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UnicornUnicorns are cloven hooved, bearded and possessed of a spiral, straight horn more or less perpendicular to their head, originating from between the eyes (or slightly above). A true unicorn is born white, semi-intellegent, and prone to fits of rage at the slightest hint of corruption. It has long been believed that only maidens could approach the creature safely, but evidence seems to point to any virtuous person being able to do so. It is said that any water source that a unicorn drinks from will be magically purified (either from the drinking, or the inadvertent horn touch), and that their manure is among the most potent fertilizer known to man. A unicorn can cross great distances without tiring, and have been known to allow virtuous women to ride them in times of great need or distress. The touch of a unicorns horn has been said to restore bodies to a full state of healing, although the horn can be used as a weapon (this indicates that the power requires an impetus of the beast to activate). Against undead, the damage from the horn is said to cause grevious damage to the risen, possibly destroying the creature. A unicorn can, willingly, give up its horn. It will only do this in times of great need, and for particularly worthy causes. The horn snaps off clean, the creature gives a wild whinny, and is ever there after transformed into a normal horse (though the source did not mention it, I assume that the hooves join and the beard drops off) . Fragrant flowers and mushrooms sprout up from the tears the beast sheds before giving up its horn (and intellect) The blood of a true unicorn can cure the most mortal of wounds, cleanse taints of chaos, and may cure undeath and disease. Some cultures have legends that ritually slaying and drinking the hearts blood of a unicorn will cause one to die and rise as a vampire. The horn of a true unicorn has properties of its own. It may be used as a powerful formal magic component (if properly harvested at the right time), vessels made from it, or lined with a parquet of it, inactivate potions and toxins poured into them. As a weapon, the horn is one of the few things capable of slaying a vampire outright. Its link to the forces of earth and the natural world may effect extraplanar and unnatural (EG brood) creatures in a similar fashion- this much is metaphysical theory, but it is sound. Using a horn to effect destruction of a vampire will cause the horn to be destroyed. Reports vary as to how the horn is destroyed, but crumbling to ash, burning away in pure light and sprouting into a tree are the most commonly encountered descriptions. The hide of a unicorn is very supple, and if properly tanned with high alchemy, is supposed to protect one from mind control, provide warmth in the deepest cold, and possibly effect a small amount of healing if used as a blanket throughout the night. It is also rumored to prevent lycanthropic changes if worn next to the bare skin. The flesh is toxic to sentient beings. This is theorized as a defense mechanism. Non sentient beings, (wild animals, etc) can subsist on the carcass. See Also: Dark Unicorns |