Unicorn

Unicorns

The unicorn is a horse, usually white,
with a large, pointed, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead. It is an extremely wild woodland creature, a symbol of purity and grace, which in mythology can only be captured by a virgin. It will strive to avoid the touch of any unpure being. It is shy and elusive; a magical creature whose horn has the power to render poisoned water drinkable, and can heal minor wounds and bruises. For this reason the horns of unicorns are in high demand, for use in magical potions and medicines. Once broken off the horn will regrow, but, ashamed at the disfigurement, the creature will flee to the densest forest to hide while it does so. Unicorns are very long-lived, but are not immortal.

Unicorns can speak in the common tongue, and can adopt a human/Elven form to move among people, if there is a need to do so.

Strengths:
– affinity with natural magic
– ability to adopt human form
– speed and stealth: they are elusive and covert, hard to find and harder to catch
– ability to purify water, and heal minor injuries, with their horn
– can speak in the common tongue

Weaknesses:
– changing form has a cost: it requires energy and weakens them temporarily
– cannot remain in human form for too long, ultimately they will die if they do not change back
– in unicorn form they have the normal vulnerabilities of a horse, in human/elven form, of a human
– do not feel strong emotions, except for shame if their horn should be broken or cut off