Opaline Unicorn

Centuries ago, when Purphoros, god of the forge, harbored a powerful love for his fellow god Nylea, it inspired him to craft incredible works of art in her honor. Purphoros dedicated himself to replicating through smithing the beautiful creatures that Nylea dedicated herself to protecting. Lions made from bronze, ruby-crusted elk, and brass bears all sprung from Purphoros' forge.   The god reasoned that these animals, with skin of steel and no need to eat to sustain themselves, could more easily protect themselves, removing the burden of doing so from Nylea. Purphoros did not tell Nylea that he had made the creatures, hoping to surprise her with the gift, helping him to win over her heart.   Against Nature When Nylea discovered the artificial creatures, she was disgusted. Unsure where they had originated, and feeling they were abominations of the natural order, Nylea worried that they would out compete the living creatures, driving them from their homes. Nylea ordered her hunters to destroy any artificial creatures found in her lands, waging a war against these strange invaders.   When Phosphorous saw Nylea's reaction to his gift, he was crushed. Sheepishly, he approached Nylea to tell her the truth. Nylea, for her part, understood Purphoros' desires, but admonished him for working to undermine her domain. The rest of the artificial creatures were destroyed, and Purphoros swore to only create new creatures, that could fill roles that living creatures could not.   Sentimental Protection But unknown to Purphoros, Nylea could not bring herself to destroy all her gifts. One creature of Purphoros' design was spared the hunt, and given freedom by Nylea to live in her lands- a unicorn, crafted from sparkling white opal, and imbued with the same pure celestial essence as a true unicorn. To this day, the opaline unicorn remains one of only a few remnants of Purphoros' love for his fellow god. Hunting an opaline unicorn is still forbidden by Nylea, with a grievous punishment for those who dare try it.