Tortle (Tohr-till)

Tortles are reptilian-looking humanoids with large shells on their backs that are capable of containing their entire bodies. They have leathery skins that vary between olive-green to blue-green hues. The dorsal portion of their shells was usually darker than their skins, while the ventral portion was lighter, usually with yellowish tones. Tortles rarely wear any clothing, favoring instead belts and harnesses to carry their belongings. They have little tolerance for cold, and usually migrate away from temperate areas when winter approached.
Although generally poor swimmers, tortles are capable of floating on water and could hold their breath for over an hour. Their high buoyancy granted them the ability to cross swamps, mud, and quicksand with little difficulty.
Tortles are an extremely uncommon race in Iosoth. Originally tortles come from the distant land of Kahtl Island, notably present in the city of Campeo. Their numbers are still very few in Campeo as they seldom breed.
Around 767 A.A, when humans, elves, and other traditional Iosoth races began to inhabit Kahtl Island more prominently, a large population of tortles migrated north to Zâinabên and Lonheim Basin for unknown reasons. Since then, Kahtl Island tortles have become extremely rare to see as most live outside of cities and are hermits in the jungles. Mainland tortles are also quite rare, but often can be found migrating across Zâinabên to trade among the countries that border the desert.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Tortles are humanoid tortoises. They walk upright with a ponderous, rolling gait. The creatures have leathery, reptilian skin and shells that cover their backs and bellies. An adult Tortle stands just under 6 feet tall and weighs more than 450 pounds. Tortles have no hair; their skin is mostly olive or blue-green. Their back shells are usually shinier and darker than their skin, while their front shells tend to be lighter, with a yellowish cast. A Tortle's mouth is beak-like and toothless and can deliver a vicious bite.
Tortles are stocky, but most of their weight comes from their shells, so they tend to remain at the same weight throughout their adult lives, never growing fat or thin. Their arms and hands are shaped like those of humans, but thicker. Tortles can wield most weapons as easily as humans, though they usually do not wear clothing, only sometimes wearing cloaks, belts, or harnesses for carrying tools and supplies.

Genetics and Reproduction

Tortles only reproduce near the end of their natural lifespans. When their young hatch from their eggs, they spend the remainder of their lives sharing all their life experiences and teaching survival skills. Young tortles become orphans after about one year, by which time they are expected to be able to fend for themselves.

Ecology and Habitats

Tortles prefer warm climates and enjoy sunning themselves; they have little tolerance for cold. The Tortles of Kahtl Island can typically be found along the banks of the Trei Sea and the Lake of Breath where they can soak up the sun, unblocked by the dense foliage of the jungle. The Tortles of Zâinabên prefer to walk along the dune shadows as drying up is not uncommon in the nomadic lifestyle of these Tortles. Herewall Lake is a Common resting place for these nomads and the waters of the lake and swamps of Lonheim Basin supply the little amount of hydration their bodies require.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Tortles are very adaptable in their search for food and drink. Their high constitutions allow them to muster down any plant they come across and drink tainted waters. While these plants provide the sustenance required for their survival, most Tortles enjoy the taste of fruit more than anything.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Tortles are given a single name at birth and use this name their entire life. Though they keep themselves closely grouped in family, surnames are neither needed nor practiced by their culture, as they know who they "belong" to by what village they live in.
Male Names Chul, Hennas, Jung, Lau, Quan, Xchi.
Female Names Anoi, Kai, Lenna, Mai, Pao.

Biological Information

Lifespan

120 years

Average Height

5‒6 ft (1.5‒1.8 m)

Average Weight

450‒500 lb (200‒230 kg)

Geographic Distribution

• Kahtl Island
• Zâinabên

Chief Patrin

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Tortle Personalities

Most tortles had the notion of having their houses on their backs, which meant that they rarely felt homesick or the need to lay roots in any single place. They were eager to learn new customs and found beauty in the most ordinary things. Despite spending much of their lives isolated, tortles liked to form strong friendships.

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Notable Tortles

• Molo the Malaer - while not expressly a tortle herself, she has taken on the form of one
• Lun - protector of the Spirit Tree
• Chief Patrin - chieftan of the Jade Grove
• Oko - barbarian that single-handedly defended his tribe from a purple worm