Turtle-kin

"Eh, Turtle-kin, aye. For be'in ee only peoples at cant never be com'in outa eir shells, ey be'in the friendliest, laid back-en-ist people yah ev're be a meetin. Ne're ben a meetin an unhappy Turtle-kin."

~Paxton the Huntsmen

T urtle-kin are generally laid back and easy going as a people. They came from the more tropical regions of Errota and lived a slow and simple life with the water providing all of their needs. They lived a carefree life basking in the light of Solas' furnace.
Post shattering, turtle-kin still bask, and continue to have the laid back, day at the beach demeanor. They have, however, been forced to take up more regular work. Most Turtle-kin now live in communities. Most communities are at least 150 adult turtle-kin centered around a significant water source used for the farming of both fish and leafy greens.
Turtle-kin grow a large shell that protects the majority of their body. Because of this they demonstrate a high level of resilience. They also have a very strong will. Once set on a course of action (or inaction) they are very hard to dislodge or divert. On the other end of the spectrum, turtle-kin are not particularly agile. Do not confuse this with slowness. While most turtle-kin move in a relaxed manner they can move very quickly when need arises. Turtle-kin also lack cunning, preferring to face things in a direct or head on manner. They also tend to misunderstand dry humor.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Turtle-kin are a reptilian species. They are cold blooded and require outside sources of heat to manage their internal temperature. Turtle-kin are scale covered, with the scales of the back and chest growing into an almost plate like shell that protects the soft tissues underneath from damage. Turtle-kin tend to be slower moving with poor agility (especially when chilled) but more than make up for it with their strength and will.

Genetics and Reproduction

Turtle-kin are egg layers. They are therefore biologically incompatible with most other species. The exceptions are Dragons and Fey although the latter is physically difficult and therefore extremely uncommon. Within their own species, every 5 to 7 years, Turtle-kin experience the need to return home to mate. Eggs are laid and fertilized, often two or three at a time, then buried in the sand and left.
One year later, the eggs hatch and Hatchlings emerge from the sand. Some are two weak to dig free, others are lost to predatory animals. Those that do survive, are gathered up by Tenders, and moved to the communities crèche, where they are cared for until they reach the age of 25.
Due to the poor survivability rate in hatchlings, the Turtle-kin population are slow growing despite their long reproductive life. Turtle-kin also do not know their parentage. Bloodlines have no meaning to them. Instead, they are considered to be children of community with all taking responsibility for their care.

Growth Rate & Stages

Egg - 0 to 1 Year
Hatchling - 1 to 25 Years
Juvenile - 26 to 100 Years
Adult - 100 to 400 Years
Senior - 400-500 Years
Elder - 500+ Years

Dietary Needs and Habits

Turtle-kin are omnivores eating a diet of greens and fish. Many Turtle-kin communities therefore keep large fish pools within the community, often being the central feature as humans would have a town square. With the loss of the seas after the shattering, they have also taken up farming, typically types of seaweed although some... more standard... vegetable types have also made their way into the Turtle-kin diet.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Hatchlings, if they survive long enough to be gathered in the evening by the Tenders, are placed in the community crèche until they reach 25 years of age. In the crèche, they are cared for by the entire community. They are given education in many subject matters and they are allowed to grow.
At 25 years old, Turtle-kin are considered Juveniles. As Juveniles, they go through a series of apprentices with Adult members of the community. During this time, usually about 10 years, the young turtle-kin is expected to decide on a career path and choose a formal Master. This master will become the closest thing a turtle-kin has to a "parent" figure.
Around age 100, turtle-kin end their formal apprentice and are considered full Adults. Most stay in their community, participate in its day to day decision making, and become a productive member. Some decide to strike out on their own. They may join or form a new community or even strike out for foreign lands.
Turtle-kin communities are largely true democracies with every interested individual having a say in a decision. This system seems to work for them, probably due to the sense of community that is instilled in the turtle-kin from their earlier years.

 

Starting Stat Block 

Scientific Name

Testudo

Lifespan

500 years (does not take into account Hatchling Fatalities.)

Average Height

1.66 Meters (5' 5")

Average Weight

110kg (240lbs)

Average Physique

Turtle-kin are quite strong. They have shells that cover most of their bodies making them highly resilient.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Turtle-kin come in a large variety of color pallets. Generally, they have a green or brown base with yellow or cream bellies. Some are plain with just these base colors, others add additional colors almost like pen-stripes in reds, oranges, purples, and blues. Many also add additional dyes to their coloring.