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Tortoise, Giant

This tortoise is half the height of a human, and has a domed shell, leathery skin, and a long neck.

Giant Tortoise CR 1

XP 400
N Medium animal
Init –2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +7

DEFENSE

AC 16, touch 8, flat-footed 16 (–2 Dex, +8 natural)
hp 22 (3d8+9)
Fort +8, Ref +1, Will +2

OFFENSE

Speed 10 ft.
Melee bite +4 (1d6+3)

STATISTICS

Str 14, Dex 7, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 9
Base Atk +2; CMB +4; CMD 12 (16 vs. trip)
Feats Endurance, Great Fortitude
Skills Perception +7 (+3 for sound–based checks); Racial Modifiers –4 Perception for sound–based checks
SQ buoyant, shell, slow and steady

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Buoyant (Ex)

A tortoise that fails a Swim check by 5 or more does not sink.

Shell (Ex)

As a move action, a tortoise can pull its extremities and head into its shell. It can't move or attack as long as it remains in this state, but its armor bonus from natural armor increases by 4 as long as it does. It may end this state as a move action.

Slow and Steady (Ex)

A tortoise's speed is never modified by armor or encumbrance.


ECOLOGY

Environment warm deserts or islands
Organization solitary, pair, or herd (6–12)
Treasure none

Giant tortoises typically live on tropical islands without large predators. Despite their impressive shells, their slow speed makes them easy prey, especially for vermin and other creatures that consume their eggs. Tortoises are herbivores, and can survive for months or even years without food or water. Despite being poor swimmers, their buoyancy and long necks capable mean they can survive for significant periods at sea.

A typical giant tortoise is 3-1/2 feet tall to the top of the shell and weighs 500 pounds.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary 4 © 2013, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Dennis Baker, Jesse Benner, Savannah Broadway, Ross Byers, Adam Daigle, Tim Hitchcock, Tracy Hurley, James Jacobs, Matt James, Rob McCreary, Jason Nelson, Tom Phillips, Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Sean K Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Tork Shaw, and Russ Taylor.