Morphs [Oak Catalog #]
- Turtwig [#387]
- Grotle [#388]
- Torterra [#389]
Physical descriptions
Turtwig is a small, green turtle like Pokémon with a hooked jaw reminiscent of a snapping turtle, a seedling growing on its back, and an earthen shell. Grotle looks decidedly more like a tortoise, being that it is larger and far more sturdily-built, and has yellow feet, shell, and lower jaw. It also has two bushes growing on either side of its body. Torterra is reminiscent of an ankylosaur, with spikes protruding from its head. It also has a shell covered with mini-mountains and a small tree, which in some specimens can be taller than the Pokémon itself.Notable Biology
Turtwig's shell is made out of earth, and hardens when it drinks water. A good indication of a Turtwig's health is the moistness of the shell. On a healthy Turtwig, the shell should be moist like wet soil. The seedling on their head is also a measure of vitality, as a Turtwig with a wilted head will slowly die without water.Grotle grow nuts on their bushes, similar to Tropius growing Nanab berries to rid itself of excess nutrients, which attract small Pokémon like Starly and Ratatta. These Pokémon not only eat the berries, but also help the Grotle by eating parasites.
Torterra also grow fruits on their backs, which also attract Pokémon, some of which make their home on its back and can spend their whole lives there. They are also exceptionally long-lived, with the oldest specimens living to 100 and beyond. Torterra that have reached this ripe old age have rounded mountains completely covered in moss.
Habitat
All members of the Turtwig line are found in forests near clean lakes, as they dry out very quickly. This is especially true for Turtwig, as they must have a regular supply of clean water.Diet
Members of the Turtwig family gain most of their sustenance from photosynthesis, though they will occasionally eat berries and leaves if prompted.Hazards
Members of the Turtwig line are generally docile, making them good for children. However, similar to Totodile, Turtwig will bite what they like, including their trainer's head, though with time they will just latch on. Grotle grow out of this habit, though it wouldn't be wise to startle one. Torterra are ridiculously docile, as many trainers would tell you. However, you should never get between it and its Turtwig brood, or when it's mating, as they are not a Pokémon to cross. Their jaws are capable of snapping a limb off like you'd bite apart a pretzel, and they can learn powerful Grass and Ground type moves such as Earthquake, Seed Bomb, and Leaf Storm.Courting and Hatchling Care
When Torterra mate, the males will enter an elaborate courtship ritual with the females, designed to test endurance. This is after the males fight to breed, as Torterra are a male-majority species. When the act is done, the female Torterra heads over to a secluded spot near a lake to lay her eggs. A Torterra clutch consists of 10 eggs which are buried in moist soil. Gender is determined by temperature, with a very high ratio of males.While the eggs are incubating, the mother guards them against any intruders. Only the Pokemon that live on her back, or her trainer, if domesticated, can approach her. After two weeks, the eggs hatch and the Turtwig are dug out by their mother, who is alerted by cries the hatchlings make as they break through their eggshells. The mother then takes the hatchlings over to the lake for their first drink, as Turtwigs need time to build up their earthen shells.
After a month, the mother Torterra abandons her babies, and the Turtwig are left on their own.
Social Structure
After leaving their mother, Turtwig live solitary lives, only coming together when drinking water. Grotle are either solitary or live in small groups of about three to five. Torterra live in large herds so huge that they can at times be mistaken for a forest, which is also true for Exeggutor, as both Pokemon are known as "walking forests".Written by rmctagg09
