Semalodir

“*The druids of the islands claim that when the 'mother of seals' appears, it is nature punishing humans for abusing it and causing unnecessary suffering to other creatures, in this case, to the seals. However, I, while I can condemn unnecessary suffering as much as anyone, believe it is simply a curse. A powerful curse, but a curse nonetheless.*”
―Gerd, witcher of the School of the Bear

## Physiology

### Height

The specific height of a semalodir can vary, but on average, it is approximately 10 to 12 feet tall when fully extended

### Length

The length of a semalodir, from snout to tail, averages around 20 to 25 feet

### Weight

The weight of a semalodir can vary, but on average, it is estimated to be around 2,000 to 2,500 pounds

### Eyes

Resemble those of a blind creature, lacking pupils and irises. Instead of the typical features found in the eyes of many animals, the semalodir's eyes are entirely red

## Ecology

### Intelligence

The intelligence of a semalodir is notable, surpassing typical expectations for marine creatures. Despite its seemingly bestial appearance, the semalodir exhibits a level of cunning and strategic thinking that sets it apart from common seals or other sea creatures

### Range

Great Sea, commonly found in the Skellige Isles, shores of Kovir, and reported in Kvenland in the Far North

### Habitat

Primarily aquatic environments, coastal areas, and occasionally rivers

### Predators

Witchers

A **semalodir** (from the combination of the words ***sema*** and ***lodir***, meaning mother and seal respectively in the Skelliger jargon dialect of Enya) is a type of cursed one originating from the Great Sea, which tends to appear in coastal areas and occasionally rivers. However, it is most commonly found in the Skellige Isles, the shores of Kovir, and reportedly in coasts and rivers of the vast region of Kvenland in the Far North. It shares some similarities with the kianpraty sighted on the shores of the Dragon Sea in Zerrikania, leading some to believe that both monsters could be related, or at the very least, their curses.

## Discovery of the Monster

The first reports of the monster that confirmed it was not a myth were made by Gerd, a witcher of the School of the Bear, during his visit to the island of Aenye Ard in the 1260s after facing one and barely living to tell the tale. Subsequent investigations into the monster to include it in bestiaries were carried out several years later by one of the founders of the School of the Crane, Putnam Pitch, using the information left by Gerd to the locals of Aenye Ard regarding how to deal with it. It is also known that Putnam had to confront at least one specimen. Until then, it was believed that it was only, as mentioned earlier, a myth concocted by the druids to terrify people and prevent them from indiscriminately killing seals during the annual selasakt, a tradition present on all the islands (and later exported to Kovir and Ebbing in the Old Continent) but particularly popular in Aenye Ard and Loc Gwen.

## Physical Description

Physically, a semalodir appears as a large seal, often roughly twice the size of a male alpha walrus, with red skin and devoid of the typical whiskers found on seals. Its eyes resemble those of a blind creature, lacking pupils and irises, and are also red in color. In contrast to walruses, its tusks are curved, and it possesses a set of teeth similar to those of a common seal, but with the addition of larger fangs, as if, to paraphrase radical druids, *"it were crafted to mete out punishment to humans and repay the suffering caused by them."*

## The Curse

The reason for the delayed documentation of the monster compared to others likely stems from the unique circumstances of its origin. Much like a red miasmal, the semalodir emerges from collective suffering, but instead of the collective human suffering caused by the victims of a plague, it is born from the collective suffering of animals, specifically seals. This transformation takes longer to manifest due to them not being conscious beings.

The process unfolds when the negative energy of the collective suffering affects a female seal if she subsequently appears in the vicinity of a slaughter seeking her offspring or mate. The negative energy transforms her, giving rise to a semalodir, which thereafter terrorizes the slaughter zone to exact vengeance for all the slain seals. Even if the semalodir is killed, the curse must be lifted; otherwise, another semalodir will eventually appear to take its place, larger and stronger this time.

Typically, the removal of the curse involves cleansing the area, purifying it with incense, and offering prayers led by a priest or druid to an aquatic deity such as Njörd or Pereplut. Additionally, refraining from fishing or killing in the area for a few years is necessary. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to have a curse-specialized mage handle the task to ensure the complete security of the area.

## Strengths

* **Formidable Size and Strength**: The semalodir is notably larger and more powerful than common seals or even other sea creatures, making it a formidable force in confrontations.
* **Natural Armor**: The creature's tough and resilient skin provides a natural form of armor, offering protection against various forms of attacks.
* **Powerful Tusks**: The curved tusks of the semalodir are formidable weapons, capable of inflicting significant damage. They can be used for both offense and defense.
* **Enhanced Physical Endurance**: The semalodir exhibits a heightened level of physical endurance, allowing it to endure prolonged battles and resist fatigue, specially in water.
* **Cunning and Strategy**: Despite its seemingly bestial nature, the semalodir is known to exhibit cunning and strategic thinking, making it a more challenging adversary to face.
* **Vengeance-Driven Motivation**: Fueled by the negative energy of collective suffering, the semalodir is motivated by a strong desire for vengeance, making it relentless and determined in pursuing its targets.
* **Curse Regeneration**: Even if a semalodir is defeated, the curse ensures that another will eventually take its place, potentially larger and more potent, making it a persistent and recurring threat in cursed areas.
* **Bomb Resistance**: The skin of the semalodir is tough enough to resist bombs. Dimerite bombs will only stun it.

## Weaknesses

* **Aquatic Dependence**: While the semalodir is formidable in water, it may face challenges on land. Its natural habitat is aquatic, and it may become less agile and vulnerable when out of the water.
* **Vulnerable to Certain Sign**s: Although the Igni Sign will not result in the semalodir's death, it can inflict enough damage to weaken its tough skin, making the monster more susceptible to wounds. Another recommended Sign to use is Volun, especially when engaging it in water. While it may not be lethal, Volun can stun the semalodir and debilitate its skin just enough to create a window of opportunity to finish it off. Other Signs, less effective but still usable, include Aceta and Chlorinic.
* **Silver**: Like all Cursed Ones, a semalodir is vulnerable to silver. Therefore, a silver sword proves effective against it, enabling easier penetration of its tough skin. However, it is advisable to weaken the monster's skin with Signs first before engaging in close combat.

## Trivia

* The island of Enya, along with the islands mentioned in the monster discovery section, appears in the Skellige expansion for The Witcher: The Old World board game.
* The kianpraty is a monster from Australian folklore also known as the bunyip.
* Selasakt is an adaptation of the Swedish word Sälslakt, meaning *"seal slaughter."*