Longma

As seen in

The longma is an ancient animal, first appearing in mythology - and then, after Moliliexia - The Rift, appearing in reality.
It has the general appearance/body of a horse, with the scales common to the Draconidae, curly hair on its back, gleaming scaled wings, wild curly mane and tail, antlers, and double pupils in its eyes. The scales can be of any colour, but are most often white, black, yellow, red, green, or blue. The mane and hair are either white or black. It is eight chi, five cun high at the shoulder, at least.
There are some who confuse it with the Qilin, but they serve two different purposes, and the qilin are much more common.
The longma is the vital spirit of Tianxiajie. In mythology, it was considered to be a sign of the approach of a legend-worthy sage-ruler. Since The Rift, it has appeared at the founding of a number of Jiaopai, and at the ascension of three of the rulers of Zhongguo over the last two centuries - those who have then worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people.
The appearance of a longma to a person tends to be regarded as a sign of both approbation and upcoming heavy responsibility. As a result, while many commoners regard it as a sign that the person must be respected, the vast majority of those approached have been more uncertain of how they should feel. The longma's presence very much sums up the phrase, "With great power comes great responsibility."
Because the longma represents great power as well as great responsibility, its use as a heraldic animal is greatly restricted, only allowed to those who have actually been approached by one (or to organizations they have founded). This has been law since the rule of the Shang Dynasty, and has never been challenged.

Notables Associated With

• Wu Shenzhen, Founder of the Baoyu Sect, in 2193 LYC
• Lin Yueshan, in 3221 LYC
• Dai Mingyu, in 3221 LYC

Scientific Name

Longdracus equinus

Idioms

• Where the longma strides, there must great need be.
  Meaning: The longma only appears when someone who can handle great responsibility is present. Therefore, they tend to appear most often in places where help is greatly needed.
• Like unto one chosen by the longma!
  Meaning (praise): Praise for a person who is highly respected for both their power and their shouldering of responsibility.
  Meaning (sarcastic): An insult meaning that no longma would come near them - that they have neither the power nor the sense of responsibility to attract one. (This is the sort of insult that can - and has - started clan wars.)

by Rin Garnett