+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[The tremors from the earthquake may be over but things are shakier than ever in the days that pass since the ball. Exposed vampires and their motives have been brought into question. Humans have been turned and fed from in the bloody mess of it all, and even the balance of the kingdom is at stake now. Hunters gather to decide how to handle the situation, while vampires with the most to lose from the leaked secrets must be frantic to keep anyone looking to flee Samara from escaping. No one can simply leave, not now.

But the fact is that neither side can hold out for long either. What will those caught in between do? There's plenty of injured (and vampires crazed by all that blood, even more likely to lose it and attack) and visitors that had nothing to do with the conflict and now dragged into it beyond anything they could have imagined. The rumors are running wild among those recovering and there's the feeling that they all have only moments before hunters and vampires are facing off against one another. Samara may well be on its way to becoming the location of sparking a full out war.]

[Beyond any skirmishes that break out, they won't get to decide -- A powerful wind of black flower petals sweeps through the world in a blur and with that everyone returns! To themselves and their own memories and the familiar landscape of Miracle Country. Typical cutesy Halloween decorations hang everywhere in sight, most so at the park where they'll all return to, greeted by food and drinks and candy alike, and costumes of all kinds courtesy of the same magic. Hope you enjoyed the drama... and Happy Halloween.]

[Fog rolls into the town of Samara – another cool autumn day, the sky murky and the tress shedding their leaves. The nights are longer now, the moon hanging low in the sky – and that can only mean one thing: stirrings. With the darkness creeps the dangers. You’ve likely heard those whispers all your life – those murmurs of caution, of danger, of otherness. Be mindful not to step out into the shadows for too long and risk losing yourself entirely.

The little town of Samara might appear quiet at first, unassuming, gentle even – a far outpost and a far cry from the Leridae kingdom’s capital. But it isn’t too far-flung from there, although hidden away in its own little haven, the trees growing closer and closer to its city lines with every passing year. No, this town is not as unassuming as it might seem. You might have grown up here – you’d know as much. Or perhaps you were drawn here for the same reason so many others have been drawn here:

Here in Samara, the rumors are simply that – just rumors. After all, who would ever think that vampires would prey upon such an unassuming, quiet town. But those who whisper the rumors might just shake their heads, looking out towards the forest, towards those darkened alleyways between the old, rickety town. Vampires are one thing. Hunters are another. And Samara has long since been the established epicenter of hunter activity – their meeting ground, so to speak, their headquarters. The hunters, of course, are branches of factions, individualistic in some ways and community-based in others. There is no set leader but there are clans within those hunters, those who strive for certain aspects of the hunter code – and others who operate well outside the set parameters of that.

This place has always been quiet, despite the heavy hunter presence. Few vampires risk staying too close within this town simply because of the danger to them. For years now, decades and decades, the hunters and the vampires have been at odds. Recently, these fights and tensions have only grown more devastating, with loses on both sides – tearing friends and families apart. The hunters hold pride in their abilities and the vampires, secretive and hidden, search for a means to survive in a world that rejects them. Or, perhaps, there are those few who seek the living for the sport of it. Just as there are hunters who seek to kill for the sport. Each side has had its demons and its loses.

And in this, the sleepy little town of Samara is mired with one rumor that just keeps being whispered again and again: that Queen Anne of Leridae is coming – or is already here, as the rumors indicate. Rumors speculate to her purpose – many assume that it’s her wish to form a formal alliance with the hunter factions. Others aren’t so sure. A few more believe that the rumors are just that: rumors. What purpose would a queen have to visiting this quiet little town where absolutely nothing ever happens ever at all? What purpose could such a queen have to coming to a town known for its hunter populace and devastating vampire attacks? Will peace come at last?

Despite this, the large meeting hall at the center of town is undergoing some sprucing up, some redecorating. There’s a grand ball planned, set to be open to the public and the higher-ranking hunter guilds within the next few days. That seems indication enough that something important is underway – or, at the very least, a royal visitor is imminent.

In the end, though, this quiet little town is certainly just meant to be quiet… But with the promise of Queen Anne’s arrival, there’s a new flurry of preparations: decorations everywhere, preparing housing for guests, trying to clean up the streets – and trying, so desperately, not to be bitten when the moon is high. And with the rumors of Queen Anne’s arrival come all the other new arrivals, seeking different desires: to join the hunters? To escape hunters in other regions? To find lost friends? To try to meet royalty? To find something to eat? To be turned? Or, perhaps you are more innocent in all this – just a bystander dragged into these strange happenings, torn between this conflict that seems to have no end.

Perhaps, then, there can be hope – and perhaps, someday, peace. Welcome to Samara.]

[[Our vampire AU event begins! Find more information here.]]

[It's late at night, probably time for everyone to call it a day and head off to bed. Nothing too unusual. In fact, even those who usually stay up late might feel the need to get a good night of sleep today, so it'll make for a quiet night everywhere...

Only after a couple of hours, they might realize there was some movement, possibly even wake up from it if they're light sleepers. Surprise! You're not alone, if you went to sleep on your own. Or you're not with the person you were sharing with, if you were already accompanied. Hell, it might not even look like it's your bed you're sleeping in - beds all over the hotels will have changed, to fancier ones at times, other times to smaller, more cramped ones, maybe even just sleeping bags. You could even find yourselves in one of the many locations outside, on a hammock, or a more elaborated set-up, even inside a bubble of sorts.

Whichever the switch is, you'll have to learn to embrace it for a while (or embrace your new bed partner, we don't judge here), because it'll be impossible to get away for at least some time after the change. Not only that, but the switching around isn't limited to the one night. Lasting for the weekend, the general sleepy feeling will come back again (sometimes during the day, as well) and provoke random naps from people... who might end up in a bed with other victims yet again.

At least Miracle Country worries about hurt sensibilities, so of course if your character might lean towards lighter clothing while sleeping (or none at all - again, we don't judge), the magic of the world shall provide them with cute, warm pyjamas to wear once the switch has happened. Even if it happens during the day, they wouldn't want anyone to be uncomfortable. Of course, should they find themselves ending up wearing something less appropriate, that's just their bad luck.]

[[Replay of the bed sharing event! Mingle as you'd like. The plotting post for it can be found here.]]

[So it’s that time again. Anyone who was around last year might remember that it’s a certain someone’s birthday today! And like last year, a Porthos Party basically just means lots of drinking, lots of carrying on, shenanigans, card games, shouting, more drinking, more carrying on, more drinking…

The entire beach has been commandeered for this. Aramis has even set up some things to make it obvious it's a party going on. There might even be a few stray balloons floating around (or a few broken balloons since inevitably they're going to be shot at).

You’ve probably been invited. Or maybe you’re party-crashing. Honestly, Porthos isn’t about to complain. And no presents necessary (although if you wanted to bring something more to drink, he won’t complain, either).

Trying to ignore the party? Good luck, cause it’s lasting all day and well into the night. And just getting progressively louder and louder. Are those gunshots?

But not totally dissimilar to last year, it seems this world wants to get into the celebrations, too! So during the party, you might suddenly find yourself in a whole new outfit that you weren’t expecting! Maybe that new costume will start to influence your behavior, too…]



[ooc: this is an open log and feel free to jump in however you’d like. If you’d like to interact with Porthos specifically, his top comment is here. Otherwise, mingle as you see fit! Also note that the event replay is not mandatory.]

[Days later, and it's finally time to reveal the big mystery of the Mokona notes found around! To those who experienced this before, it might seem like it was obvious from the start, once they realize what's up...

Of course, we mean the 4th Wall Event is starting right now! For anyone awake, there'll be a burst of pink everywhere - the trees in all the islands are changing to sakura trees as is the usual for Kiseki celebrations. If sudden pink isn't enough to call people's attentions by now, it's likely the added noise and crowds might... Floating lanterns will appear around as well, meant to guide along our new visitors, who will be arriving starting at midnight! The Welcome Center will be busier than ever, but of course people may appear in other locations throughout the islands.

Like last time, visitors will arrive with a small Mokona pin that will first be colored black but will start turning white as the days go by. Once the Mokona turns white, by the 25th, it’ll sprout wings, open a portal, and send your new friends back. The pins will appear on them automatically, but they'll receive the traditional Usyagi welcome (our local creepy flying bunnies), who will give a quick, vague explanation of where they are and why they're here. One thing is clear - those wearing the pin are only here temporarily... Unless circumstances change, of course.

Our visitors will have their clothes magically changed into a comfortable yukata, matching the summer weather (they may keep their usual clothes and possessions they might've been carrying), and as a treat during the first day, there will be blankets and pillows set out around the main island's park, where picnic baskets full of all sorts of food will be available for anyone who wishes to simply relax with friends and loved ones. Or maybe it's a good way to break the news of being temporarily stuck in a different world to a new friend! Perhaps those used to this land should warn them about the risks of consuming food this world provides, although they might be lucky and left to enjoy the small celebrations in peace for a while.

Maybe they won't be so lucky, however, and end up arriving with some company! People who show up at the forests might end up followed by some creature from their own worlds (dangerous or not - think anything from Harry Potter being followed by a three-headed dog, to Aang finding himself surrounded by penguin-seals)... The forests' barriers luckily would keep anything too dangerous trapped in their depths, but these visitors might need a little help for a while, likely a good chance for the fighters and healers around to shine. Should anyone require assistance and not have it, the Usyagi will help by alerting those in the main islands about it.

Whatever it is people get up to, ten days go by pretty fast... So make sure to make the most out of it!]

[[4th wall begins now!
- THE EVENT'S INFO and place to ask any questions to the mods.
- There is a list of characters introduced if you are having troubele navigating through all the top levels and threadjacks.
- Remember that game rules, as well as the info in our FAQ all still apply.
- Event threads will be counted as game-canon, unless something turns out to cause trouble for the players. In that sense, we ask that people 'visiting' are mindful of people's permissions & stats, and keep in mind to communicate with our players if anything should come up! Likewise, while the event is a 4th wall breaking one, don't break it as far as making the characters aware that they're in a made-up world and being played by people on the internet. See our game rules & FAQ for further info on the setting.
- Characters already in-game must add their tags to the logs as usual, anyone visiting of course doesn't need to.
- If you need invite codes, contact one of our players/our mods/reply in the plotting post linked above, and we'll provide you with one.
- Make sure to add at least the following to your journal, should it lack any kind of OOC stats/information:
<b>Character's name:</b> <b>Canon they're from:</b> <b>Canonpoint:</b> <b>Are spoilers okay?</b> <b>Anything else?</b>]]

[Today, people might've noticed two of their latest residents have kept rather busy, heading into the forests over and over again, each time they returned carrying wood and gathering it up by the lake's edge. By the evening, they'll have stayed up there building a structure, and by nightfall they'll light it up - a large funeral pyre, a tribute to their friends and comrades who were lost in battle.

To those unused to them, it might seem like an odd bonfire, although it's clear from their solemn looks that this one isn't meant to be part of a celebration. Perhaps you'd like to try and help them set it up? Or ask them about it once it's lit... It's big enough that it should be easy to notice across the main island at least (and probably make a pretty nice view if you're travelling on the magic trains or up an air balloon).]

[[Nasir & Agron are here & here for pokings, otherwise feel free to abuse the post as you'd like!]]

( Here be Elsa's dramatics )

[Those who haven't checked their journal today - or have, but would rather not deal with miss drama queen - will perhaps notice that for today only, the lake near the Sakura park is frozen solid. Not only the lake, but much of the ground around the park is covered with ice - which might be somewhat alarming for those who remember the blizzard a few months ago. If it helps, the Usyagi at least don't seem alarmed: they're milling about the lake, setting up hockey sticks, goals, ice skates in various sizes... clearly the residents are encouraged to make use of them.

Leading away from the lake is a path of beautiful ice flowers on the ground - straight and bold, as if the person who made it knew exactly where she was headed - and if you follow it you'll eventually end up by the beach, looking up at this new, icy addition to Kiseki's architectural landscape. Come say hi? Otherwise, mingle at will!]

[Miracle Country has once again changed, the entire island shifting overnight into an archipelago. There’s a scattering of far-flung islands, but you’ll find yourself at the very center of it all – and it’s not just you there. Oh no – this is a world populated by dragons. You’ve found yourself in the Alpha Dragon’s nest. There are dragons that fly, some land dragons, and some dragons that primarily stay in the water – and they are everywhere. There are flocks of dragons everywhere you look. Large dragons, small dragons, nocturnal dragons, diurnal dragons, two-headed dragons, dragons the size of your palm, dragons that breathe fire, ice-breathing dragons, camouflaged dragons, feathered dragons, and baby dragons that just act silly.

What used to be the hotels is now a series of caves - you'll be able to find your old rooms in there, although they're a bit more basic now - no such thing as electronics available (not that you'd need them with nowhere to plug them in), no kitchens, but everything else remains. Clothes, beds, even a small bathroom. The maze-like nature of the caves means the rooms might be a little harder to find this time around, and you could end up choosing to just crash with someone else if it gets too late. They're cold, as well, being inside a giant ice-fortress, so find ways to keep the place warm!

There are also other sorts of rooms, of course, some empty and some with supplies like weapons or staple food, some with a few seats and cushions where you can gather around, build a fire, and risk having a flock of dragons come chill with you a little less, if it happens to bother you. The caves are all rather cold and dark for the most part, and within them are many maze-like turns and corners and passageways, so it’s easy to get lost, especially since many of the caves open up to strange and new locations. Plenty of things to explore – and plenty of ways to be separated from others.

And at the very center of it all is a large structure of ice, that juts up and forms into the shape of a large, winged egg. Within this egg is the dragons’ nest – one corner of this structure has a large sakura tree that the dragons love to sleep in or fly around. At the other end is the Alpha Dragon itself – the largest dragon in creation, white and pink and spending most of its time sleeping. And at the very center of a large expanse of water is a little island with the only source of fresh water – a reservoir. Surrounded by saltwater for miles around, the dragons have no trouble reaching it – but you might.

The best way to travel is by dragons, of course. But for those of you who can’t fly too well, walking isn’t really an option. But don’t worry, there are a series of bridges that fall and crumble and rotate around. You’ll never walk the same bridge twice. They’re reliable enough, so long as they don’t start to move while you’re on them. If you don’t trust the bridges, there’s always the option of climbing through the maze-like caves… but try not to get lost.

Why are the dragons approaching you now? They need your help. The Alpha Dragon is sick – and he’s the reason all the other dragons are here and safe.

You’re here one reason: to help the dragons. There are smaller dragons, but also larger dragons, but don’t worry they’re not as scary as they look. In fact, it’s possible to tame or bond with them. Of course, that’s based on how well you get along with animals, mystical or otherwise, in general – not great with pets? Probably not going to be too great with dragons, either.


((Have a dragons event! Further info & FAQ can be found HERE))

[It's just a shot of the ceiling, too ordinary to give any clue as to where exactly in Kiseki we're getting a peek into. Probably boring, too, with everything silent unless you're listening carefully and start to hear the recorded breathing of two people out of the shot. They're distant, each breath labored, waiting during what seems like a heavy pause.

No need to strain for long, though -- almost too suddenly, it starts again, the silence turning into shouts and quick steps and the unmistakable echo of hand-to-hand combat. The pacing is fast and aggressive, neither person shown thanks to the angle the journal's at, and even their voices are still muffled and hard to make out entirely.]

So, this all you got?

[Hah.] Don't count me out yet.

[That's all there is. Legs sweeping around and kicking or an arm making for a grab, a shoulder bobbing in or out of the way... Each time's almost-but-not-quite making it to the camera's full view before there's only the ceiling again. Soon there's a loud thud, just as one of the two ends up flipped over and thrown on his back on the ground, this time much closer to the journal. A mess of white hair is visible a bit out of focus, while Art gasps for air, makes an effort to lift his head.]

This is what you get, for takin’ it so easy on me. [Bucky’s voice grows clearer, now, as he continues with exasperation.] It ain’t because of my shoulder, is it? Cause I’m pretty sure I told you it’s fine. But since you didn’t wanna believe me, I guess this is what you de--

[Bucky almost comes into view entirely then, as he walks closer to where Art is, but the moment is too brief. His words cut off as he disappears down in a sudden motion, just as Art very much takes the opportunity of his approach to sweep his legs out from under him and in one smooth move get over him and pin him.]

Yield? [He sounds calm, easy, but also downright smug. Hi.] That was careless of you.

... Damn.

[And with that one word that’s as much impressed as it is admiring, the journal cuts off.]

[ooc | joint post with Bucky and Art! responses will come from both unless specified and all the usual.]

[It’s been a long week, what with the monsters and the new powers to adjust to, and now there is an eclipse occurring – the sun and the moon meeting in the sky and blocking each other out so that you can only see stars in the sky, and the ring of the eclipse.

And to celebrate the end of a long week, you and everyone you know are cordially invited to attend an eclipse ball! You’ll just suddenly appear at the ballroom, as if by magic! You’ll be dressed for the occasion, of course, and given a mask for the masquerade ball – either with a sun or moon theme to them to fit the style of the last week.

There might still be a few monsters lingering in the garden, but for the most part you’re just urged to enjoy music and food and dancing. That same urge you once felt towards your opposite type, either attraction or repulsion, will still remain – and it might manifest itself in the need to dance or the need to get away for some fresh air. The ballroom will be darker, with little lights & lanterns floating throughout, just like stars, to guide your way.

And as the night continues, you’ll feel your powers slowly starting to seep away – rejoining the sun and the moon in the sky and leaving you as you were before. As the night passes and the morning comes, the eclipse will pass and the sun will rise just as before – and you will all be returned to normal.]