+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[Miracle Country is looking a little different these days. Shops are becoming more and more difficult to find open, a few of the bridges connecting other islands seem a little unstable, and several buildings (even some of the unused housing domes) look like they're a lot older all of a sudden, with the paint coming off their walls, the usual lighting not working at times, and so on.

But there's not (much) need to worry, the usual magic holding the place together seems to be working fine. Or so it will seem, especially as today a festival takes place to celebrate the night of Tanabata. Small booths with typical festival food and games will show up along the river's banks during the evening, lanterns hanging from the trees and around the park's pavillion lighting the whole place up. The trees will also hold paper strips to write wishes on, as is traditional.



To encourage people going out and enjoying the festivities, everyone will get traditional yukatas or kimonos for the night. Although the extra bright stars that'll become more and more noticeable during the night will probably be enough to get people outside for a while.

One might even expect fireworks at some point, or maybe some sort of strange magical influence (those lanterns must look suspicious enough by now, right?), but the night will be calm and nice, perfect for a stroll, to relax, write your own wishes, spend some quality time with your friends or loved ones. ... Although perhaps it's too calm. Even the by-now-usual trees seem to be under control, their energy barely influencing the surroundings.

Is the world holding back, all of a sudden? Perhaps. But surely with the nice atmosphere, nice food and clothes to enjoy, it isn't worth worrying about it, right?]

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[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.]]

[Another bright day in Miracle Country, where everything is calm and quiet and... colorful? Not just pink this time, either. It'll be hard not to notice that something's different, even from simply looking outside each house's windows.

Outside, it's a jungle. A plastic one! Slides, rainbow-colored net bridges or tunnels connecting different buildings, or treetops, or the many maze-like structures that have been magically put up during the night. And all around, ball pits, massive ones full of little colorful plastic balls to swim in, or struggle to get out of. It seems simple enough, right? Climb through the ladders and bridges, slide down the slides, and reach your usual destination... Well, some of the bridges may vanish now and then, leaving you to fall to your colorful, plastic-y doom. There are false steps on some of the ladders that'll cause the same results. Sometimes you'll find yourself taking a wrong step and falling down a slide that you could swear wasn't even there before. Even the usual comfort of the underground seems at risk, given that it's possible to take a wrong step or turn there and find yourself going down a slide... that might lead to another end of the islands entirely.



Basically, you're very likely to get lost, confused, and frustrated... Or have a ton of fun jumping from here to there in this magical game, especially once you notice not all the plastic balls are the same! Some are squishy like stress balls, some might be large bubblegum, others might have effects like tickling the people touching them, and so on. Now, for those who aren't so keen on it, don't despair - some of the ballpits are set with things like picnic baskets, or even pillows - maybe just grab a snack, or rest from a tiresome day of playing around. Some of the bridges and tunnels going across the trees of the various islands lead to little treehouses where you can catch a break, as well. And should you be stuck out there even through the night, you'll notice that the different plastic balls start to glow, helping with visibility.

So perhaps it's better to have a more positive outlook at the situation, and simply have fun with others... Or pray that your tunnel doesn't lead straight into the forests while help is difficult to come by. Well, you do all have a handy way to communicate at least, right?]

[In events that have nothing to do (directly or indirectly) with recent ice-and-snow themed arrivals, it's now been snowing heavily all night. As the recent chilly days signaled, winter is almost here, and just like that, the residents will wake up to a white scenery, the new dome houses now resembling igloos more than anything else (or snowballs? ice cones? don't let anything stop the truly important debates going on). The lake has frozen over as usual, and snow covers the ground everywhere...



The most noticeable thing, for now, is the large snow sculptures that are decorating the place. Large snowmen, of course, but also things like snow Mokona in various sizes, what will likely resemble a snake to most people around, snowy winged eggs, and other cute creatures.

Most of these snow creations are absolutely harmless, by the way, and at most will provide inspiration to create one of your own, or look nice while you walk around... But some might move to toss a pile of snow at people who pass by. Some can move around and make the layout confusing. Some might decide the best place for resting is right at the entrance of your home. Some might look cute, and be hiding a certain type of tree under it... Be careful not to get caught up in their energy.

Even with a few possible incidents happening, it's still a perfect occasion to enjoy the snow, play some games, maybe get some hot chocolate, or be reminded to stock up on warm clothes for the months ahead... Surely a different kind of Snow will help you on that one. If you're more the type to grump about the cold and stay inside, the underground cafeteria will be stocked up with plenty of hearthy meals, and the common rooms are always there to be abused, now with extra blankets in case they're needed.]

[Anyone who knows Arthur knows that he tends to get a little... upset at this time of year. Withdrawn, sad, the usual. Well, that's because it's his birthday - a date he'd rather forget about, in the end. Which is why he's rather determined to treat it like it's Just Another Day. Maybe if he ignores it, nobody will bring it up.

Which is why he's working at the flower shop like usual. You're free to visit him there, if you'd like. He'll either be working at the front or fussing over Guinevere's gillyflower (which are, thanks to Sakura's help, growing back just fine).



However, it seems that someone wants Arthur - and everyone else - to celebrate a little. In fact, it might be something your character recognizes when they find it raining flowers.

Depending on the color that falls into your hair, you'll influenced by the color. It's subtle and the effects are light, but undoubtedly there. The effect is very light, so it shouldn’t make your characters behave too much out of the ordinary – just influences general mood. It will last only for a short time before the flower will fall from their hair to the ground, perfectly harmless.

Red will make your character feel flirty & romantic.
Pink will make your character feel timid & shy.
Purple will make your character feel cranky & irritable.
Yellow will make your character feel silly & playful.
Blue will make your character feel gloomy & sad.
White will make your character feel relaxed & dreamy.

Are these some sort of flower-special from the Flower Shop? Is Merlin screwing around with magic again? Or is it just one of those random occurrences on someone's birthday? Hard to say. But the flowers will appear all day around the main island, especially close to the flower shop.]

[General mingle for Arthur's birthday. Arthur's thread is here but otherwise feel free to use this post as you'd like.]

[Things have been pretty calm recently, with time to relax at new places and everything... Which means that when you get ready to sleep tonight, and find yourselves completely unable to, it might feel strange to many who don't currently feel stressed out or worried about anything in particular. As the minutes turn into hours, it's clear any attempts to relax and get some sleep are pointless - no warm beverages or sheep counting will do the trick.



So perhaps you'll opt for embracing the sleeplessness and staying up in your rooms, alone or with whomever shares it. Perhaps you feel like heading down to the common rooms under the hotels and watch a movie, or hang out with others who might've had the same idea. Perhaps you feel like going outside for a walk - it's a good night to do that, with a bright full moon to light your way.

In any case, the following day will be declared a holiday, to account for those who might be exhausted after staying up all night. Never say Miracle Country isn't fair.]

[With people's memories (hopefully) back to normal, it's time for something different. This time, it's no blood ritual nor messing up with your heads that Kiseki has planned for everyone, no. Instead, it's something more relaxing this time. Fluffy, you could call it...



Everyone will be temporarily getting kigurumi, or animal-themed onesies for the non-weeaboo. That's right, you can fulfill your life-long dream of running around dressed as a kitty, or a mouse, or whatever else. Embrace Miracle Country and be an Usyagi, even!

What is the idea behind these cuddly shenanigans? Well, nothing too terrible. Hopefully you'll have fun with it. Or you'll loathe it and end up hiding in your room for the rest of the day. Perhaps you'll simply continue your usual routine while ignoring the change. Of course, should you want to get rid of them, you'll be able to, but any normal clothes will be temporarily gone from the world. But no worries! It'll all be replaced by... other kigurumis. You really can choose to be an Usyagi, if you'd like. You're welcome.]

[Pink and fluff everywhere, that's the sight that might greet you today, as you find yourself in one of the many kiddy pool-like pits around Kiseki. Well, not just pink, but we like to shove pink at your faces. Yes, it could be full of marshmallows. But perhaps the little pool you're in has plastic balls in it, like the ballpit at the playground. Maybe it's full of mud. Or flowers. Or cupcakes. Or cottonballs. Or jell-o. Some actually have water in them!

But worry not! (You weren't worried? Even better) You're not alone in them. You'll end up with someone else, it's the whole point of them. You and your companion might notice, all the little pools have a sign saying:

"Find common ground."

What does that mean? Precisely that! You won't be able to leave the pool until you find something in common with the person you're sharing it with. Then, the contents will disappear, and once it's all gone, you'll be able to leave. Maybe you'll need to find more than one thing in common, if you're very similar people. These pools can be picky. And tricky, given that even if you've managed to get free, you might find yourself in yet another of those, with someone else...

In case you're growing bored in them, the content of the pool will change randomly every now and then - so maybe you're perfectly comfortable in a sea of nice cushions, only to then find yourself sitting in fresh paint. At least, Miracle Country will make sure to clean you up once you're out of it, or when the content of the pools changes... sometimes, that is. Enjoy!]

[Now that everyone got to enjoy looking pretty and fancy for a while, it's time for some silliness - not in the form of failed attempts at baking or terrible craft-making.

This time, people will get... sweaters. Yes, as simple as that. Fluffy, warm, cute, and they're even useful, given the time of the year, so what's the catch? Well, for people who qualify for it, the sweaters will magically display a knitted pattern with nicknames the character has. Do they go by many different names? Perhaps a title? The pattern will change accordingly! Do they have no nicknames at all? Too bad, no cute sweaters for you. Perhaps it's time you try and find one.

Is your nickname embarrassing and you'd rather not have it displayed in front of everyone? Oh, but of course, you can't take the sweaters off. That is to say, you can, but it'll reappear where it was. You'll have to endure it for a while - they'll be fully removable by the time the day ends.]

[Had fun being petty and insecure? Judging your loved ones' actions and confronting them over ridiculous claims? Making a fool of-- well, granted, perhaps it wasn't all that fun. Maybe it's time to be treated nicely, for once! What better way to do this than indulging everyone in a little comfort (since releasing the captives in this world or not disturbing their lives once in a while isn't an option, no, don't be silly)?

Whether you were a victim of the last little mishap or not, today you'll find things could be quite enjoyable. You'll find your beds extra comfy (is that a new comforter? Extra pillows? Nicer bed-sheets?), and realize a table with a nice, big breakfast is all set up and waiting for you. Are you not the type to enjoy indulging in meals? Maybe you'll find a big book that could interest you, instead. Or wake up to the sound of purring, and find a new pet (or visitor) there to spend the morning with you. Or a relaxing bubble bath will be waiting, all set for you. You could go down to the common rooms to find just that one movie you've always loved waiting there to be watched, and the usual seats ready with blankets to curl up in, and plenty of snacks to share with others. You could find that the cafeteria's stocked up on several of your favorite meals.

If you're more the type to enjoy the outdoors, the weather will be nice and comfortable despite the time of the year, and the paths you go through every day will seem prettier than usual, perfect to enjoy a walk with someone else, or at least enjoy your usual routines in a more cheerful way. You could get lucky - find an item you wanted to buy, find the peace of mind to finish that paperwork that's been nagging you in time. No tricks or catches this time, it's just a day to enjoy yourselves and relax.

... Not that you can't be a little paranoid, once you notice things are going so well. Afterall, who can trust this world at this point?]