For more information on Kelphies, you can check out the new WIP tumblr @kelphies

Kelphies are a race of aquatic creatures that look a little bit of a deer/dragon/fish mix. They mainly spend their life underwater, as they have adapted greatly to being in it.

Kelphies don't have fur, but shining scales. The only exception to this is their deer tuft tails. If a Kelphy has fur anywhere else, it's from a special mutation that they were born with. This is very rare, but has happened. Some Kelphies may look like they have fur, but instead have a symbiotic relationship with certain sea flora or fauna. The scales are usually pretty cool in color to match their aquatic lifestyles, but some can be brighter or darker. Along with this, they are also prone to being born with glowing spots on their scales. This is more common with those born deeper down.

Kelphy tails are divided into two. They have a deer tuft tail, and a more slender reptillian one with fins to help them propel through the water. All Kelphies have a special symbol in their long tail fin that helps identify them, as some can have pretty similar colored scales.

The paws and feet of the Kelphy are deer-like in nature, with small hoof-like claws instead of fingers. They have no problem grabbing things underwater with these hands, but on the surface it can cause some problems- as things can't be scooped up as easily that may need more opposible thumbs. Their feet and legs are very weak from their usually slender build, making learning to walk on the surface very difficult. Of course, Kelphies can be of any build- but slender and more muscular is a little more common thanks to their agile and physically straining life of swimming.

Their ears are more fin-like than deer-like, although some Kelphies are born with more deer-like ears on the rare occassion. The length of them varies greatly, and the insides will always glow. Sometimes, the glow will even pulse with their heartbeats.

The other glow-y portion would be the deer horns. They come in a multitude of sizes, but little antlers are definitely the most common. Kelphies with longer horns have been linked to more aggression, and can use them as battering weapons when needed. It also slows them down a bit, swim-wise. They will always glow, no matter the size or shape.

Kelphy hair is probably the most unique thing about them. It is not actual hair, but tentacles. They can also be any length, but Kelphies with longer hair have to be careful to keep it up around crowded areas- as the suckers on them can and will stick to things, including other Kelphies. It can be any color, but does not usually glow.

Close to their hair on the sides of the faces are always algae-like appendages. This is more a cohabitation thing than anything else, and Kelphies do need a certain amount of sunlight or they report feeling sicker and sicker the longer they go. The algae does not have as much of an effect on the deeper dwellers, and is usually much shorter on them as well. Whereas, the ones who linger closer to the surface will have longer appendages.