December Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: September 25th
Where: Bishamon's temple, the Far Shore
Summary: Training and informational sessions for newly arrived gods and shinki



Gods and shinki arriving at heaven's meeting hall are, should they allow it, guided to Bishamon's temple, where a reception area and a traditionally styled dojo and training ground have been made available for the day. The gods and shinki are free to take their time during this day to learn about the details of their new life from Amaterasu's shinki or from the many veteran new god and shinki volunteers.




God Training

Newly arrived gods are escorted into a Western-styled reception hall within Bishamon's temple for an informational meeting covering the basics of proper god behavior, although the minor deity conducting the meeting is in too much of a rush to take questions afterwards. They are encouraged to discuss the information with each other and ask questions of more experienced gods, as well as instructed to guide their new shinki appropriately.

Shinki Training

Various shinki volunteers, both in the white-and-gold of Amaterasu's shinki and in Bishamon's red-piped black uniforms, are stationed around the dojo, passing out helpful informational pamphlets. They will be happy to instruct the newcomers in the use of the borderline as well as offering an explanantion on the basics of what is expected of a shinki and the importance of teamwork with other shinki and with gods. Shinki are encouraged to work together to practice what they've learned and discuss their perspectives.

Someone has brought two overflowing boxes of back issues of From Ama, the Heavenly magazine, which includes profiles of successful shinki and gods, historical tidbits, and the occasional magazine quiz to help shinki determine how well they're currently working with their god or what their greatest strength might be.

Physical Training

The dojo is stocked with a wide variety of practice weapons, traditional and modern, to offer some practice opportunity to gods who, for example, find themselves with a sword shinki but are at risk of cutting off their own toes. It's also useful for veteran new gods wishing to train with their current partner shinki.

This month, a clever shinki magician has created a dozen straw-stuffed training dummies, some with sword-length sticks and some with polearm-length sticks, that have been enchanted to really fight back. Unfortunately, the spell isn't perfect yet! They're good training partners, but sometimes they might go a little haywire and try to smack passersby.

Rest and Refreshments

Along with bottled water, there are several large boxes of energy drinks and vitamin drinks in small amber glass bottles, and an array of protein bars and meal bars. One particular shinki in white, a bespectacled twentysomething man, is explaining the health benefits of everything on the table (even the water!) with great enthusiasm to any guest who looks even a little confused. It takes great tact to discourage him.

Party games have been set up on the lawn near the refreshments table: Twister, Kubb, lawn Jenga, and more.

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
• Play some games
• Spectate if you want
• Have fun~

Comments

[appealingdame]

Shinki Training

You've gotta be fucking kidding me- [Charlotte growls to herself as she rummages through the issues of From Ama, absorbing tidbits on how to be a good shinki and about the hierarchy of the heavens in a jumbled mess. Here she is, fucking dead and with no clue of where she is or who she is, and she's expected to be some snobby god's servant? Someone's devoted and loyal servant, some goody-two-shoes following someone else around at heavenly court-

Charlotte pauses, straightens up and looks around at Amaterasu's shinki, cheerfully and politely offering help to everyone. Standing around in their uniforms. Is that what's expected of her?]

... Shit.


Rest and Refreshments

[... But! That was clearly a different Charlotte, a different girl, because this one is completely different. This one has a cute smile for everyone who looks at her and a demure blush for anyone who looks too long. The occasional giggle at any lighthearted remark made within her earshot, a big pink bow in her beautiful golden hair and- well, she's just so cute. She may be scantily clad in armour that looks like something from a lingerie shoot- and she doesn't appear to notice anyone staring a little too long at that- but there's no denying this is a cute, young woman just out to make friends.

Well-dressed friends. Friends who look like they know what they're doing, either with a weapon or just in their general demeanour. Friends who look like someone important. People to know.]

Oh, my~ That was so amazing! [Charlotte bounces over, standing just a little too close to offer one of these "someones" a fresh drink or a plate of food.] You must be so worn out! Please, take this? I got it especially for you! Hee hee!

Shinki Training

[discerp]

[Not a shinki herself, of course, but she's around to see if everything's okay. She just wants to be useful and friendly-- And maybe she secretly has a shinki waiting for her this time!!

...She doesn't, and she knows she doesn't, but dammit she's trying to be optimistic here.

But there is a rather annoyed young lady here, huh. Mikan looks around, knowing the woman isn't talking to her and likely isn't looking for company, but she's nothing if not a glutton for punishment apparently.]

U-umm... Excuse me? A-are you, um... Do you need...help...?

[appealingdame]

Tch! [Charlotte just about snarls as she turns on Mikan, still glaring and ready to tear into the girl.] Speak up! No one can hear you muttering like that, idiot!

[Mikan is clearly a newly arrived shinki, and a total mess as well. No need to care about making her happy, they're in the same position.]

We all need help in a mess like this!

[discerp]

Eep! [Jesus christ it's Saionji 2.0] I-I'm sorry for being an idiot...!

U-um, I just, um-- I've been here for a little bit, so, um. Um... Um... I-if you have question, I can t-t-try!

R&R!

[kagenonadeshiko]

[Whether Ayumu looks like someone worth knowing is up for debate. At any rate, it's clear from her long-sleeved dress and light, fashionable scarf that she has no intention of doing any actual training today. To compensate for her sour mood and wounded pride, she's carrying herself with more dignity than she normally does. When the girl approaches with a plate, Ayumu turns to smile at her.]

That's very kind of you! Thank you. Are you one of the new arrivals?

[She looks new. Ayumu's sure she would have taken notice of a blonde as pretty as her before now if she wasn't.]

[appealingdame]

[In life, Charlotte had always been a woman with a plan. In death should be no different- she's just not sure what that plan should be. She does know that if she's going to be someone's divine servant, she should be the best damn one possible. She won't settle for less than the most luxurious afterlife, not if she can help it.

Until she knows what that means... Some instinct in her tells her to not go with her first response of "Of-fucking-course I am" to what seems like a confident woman who has probably been here longer than her.]

I am! [She's not sure how well her charms will work on a woman, but hey, no harm in trying. She smiles and bounces lightly on the spot, making sure her hair falls around her shoulders perfectly.] I just arrived today- it's so exciting! I can't wait to meet everyone!

[kagenonadeshiko]

[Ayumu's smile widens. What a cute girl. By all appearances, Charlotte's charms seem to be working. Maybe she's falling for it?

....or maybe she's skeptical that anyone would be this happy and excited on their first day. From what Ayumu's witnessed, most new gods are confused, discontent, or both on their first day. Most shinki are even more bewildered.

Then again, Goku had been eager to make friends, too. Perhaps she's overthinking the woman's response? Regardless, Ayumu's smile doesn't waver in the least; if anything, her expression softens a little.]

I see. How are you doing? I hope you're not too confused by all of this. I was pretty overwhelmed by it all my first day.

Rest and Refreshments

[declamando]

[Maria's been in the dojo practicing with a sword for a while now, and very clearly knows what she's doing with it, her grip switching and adapting easily to make the most effective motions to down the dummies she trains against. And now, over near the refreshments table, she's pulling out a stack of fliers from her supplies, clearly very intent on what she's doing, and established enough here to have organised something that needs getting the word out.

She looks a little surprised to be suddenly rushed over to by Charlotte, but after that first moment, she smiles politely, transferring the papers to one hand to accept the drink.]

Thank you. Are you new here? I don't think I've seen you before. [That outfit is...eye-catching, to say the least, and she imagines she would have noticed it.]

[appealingdame]

[Charlotte watches Maria practice for a while, evaluating her ability- and mildly surprised that she can evaluate it. Not the swordswomanship itself, as such, but the fighting ability in general... Well, best not to dwell on that. Charlotte's not sure she needs allies for battle exactly, but a shinki who's already good at that probably works for an influential god, right? She might be a good contact.

And so, while she doesn't mean to lay the act on super thick, Charlotte is still all smiles for the other woman.] You're welcome! I'm brand new, yeah! My name is Charlotte, it's nice to meet you!

[declamando]

[Maria takes a sip of the drink as Charlotte introduces herself, then bows her head politely.] Maria Cadenzavna Eve, incarnation of Nuada Airgetlám. It's a pleasure to meet you too. I've been here about...four and a half months now, or close to it.

[She tucks the flyers a little more securely under her arm - the writing at the top of them is just visible, appearing to be something about agility training.]

How are you settling in so far? It's a lot to take in when you first get here, I know.

RnR

[horthath]

[ Well, she's not one to judge on the breastplate -- no matter how literal it is. After all, she's here sitting by the sidelines in her ruffles and ribbons, her own cleavage practically spilling out of that off-shoulder number she has.

That tone catches her attention though and she's offering a sweet little smile of her own. ]

What a generous offer! It's really been quite a long day... but it'd be a shame to have this all to myself. Why don't you join me?

[ Yeesh. Protein bars. And one of these kinds. S i g h. ]

[appealingdame]

[It's more a bra than a breastplate. At least the armour on her shoulders looks legit.]

Oh... Thank you so much, dear... [What an insufferably cute look this girl has. Charlotte senses competition and she doesn't think she likes that.] That is kind of you!

[Charlotte gingerly takes the protein bar between two fingers.]

Um... What is it?

[horthath]

[ Hey, it's a plate that attempts to cover the breasts. Give it props. It tried.

The smile doesn't leave though, her hands perfectly poised on her lap as subtly looks Charlotte over. The curls are a contrast to the armor. Interesting... ]

It is, isn't it? I really shouldn't have!

[ There's a sigh as she takes one for herself, tearing the wrapper as she looks it over. It's a little too dry for her tastes... she'd much rather have some chiffon cake. Or a parfait. ]

You've never seen a protein bar before? They have these all the time during practice. It's supposed to help keep your strength out while you train.

shinki training

[priforprince]

If you've finished your vulgarities, would you yield the magazine?

[ A young person with a decidedly noble mien is helping herself to quite the stack of these. ] I require that issue.

[appealingdame]

[Freeze. Charlotte turns and looks the young person up and down-]

Oh my goodness! I hope you don't think I was being serious- I was just... playing a silly game! [Charlotte giggles and passes the magazine to the person.] Of course you can have this! Can I help with anything else?

[Oh yeah, this guy looks loaded.]

R&R

[bartenderizing]

[ Well-dressed and familiar enough with the whole system to seem like he knew what he was doing certainly fit Shizuo right now. Given that he was dressed to check on the bar later, at the very least he was on point for being fashionable. His demeanor came with a lack of worry for dangers that may be flying about, proven by simply raising his hand to stop a flying club from hitting him in the face and letting it fall to the ground. Look, it happens.

With the shinki name on the back of his hand, it's clear that he wasn't a god. ]

Hah?

[ Glancing over at the blond that suddenly showed up with food, he actually behaves enough to not do more than glance at how this stranger was dressed. The demeanor and food have him thrown off enough to start accepting the plate simply because she said 'please take this.' ]

Uh... Thanks? You didn't have to do that, though.

Re: R&R

[appealingdame]

[Well-dressed? Check. Confident? Check. Handsome? Check. Definitely someone worth knowing. Obviously buttering up some powerful and wealthy gods is Sharak's priority, but she won't turn her nose up at a fellow shinki either. This guy probably has connections she can take advantage of or at least some shinki secrets she might find useful.]

Aw, but I wanted to! [Not recognising many of the weird health foods being pushed by the spectacled shinki, Charlotte had gone on a bit of a hunt to find something a little more normal. It ended up just being a fruit plate, but that's still probably preferable.] Is it okay? I hope I haven't picked something distasteful to you...

[By the look on her face, that would just crush her spirit entirely. Oh no.]

R&R

[onehandsomeslickninja]

[Good pick. Edge is pretty capable with his weapons, dresses in a snazzy cape and his own self-confidence, and is an absolute sucker for a pretty face. When she cozies up, he turns to face her with arched eyebrows and a grin that isn't visible through his mask, but sure comes through in his voice.]

Well, thank you! [He accepts the drink with a little flourish.] Being noticed by a pretty girl makes it all worthwhile!

[appealingdame]

[Charlotte giggles and leans against Edge some more.]

Oh! You think I'm pretty? That's so sweet of you!

[Wow, this is. Easy. Huh.]

Rest and Refreshment

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Forrest isn't much for fighting, but he does show up once in a while to keep his skills sharp. Holding open his tome, he concentrates and casts a Ragnarok spell in the vicinity of a few of the training dummies, incinerating them on the spot.

Once he's finished, he turns away with a small sigh, only to be confronted with a rather surprising sight. He recognizes the voice first, eyes widening as the form of his beloved mother comes bouncing up to him.]

Mother...!

[Whoops. No. Can't greet her that way. Not until he knows whether she knows him.]

...Er, motherly advice, to be sure! I've got to keep my strength up, after all!

[Nailed it.]

[appealingdame]

[Holy shit! Charlotte freezes at the display of magic at first, but quickly recovers. It's impressive but it's not that special. Right? She's pretty sure. Maybe. She knows she doesn't want to be hit by it.]

Huh? [Crap, "motherly" wasn't the image she was going for at all! But... maybe it could work? Are guys into that? Or... Cute girls? This one doesn't seem much younger than her. How old does she look??] I'm just trying to help in any way I can! We're all working together, right?

[Right??? Don't leave her alone, this is freaky shit.]

Shinki Training

[boneofsword]

I share the sentiment. [Archer's leaning against the wall nearby. He did check few of those issues earlier but nothing caught his interest. The woman that does certainly reminds him of Servants with her scant armour, but doesn't have the same aura.]

[appealingdame]

[Just a normal human girl/shinki here! A super cute one!]

Ah- fuck! [Someone heard her venting- now he'll hate her for sure, and she only just got here! She can't go around making enemies yet! Charlotte freezes on the spot, staring at Archer, before smiling at him nervously. Maybe she can play it off and he'll forget after a bit. He sounds sympathetic at least.]

It's... pretty silly, right? All of this stuff.

rest and refreshments

[kokuyoyo]

[On one hand: Chikusa doesn't look particularly fancy. His t-shirt and jeans are the bare minimum of clothing although admittedly sensible for a training day, his black beanie with the pompom on top seems somehow out of place, and his expression wouldn't be out of place on a dead fish. The entire feeling he gives off wouldn't be out of place on a dead fish.]

[And yet it can't be denied, upon watching Chikusa a few times throughout the training session, that he has signs of someone who has a good deal more idea of what the hell he's doing than some of the others. Occasionally, for any shinki that complain too much on how to make lines, he lashes out with one of his own just to mess with them or perhaps teach a lesson. Each time, there's no shouted out attack, just chill silence. At another point, he takes down a training dummy pretty simply, and vivisects it with the clear stare of a shitty teenager on a mission. And then there's the constant lurking around, clearly taking everyone in and seeing who's worth any sort of attention.]

[This isn't Chikusa's first day spent messing around at training.]

[When he's approached, Chikusa pauses on his way to the refreshment able and eyes the blonde warily. And, well, there's a lot to eye, apparently.]

....You don't know me.

[Not as in "I'm not tired, how dare you", but literally, just. She doesn't know him. Why does she care?]

[appealingdame]

[Charlotte flat out ignores Chikusa at first. Some kid who can barely dress himself, sulking about? Definitely not worth her effort, even if it probably wouldn't take much to get that loser's attention. She wants friends, sure, but ones who can help her out not just some nobodies. Meeting normal people can wait.

But... even she can't miss those lines. That's kind of amazing. The magazines she'd read had mentioned borderlines, and she's sure as a shinki she's meant to do them, but she can't even imagine pulling off what that kid is doing. Is this her competition?

Well. At least she has looks on her side. Charlotte blinks cutely a few times, holding out the energy drink to Chikusa still.]

Oh! Don't I? How silly of me, hee hee! My name is Charlotte- and you are?

[She doesn't care. She just wants an in.]