Unicorn

Sixteen-year-old Caroline led her unicorn, Épicea, down the woodland path. She had grown too tall to ride the little unicorn, but her pet was also a long-time friend.

Épicea came to a sudden stop, shook her head, and whinnied. Caroline stepped away from the unicorn to avoid her horn.

"Is something wrong, my dear friend?" Caroline asked.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Unicorns are quadrupedal, and rarely grow taller than 5 feet. Though they are strong and sturdily built, their size prevents them from carrying larger humans (i.e., most adults) on their backs without damage to steed, rider, or both. A unicorn's most notable feature is its sharp horn, which is located in the middle of its forehead. People must be careful when interacting with unicorns they do not know, or with untrained unicorns, for a stab wound from a unicorn's horn leaves a distinctive scar.

Genetics and Reproduction

Female unicorns gestate their unborn young inside their bodies for about 320 to 370 days. Unicorns usually birth one foal at a time, though twins can occur. Multiples higher than twins are a sign that the unicorn has been given fertility drugs.

Growth Rate & Stages

One can easily mistake a newborn unicorn for a newborn horse, for a unicorn's horn does not grow in until about a week after birth.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Unicorns are herbivores.

Additional Information

Domestication

Much of the continent is familiar with the usage of unicorns as guard animals. Unicorn trainers teach unicorns to form bonds with humans, recognize danger, and, in dire cases, stab threats with their horns. They have also been known to trample those who threaten their humans, but this is less common behavior. Nobles often buy guardian unicorns for their daughters. On the whole, unicorns are considered to be very loyal and protective pets. Only a fool messes with someone who has one.

Facial characteristics

Unicorns have two eyes, a nose, a mouth, a horn, and two ears. Their eyes are located on the sides of their heads. Their ears rest atop their heads, pointing forward and slightly outwards. Their horn lies between and a little forward from the ears.

Scientific Name

Equus Acricornus

Lifespan

25 - 30 years

Average Height

48 - 60 in / 121.92 - 152.40 cm / 12 -15 hands