Unicorns

Unicorns are beautiful horse-like creatures known for their magical abilities and wisdom. They are intelligent, graceful and kind, especially to those with a pure heart and a thirst for knowledge, beings who are well-respected within the magical community. And according to Draylian myth they were created by the moon goddess Sran Kai and her older sister Rtab, goddess of wisdom as a gift for their aunt Veta, goddess of life. Unicorns were designed to assist the goddess in Nave, the garden of youth and are therefore considered to be sacred creatures of the Draylian religion.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Unicorns’ have the exact same anatomy as horses; the only difference is the long iridescent horn in the center of their forehead. However, like many magical creatures unicorns have a human-based form that they developed during the dark years aka the ten thousand or so years magical creatures were hunted by humans. This form is like a humans in almost every way except for their hair and eye color and certain body marks as even magic can’t always hide your true nature.

Genetics and Reproduction

The physical appearance of unicorns, coat color, mane, tail, and eye color, is determined by a combination of genetic factors and magical influences. These traits can be influenced by the magical energy present in the environment and the parents' soul energy. While the growth of a unicorn's horn is a fundamental genetic trait akin to limbs or organ count, the size, shape, and the luminosity of its iridescence may differ among individual unicorns. Unicorns cannot reproduce without the blessing of the goddesses Sran Kai and Rtab, who created them. This blessing is typically sought by a pair of adult unicorns when they decide to mate and produce offspring. The blessing ensures that the resulting offspring will possess the magical and divine qualities of their kind. Once a pair of unicorns receives the divine blessing, they engage in a special mating ritual. This ritual is a manifestation of their magical abilities and includes the exchange of soul energy. During this ritual, the male and female unicorns align their magical energies to create a connection that goes beyond the physical. The ritual culminates in the transfer of a portion of their soul energy to the future offspring.
After the mating ritual, the female unicorn undergoes a gestation period of around 11-12 months. During this time the female unicorn is infused with magical and divine protections, ensuring the health and development of the unborn foal. Unicorn foals are born with a unique birthmark on their foreheads, which is said to be a symbol of the goddesses' blessing. This birthmark resembles the symbol of the life goddess they serve Veta and is where their horn will grow from during their adolescence. From birth, unicorns are already attuned to the magical energies of their world. Unicorn parents play an active role in nurturing and educating their offspring. They teach them about the wider universe, their magical abilities, and their divine purpose in assisting the goddess Veta in maintaining the Garden of Youth, Nave

Growth Rate & Stages

Unicorns, being mystical and long-lived creatures, undergo unique growth stages and exhibit a considerably slower growth rate than many other species. Their prolonged life spans thousands of years, allowing them to accumulate wisdom, magical power, and experience over an extended period. Each birth is celebrated as a special event among the unicorn community. Unicorn parents, especially the mother, provide care and protection to their foals during their early years. The mother's magical abilities help shield the foal from harm and ensure their physical and emotional well-being. As foals grow, they begin to learn the basics of magic from their parents and older members of the unicorn community. Gaining an understanding of the unique abilities that will one day form the foundation of their identity and purpose.
During their adolescent and young adult years, unicorns undergo rigorous magical training. They refine their abilities and connect with the divine forces that guide their existence. Young unicorns often embark on journeys of exploration throughout the world. They visit different regions, interact with other magical creatures, and seek to deepen their understanding of the world. These experiences contribute to their growth and wisdom.
As unicorns reach maturity and adulthood, they begin to assume more significant responsibilities within their community and in the Garden of Youth, Nave. They actively assist the goddess Veta in maintaining the garden's magical balance and life-giving properties. Over time, unicorns accumulate vast amounts of wisdom and knowledge. They become revered as sources of guidance and insight, often consulted by younger generations and other magical beings seeking their counsel.
The most remarkable aspect of unicorn growth is their incredible longevity. They continue to grow in wisdom, power, and magical skill for thousands of years, with their lifespan stretching far beyond that of most creatures in the universe. Unicorn magic evolves and deepens with age. They master advanced spells, develop unique magical abilities, and become guardians of the ancient knowledge that sustains their world. Unicorns who have lived for millennia are revered as elders and sages. They possess unparalleled magical prowess and are regarded as living embodiments of the universe's harmony and wisdom.

Ecology and Habitats

Unicorns are closely tied to their unique habitat and play a vital role in maintaining its ecological balance. The primary focus of their existence is the Garden of Youth, Nave, a mystical and enchanted realm that reflects their divine origins. Nave, is a lush and otherworldly realm characterized by vibrant flora, unique celestial bodies, and an eternal sense of magic. It is a paradise where the balance of life, rejuvenation, and vitality is preserved. Moonlit streams, enchanted forests, and radiant meadows are among its many features. The garden's ecosystem is a complex web of interdependent magical beings, flora, and fauna. It is teeming with life, including sentient plant life known as Lunar Blossoms, ethereal creatures like Dreamweavers, and a variety of other magical animals.
Unicorns serve as the primary stewards and protectors of Nave. Using their magical abilities, they sustain the garden, preserving it as a wellspring of rejuvenation and vitality for all. Their duty involves safeguarding the garden against external dangers like parasitic creatures and invasive species, ensuring its continued purity. Unicorns play a crucial role in balancing the magical energy within the garden, upholding a harmonious and stable environment. They also prevent unchecked magical fluctuations that could potentially disturb the delicate ecosystem. Unicorns also indirectly contribute to the garden's ecology by providing magical nourishment through their connection to the divine. Their presence helps sustain the magical flora and fauna that thrive within the garden.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Unicorns primarily feed on the enchanted flora that reside inside Nave. These magical plants are abundant in soul energy and carry the essence of the divine, making them a crucial source of food for unicorns. Additionally, within Nave, there are mystical trees bearing fruits infused with magical properties, acting as a supplementary food source for unicorns. Unicorns are selective grazers and foragers. They use their keen senses to identify the most potent and magical plants within the garden. They graze on the lush meadows and forage among the enchanted forests, carefully choosing their food sources. When feeding on Lunar Blossoms or other magical flora, unicorns employ a gentle and respectful harvesting method. They use their magic to pluck the blossoms or fruits, ensuring that they do not harm the plants and that they remain in harmony with the garden's ecology. Unicorns are mindful of their dietary needs and practice moderation. They do not over consume or deplete the garden's resources, understanding the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Biological Cycle

The biology of unicorn is uniquely attuned to the passage of time and the seasonal changes that occur within their environment. These mystical creatures have developed biological adaptations that help them thrive and fulfill their roles as guardians of the Garden of Youth, while also maintaining a harmonious connection with the natural world. Unicorns undergo a remarkable transformation in their coat colors with the changing seasons. This adaptation serves both practical and symbolic purposes. During the spring and summer months, their coats are vibrant and lush, often taking on hues of green, blue, and purple. This vibrant coloration helps them blend into the Garden of Youth's lush and vibrant environment. As the seasons shift towards fall and winter, unicorns' coats transition to a palette of warm and earthy tones, such as rich browns and deep reds. This change in coat color serves as a natural camouflage, allowing them to blend in with the changing landscape, particularly when the Garden of Youth experiences seasonal shifts in flora and fauna.
Unicorns undergo a unique process of coat shedding that is influenced by the seasons. In the spring, as they become more active and their magical abilities intensify, their old coats shed to reveal new, vibrant ones. This shedding is not a mere physical process but a magical one, symbolizing the renewal of their connection to the natural world. Just as their coats shed and regrow, unicorns' horns undergo a renewal process as well. Over the centuries, a unicorn's horn may develop minor imperfections or wear from their magical activities. To maintain their magical potency, unicorns periodically shed their horns and grow new ones. This process is not painful and is seen as a natural part of their life cycle.
While unicorns do not truly hibernate like some other creatures, they enter a period of deep rest during the coldest and harshest months of winter. During this time, their metabolic rate decreases significantly, and they conserve energy by reducing their activity levels. They are known to gather in sheltered areas of the Garden of Youth, close to sources of warmth and nourishment.
Unicorns' biology is intricately tied to the phases of the moon. They are most active and magical during the full moon, drawing energy from its radiant light to perform their duties in the Garden of Youth. Conversely, during the new moon, they enter a state of quiet contemplation, using this time to reflect, meditate, and rejuvenate their magical abilities. Unicorns' reproductive cycles are intricately linked to the phases of the moon. Mating rituals and the birth of foals often coincide with the full moon, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the divine connection between unicorns and their goddess creators.
Unicorns' magical abilities are influenced by the changing seasons. They have different spells and abilities that are particularly potent during specific times of the year. For example, their healing and rejuvenation magic is most powerful in spring, while their protective and defensive spells are heightened in winter. Unicorns play a vital role in maintaining the seasonal balance within the Garden of Youth. They use their magical abilities to ensure that each season transitions smoothly into the next, allowing for the continual renewal of life and magic in their sacred realm.

Behaviour

Unicorns are known for their nurturing and protective nature, especially towards the magical inhabitants of Nave. They take their role as guardians seriously, ensuring the well-being of the garden and all its denizens. Unicorns are primarily nocturnal creatures, with most of their activities taking place during the night when the moon's magical energy is at its peak. They use this time to tend to the garden and perform magical rituals. Unicorns possess a deep well of wisdom and knowledge accumulated over their millennia-long lifespans. Their psychology is characterized by a thirst for understanding the complexities of the universe, magic, and divine forces. Unicorns have a heightened sense of empathy and emotional sensitivity. They can sense the emotions of other beings and often provide emotional support during dream visits, soothing the troubled souls that visit the garden.
Unicorns value balance and harmony in all aspects of their lives. Their psychology is marked by a desire to maintain equilibrium within themselves, their realm, and the universe as a whole. Unicorns feel a deep sense of responsibility for Nave and all of its magical inhabitants. This responsibility influences their psychological well-being and drives their actions. Unicorns exhibit an inquisitive nature, constantly seeking to expand their knowledge and explore the mystical aspects of their world. They often engage in meditative states to delve into the depths of their own minds. Unicorns are psychologically adaptive and resilient, capable of facing challenges and adapting to changing circumstances. Their strong connection to magic and the divine provides them with a sense of inner strength and purpose.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Unicorns are revered and cherished for their magical and divine qualities. However, their unique characteristics have led to various uses, byproducts, and, unfortunately, exploitation by different beings within their world.

Uses & Byproducts

Unicorn blood and horn shavings, when harvested ethically and with respect, can be used as essential components in the creation of potent magical elixirs and potions. These elixirs are sought after by skilled alchemists and magic practitioners for their healing, protective, and enhancing properties. Unicorn horn dust, in its purified and ethically sourced form, is used in the casting of spells and magical rituals. Depending on the intent and the magic practitioner's skill, unicorn magic can be harnessed for a wide range of purposes, including healing, protection, and divination. Unicorns often form partnerships with Dreamweavers, tiny ethereal beings. Dreamweavers assist unicorns in entering the dreams of individuals, providing guidance, healing, and wisdom. These dream interactions are highly valued and sought after by those in need. Unicorns are the primary guardians of the Garden of Youth, Nave. This lush and magical garden is a source of rejuvenation and vitality for all beings. Unicorns' role in maintaining the garden ensures its continued existence and benefit to others.

Exploitation:

• Unethical Harvesting: Some individuals, driven by greed and disregard for the sanctity of unicorns, engage in the unethical harvesting of unicorn horn dust and blood. This exploitation not only harms unicorns but disrupts the balance of their realm.
• Captive Unicorns: In rare and unfortunate cases, unicorns have been captured and held in captivity for their magical abilities. This exploitation of their powers for personal gain or control is strongly condemned by most peoples.
• Hunting and Capture: Some beings, driven by a misguided desire to possess unicorns or obtain their magical elements, engage in hunting and capturing these majestic creatures. Such actions are typically met with resistance from the magical community.

Average Intelligence

Unicorns are renowned for their wisdom, which is accumulated over their millennia-long lifespans. They possess profound insights into the inner workings of the universe, magic, and the divine forces that shape the world. Their wisdom allows them to make informed decisions and provide guidance to those in need. Unicorns have an innate understanding of magic and its various forms and which extends to the practical application of magic, allowing them to create protective wards, perform healing rituals, and maintain Nave. Unicorns excel in problem-solving, especially when it comes to preserving the balance of their realm. They can analyze complex situations, identify threats, and devise strategies to address challenges. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and find solutions is a testament to their intelligence.
Unicorns communicate not only with each other but also with various magical beings. They can convey their thoughts, emotions, and intentions through a combination of telepathy, body language, and a unique form of empathetic communication. This enables them to form meaningful connections and alliances. Unicorns have exceptional memory capabilities, allowing them to recall vast amounts of knowledge and experiences. This long-term memory aids in the transmission of cultural traditions, the recording of historical events, and the preservation of ancient wisdom.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Unicorns are known for having excellent hearing and eyesight, picking up on colors and sounds that humans can’t hear. They also have a very good sense of smell but it’s their magical abilities that set them apart from other species. Capable of performing spells that would take another person an absurd amount of energy to pull off with ease. They have a natural affinity for healing, elemental, and spirit magic and can purify a soul that has gone through demonic taint or regular soul corruption.

Unique Magical Abilities

• Teleportation Beacon: A unicorn can create a magical beacon allowing itself and others to teleport to a safe haven in times of danger.
• Chronomancy Touch: The power to slow or accelerate time within a small radius, providing a brief sanctuary or advantage in critical situations.
• Dimensional Doorway: Opening temporary portals to other dimensions, allowing the unicorn to travel great distances or access hidden realms.

Civilization and Culture

Common Dress Code

In their true equine form, unicorns embrace their natural elegance. They do not wear clothing or accessories, relying on the inherent beauty of their glistening coats, iridescent manes and tails, and the enchantment of their presence. Some unicorns may choose to adorn themselves with magical accessories. These accessories can include enchanted flowers, vines, or gemstones that enhance their beauty and magical abilities. These are typically woven into their manes or tails. In their human-like form, unicorns wear attire that mirrors their ethereal and celestial qualities. They often choose flowing, iridescent robes made from lightweight, shimmering materials that resemble moonlight or starlight. Unicorn clothing is often in shades of silver, gold, pearl, or pastel hues, reflecting the colors of their manes and tails.
These colors symbolize their connection to the divine and the celestial. Unicorns adorn themselves with symbolic jewelry that holds spiritual significance. Necklaces, bracelets, and tiaras often feature moon and star motifs or gemstones associated with celestial energies. Accessories such as elegant gloves, flowing capes, and headdresses are worn to enhance their graceful appearance and reflect their commitment to beauty and harmony.
Unicorns may wear delicate and ornate sandals or shoes with a focus on aesthetics rather than practicality. These are designed to complement their overall appearance. Hairstyling is an important aspect of their appearance. Unicorns take great care in arranging their hair in intricate, flowing styles that add to their ethereal beauty. Some clothing and accessories may be imbued with enchantments that enhance their magical abilities, such as the ability to channel specific types of magic.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Unicorns maintain complex and harmonious relations with various other species. These relationships are guided by their commitment to beauty, harmony, and the protection of their enchanted realm.

Humans

Humans and unicorns have had a strained relationship in the past due to humans hunting unicorns both for sport and the creature’s magical properties. This conflict resulted in deep mistrust and animosity between the two species. In modern times, the relationship between humans and unicorns has significantly improved. Laws and regulations have been enacted to protect unicorns and the habitats they reside in when they aren’t in Nave.
This has helped curb the hunting of unicorns and has led to a decrease in hostility between the two species. And some humans and unicorns have collaborated on magical research and conservation efforts. This collaboration has fostered greater understanding and cooperation. While not common, there have been instances of unicorns and humans forming romantic relationships, particularly when unicorns are in their human-like forms. These relationships are often marked by deep love and mutual respect.

Dragons

The relationship between dragons and unicorns is marked by a shared love of nature and a mutual respect for their respective strengths and abilities. Dragons are elemental beings with deep connections to the natural forces, while unicorns possess unique magical abilities. Their differences in culture and values can lead to occasional conflicts, but these are usually resolved without significant harm. In times of danger or external threats, dragons and unicorns have been known to come to each other's aid. While their relationship is cooperative and based on mutual interests, it typically does not extend to romantic or familial bonds.

Elves

Elves and unicorns share a particularly close and mutually beneficial relationship. Both species have a deep connection to nature and magic, which aligns with their values and beliefs. Elves and unicorns exchange wisdom and knowledge about magic, nature, and the divine. This exchange of information has strengthened their bond and enhanced their understanding of the mystical forces that govern their realm. On occasion, Elves and unicorns have been known to form romantic relationships and even mate. These unions are seen as a harmonious blending of their respective cultures and values, further strengthening their interconnectedness.

Vampires

Unicorns hold a deep-seated animosity towards vampires, likely due to their predatory nature and the threat they pose to other creatures. Vampires, in turn, are cautious around unicorns due to their aggressive stance. This mutual hostility keeps the two species at odds, and they tend to avoid each other when possible.

Facial Charcteristics & Features

At the center of their forehead, unicorns possess a long and elegant iridescent horn, a defining feature of their true form. The horn often shimmers with an otherworldly glow, radiating magic. Unicorns have large expressive eyes that are often described as soulful. Their eyes come in various colors, and they are known for their ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from serenity to curiosity. The muzzle of a unicorn is slender and graceful, with delicate nostrils. It allows them to delicately graze on enchanted flora within the Garden of Youth, Nave. Unicorns have elongated and slightly pointed ears, which contribute to their excellent hearing abilities. These ears can swivel in different directions to detect sounds and potential threats. Unicorns boast flowing and luxurious manes and tails that are often described as soft as silk. These manes and tails can come in various colors, and they are known to sparkle like a thousand diamonds in the moonlight.
In their human-like form, unicorns retain their horns; however, it takes on a more subtle appearance, often resembling an elegant headpiece or circlet. Unicorns in their human-like forms typically have colorful hair, which reflects their vibrant personalities and the magical nature of their beings. Hair colors can vary widely, and they may even have multi-colored or iridescent hair.
Their eyes retain their soulful quality and expressive nature, mirroring their emotions and thoughts. Eye colors remain diverse, showcasing the same range of emotions as in their true forms. While their ears are less elongated in their human-like forms, they retain a subtle pointedness and keen sensitivity, which contribute to their heightened senses. Unicorns exhibit typical human facial features, such as a well-defined jawline, lips, and a graceful neck while in their human forms.

Body Tint, Coloring, and Marking

Unicorn’s coats come in a wide array of colors such as white, silver, pearl, cream, or even pastel hues like lavender or pale blue. The manes and tails of unicorns are just as colorful, often iridescent, adding to their beauty. These flowing locks can be seen in shades of gold, silver, platinum, or a variety of vibrant colors that shimmer like precious gemstones. Some unicorns bear intricate facial markings that highlight their uniqueness. These markings can take the form of delicate patterns around their eyes or on their cheeks, often resembling moonlit crescents, stars, or other celestial symbols.
In their human forms, a unicorn's hair will become duller and less colorful than their equine counterparts. Unicorns in their human possess radiant and flawless skin that seems to emit a soft glow. Their skin often has a pearlescent quality, adding to their otherworldly appearance. While their human-like forms may not have the same elaborate facial markings as their true equine forms, some unicorns retain subtle, symbolic markings on their foreheads. These markings often resemble a delicate, glowing sigil.

Scientific Name

Equus mythicus

Lifespan

5,000 to 7,000 years

Average Height

Male in True form: 15 to 16 hands (60 to 64 inches or 152 to 163 centimeters) at the shoulder. Female in True form: 4 to 15 hands (56 to 60 inches or 142 to 152 centimeters) at the shoulder. Male in human form: 5’10”-6’2” Female in humans form: 5’6”-5’10”

Average Weight

Male in true form: 900 to 1,100 pounds. Female in true form: 800 to 1,000 pounds. Male in human form: 160 to 190 pounds. Female in human form: 140 to 170 pounds

Average Physique

Unicorns have a graceful and slender equine build, characterized by a long neck, a sleek body, and well-defined legs. Their physique allows them to move with agility and poise through the Garden of Youth, Nave, and its enchanting terrain. Their legs are both long and lithe, providing them with the agility to traverse the garden's meadows, enchanted forests, and moonlit streams. Despite their graceful appearance, unicorns possess muscular strength, which is essential for their role as protectors of the garden. Their strength allows them to defend against external threats and maintain the magical balance of their realm. In their human-like form, unicorns retain an elegant and proportionate physique. They possess a balanced figure with graceful limbs and a well-defined waist. They maintain an ageless and timeless grace, regardless of their age or experience. Their beauty remains consistent, mirroring their deep connection to magic and wisdom.

Geographic Distribution

• Earth
• Majjia

Related Organizations

• The 13 United Kingdoms of Majjia
• The Central Council