Zoology Study - The Unicorns of Azeroth
Finally Iām able to organize my notes I took while on a expedition in Val'sharah. There I was staying at the village of Lorlathil where I ran into the now rendorei courier, Safrona Shadowsun. Graciously she accepted to tweak my hearthstone so I may get some convenient deliveries in regards to my research. Or when I have a craving for some food. The latter most likely. But anyways! The research topic! This particular creatures seems to be popular as of late, and I can definitely see why. Azerothian unicorns were a rare site before the exploration of the Broken Isles. Now that Iāve had the ample opportunity to come here, I can finally get some adequate research done on these mythical equines.
At first glance, Azerothian unicorns appear to be simply a horse with a sharp horn protuding from the top of its head. However, itās what this horn is capable of that makes the creature so much more. From healing the sick to making poisonous water more potable. One theory I have is that since Azerothian horses and woolly rhinos belong to the same Perissodactyla order, perhaps these unicorns are a link connecting the two beasts. Unlike other animals with horns such as talbuks, the horns of from an Azerothian unicorn are composed entirely of keratin, rather than it being simply a thin sheath. Or maybe the horn is the result of a genetic mutation? Similar to the moths that fly around Azeroth and Draenor with their own horns. Another difference from horses is that unicorns have cloven hooves that more resemble that of Azerothian deer and goats. Whatever the reason, itās enough for the Azerothian unicorn to be set apart from your typical horse.
It isnāt though the keratin that gives the horn its magical healing powers. Instead its a substance known as alicorn. It could detect poisons and cure an assortment of diseases. Alchemist would require this to make herbal remedies. Now because of these properties, it is possible that unicorns were hunted, and it would explain their rarity on other continents Not to mention they have a rather colorful hide that seems to be used in a variety of fashionable clothing, from coats to hats. It is said that wearing the leather belt made of Azerothian unicorn hide had the ability to ward off plagues.Ā Ā
These days perhaps instead of hunting these creatures for their medicines or unfortunately their fashion, we could work alongside them? Especially those that reside on the Broken Isles. Is it possible they could purify fel magic and disease? Who knows. Here in Valāsharah are the Dreamrunners breed that has the ability to travel between our realm and the Emerald dream freely. That rarer Queldorei steed was said to have been horses who would graze near the Well of Eternity. These could be possible connections on how the Azerothian unicorn have required their powers. Even more interesting are the spirited unicorns that reside on the heavily forested world of Bonich.
Moving on, we will examine the dietary behavior of the Azerothian unicorn. Like other equines they are grazers. In fact they have a strong instinct to graze that a majority of the dayās hours are spent just doing that. They are known as ātrickle eatersā meaning they need a constant supply of food in order to keep their digestive system working properly. More so, they will become stressed if they go through long gap periods of having no food. Unicorns are non-ruminant herbivores preferring to eat small amounts of food throughout the day.
Socialwise, Azerothian unicorns tend to have a fight or flight response when posed with a threat. Initially their first reaction would be to flee, however if they choose to stand their ground they will use their front hooves to kick toward their attacker. Once they are in a safe spot, endorphins are released that put them in a state of rest. Typically unicorns are solitary, but like horses they will form into small herds with an established pecking order. Therefore if one of these beasts were to be tamed, the owner would have to be considered not only part of the herd but higher on the social order. Once a companionship is made, there should be care not to isolate the unicorn too much. Otherwise it will become anxious or flighty. For those that are kept as mounts it is suggested to keep them alongside another stabled animal such as a goat or a small house cat. Overall these creatures are still a mystery and perhaps one day we can learn more about them. Til then, fellow researchers.
Tags - @the-azerothian-confidant. Also @safrona-shadowsun for mentions ))
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