Chelonian

Basic Information

Anatomy

Chelonians are humanoid tortoises. They walk upright with a ponderous, rolling gait. The creatures have leathery, reptilian skin and shells that cover their backs and bellies. Their arms and hands are shaped like those of humans, but thicker.

Genetics and Reproduction

Chelonians refrain from mating until they are approaching the final years of their lives, and will die within a 8 seasons of mating. All females ready to produce eggs gather in a specially prepared compound, which the males guard against all attacks. Chelonian eggs are considered delicacies, so the location of the egg-laying grounds is always defended. Each female lays 4-24 eggs, which hatch about six months later. Because of this, tribes are often massive, spanning miles upon miles of land.
There are four subspecies of chelonian. The most common is the Tortuga, sometimes known as the Hardshell. Less commonly found around Marmaroth are the Razorback, Softshell and Desert Chelonians.

Growth Rate & Stages

Chelonians crawl for the first two or three seasons of their life. After they learn how to walk on two legs, chelonians are expected to fend for themselves. Chelonians mature by the age of 40 seasons, and live for about 200 seasons.

Ecology and Habitats

Chelonian tribes settle in coastal and swampy areas, however it is not uncommon for chelonians to practice a nomadic lifestyle. This is because chelonians consider their homes to be the shells on their back. Chelonians are entirely unknown outside of Marmaroth.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Chelonians are peaceful and reclusive and tend to get along well with races with similar habits and personalities.

Facial characteristics

A Chelonian's mouth is beak-like and toothless and can deliver a vicious bite.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Marmaroth

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Chelonians can hold their breath underwater for up to an hour.

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

Chelonians can wield most weapons as easily as other humanoids. However, they tend to be ignorant of modern technology.

Common Dress Code

Chelonians usually wear no clothing, though some may wear cloaks, belts, or harnesses for carrying tools and supplies.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Chelonians tend to move and speak in a slower, more mild fashion, compared to the other dwellers of the material plane. They live in hunter/gatherer style tribe in mud and straw huts. They live under the servitude of the Chief of the Tribe, who rules like a monarch, with their descendants taking the mantle once they pass. Other than using the slash and burn farming method (which leaches nutrients from the soil), tortles generally live in harmony with nature.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Chelonian tribes are friendly to most if not all races but are especially friendly toward peaceful Saurians. Few races are able to look past the reptilian aspects of both their species, because of this, they get along.

Origin/Ancestry

Anthropomorph

Lifespan

200 seasons

Average Height

5'6"-5'11"

Average Weight

600-800 lbs.

Average Physique

Chelonians are stocky, but most of their weight comes from their shells, so they tend to remain at the same weight throughout their adult lives, never growing fat or thin.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Chelonians have no hair; their skin is mostly olive or blue-green. Their back shells are usually shinier and darker than their skin, while their front shells tend to be lighter, with a yellowish cast.