![[Lurue.png|400]] **Lesser Deity | Goddess of Unicorns and Talking Beasts** **Alignment**: Chaotic Good **Also Known As**: The Unicorn, The Unicorn Queen, Queen of Talking Beasts, The Divine Beast, Mistress of Moonlight, Silverymoon **Divine Portfolio**: Unicorns, Intelligent Nonhumanoid Creatures, Talking Beasts **Domains**: Animal, Chaos, Good, Healing **Favoured Weapon**: Unicorn Horn (Shortspear) --- ### **Overview** Lurue, the Unicorn Queen, is a benevolent goddess of the Faerûnian pantheon whose divine influence encompasses unicorns, intelligent nonhumanoid creatures, and talking beasts. Known also as Silverymoon, the Divine Beast, and the Mistress of Moonlight, she is revered by those who cherish freedom, adventure, companionship, and the wonders of the natural world. Her faith encourages the pursuit of happiness through exploration, generosity, and the willingness to attempt seemingly impossible deeds. Among the deities of Faerûn, Lurue is distinguished by her extraordinary enthusiasm for life and her belief that joy possesses genuine power against evil. She encourages her followers to embrace new experiences, undertake adventures, and offer kindness freely to those in need. Her teachings place particular importance upon recognising the strengths of others, providing comfort in times of weakness, and preserving hope even when circumstances appear hopeless. Lurue usually manifests as a magnificent silver unicorn standing between ten and fifteen feet tall at the shoulder. Her coat shines with an unnatural radiance, while her mane resembles a cascade of silver stardust. Her hooves shimmer with divine light, and a long, spiralling horn of pure silver rises from her brow. When she desires, a pair of translucent silver wings emerges from her body, allowing her to travel through the skies with extraordinary speed. Her appearance reflects the nature of her divine power. Although she is capable of inspiring overwhelming awe, she possesses a playful and adventurous disposition, frequently displaying a fondness for riddles, clever conversation, music, flowers, and sweet foods. Her enjoyment of life's pleasures is balanced by profound compassion and unwavering loyalty toward those who have earned her trust. Despite her generally peaceful nature, Lurue is a formidable opponent when compelled to fight. She is especially protective of unicorns and other intelligent beasts, and the deliberate persecution or slaughter of these creatures can provoke her anger. She is known to despise those who hunt unicorns for their horns and regards the corruption of such creatures as a particularly grievous offence. The precise nature of Lurue's divinity has been debated by scholars. Some regard her as a minor power of the natural world, while others associate her with the fey or the ancient spirits of the wilderness. Nevertheless, she is recognised as a genuine divine being rather than merely a powerful magical beast or the servant of another deity. Her faith has existed among intelligent creatures since before humanoid peoples began recording her worship, and her influence remains particularly strong among the unicorns, pegasi, and other extraordinary beasts of Faerûn. --- ### **Domain and Influence** Lurue's divine portfolio encompasses intelligent nonhumanoid creatures, particularly those possessing the ability to speak, reason, or exercise an awareness beyond that of ordinary beasts. Her most devoted followers are unicorns and talking owls, although she is also revered by pegasi and other intelligent creatures. Some of these beings belong to species naturally possessing extraordinary intelligence, while others have acquired their abilities through magic. The latter are particularly important to Lurue, for creatures whose intelligence or speech distinguishes them from the rest of their kind frequently experience isolation. Her faith offers them companionship and a place among others who understand their unusual circumstances. Her influence extends to the protection of such creatures and the preservation of peaceful relations between them and the humanoid peoples of the world. Lurue encourages friendship across differences of appearance and origin, teaching that kindness should not be withheld merely because another creature is unusual or unfamiliar. She is closely associated with the goddess Mielikki, whose concern for forests and woodland creatures complements Lurue's guardianship of intelligent beasts. The two goddesses are regarded as close companions, and some traditions describe Lurue as Mielikki's steed and trusted ally. This relationship does not diminish Lurue's independent divinity. Although her worship is often connected to that of Mielikki and Silvanus, she possesses her own followers, religious traditions, and supernatural authority. Lurue also maintains connections with Shiallia and Gwaeron Windstrom, whose responsibilities concerning woodland life and the wilderness align with her interests. Her presence is particularly associated with northern Faerûn, especially the region surrounding Silverymoon and the River Rauvin. The city of Silverymoon takes its name from the Unicorn Queen, and its inhabitants have long regarded her as one of the divine protectors of their home. The forests and glades surrounding the city are considered sacred to her, and accounts of her appearances have endured for generations. Lurue is not confined to a single divine realm. She has been known to wander freely across the Material Plane and to visit the wilderness of the Beastlands. Her natural curiosity and love of exploration make her less inclined than many deities to remain within a permanent celestial residence. Her influence also extends to dreams and visions, particularly when she seeks to guide her followers or encourage them toward a worthy undertaking. Such experiences reflect her association with hope and the pursuit of seemingly impossible goals, rather than universal authority over dreams themselves. --- ### **Symbols and Icons**  Lurue's principal holy symbol is the head of a silver-horned unicorn displayed before a crescent moon. The emblem reflects her identity as the Unicorn Queen and her longstanding association with moonlight. It is recognised by her clergy and appears upon their garments, shields, religious objects, and other possessions. Older representations also depict a white unicorn rearing upon its hind legs or the head of a unicorn positioned before a half moon. Silver and white are the colours most closely associated with her faith, reflecting the radiant appearance of her divine form. The crescent moon is especially significant because Lurue is known to manifest beneath moonlight, and her followers frequently conduct their prayers in moonlit groves. Flowers are also associated with her presence, particularly daisies and white or red roses. These plants reflect her affection for beauty and the natural world. Fireflies are among the creatures associated with her divine manifestations, and their unusual appearance may be interpreted by the faithful as an indication that the Unicorn Queen is aware of events occurring nearby. Her silver horn, commonly called the **Argent Alicorn**, is one of the most important features of her divine form. Beyond its symbolic significance, it possesses extraordinary supernatural properties connected to healing, purification, and the awakening of intelligence. --- ### **Worship and Tributes** The worship of Lurue is founded upon joy, generosity, adventure, and the belief that happiness should be actively pursued rather than merely awaited. Her faithful are encouraged to live with enthusiasm, explore unfamiliar places, and undertake challenges that others might consider impossible. The teachings of the Unicorn Queen place considerable value upon courage, humour, companionship, and the willingness to provide assistance without demanding repayment. Lurue's followers are expected to recognise the abilities of others and offer encouragement where weaknesses are apparent. Gifts may be given spontaneously, while adventures and quests are sometimes undertaken simply because the possibility of success is sufficiently wonderful to justify the attempt. The unicorn serves as the principal symbol of these ideals, representing hope, protection, salvation, and the pursuit of happiness. The faith possesses two especially important holy days. **Midsummer's Eve** is a night of exuberant celebration, during which the faithful gather for music, dancing, feasting, and spirited displays of skill. The festivities may include theatrical performances, humorous speeches, mock duels, and declarations of affection. Wild rides through the countryside are particularly associated with the occasion, and some celebrations include journeys through the skies upon flying mounts. Among unicorns, Midsummer's Eve is an important time for the formation of lifelong bonds between mates. **The Feast of the Moon** is observed in a considerably quieter manner. It marks the approach of winter and provides an occasion for remembering those who have died. The faithful gather to commemorate departed companions and celebrate their accomplishments through music, poetry, and other artistic works. Within Silverymoon, the occasion has particular significance because it is also associated with the city's founding. Lurue's worshippers do not regard mourning and joy as incompatible. The remembrance of the dead is intended to honour the lives they lived while preserving the affection and companionship that connected them to others. Her priests and druids traditionally pray for their spells at midnight, preferably within a moonlit glade or secluded woodland clearing. Although offerings of flowers, food, and other small gifts are consistent with the joyful character of her faith, no universal system of compulsory material tribute is established. For Lurue, the willingness to protect others, right wrongs, and pursue life with kindness is of greater importance than elaborate displays of wealth. --- ### **Clergy and Temples** The worship of Lurue is maintained by an established but loosely organised clergy whose members possess considerable freedom in the conduct of their religious duties. Her priesthood traditionally consists of women, including humans, elves, and half-elves. Its members are frequently adventurers who travel throughout Faerûn, assisting those in need, seeking new experiences, and opposing cruelty wherever they encounter it. The clergy include clerics, druids, crusaders, and specialised priestesses known as **silvermaids**. Junior members of the priesthood are known as the **Sisters of the Moonlit Sky**, while senior priestesses bear the title **Sisters of the Silver Moon**. A priestess granted the extraordinary honour of riding a unicorn may receive the title **Ladycorn**, recognising the trust placed in her by one of the creatures most sacred to the goddess. Unlike many organised religious institutions, Lurue's church possesses no rigid universal hierarchy. Its members enjoy considerable independence, and even senior priestesses may pursue their own adventures rather than remain permanently attached to a particular temple. The priestesses commonly wear simple white robes of cotton, linen, or silk, woven with threads of pure silver. Their garments often display the holy symbol of Lurue. When expecting danger, they may wear gleaming chainmail, preferably of elven craftsmanship, and carry polished shields. Longswords and lances are common weapons among the clergy, reflecting their traditions of mounted combat and adventurous service. Some newly dedicated priestesses acquire distinctive physical characteristics, including eyes of deep blue or violet and hair of white or silver. These changes are associated with their commitment to the Unicorn Queen. Lurue's church is particularly influential in Silverymoon, where the goddess has long been honoured alongside Mielikki and other benevolent powers. The city possesses no single great temple universally recognised as the principal sanctuary of her faith. Instead, groves and woodland clearings throughout Silverymoon are regarded as sacred to her. Among the most remarkable places associated with Lurue is **the Place of the Unicorn**, a secluded grove in the hills northeast of Leilon. The grove can be found only at night, and certain scholars believe it lies beyond the ordinary boundaries of the Material Plane, accessible through a magical passage that opens beneath moonlight. Its landscape consists of a meadow of blue grass surrounded by trees whose leaves possess a brilliant blue colour. Those who rest within the grove may be cleansed of disease, poison, curses, and madness. Unicorns resting there may also recover from physical injuries. Lurue has occasionally appeared within the grove, and some visitors have reported experiences that permanently altered their understanding of the divine. Her worship is also maintained by the **Knights of the Unicorn**, an order founded by adventurers devoted to the principles of the Unicorn Queen. Following the Time of Troubles, the order divided into smaller groups collectively known as the **Order of the Unicorn**, whose members continued travelling across Faerûn to oppose wrongdoing and assist those in need. --- ### **Powers and Abilities** Lurue possesses extraordinary divine abilities associated with healing, transformation, protection, and the guardianship of intelligent beasts. Her power extends considerably beyond that of an ordinary unicorn, allowing her to manifest supernatural abilities that reflect her divine nature. **The Argent Alicorn** Lurue's most renowned possession is her horn, known as the Argent Alicorn. Formed from pure silver and possessing extraordinary strength, the horn serves as both a formidable weapon and a means of bestowing divine blessings. When Lurue wills it, the touch of her horn can heal severe injuries, regenerate damaged tissue, neutralise poison, and awaken intelligence within an animal. Those receiving certain blessings from the Argent Alicorn may be surrounded by silver faerie fire for a time and bear a permanent silver representation of her holy symbol upon their brow. The horn also possesses the ability to purify water, removing corruption and rendering it suitable for consumption. **Divine Healing** Lurue commands powerful restorative magic capable of curing disease, removing harmful conditions, and repairing injuries. Her abilities are particularly associated with the protection of intelligent beasts and the preservation of life. These powers are among the reasons her appearances are regarded as especially fortunate by those who dwell within the wilderness. **The Silver Herd** Lurue is accompanied on certain occasions by the **Silver Herd**, a company of magnificent unicorn stallions that travel with her through the wilderness. When her devoted followers are threatened, she may summon the herd to their defence. The appearance of the ghostly unicorns is often sufficient to frighten enemies into retreat. Should intimidation prove ineffective, the herd is capable of engaging attackers directly. Lurue remains devoted to those she protects and does not willingly abandon them when danger persists. **The Awakening of Beasts** Lurue possesses the power to grant intelligence and speech to ordinary animals. This ability reflects her divine portfolio and her concern for creatures whose lives are transformed through the acquisition of reason. Her specialised priestesses can employ a spell known as **Silver Tongue and Starry Eyes**, which permanently increases the intelligence of a suitable animal and grants it the ability to communicate with humanoid creatures. In rare circumstances, the resulting intelligence may be inherited by the animal's descendants. **Divine Movement** Lurue can travel with extraordinary speed and agility, crossing difficult terrain with ease. She may manifest translucent silver wings and fly at tremendous speed, while her divine magic allows her to transport herself instantaneously between distant locations. Her mobility reflects her enthusiasm for exploration and her reluctance to remain confined to a single place. **Protection Against Enchantment** Lurue possesses exceptional resistance to magical effects intended to control or restrain her. Her divine nature protects her against enchantments that would compel obedience, interfere with her freedom of movement, or impose unnatural limitations upon her actions. This protection reflects the importance of freedom within her personality, although it does not establish that every spell or supernatural power in existence is incapable of affecting her. **The Moonlit Blessing** Lurue sometimes manifests as a silvery radiance surrounding the moon. Those who witness this manifestation may receive supernatural protection that strengthens their physical and mental defences until the following dawn. Such appearances are considered fortunate and are especially meaningful to those who honour the Unicorn Queen. **Divine Magic** Lurue possesses extensive magical abilities associated with enchantment, divination, protection, illusion, transformation, and healing. She is also capable of employing powerful magic against evil creatures, including supernatural effects that can banish hostile outsiders. Although she generally favours peaceful solutions, she can become an implacable opponent when compelled to defend those under her protection. --- ### **Treatment of the Chosen and Faithful** Lurue is regarded as a generous and loyal goddess whose concern for her followers extends beyond the ordinary responsibilities of divine patronage. She favours kindness, courage, imagination, and the willingness to assist others without expectation of personal reward. Her clergy are encouraged to undertake adventures, gain experience, improve themselves, and bring assistance to those in need. Lurue particularly values individuals who act to protect intelligent beasts, especially unicorns and other creatures persecuted because of their unusual nature. Those who rescue a unicorn from danger may attract her personal attention and, in exceptional circumstances, receive a divine blessing. Her specialised priestesses, the silvermaids, are granted supernatural protection against poison, magical charm, and certain forms of harmful magic. As they grow in experience, they may acquire additional abilities involving the removal of disease, the neutralisation of poison, the restoration of sight or hearing, and magical transportation. Silvermaids whose devotion and moral character are considered exceptional may be granted the companionship of a unicorn. Such a creature serves as a lifelong companion and mount, provided the priestess remains worthy of the trust placed in her by Lurue. The relationship is not one of ordinary ownership. Unicorns are intelligent beings capable of independent thought, and their willingness to serve reflects their personal loyalty and the blessing of the goddess. The loss of such a companion is considered a serious matter. Lurue does not readily replace a unicorn that has been slain, even when the priestess herself remains faithful. The Unicorn Queen may also assist intelligent beasts directly, granting them the means to call upon supernatural allies in moments of great danger. Her protection is particularly significant for creatures whose intelligence has made them vulnerable to exploitation, imprisonment, or persecution. Although Lurue is generous, her favour is not without moral expectations. The deliberate slaughter of unicorns, the abuse of intelligent creatures, and the betrayal of those who depend upon one's protection are grave offences against her teachings. The possession of unicorn horns obtained through cruelty is particularly abhorrent to her faithful, who have been known to pursue and punish those responsible for such acts. Her blessings are therefore associated with compassion and moral responsibility rather than merely the pursuit of personal happiness. --- ### **Myths and Legends** **The Daughter of Moonlight** The origins of Lurue are the subject of several traditions preserved among the faithful. One account identifies her as a daughter of Selûne, the goddess of the moon, who entrusted her to Mielikki during the earliest ages of the world. According to this tradition, Mielikki required a guardian and representative capable of travelling among the creatures of the Material Plane. Selûne offered Lurue for this purpose, allowing the young divine unicorn to become closely associated with the forests and intelligent beasts of Faerûn. Other accounts provide different explanations for her parentage, connecting her to ancient unicorn powers worshipped beyond Toril. Lurue herself has not confirmed every claim concerning her ancestry, leaving the precise circumstances of her origin uncertain. **The Meeting at the River Rauvin** One of the oldest traditions concerning Lurue describes her first meeting with Mielikki beside the River Rauvin. According to the tale, Mielikki was drinking from the river when a young silver unicorn appeared upon a shaft of moonlight. The creature was Lurue, then little more than a newly foaled filly. Mielikki befriended her and taught her to run through the forests of the North, following the moonlight across the woodland paths. Their friendship became one of the enduring relationships among the nature deities of Faerûn. Lurue eventually adopted the title _Mistress of Moonlight_ and devoted herself to preserving peaceful relations among the creatures of the wilderness. The place associated with their meeting later became important to the inhabitants of Silverymoon, who regarded sightings of the radiant unicorn as signs of good fortune. **The Blessing of Silverymoon** Lurue has maintained a longstanding connection with the city of Silverymoon and the surrounding lands. According to local traditions, Mielikki and Lurue returned to the region after mortal settlers established an inn near the River Rauvin. The goddesses appeared in disguise, with Mielikki taking the form of a female ranger and Lurue accompanying her as a steed. They were pleased to discover that the inhabitants sought to live in harmony with the surrounding woodland. In recognition of their conduct, the goddesses blessed the settlement, granting protection to those who maintained goodness within their hearts. As Silverymoon developed into a great city, Lurue remained among the powers honoured by its inhabitants. The city's name preserved her association with the region, and accounts of her appearances continued to circulate among travellers and residents. **The Pool of Eternal Silver** An account preserved in the enchanted book _Lore of Lurue_, written by Ecamane Truesilver, describes an ancient struggle between Lurue and the servants of Malar, the Beastlord. According to the narrative, Malar sought to corrupt a sacred forest and establish dominion over a place known as the Pool of Eternal Spring. His followers slaughtered woodland creatures and cast their remains into the pool, polluting its waters through acts of deliberate cruelty. The corruption was intended to permit the creation of a twisted manifestation of Lurue, transforming the benevolent unicorn into a destructive creature serving the interests of Malar. The account describes how the corrupted avatar was ultimately purified through divine intervention associated with Selûne. Restored to her true form, Lurue lowered her horn into the polluted waters and cleansed the pool of its corruption. The purification continued along the adjoining stream, restoring the surrounding waters and removing the influence of Malar's servants. In gratitude for the protection of the forest, Lurue allowed the purified spring to continue flowing, transforming the site into the Pool of Eternal Silver. The narrative associates the pool with the later establishment and naming of Silverymoon. The work is an enchanted historical tale rather than an independently confirmed account of every event it describes. Nevertheless, it remains an important expression of Lurue's relationship with the region and her opposition to the corruption of innocent creatures. **The Silver Herd** Among the most enduring legends surrounding Lurue are accounts of the Silver Herd, a company of magnificent unicorns that accompanies her during journeys across Faerûn. The herd is said to appear as a ghostly procession upon the horizon, its members galloping beneath moonlight or across secluded woodland paths. When a devoted follower faces serious danger, Lurue may lead the herd to provide assistance. The thunder of their hooves and the brilliance of their appearance can frighten enemies into retreat before a battle begins. Should the threat persist, the herd is capable of attacking with considerable force. The stories emphasise Lurue's loyalty to her followers and her unwillingness to abandon those who depend upon her protection. **The Corruption of the Unicorns** Lurue has long regarded the corruption of unicorns as one of the most terrible offences against the natural world. Among the most disturbing examples are the black unicorns created through the experiments of the Red Wizards of Thay. These unnatural creatures were produced through the use of fiendish blood and other corrupting influences, transforming beings ordinarily associated with purity and benevolence. Their existence caused Lurue considerable sorrow. Rather than simply seeking their destruction, she desired to discover a means of redeeming the corrupted creatures and restoring them to their former nature. This concern reflects the compassion of the Unicorn Queen, who recognises the distinction between a creature that willingly embraces evil and one whose nature has been twisted through the actions of others. **The Staff of Shoon** The slaughter of unicorns for the creation of magical artifacts has been a longstanding concern among the followers of Lurue. One particularly infamous example is the Staff of Shoon, an artifact created through the killing of numerous unicorns. The staff incorporated their stolen horns and carried a supernatural corruption that could be recognised by creatures devoted to Lurue and allied nature powers. Unicorns and other servants of the relevant deities were capable of sensing the presence of the artifact, even when its bearer attempted to conceal it. The suffering involved in its creation made the staff an object of particular hatred among those who honoured the Unicorn Queen. Certain traditions maintain that its destruction required the blood of its creator and the tears of Lurue herself, reflecting the extraordinary circumstances necessary to undo the evil bound within the artifact. --- ### **Encounters with Lurue's Influence** Lurue's influence is most frequently encountered within the forests and wilderness regions of northern Faerûn, particularly near Silverymoon and places where intelligent beasts dwell. Travellers may discover that an unusual animal possesses the ability to speak or communicate through supernatural means. Such creatures may be followers of Lurue or beneficiaries of the magic granted through her faithful. A talking owl, unicorn, or other intelligent beast may provide guidance to those who demonstrate kindness and respect. Her clergy also travel widely, seeking opportunities to assist the unfortunate, right wrongs, and undertake adventures. An encounter with a silvermaid or a member of the Order of the Unicorn may therefore introduce travellers to the religious traditions of the Unicorn Queen. The faithful are especially concerned with the protection of unicorns and other intelligent creatures threatened by hunters, cruel spellcasters, or those seeking to exploit their supernatural properties. In certain circumstances, Lurue may manifest through a ghostly silver unicorn or a supernatural radiance surrounding the moon. Those who witness such signs may regard them as evidence of her presence or favour. The Place of the Unicorn near Leilon offers one of the most remarkable opportunities to encounter her influence directly. The sacred grove can be reached only under unusual circumstances, and those who rest within it may receive extraordinary healing. Other locations associated with her worship may contain traces of divine magic, particularly where Lurue, Mielikki, Eldath, or Shiallia have manifested. A direct encounter with Lurue is exceptionally rare. Those who meet her may discover a playful and curious goddess who delights in adventure and conversation, but who possesses considerable authority and expects kindness toward vulnerable creatures. Her interest in a traveller may arise from an act of generosity, the protection of an intelligent beast, or the willingness to undertake a difficult but worthy task. Although her favour is generally benevolent, she is capable of decisive action against those who deliberately corrupt or destroy the creatures under her protection. --- ### **Conclusion** Lurue is the Unicorn Queen, a benevolent goddess whose divine influence encompasses unicorns, talking beasts, and other intelligent nonhumanoid creatures. Her faith celebrates freedom, adventure, generosity, and the pursuit of happiness, encouraging followers to seek new experiences while offering assistance and companionship to those in need. Her close relationship with Mielikki, longstanding connection to Silverymoon, and protection of intelligent beasts have established her as an important member of the Faerûnian pantheon. Although her playful nature and enthusiasm for life distinguish her from more solemn deities, her compassion is supported by considerable divine power and an unwavering determination to defend those under her protection. Through her priestesses, the Silver Herd, and the intelligent creatures who honour her, Lurue continues to extend her influence throughout Faerûn, preserving the traditions of friendship, hope, and wonder associated with the Unicorn Queen.