Nortle

**Nortle Delatortle** is a prominent Tortle druid and the current village shaman of Tortletown, the only remaining Tortle settlement in Venthalia.

## Early Life

Nortle Delatortle was born in 1105 AV in the humble Tortletown, nestled in the swampy marshland of the Raging Bay on the Venthalian east coast. From the vibrant ecosystem that surrounded him to the larger-than-life tales of legendary hunters, Nortle's childhood was steeped in a deep respect and fascination for nature and its inhabitants. As a young Tortle, he yearned for fame and fortune, aspiring to be a legendary big game hunter. When he reached adulthood, he left his home to wander the land and make his claim to fame. The young Tortle crossed paths with Enix Tirone, heir to House Tirone, and graduate of the Goldsea Institute's Druid Studies program. Enix, a seeker of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment, shared his wisdom and his deep appreciation for nature with Nortle. This chance encounter and subsequent mentorship under Enix sparked a transformation within Nortle. The once aspirational big game hunter began to see the megafauna of his homeland as more than just trophies. They became testaments to nature's awe-inspiring beauty and power, and Nortle felt a calling to protect this balance rather than disrupt it.

Guided by this newfound reverence for nature, Nortle chose the path of a druidic beastmaster, devoting his life to studying the wild and understanding its creatures. Enix encouraged Nortle to formalize his education by enrolling in the Goldsea Institute. However, Nortle, skeptical of the establishment and preferring a hands-on approach to learning, decided to continue his self-taught path. After parting ways with Enix, Nortle delved deeper into the Circle of the Moon, a druidic tradition that allowed him to transform into the powerful beasts he had once aspired to hunt. This deepened his connection to these creatures, enabling him to understand them better and use their abilities to protect his homeland.

## Reputation

Nortle's adventures first took him to the open seas, where he joined the Confederation of Free Sailors (CFS). Under the command of the renowned big game hunter, Captain Sak McDill. While aboard the ship “Hammerhead,” he sailed the high seas, seeking adventure and expanding his horizons. The new environment offered Nortle a different perspective on the world, significantly contrasting with the swampy marshlands of his birthplace. It was an exhilarating experience, yet fraught with conflicting values. During his tenure with the CFS, Nortle became increasingly disillusioned with the Confederation's practices. The unchecked hunting and disregard for the ecological balance went against Nortle's deep respect for nature and the principles he had adopted as a druid. This conflict led him to part ways with the CFS, reinforcing his conviction that he must use his abilities not for hunting, but for preserving the delicate balance of nature.

Returning to his home, Nortle found Tortletown in a state of crisis. The increased merchant activity in the Raging Bay was causing ecological imbalance. Overfishing and the pollution from merchant ships were damaging the local ecosystem, threatening the food supply of his people, and disturbing the swamp's tranquility. It was a critical juncture in Nortle's life, forcing him to confront the realities of unchecked progress and its impact on the environment. Fueled by a determination to protect his homeland, Nortle used his druidic abilities to fight back against the invasive forces. In the face of mounting threats to his homeland, Nortle's confrontation with the Klans was a defining moment in his quest to protect Tortletown. The Klans, known for their aggressive territorial expansion and enslavement of the weak, had set their sights on the rich resources and undefended population of the Raging Bay. Using his profound knowledge of the swamp and his druidic abilities, Nortle resisted their incursions. He would shift into the forms of mighty beasts, from the ferocious swamp crocodile to the powerful marshland rhino, employing both the raw power and cunning of these creatures to deter the Klans. Nortle's tenacious defense of his homeland, coupled with his strategic use of the swamp's natural defenses, forced the Klans to retreat. He stood against the powerful Tramontano&Kotts Company (T&K Co), a major merchant conglomerate contributing to the bay's degradation. These confrontations were not just physical but ideological, as Nortle's stance embodied a resistance against the thoughtless exploitation of nature. His victory over the Klans and T&K cemented his status as a formidable protector of Tortletown and the Raging Bay.

## Village Shaman

In the wake of his triumphant defense against invading forces, Nortle became a celebrated figure in Tortletown. The village, once skeptical of his unconventional path, came to honor him as a savior, a protector of their land and their way of life. Celebrations were held in his honor, with bonfires lighting up the swamp as stories of his bravery echoed through the night. The songs of his exploits, once whispered in hushed tones, now filled the air with a newfound sense of pride and admiration. As Nortle's status grew, so did his responsibilities. In 1124 AV, the village elder, Shelly, a respected figure who had guided Tortletown through many seasons, passed away. The village was plunged into mourning, but in the midst of their grief, they needed to appoint a new shaman. Given his growing influence and the respect he had earned, Nortle was the natural choice.

Nortle's appointment as the village shaman was a significant moment in his life and the history of Tortletown. It was not merely a recognition of his physical prowess or his victories but a testament to his wisdom, his deep connection with nature, and his commitment to his people. As shaman, Nortle became the spiritual guide for Tortletown, a role he accepted with humility and dedication. Nortle's leadership brought a new era of peace and prosperity to Tortletown. He utilized his druidic abilities not only to protect but also to enrich the lives of his people. He guided the Tortles in harmonizing with nature, using his knowledge to improve their methods of fishing and farming, and he invoked his healing powers to tend to the sick.