Selkie
Selkies are a species of marine humanoids found in the Northern and Northeastern regions of the Great Ring. They combine features of humans, sea otters, sea lions, and seals, with webbed hands and feet, a sea lion-like head, and sleek otter-like fur that keeps them warm in cold water environments.
They are well-adapted for both land and sea environments, with an elongated torso and limbs that allow them to move with agility and speed on land and in the water. Selkies are exceptional swimmers and divers, able to hold their breath for long periods of time and navigate the ocean with ease.
While they are exquisitely suited to the marine environment, it is not without its hazards. Sharks are a common threat to lone Selkies. They have developed various strategies to avoid becoming shark prey, including swimming in groups or close to the shore, and whenever possible being close enough to land or a boat where they can escape an attack. However, even with these precautions, Selkies still fall victim to shark attacks on occasion. Orcas are an even bigger threat to Selkies, as they are highly intelligent and social animals that hunt in packs. Selkies must remain alert and avoid areas where orcas are known to frequent to reduce the risk of being attacked.
Sea-Longing
Among the Selkies, there exists a condition known as Sea-Longing. This is a yearning for the sea that emerges when they are separated from the ocean for extended periods. Selkies rely on the presence of the ocean for their well-being and sense of purpose. The absence of the sea slowly takes its toll on their spirits, leading to a profound melancholy that pervades their existence.
After a few weeks away from the water, the Selkie begins to notice the beginnings of Sea-Longing, as a slowly increasing urge to go swimming. When subjected to a prolonged separation of months or years from their waters, the effects of Sea-Longing get more serious. They grow restless, their hearts and minds consumed by the desire to return to the waters. Depression soon follows, and waves of melancholy threaten to drown them. This longing becomes a persistent ache that drives them to back to the sea. If they are prevented from returning to the ocean, they can suffer debilitating physical and mental consequences, including fatigue, illness, and crushing despair.
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Selkies have a similar reproductive system to humans. Their gestation period is around eight months, and they typically give birth to one or two pups at a time. Selkie pups are born with a thick layer of fur and are able to swim soon after birth. Selkies reach sexual maturity around the same age as humans.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Selkies are obligate carnivores, primarily eating fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are skilled hunters, using spears and nets to catch their prey, and are also known for their skill in pearl hunting. While they do eat some vegetation to supplement their diet, they cannot survive on plant-based food alone.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Facial characteristics of Selkies vary depending on their ethnic group, but they generally have a sea lion-like head with large, expressive eyes and sharp teeth. Their faces are often framed by a thick mane of fur, and their ears are small and close to their head to reduce drag in the water.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Selkies have exceptional sensory capabilities, particularly in their underwater environment. They possess acute hearing and vision, allowing them to detect sounds and see clearly underwater. They can sense changes in water pressure, temperature, and currents, and use their sense of smell to locate food and identify other creatures underwater.
Civilization and Culture
History
Selkies are descended from humans who were transformed by the gods of their local waters in order to better survive the conditions of the Million Islands. The Tuniit and the Dòbhran each identify a different god who blessed them with their selkie forms, and there is some conflict between the two groups about the exact origins of the species. The Dòbhran tend to believe that two gods performed the same miracle independently, while some of the Tuniit suspect that the ancestors of the Dòbhran had come into posession of Igalaaq's Wand, the magical artifact that was used to transform the Tuniit and was later lost.
Selkies are generally lean and muscular, with a streamlined build that is well-suited for swimming and diving. They have broad shoulders, a tapered waist, and powerful leg muscles that allow them to move with speed and agility both in the water and on land. There is some variation in build between the different ethnicities of Selkie.
Selkies come in a range of body tints and colorings, with different markings and patterns depending on their ethnic group and individual genetics. Tuniit Selkies tend to have darker fur, with shades of brown, gray, and black, while Dòbhran Selkies are more commonly lighter in color, with shades of white, cream, and pale gray. Both groups can have markings such as stripes, spots, or splotches that serve as camouflage in their environments.
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