February Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: October 15th
Where: Meeting Hall, 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 the Meeting Hall, 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 traditional reception room within the Meeting Hall for an informational meeting covering the basics of proper god behavior. A minor deity is giving the speech, and none of the white-robed shinki enter. 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 in the white-and-gold of Amaterasu's hosuehold 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 explanation 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.

A training game has been set up through a section of the Meeting Hall gardens, with little cut-outs of ayakashi hidden in the landscaping, tucked into bushes or taped under bridges. Prize ribbons are being offered for every ten "ayakashi" a shinki (or team) discovers.

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. Several magically animated straw-stuffed training dummies, many of which have been carefully mended and patched with neat black stitching, are set up on the lawn with a white-robed shinki hovering nearby to watch over them. They make good training partners, although anyone who comes too close risks being targeted for a sparring match whether they wanted one or not.

The pond behind the dojo has had dozens wooden poles sunk in it, spaced a few feet apart, with a bunch of brightly colored ribbons tied around the pole in the very center. Some of the white-robed shinki are practicing scaling the poles and leaping from one to the next, until they get close enough that they can snatch a ribbon from the center pole, and several have fallen in and are being teased by their fellows.

Rest and Refreshments

Instead of snacks being served at the training session, this week, white-robed shinki with little flags are conducting groups of newcomers and volunteers down to the Tokyo Daijingu shrine and into a street festival currently being held in Tokyo. Traditional dance troupes are performing on street corners, and vendors have every kind of fall street foods, from barbecue to takoyaki, chocolate-dipped bananas and red-bean pancakes. New arrivals will get a white-and-gold envelope with spending money for the fair, although gods and shinki who have had some time to settle in will have to handle their own lunch expenses.

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
• Go to a festival
• Spectate if you want
• Have fun~

Comments

R&R

[unlucky7]

[Ginia's not sure how long she's been at the amezaiku stand. Long enough to see several animals formed, long enough to develop a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship. Galloping horses, leaping frogs, fancy tailed fish, it was astounding what could be created with a bit of heat, scissors, and a steady hand.

Saori's words snap Ginia out of her thoughts and she looks over, blinking. Oh, she was the one that requested a fish. But if they're able to acknowledge each other, it also means she's from the Far Shore.

Cellphone already in hand, Ginia nods as she types out a message, holding out the screen for her to read.]

It's beautiful work. Can I take a picture of your fish?

R&R

[needsteaplz]

[This is actually Saori's second encounter with a mute since arriving here a month ago. The lack of speed doesn't deter her at all though and she smiles.]

Oh, yes. I was actually thinking the same thing.

[She gives the candy a slow twirl as if trying to debate what's a good angle to take the photo. Honestly, it was so beautiful it was hard to choose. She'll let Ginia take the first photo.]

I'm so glad I came across this stand. Is this your first time here on the Near Shore?

[unlucky7]

[Permission granted, Ginia snaps a few quick pictures. Wow, the detail in the fins are even more beautiful up close. It's truly impressive how delicate and fine the details are. When she's done, she bows her head in appreciation.]

Yes, I arrived today. I'm a shinki. You?

[needsteaplz]

[Once Ginia is finished, Saori takes her photos. She's definitely going to send one to Futaba.]

I'm a shinki as well. Actually, I came with the last group of shinki and gods so I'm trying to get a hang of things here.

My name is Saori. What's yours?

[unlucky7]

[She's still a bit hesitant to give out her name, but after a full day of being hounded for her name by everyone she's met, it seems easier to give in than resist. Why anyone cares about the identity of a new shinki is still strange to her.]

I'm Ginia.

Do you like it here?