The last of the Unicorns, sacred beasts of the goddess Sidra, were destroyed in sacrifice to Octhoros when the eruption of three volcanoes took place, thereby creating the Eight Hundred and Thirty Three islands and the same number of prosperous years.

The following description is translated from the original testament of a Sidran Priestess.

****Description****

Usually pale in colour (although there are occasionally dappled grey and black examples) they look exactly like an Arabian horse - finely boned and elegant - with the exception of a spiral horn sprouting from the centre of their forehead. Usually gold or silver in colour, it is unknown of what material they consisted as it is like nothing else in the natural world. Early in their existence, they were hunted for their valuable horn and silken pelt, but this ceased when the priestesses of Sidra claimed the species as sacred.

'' Translator's note: Some unicorn horns are yet in existence, including the horn of the last unicorn which was wrought into a sceptre for the High Priestess of Sidra by the Octhorian priestesses after the famous sacrifice.''

They exist in herds, one male generally has a herd of six mares. If challenged by another male, he will attack with his horn, and the stronger stallion will prevail. Each mare gives birth in spring to one black foal (their pelt fades to white by the second year).

They exist on grass, although they have a fondness for raspberries and strawberries which they find on briar bushes which they guard closely and ferociously as a herd while the berries are in season.

****Sleep Pattern****

While the unicorn is swift, it is still preyed upon by other species, and therefore, does not sleep easily. They usually require only four hours sleep a day, and sleep in the relative safety of midday.

****Size****

Generally larger than a normal horse, they are, as previously mentioned, a fine, elegant species. They generally reach a height of at least sixteen hands, the tallest recorded having reached twenty-two.

****Stamina****

A fiery and spirited disposition, and a fear of the scent of blood makes this species particularly well adapted to flee predators. It is very rare that animals are seen feasting upon a unicorn, if ever (I have not seen one in my lifetime). They can outrun most predators, by speed, stamina and agility. Foals, however, slow the herd down, and they have been known to form protective circles around their young with horns lowered; unfortunate predators have been trampled to death in attempts to catch a unicorn meal.

****Mental Aptitude****

Largely instinctive and social, they have no amazing deductive powers. They communicate well between themselves, and have loosely based clan groups which may assist each other in times of famine or drought. Their defensive strategies are quite sophisticated, yet otherwise, their problem-solving ability is low. They rely mainly on their senses and swift feet rather than outsmarting their foes.

****Morals/Alignment****

Generally concerned with the well-being of their own herd, they will also answer the cries of any other unicorn who appears to be in difficulty, regardless of herd or clan. They have no close relationship with humans, refusing to be ridden, however, the priestesses of Sidra are an exception. The unicorns accept tasks such as the priestesses give them in return for safe harbour during winter or the berries they so love.

****Average Lifespan****

Approximately 40 years on average, although they have been known to live longer.

****Habitat and climate****

Forest and field, generally in the coastal region around the Sea of Octhoros where the Cult of Sidra was formed.

****Fighting Prowess****

If forced to fight, they can be lethal opponents. Their hard hooves and horns are powerful weapons, and they can quickly be roused to fury if threatened.

****Magical Ability****

They have been known to promote healing in their own kind, and for Sidran priestesses that they had become fond of. It is unknown of the type of magic inherent in this healing. They can also place a spell upon a wound which makes the creature sure to die, but this is only used in rare circumstances. It is thought that they have other powers, but little is known of them.

****Magical Immunity****

These creatures are immune to almost every form of magic, and many will not even try to destroy them to avoid rousing the goddess in rage against them.

''Translator's note: The unicorns became almost extinct about 210 years after this was written. A plague swept through their herds, and all who did not die were rendered sterile from the scarring caused by the bacterium. The priestesses worked tirelessly to cure them and assist them, but it was in vain. Finally, only the youngest unicorn to survive the plague remained, and when the oracle priestesses lauded the Eight Hundred and Thirty Three islands as a positive omen from Octhoros, they surrendered him for sacrifice, considering it nobler than a quiet death, without any fellow unicorns. It is said that the race may be reborn again when Sidra next turns her eyes to this world and becomes a part of it again.''