Magic Overview
All unicorns are able to use their magic to levitate and manipulate small objects, allowing them to perform simple tasks such as stringing beads onto a necklace. This skill only works on objects within a few feet and most unicorns have very limited dexterity—multi-part activities like braiding another unicorn's mane require much practice to master.
In addition, unicorns are gifted one primary magical talent by the Wind that is blowing at the time of their birth. Many unicorns honor the Four Winds as gods (usually personified as unicorns, but sometimes as Ancients instead), while others believe that they are non-sentient founts of magic located at the cardinal centers of the earth, their power borne like pollen on the breeze. Most unicorns begin to demonstrate their gift by one year of age. With much dedication, some unicorns can hone their gift to the powerful level of adept.
Sundering
A unicorn's magic is channeled through its horn; thus it is considered a terrible act to sever, or Sunder, another unicorn's horn. Sundering is reserved as a dire punishment.
Boreas, the North Wind
Usually depicted as a muscular white stallion with a scarred hide, Boreas is known for his strength and decisiveness, especially in battle. However, he is also defined by bitterness and a violent temper. The North Wind blows throughout most of winter, and occasionally during the spring and autumn.
- Berserker: Berserkers temporarily infuse themselves with the strength and resilience of the mountains, rendering them immensely powerful and nearly impervious to pain and injury. Adepts can sustain the berserker state for much longer. Almost unstoppable in battle, they are known to be able to cleave stone in two with their hooves.
Stormcaller: Stormcallers summon the harsh weather of the North, bringing driving wind and hail down upon those who oppose them. They are also prized for their ability to invoke nourishing rain during droughts. Adepts in their element are a fearsome sight to behold, wielding lightning and tempests with deadly force.
Sylva, the East Wind
Usually depicted as a graceful, golden-haired mare, Sylva is known for her creativity and independence. However, she is also defined by capriciousness and vanity. The East Wind blows fairly often during spring, and every once in a while during every other season.
- Artisan: Unicorns' rudimentary ability to manipulate objects with their magic is enhanced a hundredfold in artisans, enabling them to craft complex items like cloth and metal or stone jewelry. Artisan adepts produce finer, more detailed work, and can even fashion heavy things like armor or create and play musical instruments.
Enchanter: A mysterious and arcane art, enchanting involves altering the composition of inanimate objects to lend them magical properties; for example, turning a stone invisible or a scarf waterproof, preventing a flower from decaying, or making a necklace glow. Adepts can work extremely powerful, long-lasting enchantments.
Alaunus, the South Wind
Usually depicted as a handsome, red-haired stallion, Alaunus is known for his bravery and integrity. However, he is also defined by stubbornness and pride. The South Wind blows throughout most of summer and occasionally during spring and autumn.
- Healer: Healers use their magic to encourage the healing of wounds, soothe pain, and ease fever. Upon reaching the rank of adept, healers can cure terrible injuries and diseases within a matter of minutes. However, healing does not always work perfectly; sometimes the will of the Winds intervenes in mysterious ways.
Archon: Revered as guardians in dark times, archons have the ability to cancel out others' magic, especially if it is harmful in nature. Adepts can extend their sphere of influence over a wide area, protecting entire herds from danger. Those who wish to face an archon in battle must do so honorably, without the aid of magic.
Undine, the West Wind
Usually depicted as a dark-eyed mare with a long black mane, Undine is known for her intelligence and open mind. However, she is also defined by secretiveness and melancholy. The West Wind is the rarest Wind, blowing only occasionally during autumn and once or twice during spring.
- Mesmer: A mesmer can deceive the mind and senses by summoning illusions. Many use this skill for artistic displays rather than sinister purposes. Mesmer adepts can summon more powerful illusions and directly influence the minds of other unicorns, altering their memories and emotions.
Diviner: Rare and respected but often misunderstood, diviners catch random glimpses of the past, present, and possible futures while dreaming or gazing into reflective surfaces. Adepts may discover long-forgotten secrets and even predict the future. Unfortunately, some go mad as a result of their visions.
Though unicorns do not get to choose which gift they receive from their birth Wind, you can pick it OOC.
