Phoenix Lands - The Shrine of the Ki-Rin

[Vutall]

The Shrine of the Ki-Rin
On a remote mountaintop in westernmost Phoenix lands rests a modest shrine. This sacred place would be easily overlooked were it not for its massive torii arch, clearly visible above the surrounding lands. Some say ki-rin still linger here in small herds among the hidden glades and rapids. Those who seek their good favor leave offerings at the shrine’s altar and hope for a glimpse of the mysterious creature

History
Not much is known about the Shrine of the Ki-Rin’s founding. According to local folklore, Lady Shinjo her-self rested on this precipice before undertaking her journey beyond the Empire. As the sun set, she spot-ted a ki-rin, a mysterious equine creature born of the Celestial Heavens. A statue was erected on the spot where the encounter took place.

Ki-rin’s Shrine is now a frequent destination of Uni-corn pilgrims as an important place in their clan’s history. A long-standing agreement permits Unicorn visitors to visit the shrine as they please, a courtesy extended even during times of strife and without need for travel papers.

Approaching the Shrine
The Shrine of the Ki-Rin is roughly a half-day’s travel from Shiro Gisu in the mountainous Asako provinces. The climb is rocky and densely forested, bordering winding rapids that cascade in a webbed network down from the plateaus into narrow valleys. Only the fiery torii arch is visible in the distance. There is no main road; the path is subtly marked at regular intervals by stone lanterns, and guides are often required in order to find them. At dawn or dusk, travelers might hear the distant sound of taiko drums rolling down from the high crest of the mountains.

Eventually, the ground smooths into a worn path along the frequent cascades. The refreshing breeze grows colder as travelers push upward. At last, the for-est gives way to bare rocks and lone pines in the chill mountain air. The path passes under a torii and leads up to the massive arch that dominates the rounded peak. Beyond the second peak is a plateau, offering a breathtaking view of Phoenix lands to the east and south, and the Dragon Heart Plains unfurling due west.

Those expecting the elaborately grand architecture typical of Phoenix shrines are likely to be disappoint-ed. Instead, a handful of humble buildings encircle the mountain shelf: several buildings housing living quarters and a one-room administrative office. There is no worship hall, no meditative garden, and no honden to hold the shintai. Instead, the shrine consists of a single statue, a marble ki-rin entwined with sculpted flames facing the Great Wall of the North Mountains. Its eyes are set with jade, and a thick shimenawa rope encircles its neck. Across the stone pedestal, ancient words are carved: “Look to the horizon, for the visions there are footsteps of the future.” Offerings sprawl around the statue’s feet, including sliced cabbage, polished acorns, dishes of sake, and incense cones that coat the nose with anise and spicy clove.

The shrine’s wardens are a small and tight-knit group. The head priest, a middle-aged man named Hinoki, has recently come into his position. He walks the status tightrope as a priest who is in charge of a major shrine but is not of noble birth. A handful of shrine keepers tend to the shrine’s daily affairs, sweeping, blessing the grounds, and assisting pilgrims.

A new addition to the shrine is Kaito Hinowa, a rustic shrine keeper from the Kaito family. Pledged to defend shrines from spiritual imbalance, the Kaito’s esoteric traditions have led Hinowa to Ki-Rin’s Shrine. She feels the kami want her to remain here and protect the shrine’s sacred ground. No priest would turn down a Kaito’s protection. However, Hinoki wishes he could, for although Hinowa means well, she is unfamiliar with the shrine’s unique customs and has made herself a nuisance. Out of respect for her station he dare not turn her away, but Hinoki’s patience is reaching its limits.

The Ki-Rin
The ki-rin is among Rokugan’s least understood mystical creatures. It is believed that ki-rin are native to Tengoku, but they roam throughout the Spirit Realms in herds. According to local folklore, they only appear before the very virtuous and the very wicked, bestowing blessings on the former and curses on the latter

The ki-rin’s most common appearance is that of a horse or deer wreathed in flame and smoke, with the head of a dragon and the tail of either a tiger or an ox. Some claim they have a single horn protruding from their forehead, while others say they have two back-ward-pointed antlers. Phoenix texts claim ki-rin can look into the hearts of mortals and know their karma. Unicorn folklore says they are so compassionate they walk on air to avoid harming even the smallest blade of grass.

Whispered Rumors
The ki-rin appears to someone nearly every day, but only when they are alone.

Strange cloven tracks were discovered near the shrine. They were burned into the ground, leaving scorches on stone and embers in the soil. But the next day, no trace of them remained.

The border patrols from Shiro Gisu grow more frequent while Unicorn pilgrims are being shadowed by Shiba scouts. Effects of the rising tensions between the Phoenix and Unicorn are felt even here.