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

[reformedsinner]

I'm afraid the Heavens really don't care about our suitability. We are what we are, and it's up to us to make the best of it.

[He taps a finger against his chin, and continues with a thoughtful air.]

It's not so different from the living world in that way. Which god's duties have you been assigned?

[sing_for_me]

[Doesn't sound much different from back on earth--uh, the human world? Whatever.]

A god named Oshun. They explained a bit to me.... I'm not sure I can fill in her shoes though..

[reformedsinner]

In my experience, a god's duties are primarily to their followers. You'll want to visit your shrines in the human world often enough to find out what they want of you, and you may have to do some picking and choosing, depending on how many requests you get.

[He shrugs slightly.]

The god I'm representing is mostly concerned with medicine, and so many of my tasks involve visiting the sick. Your duties may vary.

[sing_for_me]

[Man, this was making her feel even less confident. The last time she was relied on-- it didn't end very well. Still, she couldn't help but ask.]

..Does that mean some prayers go unanswered? Are you not able to answer all of your prayers?

[The thought of leaving anyone out seemed unfair.]

[reformedsinner]

I find that I'm able to answer the prayers I get, yes. If I have to choose, I try to pick prayers that really need my intervention.

[Some people pray for things that they can do on their own, after all. Hakkai doesn't feel too much guilt over ignoring those when he's busy.]

I'm sure the more popular gods have to make tougher choices, but those of us who are new here, well, we're not that busy.

[sing_for_me]

[It relieves her a little to know that there's a chance she won't get that many requests. She wondered if it would be like her work with the Benriya.]

What happens if..you aren't able to answer them, though? Like you try and it doesn't work out?

[reformedsinner]

All you can do is try. Even gods aren't infallible, after all.

[He smiles, a quick flash of amusement that passes as fast as it had arrived, and adds:] Which explains quite a bit about the world.

[sing_for_me]

[Huh, she thought gods were supposed to be these perfect beings, but they're starting to sound more and more human. Then again, if someone like her could be made a god..]

Mm..I see..

[She tilts her head slightly at his smile, not sure what he finds amusing.]

Earlier, about what you said...are you also a new god?

[reformedsinner]

[Gods are as impotent and fallible as any living person: hilarious, isn't it? No?

... He might have a warped sense of humor. He nods in response to her question.]

I am. It's been about a month since I took up this position.

[sing_for_me]

[That really wasn't too long ago.]

How..has it been for you?

[reformedsinner]

I would say... eventful.

Although I've been keeping busy with my duties, as well. [He shrugs, expression going mild and unrevealing.]

[sing_for_me]

[...Meaning a lot went on even outside his duties? She couldn't tell if it was a good thing or not. What an unreadable guy.]

Is..that so. I guess that's better than having nothing to do.

[reformedsinner]

Certainly! ... I wouldn't want to prejudice you against the Heavens, Miss Benedetto, but it can indeed be an eventful place at times, and not always safe. We've had a string of murders of new gods and shinki, and the temple of Amaterasu was set on fire not long before I became a god.

Be cautious.

[His expression still holds nothing but the same mildly pleasant cheer.]

[sing_for_me]

Wha..what..?

[She wasn't sure what was more concerning; his words or the expression he had on while he said them.

It's not like she wasn't used to things like that with the crime rate in Ergastulum, but being a new god made it sound like she could more likely be a target.]

I'll keep that in mind, thank you.

[Maybe if she just keeps her head low it'll be fine.]

[reformedsinner]

So long as you take care, you should be all right.

[Smiling, he offers her a polite little bow.]

And, ah, if things do become difficult, my shinki and I both have some medical skills. Don't hesitate to call.

[sing_for_me]

[Alex returns the gesture.]

Thank you, I'll keep that in mind.

[There's a chance she may need them in the future, and she was glad she knew someone nice enough. At least, he seemed to be.]

Um..thank you for talking to me as well. I really was feeling very lost about all this.. Thank you.

[reformedsinner]

It's my pleasure. We were all equally lost at first, after all!

[Well, most of them. There are a few new gods with sufficient ego to be perfectly comfortable discovering they're the targets of worship, and then, of course, there's the subset of actual deities stolen away from their home worlds.]

[sing_for_me]

Somehow I can't imagine you looking as lost as I am.

[She laughs a little. Not that she knew him well. He just looked like the type to stay calm in all situations.]

[reformedsinner]

Ah ha ha, you should have seen me! It wasn't the best first day.

[His smile flickers into view, and away again.] But it's been long enough to allow me to adjust.

In any case, it's been a pleasure to meet you. Please take care.

[sing_for_me]

[Alex laughs a long with him, though softer. She was a bit curious about that day now.]

It was nice to meet you too. You take care as well.

[reformedsinner]

[Hakkai smiles, bows politely to her, and heads away.]