Tortoise, Giant

This tortoise is half the height of a human, and has a domed shell, leathery skin, and a long neck.

Tortoise, Giant (CR 1)

Medium Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: -2
Senses: Low-Light Vision; Perception +7

Speed: 10 feet
Space: 5 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 16, touch 8, flat-footed 16 (-2 Dex, +8 natural)
Hit Points: 22 (3d8+9)
Saving Throws: Fort +8, Ref +1, Will +2

Offense

Melee: bite +4 (1d6+3)
Reach: 5 feet

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
14 (+2)	7 (-2)	16 (+3)	2 (-4)	13 (+1)	9 (-1)

Base Attack Bonus: +2
CMB +4
CMD 12 (16 vs. Trip)

Feats: Endurance, Great Fortitude

Skills: Perception +7 (+3 for sound-based checks)

• Racial Modifiers: -4 Perception for sound-based checks

Languages:

Special Qualities: buoyant, shell, slow and steady

Special Abilities

Buoyant (Ex)

A tortoise that fails a Swim check by 5 or more does not sink.

Shell (Ex)

As a move action, a tortoise can pull its extremities and head into its shell. It can't move or attack as long as it remains in this state, but its armor bonus from natural armor increases by 4 as long as it does. It may end this state as a move action.

Slow and Steady (Ex)

A tortoise's speed is never modified by armor or encumbrance.

Ecology

Environment: Warm Deserts or Islands
Organization: solitary, pair, or herd (6-12)
Treasure: none


Giant tortoises typically live on tropical islands without large predators. Despite their impressive shells, their slow speed makes them easy prey, especially for vermin and other creatures that consume their eggs.

Tortoises are herbivores, and can survive for months or even years without food or water. Despite being poor swimmers, their buoyancy and long necks capable mean they can survive for significant periods at sea.

A typical giant tortoise is 3-1/2 feet tall to the top of the shell and weighs 500 pounds.