+++ 奇跡国 - Miracle Country +++

[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?]

[It’s another beautiful winter day in Miracle Country, and starts out a normal enough new day in the new year… it’s snowy and crisp. Great for snuggling up and keeping cozy, or walking around outside and enjoying the scenery.

Of course, it’ll be easy enough to tell that something is going on. Maybe you won’t notice it right away. But as soon as you see a friend or a loved one – reach out to hug them or to kiss them, to greet them in some kind of way, as simple as a brush of your hand – you’re stopped. There’s a literal physical barrier between you and everyone else. Maybe you think it’s a magical force, but if you look closely, it’ll be clear to see it’s a little pane of glass between you and the other person.



And no matter how hard you try, it won’t break.

Well, that’s a little upsetting, isn’t it? Maybe your strong magic can do something, or your physical strength as a warrior. But no, no matter what you do – it just won’t break. So you’ll have to wait for the magic to pass. Hopefully that isn’t too difficult for you. It shouldn’t be too bad – so long as you don’t get hurt for some reason, or you suddenly feel sick. It might not be a bad thing that happens, either – maybe you just can’t resist holding someone’s hand or you just need some warmth to get through the afternoon. As you know all sorts of strange things can happen at any time… ]

[With his last planned event not going as well as expected, and the time of the year asking for a celebration of some sort, Lucifer's set out to hold a successful party this time. Changing his approach entirely, he's booked the ballroom by the garden islands for the night, rather than use the bar.

Knowing him, you might expect something scandalous and inappropriate; instead, it only looks expensive. The place is fully decorated in reds, with small round tables full of food and drinks, and the usual space to dance. It doesn't even look too different from parties that were held there before... save maybe for the presence of Lucifer himself, on one end of the room by the piano he had brought over from the bar. Even the fact that glasses, plates, and other things have a wing motif isn't too out of place there.

He'll have sent out invitations conveniently forgetting to mention who was organizing the whole thing, and noting it's a formal party so people need to wear their best clothes. Certain people might even find that bit's been underlined several times. But of course, if anyone failed to comply with that part, Miracle Country can always help with it, and give them a proper outfit once they're there.

By the late evening, there'll also be a note in the journals, reminding people to not miss the event... And then another one. And another one. Remember how journals don't like it when people don't pay attention to them? Or try to hide them? Enjoy the flashing book following you around, then. It might be easier to simply give in and go, even if it's for a short while...]

[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.]

[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.]

[Most people around are likely familiar with the cute flower shop in the main island - it's been around for so long, even to those who aren't customers of it, it should be a place they've seen in passing. Now, it's looking rather different, as there's a whole new building next to it!

An old-fashioned sort of place, this funny-smelling store is full of all sorts of strange bottles, varying in sizes, colors and contents. Some are labeled as remedies, some appear to simply be ingredients for other things. There are some more familiar items - things like containers with various sorts of teas, spices, and so on... The common theme is clear once you browse a little: all these items are made out of some sort of herb or plant, and of course, many are made with flowers and the kind of thing the flower shop itself sells.

If you decide to come over and investigate, you'll find the place's new owner, busy checking everything, and... perhaps looking as confused as anyone else might be. Surely he'll manage.]

[[Merlin can be found here, otherwise use the post as you'd like! Feel free to say a bottle's contents had a certain effect, or burned your character's hand, or whatever else.]]

[It's a certain someone's birthday - not that he's told anybody - but instead of celebrating it, he's decided there's an opportunity to celebrate everyone! Once the rain has let up, at least a little, there's a giant message-board near the new houses. It seems to have everyone's names on it, and above is written -

HAVE A VERY MERRY UNBIRTHDAY, EVERYONE!

"What's an Unbirthday? Why, that's a day that's not your birthday! You deserve a chance to celebrate yourself, because you're amazing! And if you think someone else is amazing, be sure to let them know!"

With all the pens and markets waiting at the bottom, it seems to indicate that you're encouraged to write compliments under people's names. Try to be anonymous? Get caught in the act? Only compliment yourself? Give it a try!]

[Ah, such a lovely day to... stay indoors, most likely. Since early in the morning, it's been raining non-stop, washing away any rests of paint left over from before. Any customization to the houses and other important places seems to be fine, though.



Maybe it's a chance to really get some use out of the new houses. Or to roam the underground tunnels - the cafeteria will have plenty of hot chocolate to combat the bad weather. Maybe you're one of the poor people caught outside while the rain gets heavier and the winds chillier... Well, there isn't a new pavillion out there for nothing.

Or did you choose to be out there? Maybe you don't mind the rain, however cold it might be. Maybe you're checking on the new stables, or your own shop, or don't trust Miracle Country not to start out a new monster attack while everyone is indoors trying to get cozy. No one said those new trees would be out of order in case of rain, afterall.]

[Halloween dawns a bright and sunny day – crisp and cool, but pleasant. There are appropriate decorations everywhere you look today – jack-o-lanterns, cartoony ghost decorations hanging from trees, candy apples & candy corn, and all that cheery Halloween décor.

The most notable decoration for the day is that you are being haunted… but don’t worry! You have a new friend who’s following after you! These little spirits take the form of an animal that fits your personality – anywhere from a mighty tiger to a little vole – and they aren’t going away any time soon. They’ll interact with you but are impossible to banish. In fact, trying to run away from them just makes them all the more eager to stay close!



If you’re paying attention, however, you’ll know that maybe not everything is well. The trees that have been growing around Kiseki ever since the flood receded are beginning to bloom, slowly, those strange lantern-like plants glowing as the day progresses. Don’t pass too close. Remember – it feeds off negative energy, and it won’t make you feel great.

You know what you’re meant to do in these situations. You’ve been warned of this. You better start that hunt. And don’t worry – your new friends are here to help! If you head into the forest to fight or meet a loose creature elsewhere, your little spirit guide will transform accordingly – to a weapon, to a shield, or perhaps fluctuating between the two. You have options, of course - you can go looking for the monsters, hang back and risk being surprised, or just sit back and let others take care of the mess. Maybe you just want to hang out with your new friend, after all.

The spirits will linger until they are no longer needed. Once they deem that all is safe and that you are alright on your own, they will start to fade until they disappear completely.]

[Throughout the day, Lucifer will have made sure to tell everyone (minus kids, but then why would he talk to kids, right?) about an event happening the same night, asking everyone to come over to the bar. If you're more the type to be uninterested in that sort of thing, or even just reluctant... Well, he's very obnoxious persuasive, nevermind stubborn. He'll have insisted plenty.

By nighttime, the bar will indeed be open as usual, except it's now looking a little different. Not only has he made an effort to make the place's lighting more dim and perhaps (hopefully?) more inviting to things other than simply chatting with others while you're there, along several of its walls one can now see big screens displaying several videos of dancing women (and men) in various states of undress. Some of their outfits are rather fitting for the world, while others might look a little too specific. Others might be questionable all around.

Should you want to greet him, laugh, or punch him in the face, Lucifer himself can be found alternatively at the bar itself, serving drinks now and then, or, more likely, by the piano where he'll be playing a few pieces throughout the night.]

[[... Don't open the links at work. Feel free to make your own threads in the post!]]