Selkie Kelp is a magical ingredient that is a kind of sea plant. It is commonly used for shapeshifting potions.
Description[]
Selkie kelp is distinguishable in water by its mottled blue and green patterning in the slimey strands, which when exposed to air, temporarily turns rubbery until it is submerged again. This is one trait that is hard for Kelpies to replicate.
It has broad, long, grass-like leaves with a sleek profile while in water, though if washed ashore, it is often a messy jumble that can be hard to spot from afar on rocky beaches. Along the tip of each blade, it has tiny, whisker-like air bulbs for bouyancy that can sometimes be spotted along the surface like a tiny nose dipping along the passing waves.
Magical Properties[]
While not all potions with these effects may use Selkie Kelp as an ingredient, these are traits commonly ascribed to the aquatic plant:
- Anti-Disease properties
- Shapeshifting
- Water breathing
- Cleansing
- Emotions
- Imagination
- Insight
- Creativity
- Balance
- Play
Habitat[]
It is often found in rocky, sub-tidal zones in cool waters, which often coincides with seal and otter habitats. It is a favorite of both Selkies and Hippocampi, though Kelpies usually stay out of patches of it as it is harder for them to blend in with the coloration patterns, unless drawn in by possible prey. Kelpies may be lurking in nearby oarweed or other seagrasses, however, so caution is advised if swimming out to harvest the Selkie Kelp.
How to Collect[]
It is simplest to collect in rubbery bunches that have already washed ashore. Selkie-kelp is one of the few green seaweeds that can grow at the tidal depths it does, which helps to distinguish it from other usually-brown kelps. The base of the plant has a round, stiff, and black meri-stem that stands mostly erect even when exposed at extremely low tides. Herbalist snorkelers should cut the leaves above this stem so that the plant can quickly regrow.
It is at its most potent if collected on a moonlit night, regardless if it was washed ashore or collected from the water. It is much fresher if harvested from the sea, but some potions do better with aged or dried kelp instead.
How to Dry Selkie-Kelp[]
Some potions and even cooking recipes make use of dried Selkie Kelp, which can be achieved by leaving it spread thinly on racks to dry in the sun.
Gardening[]
It is possible to grow Selkie-Kelp in rocky garden ponds and tall tanks that are kept a cool temperature. They need a moderate nutrient level which can be maintained with basic fertilizer within the water.
Known potions using Selkie Kelp[]
- Phoenix Down
- Healing Salve
- Shapeshifting potions?
- ???