Miracle Country RPG

[Around the smaller section of the gardens and the area that changes regularly, there's a collection of rippling plants and flowers that might catch the attention of anyone looking around for something unfamiliar. The colors are light, faintly changing with the slightest breeze but not seeming bothered by whatever lingers of winter here at the tail-end of another cold few weeks. The plants go from white to various pastels, and it overall gives the gardens a look that's probably something between fantasy and alien, some large and small but pleasing to look at.

Not exactly planned for but, all things considered, it feels right. Well - there's a peaceful feeling that goes along with spending time in this area today, maybe it's the light easy scent, or being close to the plants or just a general feeling of a calm day without the unexpected nonsense but...

Regardless, it's a nice atmosphere so why not enjoy it, right? Perhaps the feeling makes it all the easier to have a relaxing time in the gardens today at the very least.]

[Tiny backdated (?) log for Shiro's bday, Keith is around, but feel free to use at your leisure.]

[Forget the cold! Forget the awkward mistletoe! Forget the-- Okay, you get the point. It's time for hot springs! And what better way for Miracle Country to deliver anything than out of the blue and for no reason? Exactly!!

For the duration of the day, the special path to the forests will reappear, and for those who were around early last year, they'll remember what it means. The path takes you directly to a quiet location where natural hot springs are, along with special cabins for changing clothes, washing up before the springs, and relaxing afterwards with some drinks and a meal if you'd like - you could even stay the night if you'd like, or earn a few konpeito by taking on some tasks and help others around.

So time to grab some robes and a towel and enjoy yourselves! And maybe wonder how come the springs seem to all have sakura petals scattered over the water... Well, considering where everyone is, it's not that much of a surprise, is it?]

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[It's finally time to say goodbye to the year, an even more memorable occasion than usual when you're experiencing the clock ticking down to midnight while trapped in a strange world away from home.

Still, Miracle Country likes to celebrate, and so the occasion should be cheerful enough. While it's still rather cold and snowy overall, the day will be clear and tolerable enough. The pavillion by the park will have some heavy curtains set up to protect people from the chill, on top of its already set-out holiday decorations, with the obvious invitation to hang out and share a meal with others as the night falls... Although for once, the Usyagi won't provide the food. Instead, they sent out notes earlier to ask people to collaborate with that as they saw fit, with the addition that everyone should bring something - either food or drinks! Surely with certain skilled coughgodmodscough people around, there'll be enough for everyone involved.

Why bother hanging around if there's no free meals, though? Well, if the company isn't enough of a bonus for you, you might not want to miss out on the massive fireworks display by the time midnight strikes! Or you might be too bothered by the noise and lights, and might as well join in, sure.




On top of that, the Sakura tree by the middle of the park will start to glow, a little after midnight, and hand out not the usual quest options that you'd expect by the time the month changes, but instead special, bright pink cards that read:

One Wish

And, as they say, they're valid for exactly one new year's wish - you could request a photograph from home, for your beloved pet to join your side, a new gadget or toy, some candy for your jar if you're entirely running out, for your home to be magically cleaned up for you, for good luck the next time you go into the forests to explore and so meet less dangerous monsters, and so on. Each person gets a single card, so make sure your wish is a good one! You wouldn't get a special New Year's deal every day, afterall.]


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[[Backdated to the appropriate date, of course!]]

[So the usual arrival is confusing enough - half the time people are learning about new worlds, magic, and the fact that there can be such a thing as a group of near sadistic floating bunny rabbits. Why not make it more fun, right?

Today, as it gets darker and most people are likely heading back to their respective houses, they might pause for a while as the newest addition to the place stops them - wearing a santa hat, matching shorts and... not much else, he's carrying a large bag full of candy canes, some which he'll give away as free samples, others that he can sell you if you plan on adding a lifetime supply of candy canes next to your jars of jam, or something silly like that.

The free candy also has a note attached reminding people that they can take on a quest to give others a present... Maybe it'll remind them to get presents in general, it doesn't always have to be about what the bunnies want, afterall.]

[With temperatures slowly dropping and days turning into night at earlier and earlier hours, it's probably not a surprise when more signs of winter start to manifest in the coming days, not quite fully there but close. Traces of ice that aren't quite snow, chilly winds, and overcast days. Definitely a shift from the sunny opportunities of magical dates and the like.

With all that, of course, there's the need for those warmer clothes to keep the cold at bay, and likewise an increase chance of finding them among the shops and bazaar. Thicker, warmer coats to put on, mittens and hats, supplies to help with the ice, or maybe you're just looking to restock on hot-cocoa for home. Today certainly seems like one of those days for it.

It's not so bad that braving the outside is out of the question, either, of course - if you like this sort of weather, it might even make for a nice walk, with the right attire and maybe a hand to hold to keep warm. For those that might prefer staying in, huddling up instead... it's a perfect excuse too.]


[ooc: general open log + replaying the de-age event with Keith in the comments. Find him below or feel free to use this log for other shenanigans. ♥]

[It's a particularly warm, sunny day, everything about this weekend inviting you to go outside for a while. But before you may plan anything special, you see them. The buttons. Bright, colorful, like an inflated doorbell, placed on all sorts of ridiculous places - random walls, the side of a tree, inside your shops. Normally, you'd probably try to be cautious. But these seem to carry an irresistible charm, and before you know it, you're pressing them.

A loud chime sounds. And then your date begins.

Now accompanied by someone else who also pressed a button, you'll find yourself inside one of the boats by the river, ready for a romantic ride towards the sea. Or seating at the coziest spot in the Cherry Blossom Café. Or about to have a picnic by the beach. And so on.



But what if you don't want this obvious date with someone else? Well, the more you struggle, the more you'll be stuck there. If you two have a good time and share a happy moment, you'll be able to go your own way sooner. If you get too cranky, maybe you just need some motivation - like being unable to leave! Or a little magical intervention - maybe the lights dim for no reason. Maybe a romantic song starts to play, trying to inspire you to dance for a while. Perhaps mistletoe shows up above you? The Usyagi can be pretty creative, afterall.

But surely, one way or another, you'll be free, and hopefully you'll make it home before you run into any new buttons, trying to tempt you yet again.]


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[The return to 'normal' in the days following the fog is, as always when something happens, kind of jarring as expected. Just a fact that can't quite be helped. The weather today is crisp, a some of the usual chill in the air, but not unpleasant with the sun back out in an ironic contrast of atmosphere, a break in the steady shift into the much colder later weeks of Fall. What else is there to do but to settle into it?

At least that's the idea today -- with several pumpkins of varying shapes and sizes taking up a wide open area and a simple task at hand. Carving! Two nerds in particular in the middle of it all together, who may have gone a little overachieving on the number of pumpkins they ended up taking on from the Usyagi. Whatever, it’s for decorations, or so the quest note claims. Keith figures it's fine if others end up joining in anyway and doesn't seem too worried about it. Shiro doesn’t seem too worried, either… that is, when he’s paying attention to things around him and not the pumpkin he’s trying to carve.

There are some pumpkins pre-hollowed out already, for those who are squeamish about all the pulp. Lots of different types of pumpkins, there’s no way these two will get through them all, probably. So why not help out and also get some konpeito for your troubles?]

[ooc: Tiny pumpkin log! Backdated slightly to yesterday for Keith's birthday, see the comments for individual threads with them and open for all else :>]

[Autumn keeps making its way in, and so do the colder temperatures. Skipping obligations and routines to instead spend the day inside is getting more and more tempting, and this weekend it'll be even more so. Why? Because two nerds got together and set up their earnings from the recent baking contest and have set up a movie night. Or a couple of movie days, more like.



In each of the two lounging areas near the cafeteria, down in the tunnels, there’re TVs and a varied collection of movies all set out for people to choose from. Each room has been designated for a theme, so certain sacred child residents don't have to be worrying about spooky films, and the rest can enjoy those if they want. That's about as considerate as they're getting, because if you don't really feel like sitting through a movie marathon, well, enjoy the very loud noises coming from underground, and half the residents missing, probably. The wonders of everything being connected!

Of course, there's also plenty of snacks and drinks because what is a movie day without tons of junk food? Granted, there isn't as much regular junk food as they would've liked, but they made a grand effort - maybe even recruited you for help in providing enough food, if you work at the bakery or café. There's even leftovers from the aforementioned baking contests, although thankfully nothing that shouldn't be looks green.]

[The months pass, the seasons change, time goes on, and yet, here we are, baking too many cookies. Or pies. Or whatever you may think of! What's going on? A little friendly challenge of sorts.

To celebrate the arrival of fall, the Cherry Blossom café has been temporarily taken over by Miracle Country itself. Long tables outside, lots of extra ingredients, tools and aprons. What's the idea? To bake, of course. Aren't pies autumn-themed, afterall? It all adds up, of course. Or maybe the Usyagi are hungry? They're surely staring at the people as they work as though they are.

Who's working, you may ask? You'd think the answer would be "everyone", given how these things usually go. But no. There's a randomly selected designated chef for each house. They're in charge of doing all the actual work, though the others may help them as long as they don't do everything for them. Chefs need assistants, afterall. What's the incentive, then, if you're not the type to find the whole thing entertaining and want to join in just because? Everyone who produces decent enough food will be given special bazaar tickets - and it will look extra enticing today. Is that your favorite blend of coffee you see among the stands? A brand-new camera? The perfect warm sweater for the upcoming cold months? A Blu-Ray boxset of your favorite movie franchise? You might be reaching for your candy jars, but they won't be any good. So get to work at the café, and try to please the Usyagi enough to earn your tickets!

Alternatively, you could create a very wholesome game where you use Usyagi as targets for pies. But you really shouldn't waste food, you know?]


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[It's been a long few weeks. The apparent peace brought by the flood's end did not allow for much rest or comfort, in the end. It's been dark, and cold, and miserable... until, finally, the sun comes up. The words written across the place fade away. And even when the evening falls, the world lights up.



Rather than creepy, looming messages that play with your head, this time there's lots and lots of different candles, glowing in different colors, their warm lights showing the way towards the ballroom at the south of the island. Should you follow the trail, (and really, it's near impossible to resist its charms, you'll find this soon enough) you'll find the whole place ready for a much more relaxing night.

Long tables bursting with food and drinks, soft music playing, and, of course, more and more of these candles everywhere, feeling almost alive here, like they want to join in and dance with everybody. You'll find yourselves in beautiful clothes for the day, and even any remaining injuries will feel less painful or bothersome for the time being. Even if you don't feel like abusing the food, or dancing with the others (the usual notes that appear at the Sakura tree will be hanging here on certain corners, however, so you might have a little extra motivation!) you could still head towards the balcony and enjoy the view of the island, looking almost like a city in the distance with all its colorful lights.

... or you could be paranoid and wonder if this isn't heading towards a massive fire you'll all have to survive. Who could blame you at this point, honestly?]

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[It seems that people are recovering from the last bout of magic. Did you collect some good konpeito for helping to comfort others? Some bad konpeito for giving into those feelings of guilt? Maybe you, perhaps rightly, were frustrated at this world for its continued tricks— maybe your thoughts were not so kind to this place, in the end.

But see, that’s not very nice. After all, this world’s magic is so concerned with maintaining balance and saving the multiverse! Shouldn’t you be a little more helpful?

Perhaps you’ve felt the building of… a feeling in the back of your mind ever since your hands cleared of blood. Perhaps there’s something nagging at the back of your mind. Or maybe you haven’t sensed anything at all, instead grateful for a few days of quiet.

But see, there are clouds gathering. The days are sunny and then there are a few days of clouds. Nothing too bad, but noteworthy considering how idyllic the weather can be. And then the clouds just keep building, swirling, growing darker.

When you wake up one morning, it’s storming outside. Perhaps the clap of thunder pulled you from sleep suddenly. Perhaps the sound of rain hitting against the window. The water running off the roof of your dome. Maybe you didn’t realize until you stepped outside that morning. Perhaps you’re happy for a welcome change in the hot weather.

But it’s storming and storming and storming. Those clouds are so dark. The rain is merciless, falling without abating, drenching anyone unfortunate enough to get caught in it. It’s the kind of storm that whips around the entire island, waves slamming hard onto the beach, the wind yanking anything not tied down up into the air, the trees bowing against the howling wind. Lightning might even hit some of the taller trees.

Hopefully you can get comfy— looks like you’re stuck indoors today! There are plenty of comfy blankets down in the common rooms, of course, although maybe today the tunnels feel a little damper than usual. And there’s always tucking in your house! Although, occasionally the wind blows hard enough to slam your doors and windows open, dragging an onslaught of rain inside.

Despite all the wind, the storm doesn’t pass. There seems to be no end to it. But, for all you know, it’s just a regular storm— one of those deep, intense summer storms that roll in sometimes. Surely that’s all it is.

And, surely, it can’t last for too long, right?]

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[A few days ago, it was the international (multi-dimensional?) kissing day! Of course, knowing the nature of this world and how much Miracle Country enjoys these sorts of things, you might be expecting some sort of late celebration... Well, there isn't one. Miracle Country has let the date pass, forgotten, unexploited. A true tragedy for the ages.

But, fear not! To make up for this awful, awful loss at a chance to go around and kiss others, it's going to help everyone now. As you missed kissing day, for today everybody who's looking to make up for that will have a temporary magic aid. That's right, should you be left unsatisfied, or have been already, it'll show. To everyone. Isn't that great?

You'll find that your outfits display a nice little sign saying things such as There's someone I want to kiss or I really need a kiss and so on! The perfect first step to get everyone going!

What? It's terrible? Embarrassing? Juvenile?? Impossible, there has never been such a thing happening on this magical country. You must just be shy! Which is why it's so great you're getting this wonderful encouragement. Please, don't thank the Usyagi too much, they're only doing their best to make everyone enjoy their stay!]

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[If anyone happened to be worried about what was going to happen with all that giant food as the days went by, there’s nothing to be worried about. Slowly, all that food explodes into flower petals, covering the entire place. So if anyone happened to grab some to take home, they’ll be in for a surprise when they go to get a snack.

They’ll be very hard to avoid, as they are practically everywhere. So it’s not a bad time to either enjoy some time outside with the brightly colored view, or start cleaning it up. At least it’s a lot better than having to clean oversized food gone bad.



Aside from the flowery explosion, one of the booths that force people to sit there until they do what’s asked for them has showed up. Except this time, the person in it is there willingly to complete a task.

It’s a fortune telling booth, with the sign reassuring that they are 100% true and reliable. Cisco is sitting there, waiting for people to come in so he can do this and get his gauntlets back. So feel free to go learn what your future will hold!]

((so basically this is a spoiler event! Cisco has the ability to vibe people, which allows him to see a moment of their past, present or future. So feel free to either have your character go talk to him or handwave the spoilering ifyou want- or just roll around on the flowers))

[If you thought today was going to be a normal day after the last few days of fun, then clearly you don’t know this place at all, do you?

Which is to say, when you set out to walk around today, you’ll be bombarded with massive amounts of giant, giant food. There’s a pudding over there towering over your dome house. And over there, your usual pathway in the park is blocked by a stack of giant macaroons nearly as tall as the trees around. Heading to the beach? Well, you’ll need to find your way around the giant bowl of ice cream currently melting in the sun.

And it’s not just the giant food, either. There’re all sorts of regular food all around— marshmallow fluff, yogurt parfaits, popsicles, donuts.



Look out, though, because the Usyagi seem to be in the spirit and seem to want you to enjoy yourself— if you look away for too long, you might find yourself getting hit by that food. At least it’s sweet? Maybe you want to waste food with your friends, one way or another.

Do you want ants? Because this is how you get ants. But in the meantime, what better way to start summer than with a cream-filled cookie taller than you?]

🌸

[Following the fun, wholesome activities Miracle Country planned for the beginning of the summer, a couple of the residents haven't been too happy, finding said activities far too childish and safe for their liking. Well, what happens when someone who wants to make a bit of a mess gets together with someone who shares that train of thought and they plot together?

A bonfire under the moonlit beach, for a start.



Eliot and Chloe (the one who it is reasonable to expect this from) have taken over the drinks stand and turned it into a temporary bar, bringing supplies from the usual one that Lucifer runs. Rather than toys to build castles with, there's music playing, cards to play games and bet with... There's no sitting in a corner being a killjoy here, nope. You'll be encouraged to dance and sing - to be loud and ridiculous, do stupid dares, tell embarrassing stories by the bonfire, go skinny dipping - those drinks provided by the bar might come in handy then. They've brought towels and blankets for people who gather near the bonfire... which might be enchanted, as it occasionally burns in a variety of bright colors, changing to the beat of the music.

That's all the fire does, we promise. Someone's learned from previous lantern shenanigans.]

[Has worked piled up recently? Are you someone with a busy schedule? Well, forget about that, because Miracle Country evidently doesn't care for the workaholic. Today it's the beginning of summer, which means it's time for a beach day!

You'll find yourselves at the aforementioned beach, should you not head over yourselves (why waste the chance, afterall?), with an appropriate outfit for the occasion... Or inappropriate, depending on your standards. The drinks stand is open and ready to take your money any orders, with its lounging area asking to be used during this sunny, clear day. There are inflatable toys to be found near the shore, should you feel like indulging in the water for a while.

More importantly, around the middle of the beach, there's a very large sand sculpture of an Usyagi, towering over a designated area where you can find buckets, shovels, and other things to build your own sandcastles! As the non-sand Usyagi will remind those who didn't check up on quests, anyone can join in and build their own. If you complete the task, you'll get a reward - and there'll be an extra prize if you manage to make a castle that's bigger and fancier than everybody else's.

Lucky for any grumps out there, this time nothing is forcing them to stay, or keep whatever clothes they end up with - unless you count the chances of earning bad konpeito for being a killjoy, that is. What? That absolutely counts as having a choice, doesn't it?]

[Today, when you inevitably head out to do whatever it is you do on Sundays on Miracle Country, you'll likely go through the Park, since - as we all know - everything happens here.

Well, something's certainly happening today. Some of the residents might be familiar with the booths that occasionally trap people in them. Except this time the goal isn't to kiss the people caught up in them. On top of the current prisoners: Sebastian, Lucifer, and Harry (who's clearly out there to ruin some Best Miracle Country Friend action!), there's a big sign:

Make an old man laugh!

And that's the goal today. As a pink colored note on top of the booth explains, these three will be trapped there for the day. Make them laugh, and you earn a prize in konpeito! Easy enough... unless you're aiming to make Sebastian genuinely laugh, maybe. But no worries - they do have a sign indicating levels of difficulty, from toughest to easiest. Perhaps you like a challenge?]

[It takes a while, but slowly the jealousy outbursts people had over the last couple of days go away. Maybe it strained some relationships, maybe it strengthened them, but at least it’s evident that they have gone away now. Finally things feel normal. The days are getting warmer and warmer, there’s not a cloud in the sky, and it’s certainly the time of the year to spend some time outside.

Even if you’d rather spend the day inside being mortified by acts done under jealousy’s influence, it’s clear the world itself wants everyone to be outside today. And to encourage you to do so, there’ll be a lot of mysterious boxes everywhere today. They are hard to miss- you can probably see one out of your window when you wake up, or waiting for you on your doorstep.

What’s in these boxes, then? All sorts of things, mostly props. A copy of Excalibur, or of Sakura’s staff, or any kind of sword. Maybe a lightsaber or a weapon. All safe, of course, the world hasn’t gone mad enough for powerful weapons to be thrown around like nothing. They are just there to play around for the day. And aside from weapons, whoever opens a box might also find other things: a Mokona plushie, a dvd of that one movie they really missed from back home, a picture of their loved ones or their favorite book.

It’s time to open some boxes and have fun with what’s inside.]

[So, this new guy didn't waste time in testing the Usyagi's offer to bring things from back home - he's requested a weapon that didn't cross worlds with him, and was given a ridiculous task to accomplish.

Now, he really, really does not want to be stuck here defenseless, and so he's sucking it up and going ahead with this plan regardless of how much he objects to it. You may find him as he works on this goal, meeting with several people, arranging food and other necessary things for it...

And a couple of days later, you might find yourself attending the meeting he set up, by one of the common rooms that's been rearranged for it. Rather than the usual sofas and furniture in it, there's a couple of matressess, plenty of blankets and pillows set out, as well as assorted junk food and drinks. Maybe some teddy bears here and there. They felt important.]

🌸

[Certainly it’s been a few weeks of bad luck, hasn’t it? First, all that rain, then all that sickness… wow, you must need a break, right?

Luckily for you, it seems Miracle Country wants to make amends for the harsh month. Really, the usyagi just want you to relax!

There’s a new path in the forest today. If you follow it, you’ll find yourself coming upon some natural hot springs— deep, calming pools spread out throughout the forest, tucked between pockets of trees and bamboo, some wildflowers and floating cherry blossoms. With little wisps of steam rising up over the tree line, comfortable rocks to lounge on, and more than enough space for everyone, it’s an open invitation for some relaxation. Overall, it looks inviting and soothing, and don’t you just want to relax, if only for a moment?

The Usyagi are looking out for you, too, as you’ll find some towels and robes, and some naturally growing bamboo for privacy when changing, or if you just want to be alone.

So lean back, relax, and let your thoughts drift in the calming, mineral-rich water. Let the tension soak out of your shoulders. Prop your feet up. Just forget for a moment.]