(Pseudostruthio gigas)  Kians are herbivore grazers of large size, originally known from Prilissa in Trin's Veil subsector.  Due to their hardy nature, they were exported to a number of worlds as beasts of burden, and are a common sight in the coreward reaches, both in the wild and in captivity.  They are plains dwellers, travelling in herds of 10 to 60 individuals, feeding upon grasses, leaves, or similar plant matter.

Externally, the kian is a large bipedal creature with a long neck, short tail, and no other limbs (the remains of an atrophied pair of fire-limbs can be found in some species.  Kians are thickly furred, their coats showing distinctive color patterns of brown, gold, lemon-yellow, and black.  A kian's legs are powerfully muscled for fast movement over long distances.  The strudiness of their overall frames has made them a frequent choice for use as mounts and pack animals on the planets where they occur.  Kian's hearing and eyesight are extremely good, reflecting their predator-laden environment of origin.

Internally, the kian is unremarkable.  It has a closed circulatory system and an overall high metabolism which requires that it be fed 30 to 50 kilograms of vegetable matter daily.  The kian digestive system consists of two stomachs, which allows the animal to break down the toughest plant matter into digestible form.  The kian has a thick layer of fat which insulates in cooler climates and provides a degree of protection from the venomous bites or stings of some small animals.  The skeleton is strong and heavy, and is structurally not unlike that of the giant moa and other prehistoric terrestrial flightless birds.

When attacked or frightened, kians will usually flee, but if cornered are capable of delivering deadly kicks with either of their hooved feet.  The large claws projecting from the backs of the feet are only present in the male, and seem to be used solely for ritual combat between males prior to mating.

Kians can carry up to 250 kilos comfortably, and will refuse to move of overloaded.  Kians cannot tolerate thin atmospheres, and require a special filter/muzzle (Cr50) for tainted atmospheres.