Unicorns

First described by the Greek Cresias in the fourth century B.C., the unicorn is an Indian beast as large as a horse, with a white body, red head, and blue eyes. Its foot-long horn is also tri-colored: white at the base, black in the middle and bright red at the tip. The unicorn is uncatchable, swifter than any other animal and extremely fierce. Described again in the Physiologus (Naturalist), a third century collection of animal descriptions compiled in Alexandria, the unicorn is only the size of a young goat and completely white in color. This unicorn is also swift and fierce, regularly killing elephants and other dangerous beasts. Rather than one description being false, in Mythic Europe these texts describe two breeds of unicorns, one Western and the other Eastern.

Symbolic of military prowess and purity, unicorns are highly desired by princes and knights. Because of the magical properties attributed to its horn, a unicorn is also universally sought by magi and physicians. A magus who can breed and provide unicorns will be revered far and wide, and will be wealthy beyond imagination. Analogous to its status in legend, a unicorn is terribly difficult to capture, and the only known method is to bait the creature with a virgin, leaving the maiden to sit in a glen in the beast's environs. Authorities differ in what happens next. Some suggest that the unicorn arrives and lays its head in the girl's lap, remaining docile as long as the maid is in proximity. Others provide more lurid details. A Syrian bestiary says that the maiden "offers [the unicorn] her breasts, and the animal begins to suck the breasts of the maiden and conduct himself familiarly with her." Whether this tale is true or merely a shocking suggestion is up to you. In either case, it might not be easy to find a virgin willing to act as a lure.

Beasts can also be lassoed from a distance with rope, and then held until they have exhausted themselves struggling to escape. Lassos are not common to most of Mythic Europe, and are generally only used in northern lands (Finland) and by people of the Near East (Mongols and Turks). To lasso a beast, make a Thrown Weapon attack that grapples rather than does dam-

age. Once the initial attack succeeds, the beast is roped and begins struggling to escape. The attacker may make additional attacks, as per the grappling rules, but these attacks are not new ropes thrown around the animal; rather, they represent pulling the already attached rope. If the animal beats the Grapple Strength of the attack, it breaks the rope and is free. A lasso has

the following stats: Ability: Thrown, Init 0, Atk +1, Def 0, Dam n/a, Range 5, Str –1, Load 0, Cost Inexp.

A Ring to Approach Animals Undetected

PeIm 14

Pen: 0, Constant effect R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind

This lesser enchanted device is a ring (+2 shape and material Lab Total bonus) that destroys the wearer's scent, allowing easier access when sneaking up on animals.

(Base 3, + 1 Touch, +2 Sun; +1 frequency, +3 environmental trigger)

Required Lab Total: 1 season (28), 2 seasons (21), 3 seasons (19), 4 seasons (18)

A Net of Immobilization

ReAn 39

Pen: 30, Constant effect R: Touch, D: Sun, T: Ind

This simple device is a net (+5 Shape and Material Bonus to Lab Total) that paralyzes any animal caught in it. The target is immobilized until the following sunrise or sunset after the net is removed, which may aid transportation depending on its Size. It is ideal for capturing smaller animals.

(Base 5, + 1 Touch, +2 Sun; +1 frequency, +3 environmental trigger, +15 Penetration)

Required Lab Total: 1 season (78), 2 seasons (59), 3 seasons (52), 4 seasons (49)

ReAn 57

Pen: 30, 3/day

R: Sight, D: Sun, T: Ind (up to Size +3)

Instilled in a wand or a staff tipped with a topaz (+5 Shape and Material Bonus to Lab Total), this effect paralyzes an animal when the command word is spoken. The effect must Penetrate the target's magic resistance to work. Care must be taken when used on birds and fish, because sudden paralysis will affect their means of locomotion and could cause injury. This effect will not prevent a magical animal from using its powers, which it can invoke without any necessary physical activity.

(Base 5, +3 Sight, +2 Sun, +2 Size; +2 frequency, +15 Penetration)

Required Lab Total: 1 season (114), 2 seasons (86), 3 seasons (76), 4 seasons (72)