fia pucas and torveus dragons is a rare occurrence often limited by the dimensions of either creature, sometimes conditions that encourage the production of offspring arise. Since these conditions are often met artificially with the help of magi and occur rarely in the wild, these cousins to kirins are not often beheld. Onikeros are born bizarrely precocious, lacking only the dream-retrieving antlers possessed by adults. Hatchlings are born with the ability to outmaneuver most would-be predators, since neither parent is usually willing to care for an offspring of such unfamiliar characteristics. Their manes, already present upon hatching, billow effortlessly behind them as they glide across windy plains and through coniferous forests. If a hatchling becomes startled it may unwittingly produce a miasma of transcendent fire, a power that they attain more control over as they age. As an onikeros grows, it sheds its scales biannually in thin individual golden leaflets that are coveted by artisans. Adults cease to shed their scales, but constantly slough away the portions of their antlers that have become naturally inert.
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Adult:
Description:
Thought to be omens of good fortune if seen by those who harbor pure intentions, onikeros sightings are known to coincide with the passing of illustrious sages. Known colloquially as “winged kirins”, these creatures are often perceived as being enigmatic and aloof. While their wings are useless in flight, they allow instead for extended clearance over obstacles by propelling graceful vaults and leaps. Onikeros have the unusual tendency to walk on the tips of their hooves and leave objects such as grass and plants undisturbed within their wake, leading to the myth that they are wholly benign and will refuse to harm even young seedlings. Though onikeros are generally tolerant, the myth that they are pacifists is false, as they have been known to spin a transcendent flame using their breath when threatened. The flame does not cause any perceptible damage, but instead drains the life force of living creatures. Long-term exposure to the flames of an onikeros will result in coma-like symptoms, but an onikeros is often content to simply leave the vicinity of an aggressor after inducing lethargy. It is also rumored that their flames can temporarily produce intense hypnagogic hallucinations, inspiring provocation from the foolishly curious. Wealth is also ascribed to onikeros, an association that likely stems from the hoarding habits of the dragons capable of begetting them. Another myth claims that any evil spirit foolish enough to come into contact with the tusks of an onikeros will be turned into gold or similar riches, and it is said that the onikeros will then swallow these treasures in order to protect them. The true power of onikeros resides in the slender antlers that both genders develop, thought to act as dowsing rods in the matter of dream retrieval. Magi that are bonded with an onikeros have been known to meditate with these creatures, since only a tranquil mind may experience an onikeros’ ability to facilitate the vivid recollection of forgotten dreams. The subject of whether onikeros extract dreams in an unmodified state or fill in missing details themselves has been widely debated in the past, with recent evidence suggesting conclusively that they are not capable of making alterations. Many magi find onikeros to be incredibly soothing companions, as they are gentle and may occasionally emanate a hollow hum reminiscent of leaves caught in a sudden updraft or wind chimes stirred by a light breeze. Despite their patient dispositions, onikeros will refuse any rider, including magi they have extensive histories with; attempts to mount an onikeros always end in being thrown to the ground with intense force, even if the creature makes no bucking motions.
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Thus concludes this entry. Thanks for reading!
I know winged-creature entries are popular with this contest, but I'm honored to be getting positive feedback in spite of that.
