Klima Turtle

The Klima Turtle is a snapping turtle species found primarily in the tributaries and branches of the Klima River. It has three distinctive ridges down the back of the shell and the shell colors gradient from bright green or yellow to dark brown. The head, legs, and tail are dark brown with yellow or white stripes. The tail is especially long, sometimes nearly a foot in length, and has extra thick scales and a single ridge down the top. The snout is rather pointed with a large, sharp beak and extremely powerful jaws.

Historical Details

Background

Traditionally, the Klima Turtle has been the entrée of choice for celebrations throughout Ardelvo. Long considered a delicacy for the sweetness and tenderness of the meat, it has become symbolic of good times and good news. Because of this, it is usually reserved for special occasions and not found in day to day meals. If Klima Turtle is on the table, you know that there is cause for celebration.

History

Recipes for Klima Turtle can be found as far back as the Ardelvo histories can trace.

Public Reaction

Due to its overwhelming popularity there are dozens of ways to prepare Klima Turtles, from soups served in the shell to fried, grilled, or stewed turtle meats. Every person you ask will have a 'family secret' spice blend for use in cooking Klima Turtles, resulting in hundreds if not thousands of individual recipes.

Legacy

While the meat of the Klima Turtle is the primary use, shells have been used as bowls for serving, decorations for the home, jewelry, and at one point in history even as helmets or armor. Most of these uses have fallen out of fashion, but researchers at the Ardelvo Mage Academy are currently looking into possible health benefits of ground shells or shells used in poultices and medicines.

Type

Record, Culinary (Menu)

Medium

Oral Tradition / Word of Mouth