Birkir
The Birkir is a magic horse breed that is available in Star Stable Online.
Timeline
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| February 24, 2022 | A teaser image of the Birkir is released on SSO's social media accounts. [1] |
| March 9, 2022 | A release date of March 16, 2022 is given for the Birkir on SSO's News page.[2] |
| March 10, 2022 | A Trailer of the Birkir is dropped on SSO's Social Media.[3] |
| March 15, 2022 | The Birkir's release date is reiterated on SSO's news page.[4] |
| March 16, 2022 | The Birkir is released for a limited time of three weeks. It is sold for 950 SC.[5] |
| November 2, 2022 | The Birkir is released for a limited time of five weeks.[6] |
| February 28, 2023 | The Birkir is released for a limited time of five weeks.[7] |
| January 24, 2024 | The Birkir is added permanently to the game for a reduced price of 450 SC through progression in the Path of Terra in Hollow Woods.[8][9] |
Description
"Jorvegian folklore abounds with tales of tree spirits appearing as horses and nearly every tree has its own story.
The Birkir is the horse of birch trees. Encountering a Birkir is a sign of a new beginning after overcoming hardship. They are most common in springtime and regularly aid lost travelers.
As spring crept over the land a grove of birch trees stirred, shaking off their winter slumber. Their waking was disturbed by a traveler in the forest, crossing back and forth.
The trees watched the traveler wander in circles before finally admitting they were lost. The traveler sat at the base of a birch tree, tears welling up in their eyes as they begged for some sign from the forest of where to go.
A breeze blew across the traveler’s cheek. When they turned they saw it was not a tree they were leaning against, but the leg of a horse. The horse was white and black with green leaves budding from its mane. The horse’s gaze offered help. Gratefully, the traveler followed the Birkir to the edge of the wood and made it safely home.
The Birkir takes after the lithe Marwari, as straight and slender as the trunks of birch trees. While they normally resemble birch trees, they can magically disguise themselves as normal horses.
Naturally brave, they are ready to dive into the next adventure with their rider."
Unique Features
Color Changing
The Birkir is a magical horse with the special ability to change colors. When the player presses the "h" key or the magic horse icon on the horse's character sheet, the horse will change from its neutral colors to its natural (magic) colors and vice versa. The horse will not change colors during races or while the player is unmounted.
The Bow
Note: The horse must reach level 7 to perform this move.
The Birkir can perform a special move called the bow. The animation can be activated by pressing the spacebar, but only when standing still, otherwise the horse will jump instead of performing the move.
The Piaffe Pirouette
While all of the horses in Star Stable will technically turn in place when a player is standing still, the Birkir has a special turn animation. When it is standing still, and the player turns their horse left or right, the horse will perform a "Piaffe Pirouette".
Colors, Pricing, and Location
The Birkir is sold for 450 SC. It can only be purchased after completing the quest from the "Birkir and Hanami's Destiny" node in the Path of Terra. After earning its trust, it can be purchased in Valedale Village.
- Natural Color: Birch tree wood textured body with green leaves mane and tail
- Neutral Color: Black Sabino
Trivia
- The Birkir uses the Marwari model.
- The Birkir was released as a pair with Hanami.
- The Birkir, like most other Magic Horses, cannot have its hairstyle changed.
- The name "Birkir" comes from Icelandic word birki meaning "birch". It is specifically used to refer to the Downy Birch (Betula pubescens).[10][11]
- The Birkir is inspired by one of the Barkharts. A one-time-only, magical horse who will not be returning to Jorvik in the future, as they were exclusive for a specific period of time.[5]
- This decision to make a similar horse was most likely made as a compromise for both the players who missed out on the Barkharts and those who did buy the one-time-only breed.
References
- ↑ Star Stable Online, “Jorvegian folklore abounds with tales of tree spirits appearing as horses and nearly every tree has its own story.” Instagram, February 24, 2022, accessed October 25, 2022, https://www.instagram.com/p/CaXPzPjsbhM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
- ↑ "Old friends and tons of bridles!" Star Stable. Star Stable Entertainment, March 9, 2022. https://www.starstable.com/en/article/11642.
- ↑ Star Stable, "Meet Birkir & Hanami!🍃🌸 | Star Stable Magic Horses ✨,” March 10, 2022, Trailer, https://youtu.be/s6VDYw_n94I.
- ↑ "Next up in Jorvik!" Star Stable. Star Stable Entertainment, March 15, 2022. https://www.starstable.com/en/article/11658.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Meet Birkir and Hanami!" Star Stable. Star Stable Entertainment, March 16, 2022. https://www.starstable.com/en/article/11672.
- ↑ "The end of Galloper’s story…for now." Star Stable. Star Stable Entertainment, November 2, 2022. https://www.starstable.com/en/article/12872.
- ↑ "Prancing Ponies Promenading!" Star Stable. Star Stable Entertainment, February 28, 2023. https://www.starstable.com/article/13207.
- ↑ "The Path of Terra" Star Stable. Star Stable Entertainment, January 24, 2024. https://www.starstable.com/article/the-path-of-terra.
- ↑ @starstableonline. “The magic is flourishing in Hollow Woods. Are you ready to garden and craft? 👀🌱” Instagram video, January 23, 2024. Accessed January 24, 2024. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2cfx6ItNCD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link.
- ↑ Mike Campbell, “Birkir,” Behind the Name, last modified April 16, 2019, https://www.behindthename.com/name/birkir.
- ↑ Wikipedia, s.v. “Betula pubescens,” last modified October 21, 2022, 08:31, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betula_pubescens.