Selkie

They are were animals, and as such have the ability to shift forms between humanoid and animal.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Selkies have a thicker layer of blubbler than most other races.

Biological Traits

Hair

The most common colours are grey and brown. Black or white is a little less common. The hair is very thick and rarely grow very long.

Eyes

Black or brown are the most common colours. Blue is very rare. They have large iris and round pupil.

Ears

They have no outer ears, only a thick fold of skin, which they can close over their ear canals.

Other physical attributes

All selkies have claws and sharp teeth.
They have a thicker than average layer of subcutaneous fat, which helps them keep warm.
They can hold their breath for 15-30 minutes in humanoid form, and 20-40 minutes in animal form.

Common magical abilities

• Elemental: water

• Linguistics: runes

• Physical: echolocation, strength

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Origins: tenth planet, Helmi.
Commonly found on: Elu, Helmi, Cembre and Morsuu.
Uncommonly found on: Noverem, Emser and Kober.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have higher than average sense of hearing and smell.

Civilization and Culture

Beauty Ideals

Dark grey colouration with black speckles have long been seen as the most beautiful. Long hair is in general seen as something special, as it's fairly uncommon. A stout body build that is not too muscular or too squishy is the ideal.

Gender Ideals

It is generally seen as a woman's duty to care for children for the first couple of months, but thereafter it is the whole family's responsibility to raise the child.

Common Dress Code

A traditional selkie folk dress is rather shapeless, and consists of a tunic or parka with a skirt or pants. They are designed to be easy to get in and out of fast for easier shape shifting. Common materials are wool and fish leather.
As selkies are very cold resistant, they very rarely wear hats or gloves in winter.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Family

Selkies live in rather tight-knit families (pods), with parents and siblings with their spouses all staying rather closely together. It is not unusual for cousins to grow up almost as siblings.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

It is highly common, and often encouraged, to play and exercise in animal form.

History

Selkies have usually settled near seas and oceans and have had no need to compete over lands with Kelpie, who usually settle around lakes and rivers.

Average Height

women: humanoid form 145-160cm
men: humanoid form 155-170cm

Average Length

Women's animal form: 110-150cm from nose to tail.
Men's animal form: 110-160cm from nose to tail.

Average Physique

A stout or chubby build is very common.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin colour is generally grey or brown. Speckled patterns are common.
Children are white when they are born and darken as they hit puberty.