in gatekey unicorns are a complete myth. dragons of all kinds, manticore, vampire, and much a many different kind of creature. but unicorns are a fabrication--a variant of horse infected by the mushrooms that have developed the ability to drain magic to sustain themselves. the horses are completely unharmed by the shrooms, only becoming the host of many a mushroom crawling on their body.
they are closer to parasites once the mushrooms have begun their crawl. the unicorns have a intoxicating but draining presence to them that can weaken any nearby fellow. this parasitic relationship between the equine and mushroom are for the most part beneficial as the unicorns have become immune to the drain, allowing them to sustain themselves as well without the need for food or water. yet at the same time, their bodies become heavy with infection of the shrooms and near blinded by the growths.
many have mistaken the mushrooms as horns on their bodies, which has given idea that the “unicorns” are creatures of magic. when in reality they are just unfortunately taken over animals by fungi.
victims or friends? who knows.