Farhauler (Pack Tortoise)

Basic Information

Anatomy

The farhauler is like most other tortoises of Brandara, except that there is a slight yet apparent dent in the top of their shell, where the Farpidgeon often roosts and may even nest.

Genetics and Reproduction

Farhaulers reach sexual maturity at one cycle of age, and can produce a clutch of 6-18 eggs twice per cycle. The eggs are laid in the ground and covered with mud by the mother, who then stays within a few miles of the nest over the next six months, when the eggs hatch. The hatchlings will follow the mother around for about three years, until she finds a new mate, who will run the almost fully grown young off.

Growth Rate & Stages

After birth, it takes a farhauler only four years to become "fully grown", where it stands at about an arm and a half, and has a width of approximately three arms. After reaching this stage, the farhauler's growth slows to around three nails in width and a nail in height every year, except for females that are actively breeding.

Additional Information

Domestication

Farhaulers have learned to accept sapient touch, guidance, and grouping, so much so that they are essentially herding animals when domesticated. The natural dent in the top of their shell has been bred to emphasis, so that the tortoises can easily be used as pack creature, even without equipment.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The leather of farhaulers is strong and resilient to most damage, but cracks easily when dried out. Most harvested farhauler leather is kept in the swamp lands or treated with a special water-trapping oil. Farhauler eggs are also collected for use as food, but they tend to have a bland taste when unfertilized or newly laid. The preferred egg is one that has a half developed farhauler fetus inside, as the meat is tender and complements what flavor the egg has very well.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

The farhauler is often associated with the Farpidgeon, which roosts and nests in the dent in the tortoise's shell. The bird often drops sweet and spicy treats in front of the tortoise, from treetops that the tortoise would not usually be able to reach, and, in return, the farhauler allows the bird to rest and live on its shell.

Scientific Name

Shadow

Lifespan

5 cycles, but some are known to live up to a circle and beyond

Average Height

1.5 arms

Average Weight

5-7 barrelweight

Average Length

3 arms