Mnóse Tortoises

Mnóse Tortoises¹ are the largest animals found around Ymn Lake, deep within the Southern Desert in southeastern Dragonía. They mostly roam the edge of the desert, eating cacti and other tough vegetation, only moving closer to the lake once every year to lay their eggs.
The hatchlings stay hidden in the reeds and beneath shrubs to avoid predators -especially monkeys and certain frogs- until they reach a certain size, after which they move farther from the lake to join the other tortoises.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The Minotaurs inhabiting the shores of Ymn Lake generally leave the mnóse tortoise alone, though they occasionally make jewelry and other things from their remains.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Although now limited to the area around the lake, their range once extended to the many oases dotting the desert until driven to extinction by nomadic tribes of Minotaurs, to protect the semi-domesticated Anma Cacti growing there.

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¹Original icelandic: mnóseskjaldbökur, singular: mnóseskjaldbaka.

by Lappalingur

Lifespan

~90 years

Conservation Status

Vulnerable

Average Length

~1 meter

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

They are mottled brown and olive green, with somewhat darker shells and claws. Square and hexagonal patterns adorn the shells.