Hammertail Tortoise

Across the Vishim Desert roam the Hammertail Tortoises, one of the largest reptiles in the world. These tortoises are considered sacred by the Vishim People and every time one is killed, the local shaman performs a ritual of thanks to the spirit of tortoises.
Killing one is very dangerous and bringing one down is deserving of great honour. The Hammertail Tortoise only has two predators: Therilins and humans. Therilins overpower them with a similar size, wrestle them onto their backs, and use their massive claws to break open their bellies. Humans only manage to hunt them through the use of poisoned arrows. It takes great skill to shoot an arrow with enough precision to hit its flesh and not armoured shell, and then the hunter must track the dying beast for miles until it succumbs. Even then, the hunter must approach it carefully because it may lash out with its tail even it it's death throes, and a solid whack with the club on the end of its tail can easily kill a man.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Found only in the Vishim Desert

Average Intelligence

Rather dumb creatures. They swing their tail at anything that isn't another tortoise

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have very poor hearing and rely primarily on scent.

Lifespan

200-250 years

Average Height

8 - 9' at the peak of the shell

Average Weight

5 tonnes