Tortle-Venture

[fenixnpcs]

Who: Turtle Bros (Guest Staring Mama Baba!)
What: Stopping fae from getting their hands on rare turtlekin.
When: After Carcaor. Maybe a day or two?
Warnings: None yet, but Fae are involved.


Following the lead brought back by Donnie, Mama Baba sent her own people to defend three of the four locations. She's old and wise enough to know the faere-kin will make attempts on all of them, all efforts to confuse who the true target is: the most vulnerable one. Worse yet, they want to spread thin any efforts safeguarding the rare turtlekin.

A brief meet and greet of the yangtzi hatchling trio is had before they're left on the R2, and the turtles depart to the last location of interest, noted as having a spiny turtlekin nest near hatching.

One unremarkable journey later, you arrive at the town of Parei'da, on a planet known locally as Mir. Parei'da itself is a tropical seaside town with a close-nit, idyllically peaceful vibe, the residents unbothered by the cares of the world or galaxy and more than a little mildly inconvenienced by the Starlight Aquarium, even if it provides jobs and brings in much needed revenue. It is a town where everyone knows everyone and most locals have lived here all their lives. The species mix skews towards the lesser known species of the galaxy, with sizes ranging from human-sized all the way up to 35 feet. Most settle around the 15 to 20 foot mark but buildings are built to accommodate larger.

You know it's also home to at least one turtlekin, but that's all the information you have and the clock is ticking as from the moment you enter the town, you are assumed to be yet another group of the dreaded out-of-season tourists come to see the world-class open air aquarium out by the fishing wharves.

Time to get looking. It can't be that hard to find turtlekin - or locate any of the faere-kin you know are here.

Comments

[thepurpleone]

Objectives are easy to set. Execution, that's a whole different matter. It's a bit of an overwhelming responsibility, and while Donnie's glad that they're not working alone in keeping fellow turtles safe, it doesn't feel right to just sit on the sidelines and consider his part finished. He's more or less started this whole thing, so it only feels right to see something of it through.

Besides, he kind of wants to kick in some fairy teeth. Or something.

How are they going to find anyone around here? Donnie defaults on his own expertise, mostly because he figures it's what's expected of him. He'll handle the technical side but he's more than open to suggestions from his brothers and Mama B. That naturally includes poking about available and secure networks. Recent arrivals, interesting or related news.

[fenixnpcs]

Most of the local networks are wifi home systems; there's more than a few feuds going on via wi-fi network names. The ones that aren't are business owned. It doesn't take long to find the local Community pages.

The top news links are:
- Controversial New Coconut Farm Opens in the North (300+ comments)
- Outrage over Kame House's new colours: Bright Pink and Daisy Orange! (100+ Comments)
- Starlight Aquarium Continues to Enchant; New Exhibit Opening Soon! (60 Comments)
- "Parei'da's Got Talent" Competition Heats Up! (47 Comments)
- Local Shire Approves New Community Garden Zone (20 Comments)
- Local Shire Elections: All You Need To Know (3 comments)

[thepurpleone]

"Wow, this place is poppin', he said with dripping sarcasm."

Nothing particularly piques his interest at first, but then his brow furrows as he goes through the list again.

"No, wait..." His eyes go between two of the links. Maybe it's coincidence, but it's not like he has much to lose at the moment. He clicks on the first of the two links that had drawn his attention. He'd be a poor Hamato if he didn't at least know the Japanese term for 'turtle', after all.

[fenixnpcs]

Outrage over Kame House's new colours: Bright Pink and Daisy Orange

Kame House's makeover has startled the town and news spread through Parei'da yesterday evening like wildfire, leaving a trail of bewildered shrugs and gasps. It was, after all, Kame House, an iconic landmark of Parei'da. A place where generations of people have gathered and shared their wisdom and woven stories into the very fabric of the building. A place of tradition, of quiet strength, a gentle haven against the bustling world beyond the shore.

And now, it was pink. Bright, screaming pink. With stripes of daisy orange. The culprit? Master Oshi's star apprentice, Hideba.

"It's an abomination," old Grizelda, a nine-foot-tall Stick-kin said when asked. "It's like someone took a bucket of paint and threw it at the poor thing. Why, old Mareda would be rolling in her grave to see such thing and Oshi... He'll be a right sort when he comes back from the City."

Her sentiments were echoed throughout Parei'da. The youthful, vibrant energy of the new colours clashed with the calm, understated serenity of the old. While some younger residents, particularly those with a penchant for the unconventional, found the change a refreshing breath of fresh air, the older generation, who had grown up with the familiar terracotta and mossy green hues, felt a pang of loss.

"It's just paint, Ma," said young Lily. "It doesn't change anything about Kame House. It's still the same place, with the same stories and the same warmth and I think Oshi'll like it!"

But for many, the change was symbolic. It represented a shift in the town's identity, a departure from the familiar rhythms of life. A change that felt too sudden, too vibrant, too... alien.

In the heart of Parei'da, the question remains: Will the new colors of Kame House fade into the landscape, or will they forever alter the town's peaceful identity?

[thepurpleone]

"Pff." Even here. Not that Donnie can say much for the color choice, but anything is an improvement from terracotta.

He looks up the names listed, for Mareda and for Oshi and this Hideba person while he pulls up another window to have a look at the aquarium thread.

[fenixnpcs]

Mareda was a beloved old binturong-like local who helped Master Oshi for many years before her death by old age. She was a beloved mother to 6 children and a grand mother to over twenty. She was known for many, many things, chief being her kindnes and willingness to muck in when needed. She was also known for her woodworking skills, and love of terracotta. There's a feature right up about how her vast collection of terracotta statues had passed to her daughter, who opened a display on one of the more prominent Galactic Planets in the local systems.

Oshi is shockingly hard to find anything on. He's an old turtlekin who's age is listed as 'old man'. He was hatched in Parei'da and is the only surviving hatchling of his parents. He's the current owner of Kame House and there's mention of him being some sort of master at an obscure art called Chi Manipulation, otherwise little else official.

Hideba is also a turtlekin with the nasty rumour -considered fact by the town- of being a halfbreed. She's young and moved into town about a decade ago and has lived at Kame House every since, ostensibly learning Chi from Oshi. Despite her status as a halfbreed, she is known for her happy go lucky personality and teaches at the local school three days a week and runs and arts and craft stall every full moon festival.

Starlight Aquarium Continues to Enchant; New Exhibit Opening Soon!
The Starlight Aquarium continues to be a source of wonder and fascination for residents and visitors alike, with its diverse collection of aquatic life from across the galaxy.

This week the aquarium announced the upcoming opening of its newest exhibit, "Whispers of the Deep." The exhibit will feature a selection of bioluminescent creatures, many of whom have never been seen before outside their native environments. Guests will be able to witness the mesmerizing glow of these creatures as they move through the specially designed habitat, providing an unforgettable experience.

Staff is abuzz with excitement for the exhibit, which they believe will be a major draw for visitors from across the planet. "We're thrilled to bring these amazing creatures to Parei'da," said Jonah, the aquarium's lead curator. "It'll be such a unique and educational experience for everyone and we know it'll remind us of the beauty and diversity of life in the galaxy."

The "Whispers of the Deep" exhibit is set to open next month and promises to be a highlight of the summer season. Locals can expect a visit from visiting dignitaries, including Mir's Grand Duchess Oriana herself, who is said to have a keen interest in the scientific and who provided much of the funding for this once in a lifetime exhibit that offers a glimpse into an underwater world unlike any other.

While the occasional minor inconveniences associated with the aquarium persist as does the local grumbles, the town remains as peaceful and welcoming as ever. The Starlight Aquarium, with its new exhibit, is likely to continue drawing visitors and generating a buzz for many years to come.

The comments range from excitement over Oriana's visit to bemoaning the security and road closures that will come because of it. At least one person has jokingly(?) asked if glitter will be involved in this exhibit.

[thepurpleone]

"Aw, next month? Well...maybe Anemone might be interested." He'll just put a pin in that.

Returning to the other window, he scrolls through and grins, glad that his hunch hadn't been completely off. But that also suggests that one turtlekin is away. Well, maybe Hideba might know something. Donnie's not really sure what to think about this halfbreed business. Like, what's the other half? Technically he supposes as mutant's they're halfbreeds, not like that's a huge deal.

He looks up the address for the Kame House and the school Hideba works at.

[ceruleon]

While Donnie was doing his tech-whiz thing, Leo was more of a hit-the-streets kind of guy. After concocting a quick cover story with Mikey, the two were out and about in the town scouting out the locals.

After some observation he honed in on someone who appeared to be a practiced gossip monger with his most charming smile and a slick news reporter act April would be proud of.

"Hey there. Casey with the Parai'di Gazette. We're doing an opp ed on local towns in the area and the impact of recent development. Do have any thoughts or opinions you'd like on record?"

He flashed a (fake) press badge as he gave his intro, recorder and notebook in hand to really sell it.

[orangerazzmatazz]

Despite the last trip and what he's heard of others that his brothers have been on without him, Mikey is excited for this adventure. If he's not excited he thinks a little too much and he has to remain optimistic that this will go at least a little bit better. Besides! Another alien planet and they get to find more turtles! Though not mutants like him or his family, it's still cool none the less.

He straightens out his story with Leo as Donnie launches into his nerd stuff. He has his camera at the ready as Leo lays on the charm and immediately launches into pictures.

He has been planning on taking lots of their trip as it was, this just gave him more of an excuse. Now, he twisted and turned and circled and croched and bent every which way in what was probably far more movement then necessary.

"Looking good! Looking good! You don't mind do you? Could you turn a little?" He waved his hand to indicate direction and grinned. "Perfect!"

[fenixnpcs]

"Oh do I have plenty." The alien physically says, somehow, despite no visible mouth. She leans in, eyes curving into a smile. "Now, you small'uns didn't hear it from me, of course, but I heard from a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend that the new coconut farm is not as environmentally friendly as they say or up to the strict regulations of our small town! Worse yet, apparently, the local property mogul Silas, has been sniffing around Kame House. Doubtless looking for another chance to bully old Master Oishi into selling. Not that he ever will. Why, that house practically founded Parei'da some ten or so generations ago! But of course, now it's bright pink and daisy orange because of that halfbreed mistake of a turtle."

She looks like she has so much more to tell you about—or maybe just rant about while posing for Mikey's photos.

[ceruleon]

Leo shook his head with a disapproving click of his tongue.

"A halfbreed turtle? In this quaint little town? I would have never guessed." Needless to say he was not going to be advertising that they were also halfbreed turtles. Might be best to change the subject.

"So this Silas guy, is he one of the ones who've been trying to get a spotlight on this place for tourists? Sounds like he'd be rolling in dough if there are more people around."

[fenixnpcs]

"I know, right? Master Oshi is too kind to her. And she's having a nest with no partner in sight, so that makes you wonder... Is Master Oshi the father? No. That would be stupid, but..." She waves her bottom right hand dismissively despite the thoughtful hum.

There's going to be a new rumour around town after this.

"But I digress. Yes, Silas is, and it's been a fight, I tell you, a fight to keep this town from becoming the next Elisi'ma. Glitz and glam with nothing of substance. At least here, you can still smell the ocean and do a decent, honest day's fishing. Though, it's not just money Silas wants if you ask me. He wants more prey. I know, I know, not all Crocos are vicious child-eating killers, but you can't deny they're predators. I swear on my hearts he was behind the murder and consumption of that box turtle some thirty years ago. He was found innocent, of course. Hired some tiny species as his lawyer to get him off. A pyx or something. But that's old news, and now he's trying to turn our small town into something that would ruin its character!"

[orangerazzmatazz]

Mikey kept up with the pictures. There was no guarantee that most, if any of these, were going to come out well in any form. Mikey didn't seem to care, more about keeping a cover then having any actual viable pictures.

He nodded along to the conversation, though he wasn't sure he liked the way they were talking about half-breeds, and then...

A chill ran up his spine as the box turtle was mentioned and he paused a moment to glance at Leo.

"Sounds like a sketchy guy. Of course if he's going to ruin the town, there has to be someone trying to stop him right? What is he doing anyways? Tearing down the orphanage?"

George made a small sound, inquisitive as he climbed onto Mikey's shoulder. Mikey reached up and gave him a little pat on the head without looking.

[memoriacrew]

Once upon a time Mama Baba had the energy to run around and chase down leads, but she's getting up there in age and there simply isn't any reason for it when there are three youngsters perfectly willing and able to do this themselves. Instead, the ancient alligator snapping turtlekin walks her way to the community centre in search of another elder who looks like they might be in the mood for a bit of gossip.

You can always rely on the elderly to find something to complain about, after all.

[fenixnpcs]

The moment Mama Baba walks into the Center, she has everyone's attention. There are a few turtles around town, yes, but she's a new face and means fresh gossip for the gossip mill.

"Come, come, sit and join." A positively ancient blue dragon calls out before anyone else can get a word in, waving his wing a few times from where he sits with two friends. "You look like you have tales to tell!"

"I don't suppose you know Oshi? Or a lass named Hideba?" Some kind of three-horned giraffe-like person asks, pushing her glasses up as she peers at Mama Baba. "No... Shell's the wrong shape to be related to her... A friend of Oshi then."

"Jenny! Not all-" Another the last of the trio, some kind of humanoid mole-rat hisses before pausing to squint before continuing, somewhat unsure. "-turtles know each other!"

"Well, they should. They're rare and he's famous, isn't he?" Jenny retorts, unintentionally showing she's never left the town, never mind the planet, and most certainly doesn't pay attention to the galaxy at large.

The molerat rolls her eyes. "Master Oshi's famous on Mir, not the galaxy."

As far as anyone in the town knows, at least.

[memoriacrew]

Mama Baba can't see her gossiping companions, her white eyes passing over them with interest, but she does note the timber and quality of their voices to make an educated guess on who is who. Her nostrils flare slightly to catch their scents as well, though that isn't necessarily enough for her to pinpoint exactly what species everyone actually is. That's hardly important though.

"I'm just a newcomer, I'm afraid." She says creakily. "I caught the desire to wander at a young age and it never quite let me go, and my path lead me here. You can call me Miss Baba, if you don't mind." She takes a moment to slowly settle down on a chair before she speaks again. "I've never heard of this Master Oshi. What is he so famous for?"

[fenixnpcs]

"Wandering has its own tales! I'm Kizilpazar."

"We call him Kiz," Jenny butts in with a small hrrmph. "I'm Jenny. No surprise you haven't heard of him, then, if you are a wanderer. Master Oshi is the one who took in Hideba some ten years ago. It caused the biggest stir, but he wouldn't turn her away. No. He said it was his duty to give her shelter."

"Everyone has the right to shelter," Kiz says, voice tired.

"Indeed. And he's taken in others over the years. Oh, I'm Rutha," Rutha says with a smile in her voice. "Master Oshi is about your age, I think, and owns Kame House-"

"He'll be a right sort when he comes back from the City." Jenny butts in again. "The nerve of that child. Turning it bright pink like that after all he's done-"

"Yes, but as I was saying, Master Oshi is famous for his mastery of this obscure art called Chi Manipulation. Hideba's his star apprentice and she's also nested at the House. Master Oshi treats her as his own. She's not, of course. She's... well... I don't want to speak bad about her, but... She's a halfbreed, or so common thought is!"

"It's unproven," Kiz adds helpfully.

"Just one look at her proves it!" Jenny says, and then goes on to describe a spiny turtlekin, while the other two groan.

First impressions are not Jenny's forte.

[memoriacrew]

Mama Baba makes a non-committal noise at the back of her throat, not throwing in her thoughts one way or the other in regards to half-breeds.

"But she's nested? Lucky girl, oftentimes half-bloods will have trouble conceiving and it can be quite wearisome for them. Her hatchings will be a sight to see no doubt." She chuckles and waves a hand vaguely in front of her own face. "For most people, obviously."

[fenixnpcs]

There's an audible pout from Jenny, but no matter. There'll be time to sus out what this newcomer's thoughts are.

"I'm sure one of the bintukin students would help with that. They're a visually telepathic species," Kiz quips with a grin in his voice.

Mama Baba would likely know bintukin is the catch-all name for the binturong-like species often confused with either bear or chatkin. They're not that well known, but they are present on the galactic stage in some fashion, mainly in the media sector.

"But she did nest, and then Master Oshi upped security around Kame House; Silas is a Croco, but..." Kiz continues on. It could be otherwise; I remember Oshi being quite upset about something some five and half months ago."

KAME HOUSE

[fenixnpcs]

Eventually, Leo, Mikey, and Mama Baba converge on Kame House.

There's a white picket fence around it, and the land it sits on is of a decent size, assuming the owner was at least 25ft tall. The gate is chainlink, it isn't locked, and what can be seen is more a carefully manicured 'Japanese Garden mixed with Water Garden' than anything else. What can be felt, though, is something else entirely. There's subtle turtlekin magics worked into the land to create an inviting feeling; it would be all too easy to while away a day in the shade.

It's peace. Relaxation. Tranquility. Living history soaked into the very ground over the millennia this house has been active. It is a sanctuary against the universe. A pillar of the community that's grown around it.

For Leo and Mikey, what can be seen of the house is part house, part long hall, and very Bright Pink and Daisy Orange. There are people there -Donnie included.

A lack of sight in this case is a blessing for Mama Baba, as the closer they all get to the house, the more Leo and Mikey are drawn to it. Drawn towards the tall, slender, elfin woman with jet black hair and paperwhite skin who radiates an unearthly, ethereal beauty and poise that would shame even the gods. The woman has clearly attracted the attention of nine of the ten students, and Donnie, enthralling them with some animated retelling of... something.

Not far away, one small, summer-coloured pixie is leaning against the wall, bored but amused, yet also impatient.

They can't see or sense any other fae, though George does pick up a few people -one young adult, two kids- in the house part of the dojo, huddled under a table near a hidden entrance that leads down to a basement, where a nest with two eggs is. The baby Warden would also pick up the drow, though they are still far enough away to not be a worry, yet.

The one student not enthralled is a mole-rat like alien and his ears twitch towards the group with a swallow. Nonono this isn't good.

"Hmm? Well now. This day just got better." The pixie's voice is light and playful at complete odds with the malice in her soul.

"We have more guests. Please, excuse me my dears," the dark elf says holding up a hand to settle her thralls, voice elegantly light, but her eyes are cold and on Leo and Mikey. "Please, come join your friend and thank your grandmother for escorting you here."

[ceruleon]

The fact Donnie hadn't been responding to any of their texts on their way to Kame House wasn't assuring. There was absolutely no reason Donnie would be ignoring his phone unless something was wrong.

"Well someone is a fan of tropical punch. Ylph was not kidding about that paint job," he observed as they got closer, keeping an eye out for any suspicious characters, and/or Donnie.

Turning a corner, Leo spotted the hauntingly beautiful woman, the enthralled crowd including a familiar spot of purple. "Sorry, we're busy working a story, this article isn't gonna write itself."

He immediately turned around, pushing Mikey ahead of him. Pretty good bet that was the person Ylph had mentioned, which meant it was entirely possible the croc was around. "Mama B, could you grab Donnie? Looks like he got a little distracted."

He kept an eye on the pixie as he guided Mikey back around the corner. Silently, he tapped his brother on the shoulder and pointed to the roof. They'd have a better chance moving around out of sight from up there, and be able to see if Silas was lurking around. Leading the way, he grabbed decorative outcropping on the facade and ninja'd his way up the wall, swinging onto the roof and landing silently on the tiles.

[orangerazzmatazz]

They got that last text from Donnie saying he had reached the Kame House and then... nothing. He was trying not to worry but, it's Donnie they're talking about and if Mikey now spent more of his time quadruple checking his messages and resisting the urge to call his brother than he did paying attention to their journey to the Kame House...

All that being said, it was a relief to meet up with everyone and to see Donnie relatively safe, even if he was acting a little weird.

"A little bright color never hurt anyone, could do with a little more balance though," he replied, taking in the pink and orange.

Man, that lady was pretty. He started to drift towards the group. He didn't want to be rude after all.

It was only as Leo grabbed his shoulders and guided him away and the help of George chirping urgently in his ear that he came back to his senses. He blinked, a little confused. "Right... Uh... Story." He held up his camera in way of an apology.

[thepurpleone]

Donnie has no idea what he's been listening to but he's found it absolutely fascinating, so when there's an interruption, he can't help but feel a little annoyed, even as he stares expectantly at that hand as the dark elf pauses. He would have been content to wait except that those voices in the distance sound familiar.

"?" He looks over, catching a glimpse of blue and orange, and the large turtlekin accompanying them. Brothers! The bright smile that touches his face then starts to waver a bit when Leo pushes Mikey in the other direction. Why? Why were they leaving? Didn't...they see him? They wouldn't leave him, right? Haha...

There's that niggling feeling again, that something wrong that he hasn't been able to pin down. "Guys..?"

[memoriacrew]

Mama Baba was contemplating many things as she listens to the boys chatter. Not being able to see, she's not bothered by either the garishly coloured home or the person with the musical voice that Donnie seems to be enthralled by. Mama Baba gives her best old granny smile to the speaker and quickly follows Donnie's scent into the crowd, picking him up and holding him delicately at her side.

"Forgive us." She says with a respectful bow of her head towards the speaker before turning to leave with as little confrontation as possible. She allows her magic to channel through the boy and quickly realizes that he's enthralled. Typical fae nonsense.

[fenixnpcs]

Unfortunately, Leo was followed by the pixie and doesn't get much time to look around; the one glance he has points towards one young adult with two kids huddled under a table in the house part of the dojo.

"A natural immunity to enthralment's rare," Keen orange eyes regard him like one would a frog about to be dissected. "Grusa'll like having two subjects."

Down in the dojo, it is typical fae nonsense indeed. The dark elf frowns as she realises Mama Baba is blind and immune - and likely old enough she's tangled with fae before. Leo avoids her magic completely - a natural immunity against any enthrallments?-, while the other one was almost snared then not. Perhaps the strange mushroom on his shoulder? How inconveniently annoying but not insurmountable.

"My darlings, our guests lack manners and wish to leave in the middle of my story. What do we do to those who lack manners?"

"We teach them manners," a sheep/goat centaur teenager says. "But if they see their mistake, we forgive them?"

"Precisely!" She looks expectantly at her 'guests' while nine students turn towards the group, some with narrowed eyes and angling for a fight.

The mole-rat mouths towards the turtle group: 'Don't hurt them?' Otherwise, he's trying to shrink back against a wall, wanting zero part in this, but literally seeing no way out.