Naval “Turtles”

Naval “Turtles”
The Naval “Turtles”, also known as “Swabees”, generally appear to look like the reptile species of Sea Turtles and are the third largest and tallest, averaging around 5ft. to 5ft. 6in. tall. These deep water sailors are not comfortable on land. They prefer to work in their boats, ships, and submerged farms and towns. These sailors are not to be overlooked when it is time to test the high seas and deep ocean exploration parties.

History
The Naval "Turtles" or as they prefer "Swabees" are the coastal defense force that every ruler dreams about. They are one of the few Children of Water who are willing and able to work with and trade with Lake Dwarves. Between these to deep water dwelling cultures they create and maintain the most complex and seaworthy vessels in existence. The crews of many a merchant and coastal guard vessels are primarily crewed by Swabees and Lake Dwarves, even when not owned by these two races.

Swabees are first and foremost the aquatic defense forces of most ocean side Sauropsidan communities. Preferring to have submerged homes and as little contact with the the shore as possible, these "Turtles" farm kelp and have even devised methods of using floating nets to corral fish and other sea life for harvesting. They build ships and hire themselves out as sailors or as shipwrights. They are excellent sailors and deep sea fishermen. They enjoy exploring the ocean as much as the Lake Dwarves, although they are willing to keep the to vastnesses and leave the depths to the Lake Dwarves, who have a tendency to go heavily armed and armoured.

The Swabees are also one of the few sailors to bring back stories of "evil" Testudonian pirates. This is often not because they are spared by these pirates for being fellow "Turtles", but because they are on average slightly better sailors and either outmanuever or out sail the pirates. Where most sailors fear to sail, a balanced crew with Swabees on the deck will challenge that fear and open new sea roads and discover new lands.