The seal-folk have a natural human form,and live underwater or on lonely skerries, putting on seal-skins to enable them to pass through the waters from one region of air to another. Though generally kind to humans, they will avenge the death of one of their own by raising great storms, and thus sinking the boats of the seal-catchers.

Both male and female Roanes are meltingly beautiful, with large, dark eyes and liquid movements that never fail to catch the attentions of amorous humans. They are not always constant lovers, though, and long for the sea, seeking any chance to return to it. There are many tales of men taking a Roane bride by capturing her on land, and taking possession of her discarded seal-skin.