Giant Tortoise

Lore
Some might assume that the Giant Tortoise is a result of the Sundering or meddling Nature wizards. Not so. The Giant Tortoise is a proud and ancient - albeit rare and unusual - member of the Elanthian bestiary, harkening back to ancient times. As evidence of this, the Triumvirate has uncovered primitive villages in remote coastal-forest regions that used Giant Tortoise carapaces for shelters. It is one of a few creatures that was not adversely affected by the Sundering. Some scholars jokingly suggest that this is because the Giant Tortoise was able to hide in its shell during the breaking of the world, but there may be more truth to this than we know.

Giant Tortoises do not begin life giant-sized; though they hatch from large eggs, they are no bigger than other, smaller adult tortoises. The variation comes in its lifespan and growth. Technically, the Giant Tortoise never stops growing. By the time it reaches 100, the typical Giant Tortoise will be barn-sized, and many reach true giant-size before turning 200. Giant Tortoises do not lay eggs as often as other, normal tortoises, and all eggs are laid before the age of 50, when they're still only about the size of a large dog.