HPU: Sunset Plateau

Post by **Hlaoroo** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:23 am

Chris follows, falling into step alongside Mitch.
"So... Tewl me abou' yer people, Mitch. I've never me' a red panda, much less one 'oo lives in a tribe rahver den in a zoo or somefing. Are yer a modern lo' or do yer live more... traditional like? Wha's it like livin' in a tribe as opposed to a small fam'ly group?"

Pecan · Post by **Pecan** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:16 am

As Will followed the group, he had his own question for the panda. "A-are you okay?" he asked. "I heard a thump o-outside the house erl-lier, and a guard t-told me it was y-you."

MrNeonShot · Post by **MrNeonShot** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 10:40 am

So, your village is just behind this house? Wiggins asked.

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 5:14 pm

"Yeah I'm okay Will. It's actually a little bit into the woods in between two lakes," Mitch said, "A short walk really and it's faster to get there jumping tree to tree. As far as what it's like, well, it's like living in a small town, as the humans like to say. Our village is mostly near neighbors and relatives but also decedents of the Grandstaff family. It's really more traditional. My dad is wanting to get electricity by the end of the year built in though. A tribe really is just one large family group. There was only 42 of us but thanks to some deals with zoos we had a population bump recently. Hence the training of the new guards. You guys'll love what it looks like I won't spoil that, heh. Even though it's mostly wood and my dad would like some tile or some such but we work with what we have for now. Oh yeah, everyone has a weapon of some such. Not everyone is in the Troops, or the Right Arm, but we are ferals and need to defend ourselves going out and about in the woods."

MrNeonShot · Post by **MrNeonShot** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:30 pm

That's interesting! Are you thinking of windmills or solar panel? Or are you just sticking with the grid? Wiggins asked.

Post by **Hlaoroo** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 7:42 pm

"It sounds lov'ly. I can't wai' t' see it. Wha' are the troops an' the righ' arm?" Chris queries as she walks.

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 1:42 am

"My mom wants windmills, my dad wants a dam, but I think a solar panel on everybody's roof would be enough, heh. Besides, leeching from the grid is stealing," Mitch said, "The Troops are our little army of course and the Right Arm, which Valsward was rightfully promoted to."

"Bout time I'd say," Chealyzeyard interrupted, Mitch just nodded.

"As I was saying, the Right Arm is the royal family personal escort," Mitch said.

MrNeonShot · Post by **MrNeonShot** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 3:21 am

I haven't tried solar, but it doesn't work on my outdoor sidewalk lights, so I'm not sure how well they'd work for homes.
Wiggins steps on a stick and jumps, missing the ground with his alert thump.
What was that?!

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 3:30 am

"This?" Chealyzeyard said, picking the stick up.

"He's in YOUR group," Fellsward said. Mitch just rolled his eyes.

"Anyways, you should see it in a few more steps, the gate's just beyond this next set of trees here," Mitch said.

MrNeonShot · Post by **MrNeonShot** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 4:30 am

Wiggins kept walking, but now slowed to the back of the line.
Honestly, what am I even doing here? Wiggins thought to himself.
Father needs their support for some reason, but they aren't taking me seriously. If only I wasn't so... so easily triggered? Wiggins began slowing down further.
It doesn't matter anymore, their already annoyed with this group... or just me... and I've only taken a few steps out the door! Wiggins stops walking.
Maybe it isn't such a good idea to go. These guys are more outdoor types, and I'm a lap rabbit. Stuck in a cage of suits and campaign slogans!-- Wiggins thoughts are interrupted by the sound of flapping wings flying above him.

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 6:37 am

*KA-CHUNK!!!*

Went a crossbow, and then a thud could be heard.

"GOT IT!" Fellsward said, and ran to fetch it.

"Oi Wiggins, catch up! We're almost there!" Mitch said, waving enthusiastically, having had the group stop momentarily.

Post by **Hlaoroo** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 8:13 am

Chris strains her eyes eagerly trying to spot the first signs of the settlement through the trees and nearly walks straight into Wiggins as the rabbit stops.
"Is somefin' da ma'er, Wiggins?"

MrNeonShot · Post by **MrNeonShot** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 10:37 am

Hm?... I don't know, I step on a stick in the middle of the woods, and I flip out. Its very silly... Wiggins sighs. Lets just keep going.
Wiggins said to Chris, but more to himself than the dog.

Post by **Hlaoroo** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 3:56 am

"Awlrigh'." Chris follows the pandas again. Suddenly she points forward.
"Dere! I see it'! I''s da village! Frough dose trees!"

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 2:13 pm

The village slowly came into view among the trees. Most buildings that weren't wrapped around or in a tree were built in traditional old China style. From the bowed roofs to the slightly bent walls, each building had Asian accents. Pandas were out and about talking, walking, jogging, and generally being fairly carefree. One could be seen sewing sitting on chair on her tree porch and she waved to the new comers before she went back to work. Yet another was hanging blankets out to dry and the sound of a smiths hammer could be heard. Children could be seen darting in and about the trees. Farther out in view, in between the two lakes, rested the largest house in the village. In between the buildings and the trees, there was a small gravel path with evidence of brick work being planned. It was a busy day for a village of 127 souls.

The path led to a small clearing that surrounded the village itself. There was also a wooden palisade made of the largest logs that surrounded the village as well. An opened arced gate made to match met the path that opened from the center. The gate and fence itself was seven feet high with a panda stationed on the a gate tower to the left. He waved to the group and Chealyzeyard waved back, letting the group into the open gate. Sounds of drums from the Troops practicing in the north and the sounds of building still ongoing and voices of the pandas filled the air. The houses and other buildings were made from the same material and style as the palisade. Though the logs were much tighter against each other. It was still much a work in progress.

Mitch took a deep breath and let it out, taking all in as if it were the first time he'd seen it. He then stepped aside from the group and waved a paw out to the village.

"Welcome to our home, Grandstaffe village," he said.

Pecan · Post by **Pecan** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 6:45 pm

Will's eyes widened as he laid them upon the village before him. He hadn't expected it to be so.... well, the name said it best--Grand. "It's l-lovely," he whispered aloud, "and bigger th-than I expected."

hypernovatic · Post by **hypernovatic** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 6:59 pm

"Wow, this is amazing!" Matatabi said, looking at the village in awe.

MrNeonShot · Post by **MrNeonShot** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 7:03 pm

This... Wiggins looked around the village. All this, just a few steps away from that house? Wiggins thought out loud.

hypernovatic wrote:Wow, this is amazing! Matatabi said...

Took the words out of my mouth!

Tue Apr 29, 2014 12:46 am

"I've been here a few times, but it's still just as amazing as the first time." Jessica said. "Actually, the first time they were recovering from a flood, so it's more amazing than the first time."

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 1:30 am

ooc: Minor panda name correction. EDIT: AND here I THOUGHT I had everyone.

ic:

Mitch chuckled. Glad they were so delighted.

"Well, we don't get the name 'Grandestaffe' for nothing, heh," Mitch said, at that moment, a high pitched horn sounded from the gate tower, a moment passed, and another sounded off from the north and the drums stopped. Chealsyzeyard stepped forward.

"All right all right. If we're to get you folks home by the evening we need to keep moving, there'll be time for walkies around the village later if your so inclined, heh," Chealsyzeyard said. A road leading from the gate north stretched before them with a T-section in the center, which, led all the way to their destination, the Troops Training ground and Barracks. The Barracks building itself could be seen from the gate, but not much beyond. There was also a number of houses along the wall itself for those that enjoyed the outside view. Chealsyzeyard headed towards the barracks waving to the group.

"Come on everyone, our troops are waiting," he Chealsyzeyard. Mitch followed along, only to be stopped by an odd looking panda with feathers hanging from his ears like earrings.

"List?" He asked. Mitch spaced out for a moment. Then he slapped his head.

"Finished and left it at Rikki's," Mitch said, the panda nodded.

"Good enough, and care to introduce their cook to them?" the panda said.

"Oh, right, right," Mitch said, then he motioned to the panda with a hand, "Everyone Crazy Shore, Crazy Shore, everyone. Jessica, Matabi, Wiggins, Will, Blay. He's not really crazy though. Well okay sometimes." Crazy Shore just rolled his eyes.

"All right everyone, as his improperness stated, I am Crazy Shore, cook, and quartermaster for these expeditions," he said, "If any of you are predisposed to eating any kinds of food or drink let me know NOW before we get moving so I can better prepare."

Post by **Hlaoroo** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 6:46 am

Chris keeps her eyes and nose wide open, eagerly taking in all the new sights and smells.
"It's amazin'! Far be'er dan I imagined!"

xhunterko wrote: "Oh, right, right," Mitch said, then he motioned to the panda with a hand, "Everyone Crazy Shore, Crazy Shore, everyone. Jessica, Matabi, Wiggins, Will, and Blay. He's not really crazy though. Well okay sometimes."

Chris raises her paw.
"An' I'm Chris Mar'in. Fanks fer da luvverly in'roduction, Mitch." she jokes with a wink in the panda's direction.
"I'wl eat anyfing jus' so long as dere's no' too much chilli peppers innit."

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 7:33 am

Mitch blanked again for a moment. And then slaps his forehead again ending in a facepalm.

"Yes yes of course of course and this is Chris," Mitch said, truly embarrassed, "I'm Chris sorry I really do have a lot on my mind."

Post by **Hlaoroo** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 7:47 am

Chris blinks in surprise and then bursts out laughing.
"No, yer no'! I'm Chris! Yer Mitch!" she manages to gasp out between peals of laughter.

MrNeonShot · Post by **MrNeonShot** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 10:50 am

Dad doesn't want me drinking Orange soda, if that's a problem. Wiggins piped.

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 1:20 pm

Crazy Shore nodded to Wiggins.

"We are taking mostly meat and rice and some greens and local nuts and honey," Crazy Shore said, "Are there any other preferences?"

Mitch couldn't get any redder! He points to the laughing dog.

"Yeah, that, Chris, must be the drink still," Mitch said with a facepalm.

Post by **Hlaoroo** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 6:48 pm

With an effort, Chris manages to bring herself under control. "I'm sorry, Mitch. Truly I am. I shouldn' 'a' laughed a' yer like dat. Dat was cruel."

SuperStar · Post by **SuperStar** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 7:48 pm

"Wow. This place is sort of nice.... Looks kind of like an RP setting...." Blay said looking around the village.

Pecan · Post by **Pecan** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 8:54 pm

Will shook his head. "That sh-should be fine for m-me. I just can't h-have raspberries." He took on a shy look as he added, "Th-thank you for asking."

Wed Apr 30, 2014 2:12 am

"I'm good with whatever you make us," Jessica answered the cook.

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 11:20 pm

Mitch waves a paw to Chris.

"Ah, it's no biggie, all in good fun," he says.

"All right, any one else? Blay? Chris? No one lactose intolerant or other allergies?" Crazy Shore said a matter of factually.

Post by **Hlaoroo** » Thu May 01, 2014 3:05 am

Chris perks up her long, floppy ears as much as a spaniel can when the cook mentions allergies. "Acshully, I am allergic to nuts an' dey can cause an asthma attack too so I can't 'ave dose eiver." she points out. She searches in her satchel looking increasingly concerned and then suddenly relaxes again and looks relieved. "Ah! Dere i' is. I've go' my epi-pen so 'opefully we'wl be right. Are dere many nu' plants around 'ere? I'll 'ave to be espeshully careful if dere are."

SuperStar · Post by **SuperStar** » Thu May 01, 2014 10:16 am

"No, I love milk. Though I have a people issue" Blay said quietly. He rummaged through his pack, and pulled out a 3DS, and started gaming a little.

MrNeonShot · Post by **MrNeonShot** » Thu May 01, 2014 10:23 am

Wiggins looks over to see the 3ds and smiles.
I have a 2ds, for when town hall meetings become tedious. I say.

SuperStar · Post by **SuperStar** » Thu May 01, 2014 8:12 pm

Blay kind of shifted away from Wiggins, and covered his face with his 3DS, and didn't say anything. "TO close for comfort wabbit." Blay thought to himself.

valerio · Post by **valerio** » Fri May 02, 2014 2:42 am

"Dear me, Dear Woodgods," said the grey timber she-wolf. "These panda-things surely know how to build."
Like the rest of the pack she belonged to, she was a fine specimen in its prime, the product of the unforgiving natural selection. Living in the woods all your life would you that.
"Why didn't we ever think of that?" asked to himself a male with a triple scar running around his left arm.
"Because our elders wouldn't debase our pack with imitating humans' lifestyle, Titus," said Belisarius. Among the pack of 12 adults, he didn't even stand out as the most prominent male -even the 4 cubs, despite being 2 year old, looked strong enough to take on a GSD. Either by bloodline or by choice of mate, the Palatinium Pack was made only of the finest ones.
Belisarius turned and faced the other seven males and four females. "Guys, I thank you for being here today. It really means the world to me."
The female who had spoken first, characterized by black ears and tail, nodded. "I admit that I wasn't keen on the idea of you...well, hanging out with a *domestic* male, brother, but afer hearing about how brave this Valiant person is, I am curious to see how fine an addiction to the pack he'll make."
A relatively thinner wolf with a patch over his left eye rolled his right eye and said, "You and our parents conspired to kick him out because he's gay, Amadora, *please*! And you took him back only after discovering that our best hunters, Titus and Octavianus," he pointed at the wolf standing next to the scarred one, a wolf with a fur pattern not unlike a doberman's -except that here orange-on-black was replaced by white-on-grey "have been lovers since forever. If you kicked them out as well, we'd be stalking trash like raccoons!"
As new packleader, Amadora could easily kick the soul out of that overgrown pup, but she knew that he was right, and that he also was their finest scout. his nose easily made up with interests for the lost eye... But her eyes told Antonius that discussion was not over--
An enormous paw fell delicately on her shoulder. The paw of the strongest and tallest of the wolves, a male with grizzled fur and a body scarred by hundreds of battles. Indeed, he was one who had fought all the way up to survival and command and had earned it. And despite his imposing, if not menacing, appearance, his blue eyes spoke of kindness, just as his voice as he said, "A good leader must admit when reason is speaking...although more bluntly than necessary, my beloved wife. Forgive them, this was a long trip and we're here to celebrate your brother's happiness and see him wed with his soulmate. Let us all reconcile."
Amadora sighed. She squeezed gently the paw on her shoulder. "So be it, Cesar big bear." She turned back to Belisarius. "Now, where to?"
Beisarius scanned the various constructions, and identified the one he hoped to belong to Mitch family. "That one. Let's go."
The pack moved in a single line, one following the track of the other and thus leaving a single footprints set, as always with barely any sound. They were the best hunters, they'd always move like that.
Belisarius So wanted to run to Valiant right now, howl his name to call him out. But this wasn't the day to act like a puppy seeking a long-lost love. Families had to meet and a ceremonial was to be arranged...

xhunterko · Post by **xhunterko** » Fri May 02, 2014 6:57 am

ooc: Going to assume the wolves are on the path to the gate.

ic:

Before the wolves could advance any further, a warning call sounded in the village, deep and low, and loud enough to be heard for several miles. The tower guard was doing his job. Mitch's face fell.

"Oh no..." he said shakily, looking towards the gate. Crazy Shore's face got serious as well.

"All right, we'll talk about that later, everyone NORTH TO THE BARRACKS NOW!" He said as if not to be questioned. As he spoke, a pack of at least 12 armed pandas with HEAVY looking crossbows, 2 of them officers, came running by heading to the gate to join the seven guards already gathered with weapons drawn. Two more guards, armored this time, came running by with what looked like repeating crossbows. The other pandas in the village could be seen running to the center of the village. The horn sounded again, and an answering horn from the barracks and the center sounded in different tones. Crazy Shore headed towards the barracks.

"C-Come on g-guys!" Mitch said, getting himself under control.

"Safest p-place other t-then the t-town ha-hall right now!" He said, still shaky but otherwise trying to sound confident. Heading towards the barracks. Crazy Shore blew his own horn, a short, tort blow followed by another. And was answered from the north. Down at the gate, a number of pandas had gathered, an officer with a yellow neckerchief stood out from the group and approached the approaching wolves. The warning horn sounded, then midway, stopped abruptly, then sounded again. The officer spoke.

"HALT! Friends or Strangers or Enemies! YOU are trespassing on Grandestaffe grounds and territory! State your intentions, or BE OFF!" The officer barked unafraid at the wolves.

valerio · Post by **valerio** » Fri May 02, 2014 7:07 am

The female leading the line advanced one step. "I am Amadora, born of Fyljya and Wotan, leader of the Palatinium pack. This one male you know," she indicated Belisarius, who advanced to her side. "He is Belisarius, my brother and promised soulmate of the one known as Valiant, member acquired of the Royal Family. We come in peace to celebrate my brother's nuptial ceremony."

SuperStar · Post by **SuperStar** » Fri May 02, 2014 7:45 am

"Wah!" Blay yelled as he was pulled along with the crowd. "What
s going on? I thought this was safe!"

hypernovatic · Post by **hypernovatic** » Fri May 02, 2014 2:02 pm

Matatabi started to freak out a bit when he heard the warning call. "What's going on?" Matatabi asked, shaking a bit.

Pecan · Post by **Pecan** » Fri May 02, 2014 6:16 pm

"M-mitch, those were wolves, w-weren't they?" Will had seen a small glance before being the order to the barracks came. "I-isn't Valiant's boyfriend B-belisarius a wolf?" The mink thought back to his first meeting with the wolf, how he'd been scared at first, but had warmed up to him. "M-maybe they're here for you... I m-mean, you're dating Rikki still, r-right?" His normal reaction of mental bereavement for asking questions was overridden by concern for a friend. He didn't want anyone hurt.