Kirins are hooved animals of equine anatomy and size. Their bodies may express to a variety of scale variations and they commonly have antlers or some other variation of head horns. Kirins have short, smooth fur on their body, and dense, lush manes that can cover large parts of the animal. They have expressive eyes and often sport sharp canines or tusks. Their faces may be adorned with long whiskers that may be used to better sense their surroundings. They can have a height of anywhere between 12hh and 20hh and come in a huge variety of builds from sleek to bulky.
   
They average at a lifespan of 50 years, the oldest individuals were recorded to reach up to 70 at most, if kept in good health. They mature at roughly 8 years old, and will make their first attempt to start a family at this age, though in the wild young Kirins rarely find a mate before the age of 15 or older.
   
Kirins are omnivores with a strong preference for plant and fruit based diets. In summer they will be found near orchards to feed on the fruits growing on the trees. They use their horns to shake the higher branches if there is no low hanging fruit left. In winter, they rely more on hunting and scavenging if they can't find enough plant based food.

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Commonly, Kirins are gentle and peaceful. Unlikely to attack unless provoked, though not fearful of confrontation when needed. However, Kirins too are individuals and may vary from each other, it's not impossible to run into an aggressive specimen, or a kirin who is scared easily. They are curious and inquisitive creatures who quickly understand and learn new things. They may bond closely with a companion, often willing to defend them with their own life in the face of danger. Bonding with a Kirin requires respect and mutual understanding. Few Kirins will allow themselves to be haltered or ridden. A good way to bond with a Kirin is by offering them gifts, popular are sweet fruits, honey and little charms. Kirins enjoy collecting things such as shiny rocks, shells, feathers, precious gems and metals, and they will often have a small hidden hoard of things they accumulated over the years and a parent may inherit their belongings to their offspring.
   
Young Kirins lead mostly solitary lifestyles, preferring to be on their own until they find a mate. These family groups may grow to include several males or females, some of which are simply several different pairs who get along or a group of Kirins who decided to live a polyamorous life with eachother. These groups raise their offspring together and often stay together for their entire lives, and though most young Kirins will leave their family herds at 8 to 10 years old, though some stay with their parents, resulting in some herds going through several generations without disbanding.

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Courtship in Kirins is a complex and sometimes very time intensive process. Mature males and females both will often spar to test their strength and show off to their chosen mates, most of these fights are bloodless and end when the weaker fighter backs down. On top of that, they may present gifts to their chosen and attempt to make an effort by prancing and showing off near them. Young Kirins may temporarily form groups to court eachother or at least learn from their older brethren as they practice, but these groups rarely stay together for longer than a few days.

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Kirins have a complex relationship with those trying to tame or ride them, as most tend to be uninterested in being ridden or locked up. Those few who allow themselves to be ridden are very particular about how they are treated and may escape if unhappy. Being ridden, to a Kirin, is a deal they have made with their handler in exchange for good care, food and safety. Kirin stalls typically don't have a door to lock and serve as a warm shelter more than a cage. Tamed Kirins may be seen roaming near their stables, but typically don't go far if their care is good.

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Extraordinarily beautiful Kirins are often kept in big parks or palaces to serve as a sort of living decoration. Most of these Kirins are not ridden and get to live a life of luxury without having to do much for it. Even their wild cousins may sometimes wander into parks to benefit from the food and gifts laid out, but typically don't stay around or interact with any visitors.

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In wartimes, Kirins may sometimes fight alongside their handler or act as a steed, though few deem the wars of others to be of any concern to them. Those few who choose to involve themselves in the fighting often have lived with their handler for a long time and built a strong friendship with them and they often mourn their handler for months if they end up falling in battle.