Emperor turtles, also called Labraeya by the natives, are large reptiles with thick shells and stout legs which can be drawn into the protective shells.
Built along the lines of a snapping turtle, but Megalochelys thalassos, the “huge turtle of the sea,” is a descendant of the Mesozoic sea turtle Archelon, but where that turtle was only 12 feet long, this monster is 60 feet long and 40 feet across, with large eyes, a red-rimmed beak that stands out rom the dull brown of the rest of the animal, and a backward sloping shell composed of massive, shingle-like scales. Their scaly hides are a deep blue, while the shell that surrounds them range from stone grey to the color of sand.
It is an omnivore, feasting on seaweed and dead or injured marine animals, while its protective carapace gives few of the Western Sea’s many large predators an opportunity to prey on it in turn. Its tongue is wormlike in appearance, and it often lies on the sea bottom wiggling its tongue in its open mouth to attract hungry fish into its beak. This semi-amphibious creature normally confines itself to devouring fish, small mosasaurs, and very unlucky swimmers.
During mating season, though, it emerges from the sea to hunt on land. Humans are just about bite-size for it, and it seems to find them a welcome change of pace from its usual seafood diet. Like all sea turtles, Megalochelys thalassos is a solitary creature. The only time they come in contact with others of their species is during the mating season. Then the female goes to the rim of the great canyons along the beach to lay their eggs, and out of several dozen eggs, only a few offspring will survive to reach adulthood.
It is unknown whether they can be trained to serve as pack animals, though this would require special harnesses for carrying large loads. The creatures are very tough, able to withstand the tropical storms. When forced into battle, they attack with their sharp beaks.
Hunting the creature is difficult, as it easily deflects most weapons. However, if the giant turtle should overturn itself, it is helpless. The shell often becomes the centerpiece of the tribe’s encampment. A tribe displaying such a shell clearly has skilled warriors.
Alignment: Animal, considered Unprincipled or Anarchist.
I.Q: 1D4+2, low animal intelligence, M.E: 1D6+1, M.A: 1D6, P.S: 3D6+30, P.P: 12+1D6, P.E: 1D6+20, P.B: 3D6+6, Spd: 1D6+6 on dry land, but this turtle rarely goes on dry land except to lay eggs. Underwater swimming speed is 1D4+12.
S.D.C by Location:
Head- 75.
Tail-15
Flippers-150 each.
Main Body (top shell): 1D6x100+180.
Main Body: underbelly shell: 1D6x100+180.
Hit Points: 1D6x100.
Armor Rating: The top shell has an A.R. of 19, the belly shell has an A.R of 14.
P.P.E: 3D6.
Horror Factor:
Size:
Weight: 6-10 ton on average, 15-30 tons for the largest.
Average Life Span: Unknown, could live for centuries.
Natural Abilities: Swim 98% dive up to 400 feet (122 m), survive depths of up to three miles (4.8 km), prowl 75% (in water only), is resistant to cold (half damage), can stay on dry land for up to three hours before beginning to dehydrate.
Attacks Per Melee: Three in water, two out of water.
Damage: A swat with a flipper inflicts 2D6 damage and the victim has a 88% of being knocked down or hurled 20 feet away or held down and loses two attacks. All in addition to P.S. damage bonus.
Bonuses: All are applicable only when underwater: +2 to strike, +1 to parry, +3 to dodge, +4 to roll with impact, +4 to save vs horror factor and +2 to save vs poisons.
Enemies: Humans and large aquatic predators.
Habitat:
Allies: None, other than their own kind.
Value: The flesh and eggs of this monster are quite delicious, and the calipee (the soft lining inside the shell) alone sells because of the exquisite soup that can be made from it. Because these creatures are too stupid to be trained, food is the only reason to obtain their eggs. In addition, the invulnerable upper and lower halves of the carapace can be made into armor plating.