Tortle

**Tortles** are a fairly rare species of Turtle-like humanoids. The most well known community of them is the Duskshell Family.

## Basics

### Anatomy

Tortles are a race of Tortoise-like humanoids. They closely resemble a giant Galapagos tortoise, but are bipedal, and have hands capable of grasping. They have two arms and two legs, as well as a short tail. Their hands have five clawed fingers which are capable of digging and slashing. Their feet are flat and stump like, and have five talons. They are not great swimmers, but they have powerful lungs that allow them to hold their breath underwater for up to one hour.

### Genetics and Reproduction

Tortles reproduce like tortoises, laying large eggs which are kept warm in burrows. Traditionally, Tortles only reproduce close to the end of their lives.

### Growth

When Tortles are first hatched, they walk on all fours. It takes around two weeks for them to stand upright and walk on their own. They are considered mature at 15 years old. Past this point, the only real way to tell a Turtle's age is by looking at their shell.

### Ecology and Habitat

Tortles thrive on beaches, swamps, and forests.

### Dietary Needs

Tortles are omnivores, and have a steady diet of fish, clams, and vegetation

## Additional Information

### Social Structure

Tortles have fairly simple social structures. They usually live in family groups with a few more magically inclined members able to step up as leader in the event that one is needed.

### Facial Characteristics

Tortle faces resemble those of turtles and tortoises. A few, such as Burtle Duskshell, have a face more like a snapping turtle, which means they have sharper, hooked beaks.

### Average Intelligence

Tortles have an average intelligence which is equal to humans.

### Perception and sensory capabilities

Although not powerful swimmers, Tortles are known for their ability to hold their breath under water.

## Civilization and Culture

### Naming

Tortles usually use simple, single names which are easy to spell and pronounce. There is no distinction between masculine and feminine names. Most tortles do not have surnames.

### Gender Ideals

Female Tortles tend to be farmers while males tend to act as protectors. These are less observed tradition and often occur more by coincidence.

### Courtships and Relationship Ideals

Traditionally, Tortles do not take mates until they are quite advanced in their years, and do not bear children until the end of their lives.

### Technology

Tortle civilizations usually have quite basic technology. They make their homes of clay and mud, and use basic weapons such as spears, tridents, and nets.

### Etiquette

Tortles greet one another by raising their hands and speaking to one another in Aquan.

### Common Dress

Most Tortles do not wear typical clothing such as shirts or pants, as their shell provides more than enough coverage. Some will wear accessories like gloves and hats, and many will wear necklaces. If they need to carry things, they will make attachments for their shells, or fashion belts of leather or rope.

### Culture and Heritage

Tortles often enjoy making small trinkets and bobbles, which they grant to those who they care for. They are also talented in fashioning anti-magic shields by utilizing the shells of flail snails.

They are a friendly people, and like to celebrate birthdays and feast days with their community.

### Common Customs, Traditions, and Rituals

Tortles worship the sun and moon, as well as the twilight gods. Partly because of this, it is common for Tortle houses to have skylights, or to lack a roof entirely. Though they may make small, temporary burrows underground, most tortles are uncomfortable when they cannot see the sky.

### Taboos

Tortles make it a practice not to attack other sentient creatures unprovoked.

### Interspecies Relations

Tortles are generally very friendly towards other races. Most other races are neutral towards tortles, or may not even know they exist.

## Known Tortles

### The Duskshell family

The Duskshell family is a tribe of Twilight-cleric Tortles who live in Serendipity. They are known for their reverence towards the gods, and their belief in the supernatural.

* Mama Duskshell, the mother of Dordlo and the matriarch of Duskshell village
* Vhyrra Duskshell, the aunt of Mama Duskshell.
* Hurli Duskshell, a skittish fisher
* Fro Duskshell, the kind natured father of Hurli
* Bimmini Duskshell, the youngest Tortle in the village.
* Dordlo Duskshell, a cleric and adventurer