Ill post a few pics here of this turtle I started working on a few days ago. This is my first WIP submission with SimplyMaya so any critic is appreciated. I started the project from a poly plane and I am only using polygons for this model. I just made this character up and haven't been using reference images which I know is usually a mistake but a turtle is pretty easy. I am trying to learn ZBrush now so I can then take the turtle and give him some nice details.

Question?
I am wondering where is the line between low poly and high poly? How much detail should I put into the base mesh before I take it into ZBrush? For instance should I give the shell groves by extruding the individual polys?
And one last question What would be the best way to attach the turtles body to the shell keeping in mind being able to animate the turtle to pull itself inside the shell?

Thanks,

Jake