May Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: July 15
Where: Bishamon's temple, the Far Shore
Summary: Training and informational sessions for newly arrived gods (although there's none this time) and shinki



The product of many meetings and recommendations, at last it has taken shape. On this day, in anticipation of the new arrivals who appear in a recognized pattern, Heaven has partnered with the new gods and shinki to organize a very helpful informational reception.

The shinki arriving at heaven's meeting hall are, should they allow it, guided kindly towards Bishamon's temple. And in that vast complex they are brought to a traditional-style dojo.
Here the newly arrived gods are gathered, so finding their partner is more simple. The gods and shinki are free to take their time during this day to learn about the aspects of their new life from Amaterasu's shinki, or from the many veteran new god and shinki volunteers.




God Training

Bishamon herself, as well as Amaterasu's ever-present shinki and any volunteering gods, will be the foremost source of information regarding being a god and what is expected of them, such as prayers. It is encouraged that gods group up together to practice what they've learned and discuss their ideologies.
Newly arrived gods are still expected to communicate to their shinki the information* they themselves get oriented with when they arrive.

Shinki Training

Various volunteers are stationed around the building, passing out helpful informational pamphlets. There are many shinki, including Bishamon's and Amaterasu's, who will be more than happy to train in using the borderline and some of the basics of what is expected of a shinki. It is encouraged that shinki group up together to practice what they've learned and discuss their ideologies.
Bishamon's lead shinki Kazuma offers a lecture to new arrivals that will thoroughly cover some essential points about teamwork with both shinki and other gods.

Physical Training

The dojo is stocked with a wide variety of practice weapons, traditional and modern. There are volunteers here as well, willing to assist in basic training. (Or even more advanced sparring, depending on the volunteer.) Essential for gods who, for example, find themselves with a sword shinki but are at risk of cutting off their own toes.
Also useful for veteran new gods wishing to train with their current partner shinki.

Rest and Refreshments

There is a garden off the dojo that is free to be used for rest and conversation.
Should anyone wander outside the designated area, some shinki of Bishamon's will attach themselves to them and not leave them be until they return to the dojo.

There is a refreshments table provided. It is covered with light snacks and various kinds of hydrating drinks. There is a little sitting area set up for people to relax in after they have finished their training or if they're just taking a quick break to cool down. Even hand towels are provided by Bishamon's helpful shinki. The Heavens wants everyone to stay in good condition!

In Summary:

• Get all the information you can handle
• Veteran new gods and shinki are welcome to volunteer showing the ropes
• Get in some training
• Don't get dehydrated
• Spectate if you want
• Have fun~

Comments

[mostsuitable]

...Indeed.

[Perhaps it'd take much time and dedication for an ordinary person, but it didn't really feel that way to Munakata. He just moved, just acted upon what came to him naturally, and everything came to him so effortlessly.

Briefly, he makes the slightest frown at his dark thoughts before pushing them aside and schooling his expression.]

I apologize for inviting you over and not introducing myself. Munakata Reisi.

[kagenonadeshiko]

Oh, it's fine! Don't worry about it. I was just a little surprised.

[Maybe she's not used to socializing with others? Well, that's something that'll have to change. She needs to make new memories to replace the ones she's lost.]

I'm Yamazaki Ayumu, by the way.

[mostsuitable]

[Smiling graciously,] It's a pleasure.

I imagine this could take adjusting for some.

[Though all things considered, Reisi's coping rather well, as he tends to in most circumstances. But especially now that he's forgotten his past life.]

How are you faring, by the way?

[kagenonadeshiko]

All right, I suppose. As well as I can.

[Ayumu had gotten really confused in the garden a couple of times, finding herself compelled to escape for reasons she couldn't quite understand. But a couple of kind souls had helped her calm down and orient herself again. It's a little embarrassing to think about now and it doesn't feel like the sort of thing someone brings up in casual small talk.]

I'm just waiting to meet my god now.

[Certainly, they'll know what she's supposed to do here. Ayumu thinks that's how it's supposed to work - get assigned to someone and they give her orders to carry out. It's a simple way of looking at all of this but it soothes her to focus on it that way.]

What about you? Have you met yours yet?

[mostsuitable]

I have. He sought me out quite quickly.

[Which made things a lot easier for Reisi. Not knowing what he was like doesn't dispel the need for a purpose, and it appears the purpose of gods and shinki is to help and take care of people, or society. But Reisi has standards on how to do it properly or the 'right' way. Turns out his ideals seem to line up with his god's.

He takes a careful sip of his tea, savoring it with a single, firm nod. His tone is polite, assuring, and confident when he speaks.]

It appears we share similar goals and will work well together. I hope you'll share the same experience meeting your own.

[kagenonadeshiko]

I hope so, too. It'd be nice if we shared common ground.

[But not necessary. Ayumu's dutybound to serve whomever she's assigned to. In life, she'd had a strong work ethic and in death, it remains. As far as she's concerned, not carrying out tasks her god asks of her simply isn't an option. Then again, it's easy for her considering she has few ideals of her own, especially now her memories are gone. But loyalty, dedication, and honor - those she values dearly.]

I imagine it'd be difficult for a shinki to be paired with someone opposed to their beliefs.

[mostsuitable]

I agree. It appears there should at least be a balance between a god and their shinki's beliefs.

[Reisi has considered this since reading the informational brochures, especially because of his inexplicable sense of righteousness and superiority. He doesn't know why he feels so strongly about these things, only that he doesn't want an incompatible god getting in his way. Moreover, he doesn't like the idea of having to serve a god who he deems unfit or unworthy of his services, or even unworthy of being a god for that matter.]

That way, one might avoid negativity and blight as they've been mentioned.

[kagenonadeshiko]

It's the most practical way of going about it, really. I don't think gods would get very far without cooperative shinki.

[They're supposed to be their arms, aren't they? It'd be hard to succeed in battle without a functioning weapon. In a way, it's important for shinki to look after themselves, too. It wouldn't do for them to break at a crucial moment.]

But I'm not sure I understand how negativity and blight work exactly.

[She laughs a little.]

Those papers have so much information to take in on top of everything else. It's all a little overwhelming for the first day.

[It's not meant to be a complaint. She truly is grateful to have it.]

[mostsuitable]

[It's true that the pamphlet doesn't go into exact details regarding how negativity and blight work, but Reisi is particularly concerned about the part regarding a guilty conscience. The best way to avoid that is to avoid contention with his god as much as possible. And the only way to do that is if their ideals align in the first place. Although he is aware that others may have different priorities and operate differently even if he thinks his methods are best.

He also lets out a small, light chuckle.]

You aren't wrong. This hardly seems a typical situation to find oneself in, but it doesn't seem all that bad.

[His expression shifts into excitement and amusement.]

Wouldn't you agree?

[kagenonadeshiko]

It's hard to say for sure without knowing who my god is. Depending on who they are, this could be an unpleasant situation.

[But not an impossible one. There are no impossible situations, only changing objectives.]

I suppose it's preferable to no second chance at all.

[She laughs a bit.]

[mostsuitable]

[Reisi doesn't believe that things will just work out, so he can't bring himself to say something like that to her.

He lets the amusement in his expression fade into something more neutral yet pleased.]

I agree. Let's make the best of it then, shall we?

[After pausing to sip his tea, he continues.]

The pamphlet also suggests there are certain things that may be unfamiliar to new arrivals. Is there anything that stands out to you as such?

[kagenonadeshiko]

Oh, most of the stuff about technology went over my head. I don't think I know what a Google is.

[Or computers. Or phones. Honestly, her eyes had started to glaze over well before that part and she's just been skimming that part. She's good at retaining information though, she thinks. Ayumu remembers just about everything she read, it's just the concepts...]

Or an 'internet'. None of that sounds familiar at all.

[mostsuitable]

[He blinks at her almost impassively. Almost.]

Ah. I have a grasp of the situation.

[Does that mean Yamazaki comes from a time period that's earlier than the advent of such technology? That gods and shinki can come from different places and times is an interesting prospect. No wonder they have explanations on technology in the pamphlet.]

That information, aside from everything about being here and what we'll be doing, must also be rather overwhelming.

[kagenonadeshiko]

It is.

[She gives a rueful little smile, thankful to speak to someone who understands that.]

It's a bit too much for me to handle all in one day. But I've tried to learn some things about what I'm supposed to do while I'm here. It might take a while for the dust to settle.

[Even without her memories, she feels exhausted, as if she'd just gone through some kind of long, painful ordeal. The memory themselves may be sealed but the damage done by them remains.]

That's why I'm not fighting today. It's a bit too much! And well, I'm afraid I might hurt someone if I tried it right now. It's just a feeling.

[And from her instant response to what she'd perceived as an attack earlier and the weapons advice she'd been giving that young girl earlier, she thinks it's safe to say she knows her way around a fight.]

[mostsuitable]

A reasonable concern.

[In fact, Reisi finds great appreciation in that sort of rationality and self-restraint.]

Perhaps after you've settled in more, I should invite you a sparring session.

[Not because he thinks they're equal, mind you, but because he's curious as to her potential capabilities.]

[kagenonadeshiko]

[Ayumu smiles, visibly relieved to have someone who understands. She's been fairly lucky with the other shinki she's met so far.]

I'd like that, Munakata-san. It's important to be in top condition for the safety of others.

[A good protector should be mindful of the safety of others, she thinks. And regardless of who her god turns out to be, Ayumu's determined to be the best shinki she can be.]

I'd appreciate the opportunity to find out exactly what I can do. Thank you.