Shardbacks are medium-sized, turtle-like creatures native to the rocky shorelines and marshy outcrops of Lake Tijonara in the Asari Region of the Habitual Belt on VOI 700 D. Recognizable by their broad, armored shells covered in jagged, mineralized spikes, these herbivorous reptiles play a crucial role in the lake's ecosystem by controlling aquatic vegetation.

Respected by the Senti Tribe as peaceful guardians of balance, Shardbacks are often depicted in tribal carvings and lakebed sculptures.

• Size: Shell length up to 60 cm
• Weight: 15–20 kg
• Shell: Broad, dome-shaped, coated in irregular mineral spikes
• Skin: Dark green to muddy brown, with algae often growing along limbs
• Mobility: Slow on land, agile in water using wide, webbed limbs

• Mineralized Shell Spikes: Offer natural defense and act as camouflage among rocky outcrops
• Powerful Jaw: Grinds through thick aquatic vegetation and deters aggressive intruders
• Algae Camouflage: Natural algae growth on shell and limbs blends with lake terrain

• Armor Class (AC): 15 (due to spiked mineral armor)
• Hit Points (HP): 28
• Speed: 20 ft. (land), 30 ft. (swimming)

• Shell Bash: 1d6 bludgeoning + knockback (DC 13 Strength save or pushed 5 ft.)
• Defensive Withdraw: Retreats into shell, gaining +2 AC and resistance to bludgeoning for 1 turn

• Vegetation Sense: Detects movement in aquatic plants within 15 ft.
• Shell Stability: Cannot be knocked prone while in water or on soft terrain

• Diet: Aquatic vegetation, roots, algae
• Social Structure: Generally solitary but may bask in loose aggregations
• Activity Pattern: Most active during calm weather

• Shell Camouflage: Remains motionless among shoreline stones and reeds to avoid predators
• Basking Clusters: Warms up by sunning in groups, deterring threats through numbers

• Nesting Sites: Females dig shallow nests near the lake’s rocky edge
• Egg Count: 3–6 per clutch, with hardened mineral shells
• Hatching Time: 8–10 weeks
• Juvenile Phase: Young Shardbacks resemble miniature versions of adults and remain near reeds
• Lifespan: Estimated 40–50 years

Shardbacks are perfect for setting tone or environmental challenge in semi-aquatic terrain:

• Obstacle Creatures: Passive unless provoked; blocking narrow paths or channel crossings
• Ingredient Source: Their mineralized shells may serve in crafting or trade
• Spiritual Role: Senti quests may involve protecting or tracking a rare Shardback nesting site

• VOI 700 D
• Habitual Belt
• Asari Region
• Lake Tijonara
• Senti Tribe
• Known Wildlife of Asari

Known Predators:

• Bluestrike Heron (juveniles)
• Skyweaver Eels (hatchlings)