Old Ironclad Soldier

These creatures, unofficially named Tortoise or Turtle Knights, are enemies in Dark Souls II.

Location
Tortoise knights so far are located in pitch-black crypts which require a torch to visibly navigate.

Description
Large, stocky, armored knights wielding two-handed maces. A series of layered armor on their backs resembles a tortoise's shell.

Strategy
Tortoise Knights are slow moving, but hit heavy. A suitable and simple strategy would be to circle around them and face their backsides, then immediately roll away before they backslam into the ground. Then attack them while they struggle to stand back up.

Evading seems more effective then blocking, due to the inability of deploying a shield while using a torch and their high stamina-draining attacks.

They appear to be susceptible to ranged sorceries. Retain a safe distance while casting and watch for its charge attack, which can quickly close that distance.

Trivia
Due to similar builds and attack movements, it is possible Tortoise Knights are armored versions of Sickle Wielders.