Back Tiptup, 2020 (Patreon)

"What, my shell? You wanna touch it?... ... Well, I guess I don't see why not! Just don't pull any funny business..."


You might think "coming out of his shell" is a metaphor in this world, but part of it is literal! Turtles are a species originally from remote Pacific islands, and their body adapted to their aquatic, reefy environments. Unlike land-dwelling species, they have a cartilaginous, shell-like ribcage that protects their body and holds it together. However, they did have an "outer" shell, that they fashioned out of rocks, seashells and corals. On top of giving their body extra protection, decorations on the shell revealed the turtle's occupation, social status, marital status... you name it!

This was true a long time ago - shells are still worn nowadays, but mostly because turtles living in modern land-dwelling societies have to stand up more than they had to before. Remember, they evolved in semi-aquatic environments, where gravity is less cumbersome! That's why modern shells are equipped with orthopedic reinforcers, which many turtles consider essential. Tiptup owns a few shells of his own, but the one he wears the most is worn almost like a backpack.

So yes, he does get to remove his shell and show off his unencumbered body... And who can say no to that?