July Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: August 5
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

[changeanddie]

Physical training

[Here's a thin preteen attempting to practice... well, something similar to fencing. That in his hand is certainly a rapier, and he's certainly stabbing a dummy with its point. Still, he's awkward, an it's obvious from his lack of form that Loki isn't the kind who would know how to do anything with a sword. Which, of course, is the only reason he would go through this.

So there he is, stabbity stab. Sometimes his arms get tired, and instead he tries to hit the dummy with it as if it was a more traditional, solid blade or perhaps a hammer. Whackity whack.]

This is not going as splendorous as I expected. Video tutorials make it look easier.

[He sits on the floor and takes out his phone, to watch footage of what he thinks are real fencing masters: that one duel in The Princess Bride, and a demon-like man covered in blue fur that seems to poof out of existence every now and then.

Help him? Sit down to watch cat videos after he gets bored of studying moves?]

Rest and refreshment

[Loki is at the drinks table, holding a green-colored GaTORIIate bottle with one hand and a cellphone with the other. He smiles wide and takes a picture of himself. It's not a training day without a pointless selfie.

Later he sits on a chair to chug his energetic beverage. Ugh! Matcha is a strange flavor for this kind of product, but that's Japan's charm. He surveys the area, evaluating anyone else around. If you lock eyes with him, he will grin and wave at you.

How about talking to this boy? He sure seems eager to socialize.]

Wildcard

[Feel free to hit Loki with other prompts!]

physical training

[redotiertwo]

[While Davesprite is using a katana and not a rapier, he's a hell of a lot more familiar with it than this kid is with his sword. Nonetheless, he's pretty easily distracted once he sees what Loki's idea of a video tutorial for this is, and sheathes his sword back into his stomach before leaning over the kid's shoulder to watch the Princess Bride duel. His neon orangeness, wingedness and featheriness may or may not be distracting, and his ghostlike tail wisps thoughtfully behind him.]

Don't know if it's that good of a sword tutorial, but damn if it isn't a classic piece of cinematic fucking mastery.

[Despite the reverence of the words, his tone is completely deadpan.]

[changeanddie]

[In all honesty, Loki has seen weirder beings. Some just as flashy-colored since he does come from a superhero comic book canon. Who is he to judge? So he just nods.]

'Tis a terrible sword tutorial, I am certain. This is all theatrical and none of the actors seem like they could be warriors IRL. It works better as motivation than actual move advice. Quip goals.

I almost didn't watch this movie because it's so old, though. I did it to understand a reference in a meme and I'm glad I did.

[redotiertwo]

Yeah, basically the problem with trying to get sword tips from any movie, but quip goals is an entirely valid reason to watch it anyway. Also any reason, because it's a damn fine piece of film.

[At the mention of almost not watching it because it was too old, though, Davesprite has to turn his head towards Loki with an air of deliberate and weighty disbelief.] Dude, please tell me you learnt the fuck out of your lesson from that, because there are some true gems hidden amongst the rough stone ages of twenty or so years ago. I'm talking legit masterpieces as well as masterpieces of shit writing so exquisite they cannot be described any other way.

[changeanddie]

Are there really? I am willing to give more iconic movies from the 80's and 90's a chance after the fun I had with this one, but I was under the impression that watching old media was particularly uncool. Most old popular things get remakes or sequels nowadays anyway. Is it truly better to forsake the new version and favor the classic?

I accept recommendations, in any case. Because if knowing old references is in fact cool, I should be more aware of them. I was surprised about the amount of famous quotes in The Princess Bride. It was like reverse engineering for memes.

[redotiertwo]

Nah, it's only old media that nobody remembers that's uncool if you watch it. If it's so spectacularly good or bad that everyone knows it, it's totally cool to watch. And like you just said, a shitload of them are like, the base foundation for modern meme-ology.

[Because that is definitely a word and not a thing he just decided to say right now because it was relevant to the subject.]

Also, most remakes are a kind of shitty effort at trying to recapture the magic of the original movie, so you at least owe it to yourself to watch both the original and the remake and decide which you like better. Unless the original is clearly superior like Robocop or something.

physical training

[reformedsinner]

Have you considered a different weapon?

[Hakkai's heading for the training dummies with a sword of his own in his hand, an oxtail saber with a well-used sheen to the blade and the leather handle. Still, he carries it with a little unfamiliarity, a little extra caution. He's fought with his soulless shinki before, but the sword isn't his favorite weapon.

Just as, he has to notice, it doesn't seem to be this young man's.]

[changeanddie]

[The question sounds like the sort of advice a hypothetical soccer mom called Karen would give on Facebook, if you substitute the weapon with yoga or soy milk.]

I have considered no weapon at all but my wits, to be honest. Nonetheless, my shinki's vessel is a rapier, and I should at least be familiar with the correct way to hold her by the handle.

[reformedsinner]

Rapier wit is terribly underrated in combat situations.

[It's an excellent morale booster, but unfortunately, the sharpness is metaphorical. Having a shinki who's a rapier, though, is more than sufficient as an explanation of why this young man needs to master the weapon. Hakkai's frown goes more analytical.]

Hm, but for your shinki...

... I think the first thing you should worry about is your footwork. With the caveat, of course, that I've only occasionally fought with a narrow blade myself.

[changeanddie]

[Loki stares down. He hadn't paid attention at his legs.]

You mean the little jogging steps or the stance? Somehow, I doubt either will be easy to hold if an Ayakashi is trying to attack you.

[reformedsinner]

When you're trying to put a sword through someone, you want to do it with maximum force and speed.

[He raises his own saber, turning so his side is to Loki, and demonstrates a flourishing jab with his feet staying in the same place.]

That strike didn't go very far and it wouldn't hit very hard. It might annoy your target. Now, this --

[He lunges smoothly as he extends his arm, saber punching through the air.]

-- would put your blade right through a ribcage, assuming, of course, you didn't hit a rib.

So, in short: the stance makes it harder for you to trip on your own feet or be tripped. Learning how to move lets you hit faster and with more force. You will definitely want to learn both.

Rest and Refreshment

[meowbel]

[Did someone say eager to socialize? Then have no fear because Mabel was here to talk this boy off! As Mabel started eating as much as she could, that's when she noticed a young boy taking a bunch of pictures of himself.

Being the curious little girl that she was, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow or two at him.]

Whatca doing over there? You must really like taking pictures, don't you?

[changeanddie]

[Loki removes his eyes from the screen and looks over his shoulders.]

Aye, they are fun and help making memories that otherwise are too fleeting. Besides, Japanese phones have awesome cameras for selfies! It would be a waste not to practice a bit.

I do take pics of landscapes as well. But I feel more inclined when I'm in a new place, or world.

[meowbel]

Then you think you can show me?

[She said before giggling a little bit]

I would love to see what kind of pictures you've taken! I know I could probably use some help taking a bunch of selfies or whatever that is!

[changeanddie]

This is the first time I have been asked to impart knowledge! It will be my honor! I shall make you a selfie sensation in no time.

Ah, the good ones are in my other device. Hold on. [He reaches for a second phone inside her pocket and turns it on. They'll have to wait while it boots.] Are you cool with shocking images such as giant fire demons of doom or zombie valkyries? There might be some of those.

[meowbel]

Of course! Show me what you've got, I want to see just what kind of demonic evil beings are on your phone!

[She said before giving off a smile!]

I mean, just how shocking could they be anyway?

training!

[hackberrydragon]

It's usually easier from videos.

[ He's no god but he knows a thing or two about swords - seeing as he has one strapped to his side. It's no rapier though. ]

You're probably going to have better luck using the pointy end. A rapier doesn't have an edge so it's not going to do any damage using the side.

[changeanddie]

Videos are more choreography than power. Too bad, as I'm not so bad at dancing.

[Loki frowns and crosses his arms.] My thanks, good sir, but that much I am aware of. I'm familiar with more solid swords such as yours, and by that I mean my family members and their friends own them and wield them.

[hackberrydragon]

Yeah, there's usually a fight choreographer and stuff. But there's probably a couple of videos from some actual fencers giving lessons.

[ There's an almost apologetic grin there though. ]

Sorry. Didn't mean to come across as a know-it-all. You were kind of just whacking at it so I thought you might need some insight.

[changeanddie]

That's such a weird concept, having someone to come up with the exact moves of a fight! Hollywood sure has a taste for theatricals. I have tried watching fencing duels as well, but even that impromptu didn't look like normal swordsmanship. But you're right, perhaps a basic tutorial should be a starting point.

It's alright, I am usually the know-it-all. [He uncrosses his arms and tries to be less rude.] Which is why I'm irritated, since it doesn't help me this time. Not that good with weapons, I'm afraid.

Physical Training

[nuclearpowered]

[A face Makoto remembers, and one she's actually kind of happy to see. He was a cute kid, all things considered, even if he was...trouble. Clearly trouble, but a kid all the same.

She watches for a little bit, training her own body as always, heavy strikes with her brass knuckles against a poor dummy. And when he starts flipping through videos on his phone, she walks up.]

Tutorials, Loki? You know you're using that blade just a little off...and I think those are actors. If you'd like, I could show you a couple of proper tutorials?

[changeanddie]

Ah, Lady Makoto! So glad to see you!

[He pauses the video and turns the screen off. Then he looks at her hands and the brass knuckles.]

Are you also familiar with the sword? Seems like you favor the rawness of a good punch, by the look of your equipment.

[nuclearpowered]

You as well.

[She looks down at her knuckles with a wry grin, shaking them loose from her fingers and catching them.]

I do like punching things, but my shinki is a long knife so I've been learning that too. And actually? I do know a little bit about swordfighting though. I took martial arts classes when I was younger, and we learned a little about swords for a bit, just in case.

[changeanddie]

I prefer to talk my way out of situations, but the story here is similar in regards to my shinki. She's a prettier version of this sort of blade, but I've only wielded knives and lances. An axe once, didn't go well. A mess with bows, too. But anyway, never have I held a rapier.

[He whistles.]

Whoa! Is that normal education nowadays? Not that different to what passes as schooling in Asgardia. Not that I was particularly allowed, though.

[nuclearpowered]

I prefer...well...not being in bad situations at all.

[But that's unavoidable at least.]

And no, it is not. I took that in a private school, a dojo?