Battler “Turtles”

Battler “Turtles”
The Battler “Turtles”, also known as “Centurio” in reference to the average length of time it takes for them to be considered an adult, at a full century of life. The Battlers are the second largest and tallest of the “Turtles”, averaging 6ft. to 6ft 6in. These lovers of the long trek are the organized military arm of the Sauropsidan nation. These are the soldiers of the state, not soldiers of fortune like “Grins”. Completely uncomfortable with sea travel, these methodical soldiers are more willing to march to their destination where possible, cutting roads and building bridges as they go.

History
The Battler "Turtles", who prefer "Centurio", are an unusual group of "Children of Water". They will go out of there way to avoid crossing a creek or stream, sending scouts out ahead of their march to look for bridges. The Centurios will make every effort to avoid travelling using waterways or watercraft of all types. Battlers on their own or in mixed groups are more willing to cross water or use water craft, but it is often a difficult endeavor for even the most valiant Batter.

The Battlers are primarily concerned with the protection of the Sauropsidan borders both in the North and in the South. The Northern Battlers are tasked with manning a line of forts and defensive walls along the Southern and Eastern borders. These two borders are positioned along the Great Waste to the south and southeast, while the Elven homelands are to the east. The Southern Battlers are tasked with patrolling the borders between the Dweorh territories and the coastline that borders the "Grand Elves" territory around the floating city of Volantes.

The major difference between the two branches of Battlers is their choice of Armour. The Northern Battlers preferring Lamellar armour lined with fur. The Southern Battlers prefer Linothorax armour and linen undergarments. The two methods of protecting their borders. The Northern Battlers prefer forts and outposts that use of signal towers and patrols that march from post to post along raised protected walkways. The Southern Battlers will march from end to end along their border, passing through check points, towns, villages, and resupply stations. The Southern Battlers are also more aggressive towards intruders and trespassers, especially since the "Elven-Dwarven-Alviarus Cataclysm War". During that era many Elven and Dwarven armies marched through the Southern Sauropsidan territories, causing even more destruction as they turned the already ravaged Southern Sauropsidan lands.