As literally almost none of you know, I am a writer and a worldbuilder. My current ongoing project is a world by the name of Defilar, specifically I am working on a small civilization set within the center of a massive hurricane created centuries ago by eldritch magic. The world is set within the real-world equivalent of the 1700s. If you’re curious for more, click the link below. (Admins, if linking stuff like this isn’t allowed, tell me)
Anyways, what I was wondering was this: the races (besides humanity) within the Storm are all based on various cultures’ mythologies. Currently, one race in particular is vital to the history and lore, that being the Selkies. They work exactly like they do in the Celtic mythos, being able to transform between human form and seal form so long as they have their sealskin pelt. This world, however, is intended to be darker in tone, and I was wondering if this felt a bit too fantastical for the setting. So yeah, idk, what’s your guys’ thoughts?
When I’m doubt I usually either make a hateable character or give the race some dark motive for a goal. Like what Shell said. A well written dark backstory can completely change the views on a character.
They actually do have a shortened lifespan if they spend too much time in human form. They can actually live nearly a hundred and fifty years normally, but if forced to remain in human form, they reach the end of their natural lifespan at like fifty.
Selkies do actually have a dark past, though it isn’t on their part, but rather, humanity’s—they were nearly wiped out three hundred years ago. Some today still despise mankind.
Oh yeah, no, definitely not. Some have moved on, decided to try and forge a relationship with humanity, as they’re literally stuck together. Others… not so much.