Miracle Country RPG

[As many might be aware of, today is White Day. Just like every year Valentine's Day tends to be a big deal, White Day is often picked as a celebration of sorts (innacurate as that is). So it's not at all surprising to see some renewed decorations here and there, with themes of teddy bears, flowers, chocolates... all white, obviously. It might put one in the mood to set up a date with that important person, or maybe take advantage of the sudden abundance of sweets, or even pick some flowers for decorations (jams are forbidden for the rest of the year).

Perhaps one's also waiting for some silly thing to happen, such as mistletoe showing up to make things awkward again. Well, maybe it's that feeling of paranoia that seems to be working against you at first - maybe your nerves made you drop that coffee, perhaps being focused on what the Usyagi have up their... sleeves? is what makes you miss out on that important thing someone was telling you, making them upset you're so distracted. Could be that being so focused on what-ifs is what causes you to get distracted while preparing a special meal, ending with it burned...

But once your cute picnic gets suddenly rained on, or your friend chooses today to deliver some horrible news to you, or your favorite book gets lost, or your peaceful trip to the safe areas of the forests end with you running away from a monster, it might seem like today's simply not your day. Naturally, as bad luck will haunt the residents of the islands for a good while, so perhaps that paranoia wasn't all for nothing.]

[It's been a calm beginning of the new year, perhaps too calm, for those accustomed to the world's shenanigans. Today it might seem like Miracle Country's up to its usual ridiculousness, since the snow has piled up and up overnight and created many odd snow sculptures along the way.

Snow Mokona here and there, a snow nine-tailed fox, a snow winged lion, even a snow banana are a few of the odd shapes that can be found all over the place during the day. A few snow forts and an abundance of premade snowballs seem to call for a dumb fight on this weekend, and you might be tempted to go out and be silly for a while...



Until you notice the mistletoe, that is. Showing up fashionably late, our usual festive friends are to be found at all sorts of odd places throughout the islands, trapping people under them until they kiss, or hug, or punch each other, or maybe sing a song? These mistletoe seem to be particularly nitpicky and will come up with creative ways to challenge its prisoners.

Ah, well. At least you can always kick down one of the snow Usyagi after an unpleasant encounter, if you feel like it!]

🌸

[It's finally time to say goodbye to the year, an even more memorable occasion than usual when you're experiencing the clock ticking down to midnight while trapped in a strange world away from home.

Still, Miracle Country likes to celebrate, and so the occasion should be cheerful enough. While it's still rather cold and snowy overall, the day will be clear and tolerable enough. The pavillion by the park will have some heavy curtains set up to protect people from the chill, on top of its already set-out holiday decorations, with the obvious invitation to hang out and share a meal with others as the night falls... Although for once, the Usyagi won't provide the food. Instead, they sent out notes earlier to ask people to collaborate with that as they saw fit, with the addition that everyone should bring something - either food or drinks! Surely with certain skilled coughgodmodscough people around, there'll be enough for everyone involved.

Why bother hanging around if there's no free meals, though? Well, if the company isn't enough of a bonus for you, you might not want to miss out on the massive fireworks display by the time midnight strikes! Or you might be too bothered by the noise and lights, and might as well join in, sure.




On top of that, the Sakura tree by the middle of the park will start to glow, a little after midnight, and hand out not the usual quest options that you'd expect by the time the month changes, but instead special, bright pink cards that read:

One Wish

And, as they say, they're valid for exactly one new year's wish - you could request a photograph from home, for your beloved pet to join your side, a new gadget or toy, some candy for your jar if you're entirely running out, for your home to be magically cleaned up for you, for good luck the next time you go into the forests to explore and so meet less dangerous monsters, and so on. Each person gets a single card, so make sure your wish is a good one! You wouldn't get a special New Year's deal every day, afterall.]


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[[Backdated to the appropriate date, of course!]]

[It's a particularly warm, sunny day, everything about this weekend inviting you to go outside for a while. But before you may plan anything special, you see them. The buttons. Bright, colorful, like an inflated doorbell, placed on all sorts of ridiculous places - random walls, the side of a tree, inside your shops. Normally, you'd probably try to be cautious. But these seem to carry an irresistible charm, and before you know it, you're pressing them.

A loud chime sounds. And then your date begins.

Now accompanied by someone else who also pressed a button, you'll find yourself inside one of the boats by the river, ready for a romantic ride towards the sea. Or seating at the coziest spot in the Cherry Blossom Café. Or about to have a picnic by the beach. And so on.



But what if you don't want this obvious date with someone else? Well, the more you struggle, the more you'll be stuck there. If you two have a good time and share a happy moment, you'll be able to go your own way sooner. If you get too cranky, maybe you just need some motivation - like being unable to leave! Or a little magical intervention - maybe the lights dim for no reason. Maybe a romantic song starts to play, trying to inspire you to dance for a while. Perhaps mistletoe shows up above you? The Usyagi can be pretty creative, afterall.

But surely, one way or another, you'll be free, and hopefully you'll make it home before you run into any new buttons, trying to tempt you yet again.]


🌸

[While many major celebrations get ignored by Miracle Country, there's a few you can always count on. Valentine's Day, for example. And Halloween, of course! You could say what truly matters is candy. In any case, it's time for some Halloween style shenanigans.

Added to the recently carved pumpkins, more and more decorations start to show up throughout the days (you might've even seen a bunny here and there hanging little plastic bats around the place). The bazaar is now holding more themed items, like decorations for your own house, materials that could be used for costumes, some spookier movies and books, and of course, plenty of candy. You might be tempted to get swept up in the holiday spirit, but by the time the actual date arrives, you won't be able to pay for these the usual way. A new negative week has begun, and so for a while all the Usyagi will accept is the more rare, dark konpeito from your jars.



To help a little with this, there's a special holiday-themed quest! Play a prank of some sort on anyone else, and earn a few dark candy to use. And what better time for this than during the celebrations that night! Not quite such a formal scenario as the ballroom held the last time, it's more an assortment of little booths by the park, with all kinds of candy and drinks, even more items to dress up. No need to only be a jerk to others, you can show off your own costume, admire the carved pumpkins set out all over the place, or ignore the themed items and simply enjoy the abundance of candy. And even the Usyagi will join in!

You might get a visit from one of these little creepers, knocking at your door or seeking you out around the islands to try and get some candy as a gift. Should you not pay attention to them, or choose to deny them their request, well, expect a little "trick" in return. Just keep in mind that they're capable of doing much more than throwing eggs at your dome!]

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[[Obviously backdated to the fitting date! Take advantage of the Usyagi's candy-deprived revenge to do event replays!]]

[The return to 'normal' in the days following the fog is, as always when something happens, kind of jarring as expected. Just a fact that can't quite be helped. The weather today is crisp, a some of the usual chill in the air, but not unpleasant with the sun back out in an ironic contrast of atmosphere, a break in the steady shift into the much colder later weeks of Fall. What else is there to do but to settle into it?

At least that's the idea today -- with several pumpkins of varying shapes and sizes taking up a wide open area and a simple task at hand. Carving! Two nerds in particular in the middle of it all together, who may have gone a little overachieving on the number of pumpkins they ended up taking on from the Usyagi. Whatever, it’s for decorations, or so the quest note claims. Keith figures it's fine if others end up joining in anyway and doesn't seem too worried about it. Shiro doesn’t seem too worried, either… that is, when he’s paying attention to things around him and not the pumpkin he’s trying to carve.

There are some pumpkins pre-hollowed out already, for those who are squeamish about all the pulp. Lots of different types of pumpkins, there’s no way these two will get through them all, probably. So why not help out and also get some konpeito for your troubles?]

[ooc: Tiny pumpkin log! Backdated slightly to yesterday for Keith's birthday, see the comments for individual threads with them and open for all else :>]

[When the night sweeps in, it seems a simple enough evening. Another evening just like any other. The moon hangs heavy in the sky and there’s perhaps, if anything, an unnatural stillness in the air. Perhaps it’s easy to dismiss that as the eeriness that permeates this island, that unsettling whisper that always prickles at the back of the neck, that one little thread that keeps you from fully relaxing.

Still, it isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm when night falls. It isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm when the fog rolls in, banking down all around. But it stays. It lingers. It grows thick and oppressive, almost suffocating in its unrelenting presence. It seems to follow you. It seems to close in around you. There could be a person walking right beside you and you’d never know—

And perhaps that’s the thing that’s most unsettling. Out of the corner of your eye, occasionally, there is the flicker of movement. As if someone is walking beside you, chasing you, reaching for you, trying to speak and unable. That distinctive, unnerving feeling that you are not alone.



You see a face, turn and— nothing. A trick of your mind, lost out in the fog? Or something else?

But that’s what it is. Eventually, they materialize fully: ghosts. Incorporeal faces of those you once knew, long gone from you now. They almost seem exactly as you remember them, except that your hand passes right through when you reach out. They cannot speak to you, no matter how hard they might try. They shift and flicker and disappear with the fog, as if fully entwined with it, unable to break free.

You’re surrounded by them. The question remains: do they mean you harm or are they longing for you as you do for them?]


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[ooc: Ghosts of the past event begins; go here for details/questions.]

[The months pass, the seasons change, time goes on, and yet, here we are, baking too many cookies. Or pies. Or whatever you may think of! What's going on? A little friendly challenge of sorts.

To celebrate the arrival of fall, the Cherry Blossom café has been temporarily taken over by Miracle Country itself. Long tables outside, lots of extra ingredients, tools and aprons. What's the idea? To bake, of course. Aren't pies autumn-themed, afterall? It all adds up, of course. Or maybe the Usyagi are hungry? They're surely staring at the people as they work as though they are.

Who's working, you may ask? You'd think the answer would be "everyone", given how these things usually go. But no. There's a randomly selected designated chef for each house. They're in charge of doing all the actual work, though the others may help them as long as they don't do everything for them. Chefs need assistants, afterall. What's the incentive, then, if you're not the type to find the whole thing entertaining and want to join in just because? Everyone who produces decent enough food will be given special bazaar tickets - and it will look extra enticing today. Is that your favorite blend of coffee you see among the stands? A brand-new camera? The perfect warm sweater for the upcoming cold months? A Blu-Ray boxset of your favorite movie franchise? You might be reaching for your candy jars, but they won't be any good. So get to work at the café, and try to please the Usyagi enough to earn your tickets!

Alternatively, you could create a very wholesome game where you use Usyagi as targets for pies. But you really shouldn't waste food, you know?]


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[It’s been days since there’s been any sign of the creatures that attacked, days since the rain stopped. And you can tell that the water is receding. It drains away until it’s easy enough to come down from the trees. Once you leave the treehouses, they seem to be swallowed up into the forest, as if they were never there at all.

Night falls and it’s almost peaceful, almost a sigh of relief— the end is in sight, isn’t it?

The water drains away and you might even be able to return to your homes— although waterlogged and water-damaged. Once morning comes, it should be fine. You’ll be able to rest. You’ll be able to take care of those still recovering from the attacks.

Except, the sun doesn’t come back again.



At first, perhaps you can tell yourself it’s a long night only because you’re waiting for it to end. Perhaps you wake up in the morning and assume it’s still the middle of the night because of the darkness. But the hours tick away and still the sun does not rise. And slowly, all other sources of light go out. The fire you’ve built to keep warm still burns, but produces no light. Fire magic illuminates for a brief time until it, too, starts to fade. Any new sources of light you try to create, even large ones, glow very faintly, dimly. Like they're struggling to stay there at all. And there’s no moon in the sky. Slowly, even the stars blink away.

You are not completely without light, of course. Miracle Country doesn’t expect you all to stumble into the dark never to be found again.

The light is unpredictable but illuminates the spaces around it. They’re made up of phrases and words— across walls, on the tree trunks, across the ground, anywhere you look. They glow brighter than fire, shining for a while before slowly fading.

They’re confessions. Yours, perhaps, or someone near you. Or maybe not related to you at all—and opportunity for misunderstanding. But they seem to follow you, guide you, goad you or comfort you. Perhaps they’re words you’ve never said aloud before, words you wanted to tell someone, something you’ve been swallowing down and know you have to say it. Perhaps the magic here is trying to help you. Perhaps the magic here is trying to taunt you.

Regardless, the words can’t be made to disappear and they can’t be predicted. But they’re what keep you all from being plunged into the darkness.

Can you find your way home again? The endless darkness will remain for several days, so make the best of this— who knows what might be lurking in the dark?]


🌸


[Secrets in the Dark event starts; go here for a list of secrets (or make up your own as you go, of course) or for any questions/concerns.]

[You never knew the water could be so still.

It’s been days and while the water has stopped rising, it hasn’t gone away, either. Most days, it’s eerie in its stillness, almost looking calm— but there’s no denying the strength of the riptides beneath, the way one wrong move and you could be dragged out into the sea. The water is so clear, it looks both fathomless and shallow, looking at the world down below and maybe able to recognize what the island is supposed to look like.

Still, the treehouses have been holding up, the trees strong and sturdy. Since the storm has cleared, the weather has been clear. But it’s almost too calm, isn’t it? It’s been like this before— where everything seems peaceful, just before something bad happens.



The water is still full of those colorful fish, and have likely been your main source of food now that the supplies are threatening to run low. But something seems different today— the fish are scarcer, as if they’re hiding, as if they’re running away.

Soon, the reason is clear. From the depths of the still water, the monsters are rising. Looking almost shark-like, these creatures want only one thing: blood. And the little fish aren’t big enough to satisfy them. They attack without mercy, seem to seek you out, almost. In fact, if you sit too close to the edge of your treehouse, you’re in danger. They weren’t design to withstand attack, after all. These creatures range in size, but are frenzied, desperate for food— and there’s nothing more dangerous than a desperate monster.

Even if you manage to avoid their attacks, be careful of their bite. Powerful and deadly, these bites seep out venom, invite infection and illness, can leave you fevered or hallucinating. Ah, if only there was some medicine to help… maybe you can wait it out? Or maybe you’ll brave the waters to find something to help your suffering friends?

Regardless of your choice, be careful out there… the water can be dangerous, after all.]

🌸

[It seems that people are recovering from the last bout of magic. Did you collect some good konpeito for helping to comfort others? Some bad konpeito for giving into those feelings of guilt? Maybe you, perhaps rightly, were frustrated at this world for its continued tricks— maybe your thoughts were not so kind to this place, in the end.

But see, that’s not very nice. After all, this world’s magic is so concerned with maintaining balance and saving the multiverse! Shouldn’t you be a little more helpful?

Perhaps you’ve felt the building of… a feeling in the back of your mind ever since your hands cleared of blood. Perhaps there’s something nagging at the back of your mind. Or maybe you haven’t sensed anything at all, instead grateful for a few days of quiet.

But see, there are clouds gathering. The days are sunny and then there are a few days of clouds. Nothing too bad, but noteworthy considering how idyllic the weather can be. And then the clouds just keep building, swirling, growing darker.

When you wake up one morning, it’s storming outside. Perhaps the clap of thunder pulled you from sleep suddenly. Perhaps the sound of rain hitting against the window. The water running off the roof of your dome. Maybe you didn’t realize until you stepped outside that morning. Perhaps you’re happy for a welcome change in the hot weather.

But it’s storming and storming and storming. Those clouds are so dark. The rain is merciless, falling without abating, drenching anyone unfortunate enough to get caught in it. It’s the kind of storm that whips around the entire island, waves slamming hard onto the beach, the wind yanking anything not tied down up into the air, the trees bowing against the howling wind. Lightning might even hit some of the taller trees.

Hopefully you can get comfy— looks like you’re stuck indoors today! There are plenty of comfy blankets down in the common rooms, of course, although maybe today the tunnels feel a little damper than usual. And there’s always tucking in your house! Although, occasionally the wind blows hard enough to slam your doors and windows open, dragging an onslaught of rain inside.

Despite all the wind, the storm doesn’t pass. There seems to be no end to it. But, for all you know, it’s just a regular storm— one of those deep, intense summer storms that roll in sometimes. Surely that’s all it is.

And, surely, it can’t last for too long, right?]

🌸

[A few days ago, it was the international (multi-dimensional?) kissing day! Of course, knowing the nature of this world and how much Miracle Country enjoys these sorts of things, you might be expecting some sort of late celebration... Well, there isn't one. Miracle Country has let the date pass, forgotten, unexploited. A true tragedy for the ages.

But, fear not! To make up for this awful, awful loss at a chance to go around and kiss others, it's going to help everyone now. As you missed kissing day, for today everybody who's looking to make up for that will have a temporary magic aid. That's right, should you be left unsatisfied, or have been already, it'll show. To everyone. Isn't that great?

You'll find that your outfits display a nice little sign saying things such as There's someone I want to kiss or I really need a kiss and so on! The perfect first step to get everyone going!

What? It's terrible? Embarrassing? Juvenile?? Impossible, there has never been such a thing happening on this magical country. You must just be shy! Which is why it's so great you're getting this wonderful encouragement. Please, don't thank the Usyagi too much, they're only doing their best to make everyone enjoy their stay!]

🌸

[If you thought today was going to be a normal day after the last few days of fun, then clearly you don’t know this place at all, do you?

Which is to say, when you set out to walk around today, you’ll be bombarded with massive amounts of giant, giant food. There’s a pudding over there towering over your dome house. And over there, your usual pathway in the park is blocked by a stack of giant macaroons nearly as tall as the trees around. Heading to the beach? Well, you’ll need to find your way around the giant bowl of ice cream currently melting in the sun.

And it’s not just the giant food, either. There’re all sorts of regular food all around— marshmallow fluff, yogurt parfaits, popsicles, donuts.



Look out, though, because the Usyagi seem to be in the spirit and seem to want you to enjoy yourself— if you look away for too long, you might find yourself getting hit by that food. At least it’s sweet? Maybe you want to waste food with your friends, one way or another.

Do you want ants? Because this is how you get ants. But in the meantime, what better way to start summer than with a cream-filled cookie taller than you?]

🌸

[Has worked piled up recently? Are you someone with a busy schedule? Well, forget about that, because Miracle Country evidently doesn't care for the workaholic. Today it's the beginning of summer, which means it's time for a beach day!

You'll find yourselves at the aforementioned beach, should you not head over yourselves (why waste the chance, afterall?), with an appropriate outfit for the occasion... Or inappropriate, depending on your standards. The drinks stand is open and ready to take your money any orders, with its lounging area asking to be used during this sunny, clear day. There are inflatable toys to be found near the shore, should you feel like indulging in the water for a while.

More importantly, around the middle of the beach, there's a very large sand sculpture of an Usyagi, towering over a designated area where you can find buckets, shovels, and other things to build your own sandcastles! As the non-sand Usyagi will remind those who didn't check up on quests, anyone can join in and build their own. If you complete the task, you'll get a reward - and there'll be an extra prize if you manage to make a castle that's bigger and fancier than everybody else's.

Lucky for any grumps out there, this time nothing is forcing them to stay, or keep whatever clothes they end up with - unless you count the chances of earning bad konpeito for being a killjoy, that is. What? That absolutely counts as having a choice, doesn't it?]

[It takes a while, but slowly the jealousy outbursts people had over the last couple of days go away. Maybe it strained some relationships, maybe it strengthened them, but at least it’s evident that they have gone away now. Finally things feel normal. The days are getting warmer and warmer, there’s not a cloud in the sky, and it’s certainly the time of the year to spend some time outside.

Even if you’d rather spend the day inside being mortified by acts done under jealousy’s influence, it’s clear the world itself wants everyone to be outside today. And to encourage you to do so, there’ll be a lot of mysterious boxes everywhere today. They are hard to miss- you can probably see one out of your window when you wake up, or waiting for you on your doorstep.

What’s in these boxes, then? All sorts of things, mostly props. A copy of Excalibur, or of Sakura’s staff, or any kind of sword. Maybe a lightsaber or a weapon. All safe, of course, the world hasn’t gone mad enough for powerful weapons to be thrown around like nothing. They are just there to play around for the day. And aside from weapons, whoever opens a box might also find other things: a Mokona plushie, a dvd of that one movie they really missed from back home, a picture of their loved ones or their favorite book.

It’s time to open some boxes and have fun with what’s inside.]

[Today starts as a usual day, another sleepy almost-summer in Miracle Country. People are going about their business as usual. Enjoying a walk with a friend. Eating delicious food. Fulfilling some of the quests.

But then, perhaps, suddenly today feels different. Does it feel like your best friend is ignoring you? Or maybe you can't stand watching them talk to someone else? Are you suddenly convinced they're going to ditch you forever, and must clearly be showing this by deciding they won't stick by your side at all hours of the day, maybe even dared to act friendly to others?

Perhaps you're jealous other people are paying attention to them, rather than you. Or feel jealous about things others have, maybe driving you to more questionable methods of obtaining them for yourself. Perhaps you're feeling particularly possessive of your significant other, or upset thinking of all the times they obviously were flirting with that one person they usually interact with.

Maybe you're already usually a jealous person, and then you'll either notice nothing different, or become fully melodramatic and ridiculous at the smallest things. ... Or you're the poor bastard who isn't affected by any of this, and is tired of people making a scene. Well, before you start considering giving out sleeping pills or shaking your partner for a while out of sheer frustration, keep in mind that while the unjustified jealousy can easily come up for a couple of days ahead, it should wear off after a short while. It'll simply be a matter of putting up with it, and... maybe hope no one challenges anyone else to a duel, or take other extreme measures, until a few hours have passed.

After all, it’s such a beautiful day— it’d be a shame if it was ruined by someone’s sour mood!]

🌸

[Certainly it’s been a few weeks of bad luck, hasn’t it? First, all that rain, then all that sickness… wow, you must need a break, right?

Luckily for you, it seems Miracle Country wants to make amends for the harsh month. Really, the usyagi just want you to relax!

There’s a new path in the forest today. If you follow it, you’ll find yourself coming upon some natural hot springs— deep, calming pools spread out throughout the forest, tucked between pockets of trees and bamboo, some wildflowers and floating cherry blossoms. With little wisps of steam rising up over the tree line, comfortable rocks to lounge on, and more than enough space for everyone, it’s an open invitation for some relaxation. Overall, it looks inviting and soothing, and don’t you just want to relax, if only for a moment?

The Usyagi are looking out for you, too, as you’ll find some towels and robes, and some naturally growing bamboo for privacy when changing, or if you just want to be alone.

So lean back, relax, and let your thoughts drift in the calming, mineral-rich water. Let the tension soak out of your shoulders. Prop your feet up. Just forget for a moment.]