Kal
Whispers
- Intent: Massive turtle-like creature. Similarities with whales, crocodiles, and dolphins.
- Image Credit: 玄武 by Xision Wu and Ridgeback Dragon Turtle by Pencil Equipped.
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: Subnautica (Especially the Reefback), Dragon Turtles (Artist, D&D, etc.)
- Name: Dragon Turtles
- Designation: Semi-Sentient
- Origins: Lorinia and/or Erakhis
- Average Lifespan: Several Centuries
- Estimated Population: Planetary | Found on Lorinia, Erakhis, and in a few especially large zoos.
- Description: Dragon Turtles are massive omnivores native to the fertile seas of Lorinia and Erakhis. While strong enough to take on a rancor in single combat, the creatures are not violent brutes - they are famously intelligent (for an animal) and at least somewhat averse to killing or harming sentients; Brightbeaks are particularly friendly creatures, having rescued drowning individuals on many occasions. Even the gentlest of their kind should be approached respectfully, however, for they are easily able to kill the average human if sufficiently agitated.
- Breathes: Type 1 (Amphibious)
- Average Height of Adults: See below.
- Average Length of Adults: 4-16 metres.
- Skin Colour: Primarily shades of white, blue, and black.
- Hair Colour: N/A; Brightbeaks often have colourful shells. Reefbacks may sport colourful flora/corals.
- Distinctions: Dragon Turtles are large, amphibious creatures that exist at (or in the case of the Abyss on Erakhis, near) the top of the local food chain. Males and females are largely equivalent in size, but males are more adventurous and there may be differences in colouring. It is commonly accepted that Dragon Turtles mate for life - while exceptions do exist, they invariably stay together until any offspring is full-grown. Dragon Turtles may slow somewhat with age, but no 'frail' specimens have ever been encountered. It is unknown whether they are biologically immortal or notice the impending end of their long lives in some way, opting to die somewhere dead below the waves.
- Races: Dragon Turtles come in three distinctive breeds and a small selection of regional variations with minor differences.
- Lorinian Reefback: Massive even by Dragon Turtle standards, the Reefbacks earn their name from the corals that often grow atop their broad backs. While slow and cumbersome, controllable buoyancy allows them to move using minimal energy and their ability to 'inhale' entire schools of fish keeps them well-fed under most circumstances. Capital-grade weaponry may be needed to crack their shells.
- Erakhian Longmaw: The infamous Longmaw is far more aggressive than its Lorinian cousins, but still avoids hunting sentients (with the exception of Darksiders and Rakata of any disposition) unless provoked. Usually, anyway. Their shells are less colourful than those of the other breeds, as is their skin - they tend to focus on camouflage over intimidation as a result of their more predatory nature.
- Lorinian Brightbeak: Smaller than its distant cousins, the noble Brightbeak is still far larger than other lifeforms. While still omnivorous, they are extremely unlikely to harm sentients unless directly attacked. They are seemingly quite aware of the inherent dangers their bulk represents and will go out of their way to avoid breaking fragile people - there are examples of them safely pushing toddlers onto land!
- Force Sensitivity: Rare
- Enduring Shells: Dragon Turtles have blaster-proof hide and shells capable of withstanding a high-speed collision with an airspeeder.
- Apex Predator: Dragon Turtles are formidable enough to take on a rancor on land; they are unchallenged in the seas of Lorinia.
- Adaptations: Each breed of Dragon Turtle has adapted to its environment and favoured prey in a deadly way all its own.
- Reefbacks can, partially due to their massive size, bludgeon foes to death with their roars or 'inhale' entire schools of fish.
- Longmaws accumulate gases over time that can be released to propel them forward with truly remarkable speed and force.
- Brightbeaks have the ability to store heat absorbed from sunlight or hydrothermal vents and exhale it as a pulse of lethal steam.
- Mass in Motion: Dragon Turtles require a great deal of energy to move, forcing them to move sluggishly or eat vast quantities. They are not built for extended pursuit of prey and struggle to pursue smaller creatures into caves, holes - or for that matter houses.
- Diet: Omnivore; plants, algae, and entire schools of fish. The Longmaw hunts large aquatic creatures, predators included. Dragon Turtles will not eat their own kind unless starving. More unusually, the same holds true for most sentients, though the Longmaw is easily agitated.
- Erakhian Longmaws appear to instinctively seek out and devour Darksiders, but they are not necessarily difficult to fool.
- Communication: Dragon Turtles can communicate basic concepts across vast distances using echoing, low-frequency calls. 'Speak' in a more detailed fashion by 'roaring' at each other; as variable as some languages, but the force it carries is sufficient to rupture the human eardrums. The Dragon Turtles seem aware of this - they use their roars to hunt smaller creatures and avoid 'speaking' around your average sentient.
- Force Users have reported that Dragon Turtles are difficult to mind control but easy to connect with in more cooperative ways.
- Technology Level: Dragon Turtles have been observed to manipulate their surroundings as rudimentary tools/shelter, on occasion.
- Religion/Beliefs: Dragon Turtles are not sentients. They (especially Brightbeaks) are, however, unusually friends towards sentients.
- General Behaviour: Dragon Turtles rarely engage in destructive infighting; they may compete for territory, but will do so through displays of strength rather than direct confrontation. They reproduce only rarely but will go to great lengths to protect their precious offspring - should a parents lose a child despite this, typically due to being killed, their orphans will almost invariably be adopted by other Dragon Turtles, who will do so even if they are not related to the 'youngling'. This has even occurred between subraces, including the long-isolated Longmaws!
The majestic Dragon Turtle has been found on both Lorinia and Erakhis since before the formation of the Galactic Republic. The passage of time and the unexplored nature of the deepest seas have as of yet prevented scholars from proving which planet it originated from - but how the huge beings were transported across the stars and smoothly inserted into an alien ecosystem is a greater mystery yet.
The most popular theories relate to ancient ruins found on Erakhis and especially Lorinia, a theory supported by the extreme hostility the Longmaws of Erakhis display towards Darksiders generally and Rakata specifically as well as the care they show most other sentients.
Regardless of their origins, the Dragon Turtles have come to be viewed as beloved icons of both planets - the Erakhians view them as a reminder of the deadly beauty of their world and keep a respectful distance, while Lorinians tend to get far, far closer. 'Swimming with Brightbeaks' is a popular activity for visiting tourists, as the gentle giants will go to great lengths to avoid harming sentients - professional guides are still advisable.
