Unicorns

Basic Information

Anatomy

The unicorn is a white horse with a single horn sticking out of the middle of its forehead.

Growth Rate & Stages

Unicorn foals are born pure gold in colour. They remain so until they are about two years old, at which time they turn silver. Their horn grow in at around four years old. They are fully grown at about seven years old, at which point they turn a shade of pure white that was so bright, it makes freshly fallen snow looked grey by comparison. Their hooves are golden (remaining so from their gold stage, the first two years of their life), and their blood is silver-blue and shone under the moonlight.

Ecology and Habitats

Unicorns inhabit forests.

Behaviour

Unicorns prefer a woman's touch, but the young ones are more trusting and do not mind men as much. They are not aggressive without cause, but should be treated with great respect.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Various parts of the Unicorn — the horn and tail hair in particular — are used in potions, including the Antidote to Common Poisons and the Draught of Peace. Unicorn hair rinsed underneath a waterfall from a pure spring was more effective when used in potions, helping to reduce some potions' brewing times. 
Unicorn hair is also used in wand making as a wand core; wands with a unicorn core produce the most consistent magic, least subject to fluctuations and blockages, as well as being most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts and the least likely to change loyalty. However, they do not make the most powerful of wands and are prone to melancholy if mishandled, although the wand wood can compensate this.
The tail hair can also be used as binding in bandages due to its incredible strength. 
The blood of a unicorn can be drunk to keep a person alive, even if they are an inch from death, but "you will have but a half-life, a cursed life, from the moment the blood touches your lips." Although it was never explained what this cursed life actually entailed. Furthermore, unicorns are considered pure and sacred creatures. Drinking their blood to preserve one's life is considered a heinous and immoral crime.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They are also fast enough to outrun Werewolves with absurd ease.

Lifespan

1.000 years

Average Height

1.4 - 1.8 m

Average Weight

263 - 417 kg

Average Length

2.5 - 2.9 m

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

White (mature), Silver (aged 2-7), Gold (first 2 years)