Unicorn
A magically powerful ungulate that is the source of many stories and tales due to its elusive nature and magical properties. Many have sought out Unicorns to be their steed, while others have poached the species for magical reagents or snake oils. The unicorn is seen as a symbol of purity and power, as well as a fierce some beast all throughout Nielea.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Unicorns are even toed ungulates with a horse-like build and cloven hooves. They are as muscular as a quarter horse with short hairs. Their necks are covered in a thick wiry mane that covers most of their necks, and trails off on their back. This hair is also present as a beard-like grouping of hairs and as feathering along their pasterns. Their tails are long and are tipped with the same hairs as their manes, similar to a donkey's tail.
A Unicorn's most prominent feature is their singular horn situated on their head that is shaped similarly to a sickled sword, with the end facing away from the Unicorn tapering into a sharp end, akin to a knife. The horn has a spiraling pattern texture, creating a ribbing along the horn. Another interesting trait is that Unicorns have sharp tusk-like teeth on their lower jaw, hidden by their lips. These teeth are suited for biting into and tearing flesh,
Ecology and Habitats
Unicorns live in sparse forests and meadows in temperate climes. A notable habit of the Unicorn seems to be that it will sharpen the edged part of its horn on rocks and other hard surfaces that it seeks out weekly.
Dietary Needs and Habits
It spends much of its day grazing off various shrubs, flowers, and grasses. There seems to be a love for various berries, vegetables, and fruits. It is sometime observed that Unicorns will go out of their way to dig up roots and root vegetables, or knock down trees to get fruits that they cannot reach.
Occasionally Unicorns will feed off of corpses for extra protein, especially towards the colder months. And should a member of their herd expire during the winter, the rest of the herd will use the corpse as a food source, especially when food is scarse.
Biological Cycle
In preparation for the colder months, Unicorns will consume double its normal food amounts to gain fat reserves. They then start gathering in medium sized herds, and will stick together throughout the winter before going their own ways
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Unicorns have an excellent sense of smell and hearing, being able to smell food and water from a few miles away. Their eyes have a rectangular pupil akin to goats, sheep, and similar animals; which allow better panoramic views to help spot predators and threats faster.
In addition to this, they are capable of smelling and seeing magic. This ability is not a strong one, but it is enough that they are able to detect more magic based threats easier.
Scientific Name
Monoceros ensiceros
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