Tortle

Appearance

Amongst all of the animalistic peoples of the Varolian, Tortles are the most like their bestial counterpart - to the point where their hunched figures still lend easily to four-legged walking, and they can somewhat easily be mistaken for actual giant tortoises when seen doing so. This has led to theories that while other the other beast-folk like Leonin and Loxodon most likely have their origins as humans that were hybridised by the mages of old, tortles were actually the other way around and were risen up into their modern forms.
It is said that a tortle's shell is unique to each person, and could be used by those in the know to identify each other like the fingerprints of other species. Some have swirls and impressive patterns upon them, while others are closer to overlapping scales or packed together hexagons.

Description

Ancient Islanders

Tortles have lived primarily on the islands near Kosí and Kanios for at least as long as The Irikan Empire began to sail many centuries ago, as they were discovered in this time with small but vibrant communities, living as though The Archonomachy had not happened a mere generation ago and tomorrow was all that mattered.
It is said they were spared from the greed and expansionism of others in the Empire by Lady Zia herself, who saw no need to conquer their islands despite what her advisors believed.

Wanderlust

Once a tortle comes of age they almost universally leave home for decades - sometimes it is simply to tour the other islands near their homes, but more often than not they will venture to the mainland, experiencing all they can of the shores beyond their previous ken. They might become druids or rangers, learning of these new lands, bounty hunters to make a living for themselves, or soldiers to defend the friendships they have made.

Home Again

After spending much of their lives in the wider world, tortles eventually feel a pull towards their old home, being able to find their way back their no matter the time or the distance between. Upon return they often find a mate, lay their eggs, and spend the rest of their lives on that single island raising the children who hatch there.

Religion

Shellyards

Native tortle communities don't typically worship Gods in any major ways identifiable to The Republic, but revere and honour their dead with graveyards of their shells. The body either withers away or is removed and burned, and the shell itself is filled with objects of meaning to the departed - some might have a small flower patch maintained by family, or weapons that they used in their youth.

Republic of Ósa

Tortles inhabit islands that often border Òssan territories and as such have occasional interactions - trade ships might pass by every now and then, or be hired to take adult tortles onto the mainland to explore. Tortles are usually more than welcome throughout settlements and occasionally take up the mantle of hunters and healers, where their help is always appreciated.

Kingdom of Praelos

Tortles who live on islands closer to Praelos have suffered in the past, as their communities are raided for their resources and their youth are stolen for their strength. Yet, as is true for all species, those who venture to the Land of Warriors willingly can find an accepting home once they prove their worth.

Mechanics

Ability Scores: Str +2, Wis +1
Speed: 30ft
Size: Tortle adults stand an average of 5 to 6 feet tall and average 450 pounds. Their shells account for roughly one-third of their weight. Your size is Medium.
Languages: You can speak Aquan and Common
Claws: Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Hold Breath: You can hold your breath for up to 1 hour at a time. Tortles aren't natural swimmers, but they can remain underwater for some time before needing to come up for air.
Natural Armor: Due to your shell and the shape of your body, you are ill-suited to wearing armor. Your shell provides ample protection, however; it gives you a base AC of 17 (your Dexterity modifier doesn't affect this number). You gain no benefit from wearing armor, but if you are using a shield, you can apply the shield's bonus as normal.
Shell Defense: You can withdraw into your shell as an action. Until you emerge, you gain a +4 bonus to AC, and you have advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws. While in your shell, you are prone, your speed is 0 and can't increase, you have disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws, you can't take reactions, and the only action you can take is a bonus action to emerge from your shell.
Survival Instinct: You gain proficiency in the Survival skill. Tortles have finely honed survival instincts.

Details

Lifespan: Tortles grow quickly and reach adulthood by the age of 15, and have a maximum lifespan of around 200 years.
Population: Tortles are rarely found in groups outside of their native homes, as the adults who travel away from their islands are wanderers seeking out friendship and adventure amongst other folk. That said, most folk have seen at least a few tortles passing through in their time, and almost every major city will have dozens of them around.