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Published: 2013-07-16 05:57:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 52474; Favourites: 975; Downloads: 149
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Description
For a while now, I've been working on my own version of an "Asian" race in the MLP: FIM. I would like to see the show expand on other regions, sort of how they hinted at with Saddle Arabia and all. I already designed my Baby Asian dragon Lián: MLP:FIM Baby Asian Dragon More LianI had, long ago, decided to work on a Qilin race, but trying to develop an original look and to keep true to the origins of these creatures of Asian mythology was a bit of a challenge. Not to mention trying to come up with a name for their "Homeland".
Now, before people start commenting with "Those are Great Ponies!" let's get something straight here. I am a person of Asian descent, I take great pride in my heritage and roots, so I appreciate it if people Read my descriptions thoroughly, are respectful of my standing, and don't try to trample me with trollish flames, spam, or anything that may insult me culturally.
Qilin are not "Ponies". A Qilin is a beast composed of the head of a dragon or tiger, mane of a lion, the hooves of an ox or horse, the tail of a lion or ox, scales of a fish, and it can have either 1 or 2 horns/antlers. It depends on the area of the Orient that the parts of the Qilin are derived from. In Asia, Qilin are considered to be more closely related to Dragons. With how they are constructed, westerners should more correctly classify them as Chimeras, because by definition, a Chimera is "mythical or fictional animal with parts taken from various animals".
I've seen others make their own versions of Qilin, some are very impressive, others could use more research into Asian Lore. Most stuck to the Japanese Kirin, probably because of the popularity and influence of Anime. Its basically the same creature, just spelled/written differently from another Asian region. I stuck with the original Chinese/Tibetan name of Qilin for the species. I even thought of going for the Korean name of Gilin, but I decided against it because in the spoken Korean language, the "G" is pronounced like a "K", and that would only confuse people.
The Region that my Qilin hail from is called Neigh-Beyul. Its a play off of a real place in Nepal called Nghe-Beyul Khimpalung, one of the Seven designated Bhuddist Shangri-Las. The name "Nghe" means "Sacred Place" and "Beyul" is a hidden valley. I replaced Nghe with Neigh because it looks similar, and the Sherpa annunciation is close too. "Neigh" just gives it reference to the MLP world.
Neigh-Beyul is a land of Balance and Harmony. It is a kingdom that is ruled over by an Emperor and Empress (These are them), and it is a key region to ensure that all elements of nature remain equal and stable.
Here are the rulers of Neigh-Beyul. The Empress, Lady Yin and the Emperor Lord Yang. Yes, it is a play off the Yin-Yang, and they are designed to reflect the aspects of the two symbols. Both are designed with aspects of all 4 of the other Qilin races (Earth Qilin, Wind Qilin, Fire Qilin and Metal Qilin. Why is there no "Water Qilin"? Because Water is the domain of the Dragons.) and are the avatars of Elemental Balance in Neigh-Beyul. They are designed with opposing details and color schemes (The color scheme is similar to how I colored my Princes of Space and Time, which was unintentional). They bear antlers which strengthens their power and rule, and is a sign of a crown on their heads (The antlers are designed like Chital antlers, a deer native to southern Asia). Both rule as equals, with neither overpowering the other. Should the balance of power shift at all, the lands and dwellers of Neigh-Beyul would fall into elemental chaos.
Lady Yin is a pure representation of all that is Yin; Female, Negative, Night, Moon, Passive, Intuitive, Cold, Soft.
She is keeper of all things negative and dark. Some fear her as the bringer of darkness, who can summon nightmares and monsters to punish the wicked. Her personality is kind, yet manipulative. She takes pleasure in her dark enchantments and ability to sway others with her silver tongue.
Lord Yang is a pure representation of all that is Yang; Male, Positive, Day, Sun, Active, Logical, Hot, Hard.
He is the keeper of all things positive and light. He is seen and a benevolent bringer of justice, who blesses the pure-hearted, and brings warmth to the lands. His personality is stern and unmoving. He is very proud of his ways and traditions, and is not hesitant to assert his position with a show of strength.
Those they rule over:
Earth Qilin:
Wind Qilin:
Fire Qilin:
Metal Qilin:
Please do not use my Artwork to create your own "custom" base. You're not allowed to trace or use my art for Bases on DeviantART or any other website for distribution.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic style © Hasbro and Lauren Faust
The Qilin of Neigh-Beyul © Me
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Comments: 180
flick4me In reply to ??? [2014-06-22 15:04:21 +0000 UTC]
AWESOME
If you ever want to take requests Tell me! I would love to have one of these!
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TheTimeTraveler In reply to ??? [2014-06-21 04:19:05 +0000 UTC]
This is B-E-AUtiful! Nice job. You know you ought to share this with the creator of "Historical Equestria", she's called Ladytekenge I think but the show is on YT. She uses Qilin in Equestria's history. Perhaps you two can swap notes on this.
Anyway good job.
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SaturnGrl In reply to TheTimeTraveler [2014-06-21 18:38:08 +0000 UTC]
Thanks, I looked up her videos. Very informative series. Although the segment she goes into seems to be centered around the Japanese Kirin, while my characters are centered on Chinese Qilin. Basically, they are the same species, but they differ in details. I've studied other fan renditions of Qilin, Kirin, and a few Gilin, and they all have various differences that make them unique. Asia itself in reality is a very wide and diverse culture and race, so it is easily implemented that more than one kind of these mythical creatures would exist.
I think the only debate is what to call the Equestiran "Far East". I've heard some refer to it as "Haysia" but that sounds a bit...dry to me, pardon the pun. I know most countries in Equestria have horse/pony themed names, but since the Far East would encompass more than just equines, I would think we'd need a name that suits more diversity than just horses and ponies.
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Tall-Jake In reply to ??? [2014-05-03 15:06:56 +0000 UTC]
I saw that this is under creative commons but I just wanted to ask for permission to use this as a base for a scetch. May I?
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SaturnGrl In reply to Tall-Jake [2014-05-04 04:34:36 +0000 UTC]
I'd rather you not use these characters as a base. These two are special.
I did make a base for the other races of Qilin that you can find here: fav.me/d6ajtgc
I actually use Photoshop to make these characters and I built the base template to be really easy to use to create your own Qilin type character.
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Tall-Jake In reply to SaturnGrl [2014-05-04 06:43:11 +0000 UTC]
Thank you. It didn't have to be these two exactly, I just need a basic outline that I can edit.
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SaturnGrl In reply to Tall-Jake [2014-05-04 18:52:09 +0000 UTC]
Okay. You can use the templates that I linked.
I just ask that you put the proper credits to me and the original deviation when you post your artwork.
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Shiori-Sora In reply to ??? [2014-02-25 03:24:41 +0000 UTC]
I love these Concepts. Very detailed, and fit quite nicely into the MLP world. Now i am wondering, Is Neigh-Beyul a place. Like Saddle Arabia is Saudi Arabia. Just Curious. Lovely Art.
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SaturnGrl In reply to Shiori-Sora [2014-02-25 04:07:16 +0000 UTC]
It is a mysterious region within a country. As mentioned, its like Shangri-la, a mystical paradise hidden away from the outside world deep within the Kunlun Mountains. Mystical and spectacularly beautiful evergreen places where no one gets old. It is told that, in case of great cataclysm, life will remain only in these seven areas of the world.. According to Bhuddist beliefs, there are at least 7 different "Shangri-la" Beyuls hidden throughout the Himalayan mountains. Neigh-Beyul would basically be one of these valleys and its own settlement.
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Shiori-Sora In reply to SaturnGrl [2014-03-11 05:48:54 +0000 UTC]
Ah, okay. That makes sense. Perhaps I did not read it correctly. Thank you!
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Miranja [2014-02-18 06:19:43 +0000 UTC]
Those are amazing! Great job. I love the back story, I had never heard of this creature, but after reading your description, I feel like you really hit spot on!
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SaturnGrl In reply to Miranja [2014-02-18 12:29:34 +0000 UTC]
I'm glad you like them. I did base these creatures on Asian lore of Qilin, so I hope its as close to spot on as I can get.
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mamaFoxi In reply to ??? [2014-02-18 04:57:49 +0000 UTC]
I love the Kirin designs. The Kirin are one of my favourite mythological races. I based a character of mine, Silver Blossom, loosely on Kirin. Such a creature of Luck and Fortune. I really wish they weren't so fearful of humans.
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SaturnGrl In reply to mamaFoxi [2014-02-18 12:24:42 +0000 UTC]
Thanks for the comment. ^_^
Qilin (Kirin is Japanese) are not fearful of humans. Like unicorns, they seek out and protect the pure, and punish the wicked. They are guardians basically.
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Hellsender In reply to ??? [2013-12-12 07:17:10 +0000 UTC]
Being of Asian myself and lover of mythological creatures, I'm very curious about this society of Qilin that you've created. What is it like and how is it different to Equestria?
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LupineGamer In reply to ??? [2013-10-16 01:46:22 +0000 UTC]
Wait, I thought Kirin could fly without the need of wings?
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SaturnGrl In reply to LupineGamer [2013-10-16 05:56:34 +0000 UTC]
Qilin (Kirin) traditionally don't actually fly, but the myths have said they never trample the grass they walk on and they could walk on water.
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LupineGamer In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-10-16 09:45:00 +0000 UTC]
Kinda like Suquin (or however you spell that pokemon's name)...I think he was a kirin...I don't know.
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SaturnGrl In reply to LupineGamer [2013-10-16 09:52:28 +0000 UTC]
Not really. Suicune was more dog/wolf-like, despite people identifying the three legendaries as "Legendary Cats". (Raikou and Entei looked more like cats to me). Qilin have more like a horse/deer body, and other animal features and dragons. Qilin are more like Asian Chimeras.
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LupineGamer In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-10-16 10:08:51 +0000 UTC]
Good point, I thought he was a kirin because of that horn thing on his for head. Raikou did look like a cat but Entei, to me at least, looked like a lion.)
It's funny because at one point Kirins were thought to have been more powerful than dragons but the chinese chose the dragon or the kirin as the imperial symbol. They still remain one of the sacred animals but they are practically unheard of.
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SaturnGrl In reply to LupineGamer [2013-10-16 22:03:58 +0000 UTC]
Only unheard of to those who don't research and learn about Asian culture. ^_^
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LupineGamer In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-10-16 23:15:46 +0000 UTC]
I thought I knew almost everything but then I stumbled upon an mlp OC who was a kirin and I was like "The east has its own version of UNICORNS too?!?!?! and they look like DRAGONS?!?!?!" I was so stoked that I did so much research and after playing that beautiful game OKAMI, I was driven to make a comic which would introduce the eastern spectrum of mythology as well as expand the readers mind into looking past the shallow surface of the world...so to speak.
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LupineGamer In reply to ??? [2013-10-16 01:44:34 +0000 UTC]
UGH, I love these!!!
but if it come a reality it would mean that my Ponysona would be obliterated, even though she isn't a full blooded kirin. She is actually a half breed kirin. Daughter of a pegasus stallion and Kirin mare.
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LupineGamer In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-10-16 09:56:51 +0000 UTC]
I would have to explain why she isn't an alicorn and I would probably become an outcast....kinda like in real life (I welcome this fact but it compromises my plans for a comic I am working on) topped with the fact that I am in no way of Asian decent. I am actually from Puerto Rico. (Which is why she is so colorful) and you got yourself Trollz galore.
Listen to me rant again, I thought I had sopped doing that!!!
I REALLY LIKE THESE!!!
Oh and here is Brush Stroke if you want to know what she looks like:
lupinegamer.deviantart.com/art…
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SaturnGrl In reply to LupineGamer [2013-10-16 22:10:29 +0000 UTC]
Nah, one never needs to explain their art. My Qilin are not Pegacorns (I refuse to use the term "Alicorn") and I don't have to tell people the hows and whys about it aside from what is stated in my description. And just because she's an outcast, doesn't mean she would be obliterated. Qilin are about peace, harmony, and balance, and I wanted to emphasize that with the culture I created with my Qilin.
Granted, your character is unique due to her breeding circumstances and your own cultural influence, but that is no reason for anyone to seek to destroy her. She would be welcome in Neigh-Beyul anytime, so long as she herself doesn't cause trouble. ^_^
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LupineGamer In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-10-16 23:11:24 +0000 UTC]
Well, thats the reason I chose the Kirins because of their peaceful demeanor. I am a huge pacifist and will go out of my way to stay out of trouble so yeah Brush Stroke won't cause problems in Neigh-Beyul and the citizens of Neigh-Beyul are welcome in Puerto Pinto any time.
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1aundulxaldin In reply to ??? [2013-08-26 14:02:28 +0000 UTC]
The asian motifs do it for me. This is a high class illustration.
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ZenAquaria In reply to ??? [2013-08-14 05:40:23 +0000 UTC]
As another person of Asian descent, I must applaud you for your distinction and great amount of work put into both the research and the building of the world around these wonderful creatures. I was going to undertake a version of an Eastern Elements of Harmony based on Feng Shui, myself, but you've practically already got it and I wouldn't want to step on any toes!
Absolutely fantastic!
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SaturnGrl In reply to ZenAquaria [2013-08-14 22:26:16 +0000 UTC]
Thank you! But don't let my art stop you from your own inspirations. I'd like to see your ideas brought to life through art.
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ZenAquaria In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-08-16 07:24:19 +0000 UTC]
You're welcome!
I always prefer to make sure that folks know that any ponies, names, themes and places I may render are purely coincidental with the renderings of others.
Courtesy thing, y'know? So drama involving people who follow someone else much more visible than me stays off my page. x_x
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SaturnGrl In reply to ZenAquaria [2013-08-16 21:42:49 +0000 UTC]
Yeah, I had an incident like that earlier, but really, I think no one should have to justify the art that they do, even if it does have coincidental similarities.
The only art I object to...and I don't even consider it art, is when people trace/recolor or copy directly from an original piece. I have zero tolerance for art thieves.
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ZenAquaria In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-08-17 01:20:35 +0000 UTC]
I think I saw that one.
But aye, coincidences are coincidences, and I wish folks would give people the benefit of the doubt. x_x Unless, like you say, the art is clearly and blatantly traced/recolored/edited. I fly the anti-thievery banner, as well. I've never been stolen from, nor done any, and I would like to keep it that way.
Bases are a whole other ballpark; there've been lots of debates on those. I don't like them, generally speaking, unless they're original bases. I.e., not pulled from a screencap of a show or game. But it's usually a contextual and circumstantial thing.
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SarcasticUnicorn In reply to ??? [2013-08-12 02:22:10 +0000 UTC]
Feathers, frills, antlers and scales. Always a winning combination.
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Randina42 In reply to ??? [2013-08-04 20:02:53 +0000 UTC]
You did an amazing job! Really nice qilins and I love the info.
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SaturnGrl In reply to Randina42 [2013-08-06 21:36:05 +0000 UTC]
Thank you! I'm glad you like them.
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dragonofbrainstorms [2013-08-03 01:02:05 +0000 UTC]
have ya considered doing sun wukong mlp fim style?
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SaturnGrl In reply to dragonofbrainstorms [2013-08-03 06:26:19 +0000 UTC]
No, actually. I didn't think about putting in the monkey king. I don't know where he would fit in with the Qilin, other than possibly making him lord of a different Asian-themed province.
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dragonofbrainstorms In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-08-03 14:22:23 +0000 UTC]
This is Chinese themed right?
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