Unicorns
Unicorns are arcane animals that may be related to the Equidae family. They possess a single horn growing out of the center of their forehead. Although occasionally reported in folklore, unicorns are not indigenous to our world. In the realms where they are found, herds of unicorns are often cherished and protected by the locals.
Appearance
A unicorn looks rather like a mid-sized pony. Those who have seen them say that their lines aren't particularly good, with a heavy body and somewhat short legs. Despite these defects, they are oddly elegant.
At least part of the reason for the appearance of grace is their horn, which stands high above the forehead. This is a true horn and is present in both sexes. On a fully grown adult, it can approach sixteen inches in length and two inches across at the base. It's unknown if they are used in mating rituals, but they have been observed in use for defense.
Unicorn coats and manes are invariably white. No human has ever reported getting close enough to determine if they are true albinos.
Service Notes
Arcana
Unicorns are able to detect the intentions of those who approach. Lore has it that only those truly pure in spirit can approach. This has been interpreted in many different ways, but in practice, they are all but impossible to get near. This ability extends out in a range that precludes normal hunting bows, although it is possible to get within range of an English longbow or a rifle.
A unicorn's horn is strongly arcane. When a unicorn dies, an Onsir will come to claim the horn within a few days. The Pecht will leave the animal alone until the horn is claimed. After that, they'll deal with the corpse in whatever manner is befitting.
Hunting Unicorns
There have been reports of people trying to acquire a horn as material for fabricating arcane devices. While most of these have focused their efforts on finding horns from long-dead unicorns, a few intrepid souls have sought out living animals. The Service doesn't know of any hunters who succeeded and got away with their prize, but two who returned with horns were killed in gruesome fashion, both resulting in investigations indicating that an Onsir was involved.
A third hunter was apparently stopped by the Pechts. The details are unknown, but the hunter's rifle and pistol were delivered to a Service agent in the Constantinople Goblin Market, along with the information that the hunter would no longer be collecting trophies.
Sketch by James Cuthbert
Nature
Essence
Physical
Form
Equine
Intelligence
Higher Animal
Scale
Pony
Arcanity
Very High
Locations
Home Realm
Antalin
Earthly Appearances
Formerly uncommon, now very rare
Other Names
- Shiha — Pecht name