Tortle 5e
Tortles are humanoid tortoises native to warm coastal regions. They have natural shells that provide excellent protection, and they are surprisingly strong despite their peaceful demeanor. Most tortles live simple lives as fishers, farmers, and rangers, but some are driven by wanderlust to explore the world. Tortles mature quickly, reaching adulthood by age 15, but can live up to 50 years.
At a Glance
Ability Scores
+2 Strength, +1 Wisdom
Size
Medium
Speed
30 ft.
Languages
Common, Aquan
Source
The Tortle Package / Monsters of the Multiverse
Racial Traits
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| 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 1d6 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike. |
| Hold Breath | You can hold your breath for up to 1 hour at a time. |
| Natural Armor | Your shell provides ample protection. When you aren't wearing armor, your AC is 17. You gain no benefit from wearing armor, but if you are using a shield, you can apply the shield's bonus as normal. |
| Nature's Intuition | You gain proficiency in one of the following skills of your choice: Animal Handling, Medicine, Nature, Perception, Stealth, or Survival. |
| 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 <a href="/rules/conditions/prone-condition-5e/">prone</a>, 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. |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Thinking Natural Armor can stack with worn armor (it cannot)
Common Mistake
Not using Shell Defense as an emergency survival tool
Common Mistake
Forgetting you're <a href="/rules/conditions/prone-condition-5e/">prone</a> while in your shell
Common Mistake
Not choosing a skill proficiency for Nature's Intuition
DM Tips
DM Tip
Tortles have an excellent base AC of 17, making them great for monks, barbarians, and druids
DM Tip
Shell Defense is a powerful last-resort defensive option
DM Tip
Their hold breath ability makes them natural aquatic explorers
DM Tip
Tortles' peaceful nature and wanderlust create interesting character motivations
DM Tip
The natural armor means they don't need to invest in armor proficiencies or equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Tortle — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD race text
- Tortle — D&D Beyond — Official race reference
- Tortle Handbook — RPGBOT — Race optimization guide