Unicorns

Continuing kindred month, today I look at unicorns.

Introduction

Pearled Unicorn (pictured above) was the first unicorn to be printed (in Alpha, 1993).

A unicorn (in myth) is elusive, beautiful, and thus to be desired. Perhaps that is why there aren't many unicorns in Magic; only 31 have been printed to date, with Jumpstart (2020) giving us the most at one time (five).

Most unicorns (24) are mono-white; 2 are mono-green, and the remaining 5 are selesnya (white-green).

Sample/Staple Cards

With a heavy emphasis on white, plus their mythical reputation, it is no surprise that unicorns specialize in gaining life, granting buffs (+1/+1 counters or abilities that last a turn), and protecting others. If you are running a unicorn Commander deck, your only two choices are Emiel or Lathiel:

You may as well include both . . . and almost every other unicorn ever printed. A handful of examples follow.

Related kindred types include Pegasi (23 cards, also mostly mono-white) and Horses (53 cards, a mix of colors). Two Commanders here include Thurid and Shadowfax, with the former limiting you to mono-white but benefiting Pegasus, Unicorn, and Horse creature types:

So counting all three types together limits in color but gives more options in card pool.