Appearance

Like their Driare ancestors, they vary heavily between each unicorn. Unicorns range in size, mane, colors, patterns, and more with their coats varying from the palest of lilacs to the most vivid of greens. Their horns are unique to each unicorn as they come in all shapes and lengths as well; ranging from spiral to straight to a crescent.

Their hooves can occasionally come in a variety of gemstones; ranging from ruby to sapphire to tiger's eye. Gem hooves are a prized trait amongst both Fellesi and Edelis unicorns. Those who have this prized trait have their hooves polished to perfection. Some unicorns are even blessed with a gem at the base of their horn, forehead, or on other parts of their bodies. These gems generally match their hooves, should they have gem hooves. These gems may amplify the unicorn's magic with elemental properties, like fire, water, etc.

There are two main classes seen amongst the unicorns that has resulted in some distinction between them. These are known as the Edelis (considered noble) and the Fellesi (considered a commoner).

Edelis: They are most commonly known as the ideal image of the ‘classic unicorn.’ Their bodies are generally longer and more slender than the average unicorn. They have cloven hooves and long thin tails that end with a tuft at the end. Males are known to sport beards that match the tufts at the end of their tails. When they walk, there is an air of grace that shows their pedigree-like status. Females will have a longer, silkier mane with their tail tufts having a bit more hairs as well. It is not uncommon to see tufts around their hooves as well. They often prefer to have solid colors amongst their ranks (though they will approve of faint dappling on their rumps).

Fellesi: These are the more common unicorn seen in Antarsia compared to their noble cousins. These unicorns are shorter in stature and a bit stockier with standard hooves, shorter necks, and a long, flowing tail. Fellesi are seen as closer in appearance to their Draire heritage than their cousins, the Edelis.

Abilities

Unicorns have immensely powerful healing and protective magic, making them sought after by humans for their aid. Many unicorns will only grant this kind of help if they're given a treasure in return, or if they're captured. These acts of magic are commonly referred to as "wishes", with each unicorn only capable of granting a handful of wished in their lifetime.

A unicorn who has used their wishes is often cast out of society. They are seen as tainted by the rest of their kin. Should an Edelis be found without their wishes, they are killed in shame. The horn of a unicorn is made up of a substance called "alicorn", and is the source of a unicorn's healing magic. Without their horn, an unicorn is powerless. Unicorns who have had their horns stolen by humans are cast out or killed, while those who have lost their horns in battle are left to retire in peace.

Culture

Unicorns are vain beings, taking great pride in their appearance. They spend much of their time preening themselves to always look their best. This is what has lead the the distinction between the noble Edelis and the common Fellesi. While generally peaceful beings, unicorns do have a mischievous side, in which they use old lore surrounding them to their advantage. One such example is that they can only be tamed or captured by virgins. Many will cry out about the unclean heart of the human before him before fleeing, or even sending the human on their way while avoiding capture.

While desperate to avoid capture, once caught a unicorn will grant a wish to their captor, recognizing that they have been bested, on the condition that once they grant the wish, they will be freed. Should the unicorn be killed after they grant the wish, the wish will go poorly. This monkey's paw effect is referred to as "the unicorn's curse". Unicorn society is fairly elitist, with noble unicorns ruling over the common unicorns in royal families. They live in large groups in forested areas, concealed by waterfalls or dense trees. These settlements are hidden by veils of magic that only the most skilled of adventurers can notice.

Unicorn forests are said to be kept forever lush and green, as a sign of the unicorns that live there, with the exception of autumn. Winters in unicorn forests are mild.

History

The unicorns are believed to been the creation of both Malina, godess of the forest, and Haliea, goddess of the sun and moon. It is said that Haliea was amused by the Draires who now roamed the lands. Each took on their own unique appearance while never creating two were were alike; even with twins. One day, she spotted a draire with pale white hair that shined in the light. The hooves were cloven, the body slender, and a long crescent-like horn rested upon its head. Its presence radiated purity no matter where it went.

Malina noticed Haliea around the forest far too much for her own comfort, and confronted the other goddess; assuming she was trying to take on her role. Haliea apologized for the misunderstanding quickly before explaining to Malina why she was around. Malina, fascinated by the driare as well, wanted to capture the purity the creature seemed to possess. Malina spoke with Haliea about her idea, who in turn wanted to help her as best she could. The two spent years discussing what characteristics they liked best about the creature and what they didn’t. They two couldn’t see eye to eye on all aspects, with some differing more-so than the other.

Haliea concocted a solution for their problem; to make two species out of both the sun and the moon. One would reflect the purity of the animal they watched while the other would exhibit other qualities that they both admired. In turn, the two crafted the two species; resulting in the creation of the unicorn and kirin. Malina, pleased with how the two came out, gave the two creatures homes in the forests to always keep themselves safe. The unicorns decided to keep to the forest in order to conceal themselves. They believed in the Malina to keep them safe; thus their elusive nature when in forested domains.