Amphita and the Turtle

I didn't believe the legend when I first heard it either. A Turtle Tax? Ridiculous. But seeing that giant turtle myself, with its big ol' shell and... beak... It all makes sense. - Toldas the Discoverer

Summary

There are many legends of the ocean and the beasts that reside there. This story takes place in Amphita and starts with no monsters. Just a simple turtle.
Amphitrite, the wife of Poseidon, founded the city of Amphita and resided there for a time. Poseidon, jealous of the town that occupies his wife's attention, created a creature as a gift for Amphitrite. A baby turtle that could be on land for a time, but needed to be in the sea. Amphitrite so loved her turtle that she accompanied it to the sea, returning to Amphita less and less.
The city began to miss their patron during her ever increasing absences. They built great ships and decided to search the seas for her. The Amphiites traveled to nearby islands to ask about their beloved mistress and to trade in treasures. It is said that this search is what made Amphita such a successful naval trading city.
While Amphita knew of their patron's great love and compassion, they did not heed the fact that the Turtle was born of Poseidon's jealousy and wrath. When Amphitrite's attention was turned toward her husband, the Turtle would cause mischief. Being a simple, small turtle, things started small. A handful of missing gems here, some torn fishing nets there. But as the Turtle grew, so did Amphita's problems.
Decades passed and while Amphita's wealth and power grew, so too did the Turtle's size and strength. It soon began to attack and capsize entire ships, claiming their loot for his own. Not being able to stand up to the might of the Turtle, the elders of Amphita made a plan. They called to the great Turtle (now its size rivaling the size of Amphita's entire port) and offered him a deal. They agreed to give the turtle an amount of their goods monthly in exchange for the Turtle turning its wrath on beasts and men that would attack their ships.
It is said that even to this day, on the first Sunday of every month, the traders of Amphita throw some of their goods into the sea outside their port. Those that do not... don't remain in business for long.

Historical Basis

While the gods' involvement is debatable, it is true that Amphita lies within the territory of a Dragon Turtle. Long ago, people began making offerings to the Turtle to keep it from attacking their ships. Whether it works, the turtle had left, or the story is true, no one can say for sure.

Spread

This story is known to every person, big and small, in Amphita. It is also known to surrounding island and even to some in the Norselands. The Norse warn against attacking Amphitian ships near their island lest some giant beast take your ill-gotten gains...

Date of Setting

The beginning of the second age roughly 350 years ago.