Turtlefolk (5e Race)

Turtlefolk

Turtlefolk are commonly said to be tortles. This is not entirely false. However, turtlefolk is a more generic term for other beings that live off the peninsula of Chult that resemble turtles.

Physical Description

By Kris Cooper

Turtlefolk are not always as bulky in the way tortles are. Some have more humanoid forms with long limbs, simply with a shell and differing digits. They are also all entirely amphibious, in contrast to tortles, which are more land-based. There are two well known subraces of turtlefolk, which are the soft-shelled and the hard-shelled. The soft-shelled, or leatherbacks, are turtlefolk that have more limber skeletons for ease of movement. Their skin is also usually leathery and the scales are very small. Hard-shelled turtlefolk have larger scales and thick, crusty shells, as well as a stockier form.

History

Turtlefolk were created by the god Oghma, bardic god of knowledge. Turtlefolk were created to hold all the knowledge of the world, and so were given great memory and long lives. But, this did not bode well as the other gods believed this to be unfair favoritism. Before the rest of the gods could stop Oghma, he was able to make the first turtlefolk couple. Thus, the gods subsequently forbade him from giving them the knowledge of the world. The couple was then placed in the Material Realm as an incomplete project. In the beginning, the turtlefolk were unlucky, as the gods were very displeased with their existence. After about 2 decades, Oghma convinced some of his compatriots to show mercy and they eventually opened communications for the turtlefolk to interact amicably with other races.

Society

Turtlefolk live peacefully in small communities, though they are widespread enough in other cities throughout the world, in Kara-Tur as well as Faerun. They commonly live near coasts, having an affinity for water. There are those who live in inland jungles however, where the temperature is very humid. Their villages are tribal and based around prized spawning grounds. They have a religious leader, usually a shaman of sorts, as their leader. Rather than strength, the leader is expected to be wise, taking after Oghma.
All turtlefolk are generally very hardworking and motivated. Some believe that if they do not do their job, they won’t survive in the world. So, they must be very productive. Turtlefolk rarely complain of circumstances and are therefore very responsible. But sometimes they overcompensate and are too hard on themselves as a result. Their communities are able to build ships that can take weeks in just a few days thanks to their hardworking nature.

Turtlefolk Names

Many turtlefolk assume casual names, keeping with the times in some places. But it generally frowned upon not to have put at least a bit of thought into ones name.

Male: Clunky, Koopa, Jet, Oricles

Female: Shelly, Monet, Hurisha, Alhatan

Turtlefolk Traits

Slimmer, water-based reptile humanoids with shells
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom score increases by 1.
Age. Turtlefolk become adults around 10 years old and can live up to 900 or 1000 years.
Alignment. Turtlefolk typically align themselves with neutral-good. But they will follow whatever alignment suits their needs best.
Size. Turtlefolk have roughly a size similar to humans, but are heavier and shorter. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
Aquatic. While turtles do not breathe underwater, you are well equipped to survive in watery terrains. You can hold your breath for up to an hour at a time. You also have a swimming speed equal to your base walking speed.
Oghma's Blessing. The god of knowledge created the turtlefolk with mental faculties to pursue their purpose, even though he could not give them all the knowledge. You can accurately recall anything you have seen or heard within the last month. You are also proficient in the History skill.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one language of your choice.
Subrace. Choose either soft or hard shell.

Soft Shell

These turtlefolk are commonly dispersed around inland rivers and lake communities. Their soft shells allow for easier movement, but also makes them more fragile, and they require more moisture to keep their skin from cracking.

Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 2.
Silent Swimmer. You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks to hide while underwater.

Hard Shell

Hard shell turtlefolk are sturdier than their soft shell counterparts. They frequent the steamy jungles and coastal areas. Their hardier nature makes them candidates for powerful warriors.

Ability Score Increase. YourConstitution score increases by 2.
Hard Shell. Your hard shell provides you protection. While unarmored, your Armor Class is equal to 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You may use a shield and still gain this benefit.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
4′ 5''	+2d10	180 lb.	× (1d10) lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

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