Selkie
Selkies are creatures of the sea and seaside, capable of switching between human and seal forms with their most treasured possession, a sealskin. There are many legends of them being taken as fishermen's wives, although they can only stay on land for 7 years. The longer they're without their sealskin, the sicker they get.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Selkies are either entirely human or entirely seal in morphology, and switch between the two by wearing or removing a sealskin.
Genetics and Reproduction
Selkies reproduce sexually, and can breed with humans or other selkies. Their offspring are always other selkies.
Growth Rate & Stages
Baby selkies spend their first 4-5 years primarily on land, being unable to swim properly. It is not uncommon for them to stay with a human parent, or for their mother to abstain from life as a seal during this time. After they start suffering from land sickness, they start entering the sea for short periods of time, but will still spend most of their time on land until they reach maturity.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Selkies have much the same dietary needs as humans, although they have a particular fondness for fish.
Biological Cycle
Selkies spend most of their day in the sea, and rest and mate on land. Staying on land for extended periods of time causes a condition known as 'land sickness', where one becomes weaker and weaker until they eventually die. It takes about 7 years to become lethal.
Additional Information
Social Structure
While they are often found in groups, selkies are not particularly social creatures. They often fight amongst each other for various things, including prized items, boats, or mating rights. It is not uncommon for young selkies to die in these fights. Their culture is changing, albeit slowly.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Selkies have exceptionally good sight and hearing underwater, although their senses are somewhat worse than humans on land. Their sense of smell is rather weak compared to most other mammals.
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
Selkies and humans have a tumultuous relationship. Selkies are prized for their beauty, and as spouses, and are often wrongfully imprisoned to fulfil these desires. Their skins are also highly sought after, due to their extreme softness. A selkie's skin remains alive for as long as it does.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Selkies will often name their offspring after things or attributes they like. Clipper, Will, Jewel, Pearl, Chowder, and Bouillabaisse are examples of Selkie names. They tend to have little regard for gendered names, and one can't tell a Selkie's gender by their name.
Courtship Ideals
Selkies are not romantic creatures, and generally don't engage in long-term relationships. Mothers may stick around to help rear a child, or may abandon them to their human father.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Selkies tend to be more base in nature, blending instincts to pursue pleasure and avoid pain with intelligence to assist them in those goals. Physical brawls are a beloved form of entertainment, both for the fighters and the observers. These brawls can be over anything, and rarely have rules to protect the fighters.
Conservation Status
Selkies are threatened due to hunting and boat accidents.
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