Kelp Explained:
Kelps are water dwelling creatures often described as reptilian but looking a lot like both horses and dogs and in their original depictions bare a striking resemblance to the extinct dinosaur Cryptoclidus. Even in modern day times there have been sightings of Kelp-like creatures with the Loch Ness Monster being the most famous of all, though people at sea have described seeing cretures they believed to be whales at first but then almost jumped out of their skin when the saw the creature raise its head above water. It's quite possible that Cryptoclidus did continue to exist into modern day times as it's one of the few dinosaurs known for being able to adapt to shifting environments, and since both Loch Ness and the oceans are too deep and vast for us to ever keep an eye on all of it at once, it's quite possible they might be swimming around there still. However the myth of Kelps as opposed to Cryptoclidus is a lot more fantastic than just a dinosaur. One major difference that's frequently mentioned in mythology is green seaweed-like or grass-like "hairs" that sprout from the ridge of the spine from the top of the head right the way down the neck and the back and down the tail to the tip. This is notably lacking from later sightings. Kelps are known to be solitary creatures that not only push other Kelps out of their territory but also other creatures of similar size. Needless to say, being creatures that live in water they can swim well and struggle on land. Though Kelps can often speak, they are widely regarded as wild animals rather than fairies.

There are in fact 3 distinct types of Kelp creature that are often confused with each other, despite witness accounts very accurately discribing all the characteristics of each of the three types without transposing traits from one onto another. Key to these three types are the locations where they are found.

Sea Kelps:
As the name suggests this type lives in the ocean and it's the most commonly known type of Kelp, being found in oceans the world over. The "hairs" on the backs of these creatures are larger and more rigid like fins similar to the Leafy Seadragon, a species of sea horse in the real world. Adults are known for destroying sailing ships and can match them in size, though this is likely because they see them as a rival Sea Kelp as they have been known to attack whales as well and once people are in the water the Sea Kelp often leaves them alone. The children of these Kelps can sometimes be found swimming alongside sailing vessels, although it's likely this is actually a smaller breed which lives in groups as sea horses are believed to be very small varieties of Sea Kelp. Often mistakingly identified as a snake since usually only the head and neck or tail is seen above water and they are more commonly known by their nickname "Sea Serpents". They are known for being grey in color with silky skin that's often got sea creatures living on it, like barnicles for example. It's possible that they were an early explanation for whales.

Water Kelps:
The name can be confusing as all Kelps live in the water but the "water" part of the name refers to lakes, which are sometimes called "waters" as Water Kelps live exclusively in lakes. They have black skin that's incredably sticky and once touched you may need to cut off your fingers to get free. Their "hair" very closely resembles seaweed, even when viewed up close, and people have been known to collect it and eat it as well. Their legs are narrow like a horse's with small flippers on the end that appear to be backwards facing hooves from a distance. Water Kelps are known for luring their victims to the water's edge and then dragging them into the lake and savagely and ferociously tearing them apart, often throwing limbs or internal organs onto the shore in the fray by mistake. Water Kelps are known taking human form and speaking human language, often seducing or tempting humans into doing things for them or luring them into the water. They are very nasty lovers and treat their partners very badly though they can often pretend to be the opposite for as long as they need to get what they want. They have a silver necklace that they wear around their necks that makes them immortal even when they are not wearing it, however should it be broken the Water Kelps will die on the spot. Often people have stolen the Water Kelp's necklace can get the Water Kelps to help them with things with the threat of destroying the necklace if they don't play along. However after they have done what was asked and the necklace is returned to them, they will often attack the thief in revenge now they have no reason to obey them. They can be killed very easily by being cut or stabbed with silver and salt corrodes them like acid. Water Kelps and Selkies, despite being unrelated species, share the same culture in the wild and have a level of kinship between them. Water Kelp are local to the colder areas of Europe such as Scandinavia and northern Europe and often pretend to be unicorns, which share similar territories, promising to grant wishes in exchange for people's help, however it's a lie as Kelps can't use magic. They are often known by their nickname "Water Horses". It's possible that they were an early explanation for otters.

River Kelps:
As the name suggests again this type lives in rivers. However they have an elongated body and narrow stick-like limbs with bird-like feet on the ends. Of all the Kelps they are the ones known to spend the most time on land and, though they make their homes in water, they are entirely confortable on land and can spend years out of water. They are often depicted as having scales whereas other Kelps aren't and their hair is very much like grass, which enables them to hide in reeds. Unlike other Kelps they are capable of flight and despite later depictions showing them as having wings they were simply able to fly via swimming in air. They are known to be very light and capable of breathing fire, which is their trademark skill. One scientific explanation for this is that the River Kelps could be capable of filling glands in their bodies with hydrogen gas, which is both flamable and very light. Unlike other Kelps they have horns on their heads and a large brow, most likely needed for butting other River Kelps much like goats do. Unlike other Kelps which are generally slow and lumbering except when in water, River Kelps are known for their speed in air as well. River Kelps are not always known to speak or take human form but they are known for being helpful towards humans, in particular children, which they often defend from other creatures that wish to do them harm. However some River Kelps are known to steal cattle and livestock from humans. It's possible that they were an early explanation for giraffes.