Tortle
Tortles are thick-skinned, slightly reptilian creatures characterized by bumpy skin, stubby and clawed feet and hands, and large shells on their backs with short, stubby tails. They are typically shorter than humans, ranging from 3' to rarely more than 5' though they tend to weigh significantly more than a human of comparable height due to their heavy shells and thick bone structure, typically between 175 to 375 lbs. They rarely change weight, as their rigid shells limit their body sizes. Their faces are often broad and angular, with wide mouths and sharp protrusions extending from the eye line and overhanging the center of the mouth. In some lineages, there is a pronounced beak-like distinction around the mouth and nose. Their coloration is usually either green or brown, sometimes a combination of the two, though they can have stripes or streaks of brighter colors like oranges, reds, or yellows. Their necks tend to be long, though some lineages have stubbier necks with a more pitched-forward or slightly hunched posture; forward-leaning tortles tend to have larger, thicker tails used as counter-balance. Tortles in general live about 50 years, reaching maturity at around 15, though some tortles can live much, much longer under the right conditions. Some tortle elders claim to be as old as 800.
Tortles are omnivores but their physiology makes digesting animal fat quite difficult and unpleasant (imagine lactose intolerance) so they tend toward vegetarianism. Tortles prefer tropical, coastal habitations and most tortle settlements can be found along the southern coastline and around the twin islands south of the Lijwi Rishra forest. Tortles organize most frequently in matriarchal societies. Family units (called bales) typically feature one female head (a Xolo [show-low]) and several competing suitor males who comprise the 'sovereign'. The sovereign work for most of the cycle to earn favor in the Xolo's eyes and during mating season (Qualn), she selects the one who has proven most desrving and capable. Tortles hatch from eggs, usually in litters of 4-7.
Tortles are omnivores but their physiology makes digesting animal fat quite difficult and unpleasant (imagine lactose intolerance) so they tend toward vegetarianism. Tortles prefer tropical, coastal habitations and most tortle settlements can be found along the southern coastline and around the twin islands south of the Lijwi Rishra forest. Tortles organize most frequently in matriarchal societies. Family units (called bales) typically feature one female head (a Xolo [show-low]) and several competing suitor males who comprise the 'sovereign'. The sovereign work for most of the cycle to earn favor in the Xolo's eyes and during mating season (Qualn), she selects the one who has proven most desrving and capable. Tortles hatch from eggs, usually in litters of 4-7.
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