Tortle (TOR-tull)
Tortles are a race of intelligent tortoise-like humanoids indigenous to southern Hestoria around the Misty Isles.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Tortles are reptilian-looking humanoids with large shells on their backs that are capable of containing their entire bodies. They have leathery skins that varies between olive-green to blue-green hues. The dorsal portion of their shells is usually darker than their skins, while the ventral portion is lighter, usually with yellowish tones.
Growth Rate & Stages
Tortles only reproduce near the end of their natural lifespans. When their young hatch from their eggs, they spend the remainder of their lives sharing all their life experiences and teaching survival skills. Young tortles will become orphans after about one year, by which time they are expected to be able to fend for themselves.
Ecology and Habitats
Tortles favor warm, dry environments, shunning the colder regions.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Tortles are omnivorous, though they tend to heavily favor roots and vegetables in their diet. It is not uncommon for a tortle to be a vegetarian.
Behaviour
Most tortles have the notion of having their houses on their backs, which means that they rarely feel homesick or the need to lay roots in any single place. They are eager to learn new customs and find beauty in the most ordinary things. Despite spending much of their lives isolated, tortles like to form strong friendships.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Tortles, being very nomadic by nature, can be found all throughout Ghemjana, though they tend to favor the warmer regions of the planet.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Although generally poor swimmers, tortles are capable of floating on water and can hold their breath for over an hour. Their high buoyancy grants them the ability to cross swamps, mud, and quicksand with little difficulty.
Besides being able to wield weapons and shields, tortles have claws and beaks that are effective as natural weapons. In addition, they can retreat into their shells for additional protection if necessary. When withdrawn in this way, they are unable to move and see, but can still hear and smell the outside world. The shape of their bodies makes it impossible for tortles to wear armor, however.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Male Names: Oldsmar, Hawthorne, Brilbey, Chamblee, Burton, Rummel, Thaddeus.
Female Names: Henrietta, Amberley, Thandie, Imogen, Wali.
Common Dress Code
Tortles rarely wear any clothing, favoring instead belts and harnesses to carry their belongings. They have little tolerance for cold, and usually migrate away from temperate areas when winter approached.
Common Myths and Legends
Tortles talk about a great primordial sea turtle, At'tun, that swims through the Astral Sea, carrying four elephants on his back that, in turn, carry a paradise world on top of their backs. It is said that this world is untouched by evil, and is waiting to be explored and admired.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Usually keeping to themselves, they tend to live alone, but keep in close contact with their community. Tortle villages are typically welcoming of humans, halflings, and elves.
Origin/Ancestry
Humanoid
Lifespan
50 years
Average Height
5'0" to 6'0"
Average Weight
400lbs to 500lbs
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Skin, olive-green or blue-green.
Shell, back darker, front lighter and more yellowish than skin
Geographic Distribution
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