Selkie

Selkies

Common Name

Selkie

Other Names

Seal Pae, Wildkin

Physical Description

Height

Seal form: 5–6 ft

Humanoid form: 4 ft

Body Structure

In seal form, they possess full aquatic adaptations of a seal

On land, with their fur removed, they appear as beautiful but featureless Pae — no wings or unique markers

Males are muscular; females are smaller and less built

Skin

Seal flesh while in seal form; smooth, human-like skin when the fur is removed

Distinctive Features

In humanoid form, they have large, expressive eyes and silky, water-like hair

Abilities & Powers

Physical

• Resistant to cold and underwater pressure

• Agile and sleek swimmers

• Enhanced hearing and vision for hunting underwater

• Powerful bite and sharp teeth in seal form

Racial Abilities

• Ability to shed sealskin to reveal an attractive Pae’il form

• Aquatic Adaptation – can transition easily between land and water without the need for gills or breathing apparatus

• Water Affinity – instinctive emotional and spiritual connection to the water; prolonged separation causes distress

Main Abilities

None

Weaknesses

• Vulnerable to Taint (details to be expanded)

• If their sealskin is stolen by another Pae’il, the Selkie becomes bound to that individual’s will

• Once their skin is found after being lost, they must return to the sea unless the skin remains in someone else's possession

• Prolonged separation from water can cause depression

• On land, their senses are dulled

• Mentally vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation while on land

Reproduction

Method

With sealskin: seal-like reproduction

Without sealskin: intercourse

Gestation Period

Two seasons

Average Number of Offspring

2–3

Notes

• Babies are called pups

• Males breeding outside their species produce offspring matching the mother’s species (usually 1–2 children)

• Females always produce Selkie pups

• Newborns are live-born and fully covered in seal fur

• Children cannot remove their fur; fur removal becomes possible in adolescence

• Teenage Selkies can remove their fur, but their bodies are still frail

Diet

Primary Food Sources

Carnivorous

Hunting & Squid Farming

Primarily hunters; some take up squid farming due to the delicacy’s high value

Dietary Needs

High in protein and fat

Behavior & Society

Social Structure

Telrunya:

• Queen Tariel, Consort Turin

• Queen’s Council, Queen’s Guard

• Hunters and general population

Lucandria:

• Duchess Nomia, Mika nobility

• Common Mika

• Tide Keeper

Communication

Water runes

Clicks and whistles while in seal form

Cultural Practices

• Live in tight-knit pods of extended family or allies

• Led by a Tide Keeper chosen for wisdom and leadership

• Storytelling is central – a blend of music, dance, narrative, and performance

• Many join APOP due to their love of movement, music, and performance

• Selkie skin is sacred and must be guarded closely

• Water is revered as a living spirit; Wave Shamans interpret water signs and currents for guidance

Customs & Traditions

The Anointing

A rite of passage – when a Selkie teen removes their fur for the first time, it is rubbed with fine oils and anointed

The First Dive

A celebration of a young Selkie’s first solo hunt

Soulbinding Ceremony

Partners exchange pieces of their sealskin and sew them into each other’s skin

This forms a deep soulbond and adds risk—if the skin is stolen, it can be used to track and control the bonded Selkie

The ceremony includes music, storytelling, and dance

History

Origin

Selkies evolved in Lucandria from the intermingling of Naiad and Faun. They were brought to Telrunya alongside other Wildkin

Major Historical Events

• Selkies joined APOP following the popularity of Merfolk entertainers

• Their dancing talents made them highly sought after, especially in the Water Duchy

• When nobles were hesitant, APOP stars brought performances to them, quickly winning them over

• APOP members were gifted a luxurious palace within the lake; while not noble-level, it elevated their standard of living

• Non-APOP Selkies benefit indirectly through support from the performers

Interaction with Other Species

• Mika enjoy Selkies for their entertainment value; Selkies often agree to performance roles to improve their quality of life

• Close allies with Merfolk due to shared water space

• Viewed with some jealousy or disdain by other Wildkin because of their elevated status

Other Information

Languages Spoken

Common and Ancient Miaki; chirps and whistles underwater in seal form

Religious Beliefs

Deep respect for the water as a living, spiritual force

Technology Level

Varies – everyday Selkies live simply like other Wildkin

APOP stars enjoy technological luxuries via manastones (electricity, comfort)

Tools & Weapons

Bone-crafted tools from sea life; weapons are uncommon

Allies

Merfolk, Mika (tentatively)

Enemies

None

Current Status

Thriving