Tortle

Tortles are a species of anthropomorphic tortoises.

Tortles have a maximum lifespan of 350 years, though their average lifespan is 50 years. This is because tortles die within a year of their children being born, so those who are approaching 350 years are those who have remained celibate. Until they actually die though, tortles do not suffer any ill effects of old age.

## Myths

The tortles believe they were created by the god Tort from ordinary tortoises who proved themselves worthy oh his blessing. He elevated them physically, mentally, and spiritually from the beasts they originally were and turned them into tortles as they are currently known. Tort told the tortles that he would return in a decade to see what they had done with their lives. When he returned, he found them debasing themselves through their animal-like behaviour. He then killed all those who despoiled themselves before him, leaving only the wise, sensible ones alive. To these survivors, he announced that he had a new challenge for them to overcome: that as of this moment tortles would die within a year of their children being born, robbing them of the majority of their lifespans. Should the tortles as a whole reach the point that surviving for at least 300 years becomes the norm, he would elevate them to a higher state of being. Until that time though, they would have to suffer the knowledge that they themselves are the cause for their short lives.

The tortles have a number of legends about heroes who won the favour of Tort by demonstrating their unyielding spirit and overcoming great odds. These tortles are said to have been taken by Tort at the end of their lives and elevated to spiritual entities who do not suffer the limitations of the physical form.

## Lands

Tortles originated on the eastern isles, between the eastern and western continents, but can now be found throughout those continents as well. They lack a concept of a homeland, just thinking of their home as wherever they themselves are.

## Culture

Tortle culture is generally divided into two approaches:

There are the Followers of Tort, those who wish to please Tort and elevate their people to a higher state of existence. They often become monks and priests, swearing an oath of celibacy which they are released from once they reach their 300th year. These tortles are the ones encountered by most outsiders as they travel on missions to find more of their people and try to help them change their ways to help their people as a whole.

The other main group are those who don't really care for Tort's proclamation, and instead wish to live their lives their own way, no matter how short they may be. While these tortles go into the world much less than the Followers of Tort, those that do are more likely to become adventurers rather than missionaries. Many of these tortles just decide to do what they enjoy and make a life out of it. They tend to be somewhat more flamboyant than the Followers of Tort, who they generally view as sticks in the mud.

Universally though, there are things both these groups share, the main thing being the idea that meaningful change does not happen immediately, and will require much time and effort to do. Tortles are often more than willing to help each other when they are struggling, and they are generally prepared to just entrench themselves and hold out for as long as it takes for them to achieve their goals. To many outsiders, this looks like plain stubbornness.

## Evolution

The tortle creation myth which claims them to have been created from tortoises seems to be fairly accurate, as sages are generally of the opinion that tortles are in fact descended from a species of tortoise native to the eastern isles. Tortles are also closely related to a species known as snappers, larger marine creatures with sharp beaks, lumpy brown shells, and incapable of fully retreating into their shells. Many coastal tortles feel a sense of kinship with snappers, and their communities often form alliances with each other.