+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[It is a cool night in Samara, but the night is clear. If you look up, you can see stars, and there are lights lining each path that’s leading towards the center of town. After the flurry of activity and hard work to get the ballroom prepared, you can now see the fruits of that labor: tonight, you are cordially invited to welcome Queen Anne of Leridae in a grand ball.

Turns out those rumors about Queen Anne were true. Don’t worry, you won’t be required to talk to her if you’re shy or not too keen on royalty, as the ball is expansive enough and with enough people that it might actually be difficult to approach her so easily, what with all her bodyguards.

But that’s alright, because the party itself is well underway. There’s the beautiful lilt of music to dance to, floating candles that dart away just beyond reach – a little trick of magic to keep the ambiance – and the beautiful gardens out beyond the balconies, for those who need some fresh air. There’s a distinct lack of food to partake in, but that’s just as well. All the better to not be distracted from the beautiful sights, the beautiful costumes, and the beautiful company.

However, not everything is glitter and loveliness tonight. What is promising to be a quiet, delightful night full of politeness and dancing will take a sharp turn towards midnight – where the ground will suddenly start to shake in a massive earthquake. Perhaps at first you think it’s some kind of attack, the force of it all so sudden and debilitating.

The earthquake is so extreme that the walls buckle around you, the glass in the windows shatter, and the ground beneath your feet begins to crack. There’s falling debris everywhere, so try not to get hit or pinned beneath falling beams. Hopefully you aren’t standing too close to the glass windows and get shattered glass hitching against your skin.

That is to say: you probably aren’t getting out of this party unharmed. That is, of course, unless you’re a vampire with healing powers. Quite the inopportune time for your secret to be revealed, isn’t it? And what do you know, hunters – all this time, you were in the company of so many vampires.

How are you going to reconcile all of this?]


[[More information here]]

[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.]]

[Fall has started, and to those unfamiliar with the seasonal changes in the world, the abrupt change might seem odd. The temperature's dropped, the days are getting shorter, and quickly and surely, the leaves in most trees will dry out, starting to fall and cover the paths and ground all around Miracle Country.

Moreover, this time around they seem a very insistent red color, rather than the usual mix of browns you'd expect from such a view. The reason for it should be obvious by Sunday, when a blood moon joins in to add to the tints of red everywhere, as once it's passed, the landscape will slowly change into the more usual one for the time of the year.

Until then, enjoy the view.]

[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.]]

[If today you're walking by the entrance path to the forests, you'll see that there's some Usyagi creeping around, their eerie little giggles easily distinguishable in the quietness of the place. What are they up to? One of the nearest huts has been refurbished, and is now surrounded by a fence, one which extends further and marks a larger area around the hut. Why a fence? Well, to keep something inside of course!

... Except what needs to be kept there is currently not in that area. Nasir and Agron have approached the Usyagi earlier (well, more like Nasir did and Agron loomed in the background. Either way...) and inquired them about anything similar to farming grounds. After some confusing chatter with them, this is what they were given, their own little spot to raise some animals, in exchange for caring for them and selling whatever they produce. Only they couldn't be bothered to place the animals they were given (some chickens, and a couple of goats) in that specific place, so now they're running loose until they're recaptured and guided over there.

So if you run into a chicken today, or find a goat chewing on your window's curtains, or wonder why there's a rooster chillin' out under the sakura tree, well, that's why. Perhaps you'd like to lend them a hand, if you find out about the situation.]

[[Nagron shenanigans, as promised! They can be found here and here, otherwise feel free to use this as a mingle post! Having shenanigans with their new pets among yourselves is just fine, too.]]

( CLOSED TO PEPPER )

ota;

Tony sits on a bench in the park alone, calling out to passers-by. He was told he'd gain something back by being nice to the people here. Soon it will become apparent this isn't his strong suit. He's wearing a loose, casual button-up, just barely covering the glowing reactor underneath, jeans and some funky looking hi-tops, legs crossed and his arms braced on the back of the bench.

"Nice weather we're having...?" He looks and sounds physically pained. Well, he is, but not about the weather. This shouldn't be so hard. "I like your - um. Never mind." He's starting to think this is a lost cause.

(( feel free to make up something else too, he's just calling out weird, innocuous things. and if you commentspam i will tag you accordingly. ))

[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.]

[It might be a bad idea or even dangerous, but she doesn't see what choice she has. She has to try and learn about this place if she wants to understand why she's here.]So I've been told these things can write back to you...? I haven't seen magic like that before. Though I did have this weird dream that I had gone inside of a book once. Unless that wasn't a dream....

Does anyone know why we were brought here? I'm under the impression I'm not the only one in this situation. I've always been able to come and go freely no matter what world I was in. But for some reason, that doesn't seem to be the case here. There's got to be some kind of really powerful magic to prevent me from opening a pathway. I've never even heard of this happening. Unless the problem is me again. I'm having trouble summoning my keyblade too. It might have nothing to do with this place. Maybe it's because I'm not near Roxas. I suppose that's for the best. I'd rather not be able to use it than drain his power again.

But I had something important I had to do. People were counting on me to make things right and now...[The text kind of trails off.] ...I don't know what to do. I might be in a mess I can't fix. And they aren't here to help me.

[It's the final day for our various visitors's stay in Kiseki! After a busy ten days, it's time to make the most out of these final hours, and say goodbye, as by the end of the day the Mokona-shaped pins will finally fully change to white, sprout large wings, and transport them all back to their worlds!

Of course, Miracle Country wants to help this last day be special, and so today people'll find the whole place is decorated to fit the occasion. The sun will set surprisingly early, and all sorts of lanterns will light the way to the forests, where the paths into it will look prettier than ever. There will be extra lanterns left near the river to light up and carry with you, or even send away into the river itself, if you'd like. While getting deep into these woods is usually a dangerous ordeal, today it'll remain peaceful, the barriers keeping creatures far behind so that its paths are more approacheable than ever. Those forest huts that aren't being used at the time will be lit up, as well, its doors open and the tables inside full of picnic foods and other supplies so people can hang out in or near them if they'd like. You could even light a fire near the huts, and invite people over!

Even deeper in, the mysterious caves found there will also look friendlier for the day, little glowing orbs like fireflies illuminating its passages and its rooms feeling warm and cozy . Both here and in the huts, you might even find pillows and blankets, plenty of comfortable things to spend a while in there or even take them outside and enjoy the sight of the trees, still blooming pink, the same lanterns hanging from them. Not just that, but today you could find colorful, empty strips of paper hanging from them as well. Do you have a wish for the loved ones you're leaving behind, or maybe those who have to leave? Write it down, hang it from the tree, and let that hope be heard.

Enjoy these final moments, and look forward to the world's doors reopening in the future!]

[[Final 4th wall mingle log! Thank you for playing with us!
- 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>]]

[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>]]