Tortles can live on land or at sea, but regardless of where they live, they much prefer areas close to water. Tortles are known for being patient and methodical, and that’s a major contributor to their long life especially in treacherous waters. Anyone who takes the time to get to know a Tortle makes lifelong friends and allies, and those who don’t try to get a Tortle out of their shell will find that their shells are pretty tough.
Tortle Features
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength increases by 2.
Age. Tortles mature slowly and live longer than humans. They reach maturity at 20-30 years of age, and they can live well over 100 years of age.
Alignment. Given their long lifespan, Tortles fit into orderly and ritualistic lifestyles. They tend towards lawful alignments, though more rebellious Tortles might tend to be more neutral.
Size. Tortle adults stand 5 to 6 feet tall and average 450 pounds. Their shells account for roughly one-third of their weight. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Natural Armor. Due to your shell and the shape of your body, you are ill-suited to wearing armor. Your shell provides ample protection, however; it gives you a base AC of 17 (your Dexterity modifier doesn’t affect this number). You gain no benefit from wearing armor, but if you are using a shield, you can apply the shield’s bonus as normal.
Survival Instinct. You gain proficiency in the Survival skill. Tortles have finely honed survival instincts.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and Aquan.
Subraces. There are two main subraces of Tortles in Wilder: Freshwater Tortles, and Saltwater Tortles depending on what environment they grew up in. Choose one of these subraces.
Freshwater Tortle
Ability Score Increase. Your Wisdom increases by 1.
Hold Breath. You can hold your breath for up to 1 hour at a time. Freshwater Tortles aren’t natural swimmers, but they can remain underwater for some time before needing to come up for air.
Claws. Your claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.
Shell Defense. You can withdraw into your shell as an action. Until you emerge, you gain a +4 bonus to AC, and you have advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws. While in your shell, you are prone, your speed is 0 and can’t increase, you have disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws, you can’t take reactions, and the only action you can take is a bonus action to emerge from your shell.
Saltwater Tortle
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution increases by 1.
Aquatic Build. You are more adapted to longer periods underwater and can hold your breath for up to 8 hours at a time and have a swim speed of 30 feet.
Counter Bite. As a reaction to a melee attack within 5 feet of you, you can lash out with a bite that deals 1d4 plus your Strength modifier piercing damage
Survival of the Fittest. Once per day, you can add your Constitution modifier to a Dexterity saving throw to succeed when you would normally fail. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you complete a long rest.**