The new sealanders form a loose network of selkie communities that exist in and alongside the seaside communities of other cultures. Many of these enclaves are composed of blood relations who can trace their ancestry back to a single selkie who fell in love with a member of another heritage and decided to join them on land. Consequently, many new sealanders are only part-selkie or even adopted non-selkies. However, selkies who feel attracted to the life provided by other cultures or who do not fit well in their native culture have also been known to emigrate in small groups, creating settlements of full-blooded selkies.
Regardless of how they arrived, many new sealanders never fully assimilate into their surrounding culture, feeling that their bond with the Ocean sets them apart in a way that can neither fully be abandoned nor fully shared. As such, they tend to seek out other selkie communities not only in their own areas but across the waters, maintaining a wide correspondence across vast distances while often making a tidy prot in maritime shipping along the way.
This is not to say that new sealanders are inhospitable to outsiders, but merely that they rarely invite them into their full condence. Most communities hosting a new sealander enclave are unaware of the fact, in part because new sealanders have learned to feel comfortable without their seal skins in public. However, while this behavior may scandalize their cousins from more traditional cultures, this same relaxed attitude inclines new sealanders to a kind of hospitality and knack for living most nd warm and inviting (even if only on the surface).
Characters raised in the new sealander culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.
Coastal Trader. You have visited nearly every port and harbor, or at least heard of them. You gain proficiency with water vehicles, and you gain an expertise die on checks to recall information about coastal locations, as well as on checks made to trade, barter, buy, or sell.
Family Secret. You have learned that some things are best known only to those close to you. You are proficient in Deception.
Joie de Vivre. You take great delight in good company, good music, and good food. You gain proficiency with one gaming set, one musical instrument, and your choice of either cook’s utensils or brewer’s supplies.
Open-Minded. Learning to mingle with other cultures has made you appreciate what others have to offer. You are proficient in Culture, and you require only half the gold and time to perform the Train downtime activity.
Well-Connected. You gain an additional connection, which you may choose from any background other than your own.
Languages. You can speak, read, write, and sign Common and two other languages of your choice.
Selkies who find the strength to tear themselves away from the sea to join those they love may become Lovesworn heralds, while long practice blending in with members of other communities may incline others to become Masquerader rogues.