Tortle
Shellfolk, Wanderers of the Bog, Homebearers.
Tortles have a saying: “We wear our homes on our backs.” These turtle folk live on many worlds, most often journeying up and down coasts, along waterways, and across the sea. Tortles don’t have a unified story of how they were created, but they all have a sense of being mystically connected to the natural world. Carrying their shelter on their backs gives tortles a special feeling of security wherever they go, for even if they visit a far, unknown country, they have a place to lay their heads.
Tortles exhibit the same range of coloration and patterns found among turtles, and many tortles enjoy adorning their shells in distinctive ways.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Tortles possess sturdy, dome-shaped shells that serve as natural armor and portable homes. Their thick, leathery skin ranges from smooth to ridged, depending on environmental factors. They have clawed hands and feet adapted for digging and climbing, along with broad, flat tails for balance. Tortles exhibit a combination of terrestrial and semi-aquatic features, including webbed fingers and toes for swimming.
Genetics and Reproduction
Tortles lay clutches of leathery eggs, typically in secure, swampy nests. Hatchlings emerge with small, pliable shells that harden as they grow. Tortles reach adulthood quickly, maturing by age 15, which reflects their strong survival instincts and adaptability.
Ecology and Habitats
Tortles thrive in swampy regions like Shadowshore, where the environment supports their dietary needs and cultural practices. They prefer areas rich in aquatic flora and fauna, which they use for food, shelter, and crafting. They are stewards of the swamp, maintaining a symbiotic relationship with their ecosystem.
Behaviour
Tortles are inherently peaceful and contemplative, often choosing to resolve conflicts through wisdom rather than aggression. Their nomadic past instilled a love for exploration, while their connection to the swamp fosters deep reverence for nature. Tortles are pragmatic, valuing self-sufficiency while prioritizing community and tradition.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Comparable to humans, with an emphasis on practical knowledge and natural wisdom.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Tortles have strong vision adapted to low-light environments and a keen sense of smell for detecting changes in their swampy surroundings. Their sturdy build provides them with a heightened sense of physical stability and environmental awareness, though their hearing is less acute than that of other humanoids.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Tortle names are often inspired by nature and the swamp environment. Examples:
- Male: Brohm, Shellor, Togar.
- Female: Marris, Solya, Trovia.
- Neutral: Glenth, Oran, Tross.
Beauty Ideals
A well-maintained shell, often adorned with intricate patterns or symbols, is a central aspect of Tortle beauty. Their natural markings and the depth of their eyes are also considered appealing.
Gender Ideals
Tortle society is egalitarian, with roles determined by individual skills rather than gender. Both nurturing caregivers and adventurous explorers are equally respected.
Courtship Ideals
Courtship involves collaborative crafting projects, such as building a shared burrow or decorating shells with meaningful symbols. Gifts of rare swamp flowers or beautifully crafted tools are common gestures.
Relationship Ideals
Tortle relationships are partnerships based on mutual support and shared goals. Long-term bonds often involve communal living and raising offspring within extended family groups.
Common Etiquette Rules
- Greeting involves a slow, deliberate bow, symbolic of lowering one's defenses.
- Sharing food or drink is an important gesture of friendship.
- Interrupting a Tortle mid-task is considered disrespectful.
Common Dress Code
Tortles favor minimalistic clothing, often made from swamp grasses or woven reeds, as their shells provide protection. Ceremonial garb may include painted shawls or jewelry crafted from natural materials.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Tortles value oral storytelling and artistry, using their shells as canvases to chronicle family histories. Their swampcraft includes herbal medicine, alchemy, and carpentry, with techniques passed down through generations.
- Shellcarving Ceremony: A coming-of-age ritual where young Tortles engrave their shells with symbols representing their personal journey.
- Mud Blessing: A communal event in which the swamp’s mud is applied to shells for protection and luck.
- Cycle of Tides: Seasonal festivals celebrating life’s natural rhythms, involving songs, dances, and shared feasts.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Mirelight Festival
Date: 28th Anvilorn
Purpose: To celebrate the Tortles' journey, their connection to nature, and their contributions to Astrium's history.
The Mirelight Festival is a unique and cherished holiday for the Tortle people of Shadowshore. This celebration marks their journey from wanderers to a vital part of the Lustrum Metropolis and honors their deep connection to the swampy lands they call home. It is a time to celebrate their traditions, their knowledge of herbalism, and the peace they strive to maintain in Astrium.
The Gathering of Roots
The festival begins at dawn with the Gathering of Roots. Tortles of all ages head into the bog, wading through the marshes to gather rare herbs and plants unique to Shadowshore. This ritual is both practical and symbolic; the herbs collected are used in the festival's later events and serve as a reminder of the Tortles' deep bond with the land and their expertise in herbalism. Elder Tortles lead the gathering, sharing their wisdom about the flora and its uses with the younger generation.
The Crafting of Elixirs
As the sun rises higher, the Tortles return to their village to begin the Crafting of Elixirs. In a communal effort, they set up stations along the wooden dock platforms where they prepare various herbal concoctions. Some of these elixirs are traditional remedies for ailments, while others are potent poisons that have historically helped in defending Astrium from extraplanar threats. This part of the festival showcases the Tortles' knowledge and their subtle yet significant impact on Astrium's history. It's a time for teaching, sharing recipes, and exchanging knowledge about the potent properties of the swamp's plants.
The Shadowdance
In the afternoon, the Tortles gather for the Shadowdance, a traditional dance performed on the floating platforms of Shadowshore. This dance is a slow, rhythmic movement that mimics the swaying of the swamp’s flora and the gentle ripples of the bog's waters. Participants adorn themselves with mud and foliage, celebrating their connection to the earth and the shadows that protect and hide them. The dance is accompanied by the sounds of drums and wooden flutes, creating an atmosphere that reflects the mystical and serene nature of their home.
The Feast of the Marsh
As dusk falls, the village comes together for the Feast of the Marsh. The herbs and plants gathered in the morning are now used to prepare a variety of dishes and teas. The feast features swamp delicacies, including fresh fish, wild greens, and herbal broths, all seasoned with the unique flavors of Shadowshore. Tortles and visitors alike gather around large, communal tables built from driftwood, sharing stories of their ancestors, recounting tales of their adventures, and reflecting on their journey from wanderers to a unified community.
The Mirelight Ceremony
The festival culminates in the Mirelight Ceremony. As night blankets Shadowshore, the Tortles light lanterns made from hollowed gourds, filling them with glowing swamp fireflies and herbs that give off a gentle, soothing fragrance. These lanterns are placed along the village pathways and floated on the water, casting a serene, ethereal glow over the swamp. The Mirelight symbolizes the Tortles’ role as keepers of peace and knowledge, guiding others even in the darkest of times. The ceremony includes a moment of silence, during which the Tortles honor their ancestors and the spirits of the swamp.
The Mirelight Festival is a time for the Tortles to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their culture, and reaffirm their commitment to the peaceful ways of Shadowshore. It is a reminder of their resilience, their knowledge, and their role in the larger tapestry of Astrium. Through this celebration, the Tortles continue to light the way for future generations, keeping the traditions and wisdom of their people alive.
Common Taboos
- Deliberately damaging another’s shell is a grave offense.
- Polluting the swamp or harming its delicate balance is deeply frowned upon.
- Neglecting to honor one’s elders is seen as a serious breach of tradition.
History
Tortles were a part of the "stray" races that were wandering the land after the Pandora War. over the years they found themselves working odd jobs and seeking adventure until the year 700; where stray races banded together to create the Lustrum Township, and eventually growing it into the Lustrum Metropolis.
While the Tortle have not had a huge part in Astrium's history their knowledge in herbalism and poisons have helped turn the tide of many battles against extraplanar threats.
Today the Tortle have a seat on the Lustrum council, a subsidary of the Astrium Council, aiming to keep the peaceful ways of shadowshore in reach of the rest of the world.
Shadowshore is one of the districts in Lustrum Metropolis; formerly known as the Lustrum Cluster.
Shadowshore has remained traditional in the sense of sticking its cultural heritage, remaining in the swamp bog its original people - the Tortle have called home.
a wooden dock platform leads into the bog. You arrive at the floating village to see some mud-based houses that appear to be wet to the touch. These mud burrows are large enough to fit a family of tortles.
Common Myths and Legends
- The Shell of Eternity: A story of a Tortle who carried the knowledge of the world on their shell, said to appear in times of great need.
- The Bog Guardian: A spirit believed to protect Shadowshore, appearing as a massive, glowing Tortle to ward off intruders.
- The Lost Tidewalker: A legendary Tortle who walked across the ocean to discover a mystical land, leaving behind teachings hidden in the stars.
Scientific Name
Testudo Sapiens
Lifespan
80 - 120 years
Average Height
5'0" - 6'0"
Average Weight
300 - 450 pounds
Average Physique
Stocky and muscular, built for endurance and resilience rather than speed.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Tortles display a wide range of shell and skin colors, from earthy browns and greens to grayish blues. Many decorate their shells with carvings, paints, or inlaid gemstones to reflect personal stories or family heritage.
Geographic Distribution
Comments