Ice Veleno
((This breed was designed by Mystic's Dream))
Mating is semi-Monogamous. As in they stay together for anywhere from a season to their lives, depending on the individuals concerned. They generally mate for life, since their groups are small and tight-knit. Mates are picked by both, though the mare has the final say. If two stallions love the same mare and she is unable to choose, she is to give them some task. The one who completes it best wins the right to take her as his mate.
Foals are cared for by both parents, or by the mare if she and the stallion are no longer together. Should the mare die when a foal still needs care the closest female relative will take over caring for the foal. Foals are taught by their mother or a minder from birth to age one. At age one they are taught by a minder and a bard in the herd. When they reach six years they are taught in whatever job they wish. This does not count for a Bard, as they have to be selected by the Kanu (or lead) Bard in the herd.
Both males and females are judged by their survival skills, cunning, intelligence and their ability to do their job.
Ice Velenos have an animist religion, worshipping many spirits. The most powerful of these are the Sun and Moon, the beginners of all, and the North Star. The Sun and Moon were born out of Chaos and brought order; their mating brought forth the North Star. They believe there are good spirits, called Kari, who help. And that there are evil spirits, called Mori, who cause all suffering. They worship the good sprits and ask them to keep the bad sprits away.
If you are good all your life then you will go into an after life where you spend an eternity doing what you like best with the people you like best. However, if you are evil the most powerful of the Mori devours your soul and you cease to exist.
The Sun was the first warrior, and he is the patron of all warriors. The Moon was the first Bard, and she watches over the bards. The North Star is a trickster, but is also the first guide,and guides devote themselves to her.
The herds are led by three figures, the Kanu Warrior or chief Warrior, the Kanu Guide, and Kanu Bard. Below them are the most skilled, the Great Warriors, Guides and Bards. They act as mediators from the Council to the common herd. It is from these that the Kanu are chosen. The normal Warriors, Guides and Bards are next in command. With time and practice they become Greats.
The bard serves a purpose as a cultural keeper and shaman. They tell their tales of great heroes, battles, and lovers through song: They interpret most laws for the herd, and tell the old legends. Apprentice Bards are the next rank and they themselves are ranked depending on how many years they have been training as Bards. They become full bards at 15. Below them are all the other ranks. Below these are the rankless.
Unique ranks
Kanu*- The prefix meaning lead. There are three of these, taken form the mares and stallions who are the Greats.
Great _______*- A skilled Warrior, Guide or Bard, Kanu are picked form them.
Bard+- They serve as shamans and cultural keepers. The bards are the link between the Spirit Realm and the Mortal Lands
Guide- Guides help guide the herd. They find places where there is enough shelter, food and water to sustain the herd. Since Ice Velenos are always on the move, Guides play an essential part in the herd
Apprentice- one in training, lasting from 6 to 7, or 6 to 15 for apprentice bards.
Touch is considered common place, as herds often have to huddle together for warmth. Greeting is signified with a gentle butt on the shoulder with the head. Family Affection is shown by nipping at shoulder blade of the other unicorn. Romantic affection is shown by burying one's nose in the another's ruff.
