+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[The last few days, it's been obvious that Something Is Up with Miracle Country. Everything has seemed a whole lot greyer, less bright. Things that are normally in good shape seem a little broken down - some paths seem craggier than usual, some bridges more rickety. The boarded up shops are more prevalent than before.

Despite the fact that it's summer, everything in general seems kind of gloomy - darker and less inviting.]

[Muttering to herself,] I should make a list or something...

[It's around this time that she's picking up her journal to make a short recording. She hasn't really thought through what she's going to say but whatever, she can wing it:]

Alright, I've been looking into this, and... I don't know how long these things are going to last but some of this is seriously unsafe. [Sigh, not for the first time, she can't figure out the source beyond "It's magic!"]

You should avoid going over the bridges too much if you can help it. [But, er,] The trains might not be the best bet either, though.

I'm not sure what else is messed up but if you've seen anything, let me know. I've been trying to do some fixes with my bending, but by the next day it's back to the same.

[And it's true - all around Miracle Country, things seem to be breaking or crumbling, without much reason for it. Is it a preamble to something? Likely... but what?

In the meantime, Korra will be around the island, making notes of things that are broken, putting up warnings where she can. Come hang out with her and/or help her out? Maybe you have your own first-hand experience with things falling apart around here, things seeming to fade or disappear, or just that general feeling of unease...]



[[~*~mysterious~*~ shit going down. Korra's thread can be found here but otherwise feel free to use this as a mingle as you'd like.]]

[Summer is finally here. Clear skies, warm weather, the perfect time to enjoy the beach and go into the water. Since today is the very first day of summer, too, you'll find yourself put into the season-appropriate summer clothes - bathing suits, sundresses, sunhats, etc. It's like this place wants you to relax! You know... after you're done not relaxing.

Because today, as if to encourage going into the water, a few of our residents will find themselves already out in the middle of the sea: sitting on an inflatable chair, holding precariously onto a log or a pool toy, whichever way it goes it'll surely be a troublesome way to wake up. Even moreso when they realize that returning to the shore is impossible by themselves. If they jump into the sea and try to swim back, they won't be able to move very far, and should they get particularly insistent or try to use magic or other skills to return, an Usyagi will show up to inform them they're to stay there until someone comes to their aid. Usyagi will show up to inform them they're to stay there until someone comes to their aid. That is, if they don't realize what's going on before the Usyagi get a chance to do it, via journal messages from those still on the islands.



For those who did stay behind, there'll also be a note being dropped, explaining they are to go rescue the ones lost in the sea. The usual boats from the river are available to use, should someone need them, but otherwise people can reach the others by any means they'd like. The trapped people will be able to get back once someone from the shore reaches close to them, which will break the barrier holding them there. This means anyone can search for and rescue anyone else, of course. Even team up and do a more organized rescue party!

Some cooperation might be needed, too, given that the sea isn't a peaceful place anymore. Water dragons, animals like sharks and various monsters and creatures of all sorts lurk in there these days, and there's nothing protecting those trapped there. The creatures underwater seem even more uneasy today, as well, perhaps bothered by the unfamiliar presences around them. Or annoyed because of the sudden heat. Wouldn't anyone be?

At least once the danger and searching is over, the beach will be a good place to relax at. The ice-cream and drinks bar will be offering things free of charge just for today, to make up for the inconveniences caused. The Usyagi won't even complain if you come back dripping blood all over the place! Aren't they nice?]


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[[What the log says! Head here for questions, plottings, etc.]]

[For some people, a good walk or day spent practicing their various skills is enough to feel energized after the time spent stuck inside. For others, their particular set of skills need a bit more flair to truly feel like they're being put to test. Or maybe it's just fun to do it this way. In any case, as counter-productive as it might feel to fight magic with magic, tonight some of the local magicians are taking the chance to practice in their own style.

At first it might not seem that this is the case; the pavillion in the main park, the sakura tree, and most of the surrounding areas are decorated with what looks like simply things for a party of sorts. There're colorful lights and lanterns set up all over, some snacks, plenty of drinks brought over from the bar, even its piano that's been moved nearby for the occasion.



But if you get close and try to join the celebrations, you might feel something's off about it. It isn't just the loud music that seems to be playing out of nowhere (the aforementioned piano aside), it's that the color-changing lights seem to glow with a warmth that's infectious, so staying nearby makes you feel happier, more relaxed the longer you stay there, like the whole place is inviting you to let loose and have fun.

... Or to act like an idiot, there's that too. But that might be the fault of the many drinks available, should you choose to grab some of them, right? Except perhaps even those who aren't anywhere near this party will feel like acting out in some way. Louder, dumber, sillier, bolder... At least they won't be the only ones behaving like this.]

[[What it says, + the small inhibitions loss event replay! Use the log as you'd like.]]

[It starts out as another regular day in Miracle Country, with nice weather, birds chirping, a calm atmosphere and the promise of a nice productive day ahead. Except, of course, it hardly stays this way. The first snowflakes start falling early in the morning. Not much to be concerned about, right? Unless you're used to the world's schedule (when it feels like keeping one), and remember snow at this time of the year is a little odd... It's alright, though, there won't be too much time to sit around and ponder this.

Soon enough the few snowflakes falling here and there become much more, so that by midday there's snow falling abnormally heavily all over the various islands, covering the ground, buildings, trees, in piles and piles of white. The winds blow stronger and faster by the hour, as well, making it near impossible to navigate the place for a while. It would've been better to go back to safer areas once it all started, or you might end up caught on some far-away island in the middle of the blizzard, right? Unless you took a detour to make sure others were safe, or to protect important places such as your own stores, or the farms and gardens in which crops are growing...



But it'll stop, eventually. By the time night falls and the snowfall slowly ends, things become more quiet and calm, almost eerily so. Of course, the snow that piled up won't make things so easy for anyone. Buildings of all kinds might be covered so much with snow that entering or leaving them could be difficult. Some places might even collapse because of it. And, more importantly, the inevitable tense atmosphere will only invite the creatures lurking in the forests to sneak out, drawn by the trees that will undoubtedly flourish as people worry or panic (they do say snow itself is made from tears, afterall, isn't it fitting that it'd cause despair in turn?). So don't be too surprised if your trip back home, or your search for food, firewood, or warmer clothes, gets interrupted by wild wolves, or boars, or even a stray dragon. Or if such trips end up being essential during the following days, either. Because the snow won't go away just yet.]

🌸

[It’s another beautiful day in this wasteland, isn’t it?

You know how it is here – you’ve been brought here from your own world, maybe months ago, maybe years ago, but very little has changed: the two sides fighting for the much-needed but depleted supplies, the harsh conditions of this battered desert landscape, the tensions that run high on the worst of days or simmer towards the boiling point on better days.

There’s been a tentative peace between the Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth these last few weeks, though... Very tentative. You’ve all had enough on either side to warrant a ceasefire on all the fighting – not needing to interact with anyone on the other side. Nobody really knows when all this fighting started – only that it keeps going and no resolution has worked so far.

This isn’t your original world. You still want to go home – but it doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen anytime soon. You’ve been brought here to fight on these two sides. Hopefully you can survive this, because this place is certainly not doing you any favors.



Because now the supplies are running lower and the monsters lurking out in the sand, or beneath the water, or in the limited vegetation are getting more aggressive, fueled by their own hunger. Maybe it’s not such a peaceful day, after all.

You’re all in need of supplies. One side has the water and vegetation, what you desperately need to survive another day. But the other side has the clothes, medical supplies, shelter materials, hunting materials. Supplies on both sides are running low – it’s “spring”, after all, and so the plants haven’t yet started to grow back fully, and the underground locations in the old city are running low on the stockpiled medical supplies. You’ll have to find a new cache soon.

But not all hope is lost…

A large sand worm – the first of the season! – has been spotted near the border between the two territories. It’s a good chance to get a leg-up on the other side: the meat can be used for food, its poison for weapons and antidotes, its skin for clothing or shelter, its teeth for tools. Of course, it is dangerous, so it’s important to be cautious. Especially if you run into the other side while hunting! Or maybe you’re sneaking across into enemy territory to steal supplies by force. It’s been known to happen. But you better make sure you don’t get caught or there could be real trouble.]


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[ooc: Our (belated) anniversary/CLAMP day event begins - CLAMP AU! Go here for information/plotting.

Happy CLAMP Day!]

[It's just a series of short videos that post intermittently throughout the day.

The first, the sakura trees in the park all starting to bloom, there's even a fuzzy out-of-focus shot of a close-up on some of the flowers before the camera adjusts and it comes into focus.

The second, the horses on the farm island, snorting softly as they walk along the fence. Porthos' hand reaches out to offer an apple and one of the horses butts into the other in an attempt to get there.

The third, Aramis napping. He's also maybe snoring.

The fourth, the way the sunlight's filtering in through the leaves of the trees on the forest path - in the distance, one of the forest huts, little birds on the roof tweeting.

The fifth and final video is just a recording of a pile of papers. Porthos' hand appears again, brushing aside a few on the top layer to get to one at the center. The camera moves in close, and up close, it's clear it's a note from Robin, addressed to Porthos. It's nothing too special - just a quick note asking if he'd meet her at the library.

Why is he recording and posting these videos? Not certain. Maybe ask him about it?]



[ooc: feel free to use this as a mingle post! Porthos has his own thread as linked above.]

[Today is the first day of spring. You might have noticed the lingering snow is gone and there are flowers blooming throughout Kiseki. However, beyond that, it’s actually a rather gloomy day. The Usyagi might occasionally be spotted today, leaving little messages of “out with the old, in with the new.” A common springtime motto, although perhaps it’s taking on a more unsettling tone today…

The shopping district still hasn’t opened up again and there are shops boarded up. But there are new shops joining it today. The flower shop, the potions shop, the sheriff’s office, the Charming’s house, and the school have all been closed and boarded up. This plus the message will soon make it clear – some familiar faces are gone for now.

To make matters worse, with the springtime blooming all around, there are the negative energy trees that might be spotted today. None are fully grown, but if you remember the last time these trees showed up, you might want to be on guard. There might be a few outbursts of monsters today, so best stay on your guard. Beyond that, negative energy trees – once you get too close – might cause some unexpected results.

Anyone venturing into the forests today might notice the dragons are particularly uneasy. What’s the matter with them? Hard to say. Too bad there’s no one around who can talk to them, huh? Just be mindful not to upset them or get underfoot.

So be on guard today – even though it’s a new season, you might want to make sure everyone you care about is safe – or still here. Feeling strange? Better destroy those trees, if you can focus on that.]


[ooc: if your character is interested in taking over one of the closed-up businesses/house, be sure to have your character claim it, otherwise they will be permanently closed and eventually disappear from Kiseki. ]

[It’s a beautiful winter’s night, clear and crisp, with the stars and moon out, even the occasional shooting star. What better time than tonight to have a winter celebration? Tonight is a Kiseki Snow Festival – as will be clear to see once the sun is set and the decorations show up, little glittering snowflakes attached to buildings or hanging from trees, snowmen holding signs, some snow shelters should you get too cold once it starts snowing.

Throughout the islands, there’ll be small lanterns floating in the air – delicate and cute, almost like little snowflakes themselves with candles flickering inside, and there’ll also be little snow huts along the paths to guide travelers along – take a nice night stroll through the snow.



There’ll be little festivities throughout the night – hot chocolate carts from the Usyagi, ice skating on the lake, little booths set up to play games for snow-themed prizes, and even fireworks at midnight. The world is inviting you to relax and to enjoy, and to stay warm during the winter months. Everyone is invited to attend and you might even feel that familiar compulsion to join in the fun, even if you’re someone who might sit it out.

So enjoy yourself! Take a nice walk with someone special, or try your hand at winning prizes, or serve up some hot chocolate to friends and family. The lights will guide you along all night, and the lanterns will start to float away before morning comes. ]

[Today for anyone who's walking around the shopping district, they'll see Yuuri pushing along a cart. There's a sign he's written on and attached to the cart, with just a simple message: Free Katsudon!]

[He's feeling utterly absurd, but is also rather determined - and he might even start steering the cart directly towards you if he spots you, which may or may not be alarming. At the end of the day, he's been here for over a month but hasn't really spoken to many people - mostly keeping to himself. Seems now he's trying to change that?]

[He'll be going around throughout the day, timid at first but more determined to approach people as the day goes on. It's important he shares this katsudon, after all! Which is when he gets an idea... He fumbles a little with his journal - he's had one for the time he's been here, obviously, but he hasn't actually paid that much attention to it. But if it's true that you can record messages through it, then... But sigh. He doesn't really do things like this. Does this count as some kind of strange magical social media?]

Um... [erm.] If you feel like katsudon, then maybe--

[No, that's not inviting at all. He'll never sell these if he talks like this! He looks visibly uncertain, staring down at his journal with a look of confusion and horror. But this is important. He can't back down now.]

For today only, you can try a Japanese pork cutlet bowl. [From a cart. Which is weird. But whatever.] It's delicious and filling and for a good cause. So please consider it. I highly recommend it.

Oh-- it's also free.

[There, that sounds okay, right? He frowns down at the camera, momentarily forgetting it's still turned on. He hopes this works. He looks oddly determined and insistent about this - which may or may not be worrying.]



[ooc: Context here - help Yuuri get Makkachin for Victor! Yuuri will be here so feel free to use this log for a mingle, if you'd like.]

[After a particularly cold day in Miracle Country the sun sets at least and it seems like the perfect day to just call it early and go into your warm, warm bed and hope that the next day isn’t as cold as this one was. But at always it seems the place has a different idea.

Just barely a couple of hours after the sun sets, the power goes out. Yet one quick look through the window makes it pretty obvious that there is some sort of light source out there. And it’s definitely worth a look.



Northern lights, brighter than what they usually would be, are lightening up the sky. It’s certainly a sight to behold and it makes stepping outside a bit easier. After all, being a little cold is worth it to see something like this. After all, they are only going to be there until dawn.

To help those brave enough to fight the cold just to watch the lights, there will be small carts moved by the Usyagi that carry all sort of warm beverages: hot chocolate, coffee, tea, anything you might desire they probably have it.]