Unicorn

"A pure and holy creature, capable of curing any disease or wound. To slay it is the ultimate sin."

Unicorns are said to be the embodiment of life itself, a creature of holy energy. It is one of the few creatures in the world with a strong affinity for spiritual magic and is capable of wielding it as it sees fit. While thought to be intelligent on par with it's distant cousin, the Kirin, it has been proven otherwise by the rare druid able to lure one in for a chat.
Unicorns are often referred to by another name, though usually only applied to the black females; Nightmare. This name has come about with the discovery of the toxic components of Unicorn Blood. Too much raw unicorn blood can stain skin even through the thickest of gloves and cause traumatic nightmares, making butchering a unicorn a hellish task.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A unicorn appears similar to the plain horse. They are sexually dimorphic with males possessing white fur, gold hair, gold blood, and a silver horn. Females possess black fur, silver hair, silver blood, and a gold horn. Their hooves match their horns in coloration. Due to their blood color, their meat is respectively gold or silver depending on the sex of the creature. They are lean and tall, their tails more like a lion's than a horse. Males tend to have a goatee growing in the color of their hair.

Genetics and Reproduction

Unicorns reproduce sexually. Females carry for up to a year. Like horses, they are able to influence when they give birth.

Growth Rate & Stages

Like horses, Unicorns have six life stages: Foal: birth to 3~6 months Weanling: 3~6 months to one year old Yearling: 1~2 years old Adolescent: 2~3 years old Adulthood: 4~15-20 years old Senior: 15~20 - 20~25 years old
A foal is born without it's horn. Like horses, it's hooves are covered in a soft protective 'Slipper' that fall off 24-48 hours after birth. The horn begins to develop shortly after the 48 hour mark.

Ecology and Habitats

Unicorns are primarily herbivorous creatures and have a large grazing ground. They thrive in forests and plains.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Unicorns primarily eat vegetation but will also eat anything unfortunate enough to be in that vegetation when they graze. They require around 2% of their body weight in food daily.

Biological Cycle

A Unicorn gains one 'loop' on the spiral structure every week until reaching it's full size. Like deer antlers, the horn is shed every year in spring, rubbed off on trees or rocks. Unlike deer, it is replaced quite quickly, reaching a full size and casting velvet within 3 months.

Behaviour

Unicorns are gentle and skittish creatures. They are able to sense intent behind other creatures and flee quickly if they sense hostility or greed. They will often aid unfortunate creatures they come across, but are not averse to defending themselves with their horn or hooves.
Unicorns are wary of members of other herds, usually comprised of a male, his mates, and his offspring. Adult males leave their family herd to roam toward other herds, picking up mates as he goes if he can attract them and not meet an ill fate by their father's horns. A unicorn male can have anywhere from 1 to 5 mates in his herd.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Unicorn blood and meat are used as a healing component. Foal Slippers are used as a seasoning and paint pigment. Unicorn hair is used to weave magic resistant charms and garments. Unicorn horns are used as foci, healing components, alchemical reagents, fertilizer, charms, and so on.

Average Intelligence

Low, non sentient

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Unicorns possess tremorsense and magic sense.

Scientific Name

Equus Unicornus

Lifespan

20-25 years

Conservation Status

Unicorns are thought to be rare, when in fact they are quite elusive. They thrive in small roaming family groups.

Average Height

66 inches/1.67 meters

Average Weight

950 lbs/430kg

Average Physique

Lithe, stout