Unicorns

From Glen Cook Wiki

Described by centaurs as "natures most bankrupt experiment", unicorns are not the playful fantasies you would expect. They are carnivores - pack hunters of fierce reputation and some animal intellect. They are only native to the Cantard.

Each herd will generally consist of an alpha male and his harem, as well as any young males not chased away from their mothers yet. Contrary to popular hunting philosophy, killing the stallion will not stop a herd from attacking - it will drive the females into an almost suicidal rage, causing them to fight to the last. In fact, the stallion will usually not join in the hunt, restricting his activities to mounting females and killing rival males. The appropriate way to deal with an attacking herd is to kill the lead female, which will generally cause the other females to back away for some time.

Unicorns use wild dogs as outriders and scouts, marking them as part of their herd by biting holes in their ears. The unicorns themselves fight with their razor-sharp horns, pointed carnivore teeth, and dewclaws. They eat meat.

Unicorns are universally regarded as a menace, with the Karentine state paying a bounty of 50 Crowns per horn gathered.

References

• Cook, Glen (1987). Sweet Silver Blues, pp 183-4, 190-7. New York: Penguin Books. ISBN 0-451-45070-1.