Unicorn
A distant, sapient cousin of the horse, unicorns come in a multitude of colors and markings. These markings — such as stars, strips, snips, and blazes almost always come in white, while the same often goes for stockings, socks, cornet bands, and both, overo and tobiano paint markings. They may also have black or smoky seal-point markings or a combination of any of the aforementioned (except paints). Otherwise, unicorns, unlike their horse cousins, are not nearly as boring when it comes to coat color. They range from pastels to jewel tones, to muted earth tones, and, in rare cases, mixed tones. Nature is fantastically adept, as well, at making sure they are well coordinated and not completely mismatched or garish in appearance.
Unicorns can be very vain and often look down upon the horse as a "stupid" animal1 . They are social creatures, Fae in nature, and live in small herds of typically 12 to 15 mares and 1 or 2 stallions. They favor grassy plains and steppe regions, but can be found in or around forests, and in mountain ranges. The second stallion in any herd is typically offspring of the first, is not allowed to breed with the mares of his sire's herd, and must leave once matured around the age of 5 years or to make room for a sibling stallion. Younger males tend to group into "bachelor" herds, and are free to challenge older stallions to take their herds, if they prove strong enough to win. Contrary to popular belief, this is typically never a fight to the death, as some older stallions quite enjoy their retirement.
To help protect the herds from inbreeding, every 3rd year, the Ohnico competition is held on behalf of the bachelor herds. The winners of this competition are then selected by the younger mares from different herds and are allowed to breed with them for the remainder of the Ohnico which can last up to 8 days. For decades, this competition was closed to outsiders, due to its intimate nature, but eventually, unicorns began to allow spectators to the trials, elven, and human, as well as others, and now it has become a full blown festival and holiday for many cultures. Druids and Steadfast (priests of the Everlasting Light), as well as the UtuRhu are especially welcomed, given that the trials are grueling and can be devastating in nature.
"Wot—? A yuni-corn ain't nuttin' but a 'orse wot comes to a point!"
Habitat & Culture
Unicorns can be very vain and often look down upon the horse as a "stupid" animal1 . They are social creatures, Fae in nature, and live in small herds of typically 12 to 15 mares and 1 or 2 stallions. They favor grassy plains and steppe regions, but can be found in or around forests, and in mountain ranges. The second stallion in any herd is typically offspring of the first, is not allowed to breed with the mares of his sire's herd, and must leave once matured around the age of 5 years or to make room for a sibling stallion. Younger males tend to group into "bachelor" herds, and are free to challenge older stallions to take their herds, if they prove strong enough to win. Contrary to popular belief, this is typically never a fight to the death, as some older stallions quite enjoy their retirement.
Traditions
To help protect the herds from inbreeding, every 3rd year, the Ohnico competition is held on behalf of the bachelor herds. The winners of this competition are then selected by the younger mares from different herds and are allowed to breed with them for the remainder of the Ohnico which can last up to 8 days. For decades, this competition was closed to outsiders, due to its intimate nature, but eventually, unicorns began to allow spectators to the trials, elven, and human, as well as others, and now it has become a full blown festival and holiday for many cultures. Druids and Steadfast (priests of the Everlasting Light), as well as the UtuRhu are especially welcomed, given that the trials are grueling and can be devastating in nature.
Lifespan
225 - 250 years
Average Height
15.2 to 18.5 Hands
Average Weight
900 to 1,200 pounds
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