Turtiformes

These are a group of unusual Polydactyls that are separated
from all other such forms by the difference of their skeletons. Turtiformes are
named so due to their superficial resemblance to Earth's turtles, but this is a
faulty comparison in many ways. Turtiformes do have their bodies encased in a
hard box of solid bones, but this structure lies beneath their dermal muscles
and consequently no appendages except their second heads can be retracted into
it. As a trade off, it leaves their limbs more free to move around. While most
Turtiformes have a crawling limb posture, some forms have their legs tucked
straight under their bodies and can be quite fast.

Turtiformes have evolved numerous forms, ranging from boring
small omnivores to vicious predators, marine swimmers and freshwater grazers.

Species: Natatryx tepidus
Common Name: Green
Slider.
Size: 30-35 centimeters.
Habitat: Rivers and ponds around
north-eastern Isterna, introduced to the Great Dam.

This is a fairly typical Turtiform, an aquatic omnivore that
browses in fresh water and sleeps on the land. Its feet have been elongated into
paddle-like structures, although its unwebbed digits still give it a purchase on
land. On its second head, Natatryx sports an accessory tentacle that is
found in most members of the group. This organ is thought to have sensory as
well as manipulative functions, and helps the animal to detect and grasp food
items in the murky water. When handled, these animals release a sticky and
extremely foul smelling liquid from their shrunken first heads.

Species: Ejector suncus
Common Names: Barfkettle,
Kettleturt, Barfturtle.
Size: Up to 1 meter long.
Habitat: Pansavannah

Dotting the endless lush plains of Pansavannah like bright
green melons, these conspicuous terrestrial Turtiformes are given a wide berth
by most predators. These animals spend most of their lives calmly wandering
around the plains while their disturbingly hyperactive second heads constantly
pluck small animals and nutritious plants from the earth. Should they be
attacked, they “vomit” an extremely potent irritant from their striped first
heads with uncanny precision. This substance, actually a modified form of
genital lubricant, is always aimed at the attackers’ eyes and has been observed
blinding or even killing young and inexperienced predators.

With the equally toxic (but unrelated) Turtletanks
(Hoploderma sp.) and poisonous Bandia Lophophids inhabiting
the same region, Snaiadi zoologists have been paying special attention to the
Pansavannah region, trying to figure out why so many slow but well-armed
herbivores have been concentrated in this area. One popular theory is based on
the historical presence of unknown, vicious predators in the region, but no
fossil discoveries supporting this claim have emerged. The current assemblage of
predators inhabiting Pansavannah is not much different from those elsewhere on
the mainland continents.

Species: Asaptoderma australis
Common Name: No common
name.
Size: Up to 25 centimeters long.
Habitat: Interior plains and rocky
hills in Thalassia.

Asaptoderma represents a highly derived or highly
basal (the debate rages on,) group of Turtiformes that have an extremely reduced
bony shell and more flexibility in their bodies. What defense they need is
instead provided by their speed and rear-pointing spines. Unlike their
relatives, such Echinomochlid Turtiformes also show a marked tendency for a
carnivorous diet. In the isolated evolutionary madhouse of Thalassia, these
animals fill the niches occupied by the Tunicasaurian Whipsliders and other
lizard-like groups on other continents.

This group is also known for its problematic distribution. Its
relatives live on Aucaterra, Mapag and smaller Eastern ocean islands, but not on
the mainland. Their fossils, however, are found in all of these places,
including the mainland. At some point in the past, these animals must have
accomplished a monumentally lucky feat of trans-oceanic rafting before dying out
in the mainland, perhaps due to competition from more "normal" Turtiformes. The
Echinomochlids’ historical place of origin, like their taxonomic affinity, is
also the subject of a fervent debate.

Species: Cylindroides hatti
Common Name: Torpedo
Size:
4-5 meters long.
Habitat: Present in seas worldwide, but found mainly around
the Three Seas around Midland.

The two species of Cylindroides and one related genus
(Hydrolithos sp.) represent a unique radiation of marine Turtiformes
uniquely suited to their environment. Cylindriform Turtiformes have turned the
box-like inner shell of their relatives into a heavy, streamlined, hydrodynamic
“hull” and have melded the six digits on each of their limbs into broad paddles.
However, the most marked difference Cylindriformes have from other Turtiformes
is in their reproduction systems. While other Turtiformes reproduce by laying
eggs, these species have dispensed with terrestrial reproduction altogether and
gestate their torpedo-shaped young inside their first-head neck like other
live-bearing Snaiadi animals.

Not much else is known about these enigmatic swimmers due to
their pelagic habits. More Cylindriform species might be discovered in the
future.

Species: Phobochelys molestor
Common Name: Rape
Turtle.
Size: 2 meters long, usually less.
Habitat: The island of
Mapag.

The spectacular radiation of Turtiformes reached many islands,
including the "lost world" of Mapag in the Aarite Ocean. There, the Turtiformes
gave rise to their nastiest lineage: the aptly named Rape Turtles. In absence of
other hunters, these clumsy creatures evolved into "garage-kit macropredators"
that eerily recall the Fuckers of the mainland. Instead of the swift killing
grace and pelvic spikes of these unrelated predators, however, Rape Turtles
sport barely vertical legs and a rasping, skid-like growth under their hips.
Their second heads have also lost the sensory tentacle unique to their group,
and sport a saw-like edge of sharp spikes that helps them tear and cut flesh.
Finally, their first heads sport hook-like beaks that help them drag carcasses
away into their lairs. Despite these impressive weapons, the Rape Turtles’ usual
method of hunting involves jumping onto their prey and simply crushing them.
Most of their quarry is made up of local Giant Armless Blumbomen, (Moai
mapagalithops) but they also hunt smaller animals when possible.

Despite their vile habits and obvious risk to the
public, these unusual animals are among the most popular zoo exhibits in the
zoos of Snaiad.

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associated with this project belong to Nemo Ramjet, unless otherwise stated.