thenearshore | June Training

June Training

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: December 7th
Where: Outside the 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 rear of the Meeting Hall, where 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.

Once they've had a chance to have things explained, they'll have the chance to relax and enjoy an afternoon party.

Meeting Hall

God Training

Shinki Training

informational pamphlets

borderline

Physical Training

Rest and Refreshments

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
Relax at a party
Have fun~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ That's it, that settles it. They're not that different. In a way, it is almost a relief. If they're both as new at this, it means they will have to both learn how to proceed in this new unknown situation. ]

I believe the gods of this country are equally puzzled at your arrival. Your and the others. It almost makes look all those different pantheons as refugees. Perhaps, when the time is right, we will learn just why.

[ She might not like talking with people too much, chit-chat is hardly her forte. But gathering information, that's something completely different. It means there are questions to be asked, leads to follow and directions to be found.

And now there is a new job, the situation, yes. She brings hand to her face as she lets a thoughtful 'hmmm' ]

Your temple here is your home, but locating your shrines in the Near Shore, could give you better idea about your followers. I imagine helping them will cement your influence over them as well as be the first step in spreading it. Active acquisition of next followers come next. I imagine the influence over the land of men, reflects on your position here. A good starting goal would be seeing if you can gather new followers at a faster rate than other new gods that appeared at the same time.

[ Something, something, conquering right? She might play along and use his vocabulary, general, so be it. ]

To complete the formalities, you also ought to name me. [ Which is something he knows, she's sure of it. But that is the moment when this contract is really signed and live ]

Yes, I know that. It just seemed to me more of a private ceremony. Not exactly in the public view.

[He gestures to the garden around to all the people relaxing and having fun as if to prove his point.]

We could relocate to my temple even now if that's fine with you. I think I'm done with idling here.

I agree. I am also eager to see your temple in it's full glory.

[ And her new home according to this news. Does the temple looks the part just as much as he does? Most curious. ]

[Iskandar nods.]

Excellent! Then follow me.

[When they arrive one thing is clear. Iskandar's temple doesn't look very Greek.
Square blocks of yellow sandstone, pylons crowned with papyrus leaves raise from the ground in a unmistakably Egyptian way.
Yet goddesses on the pylons have Hellenic dresses and hairstyle.
There is a rectangular entrance flanked surprisingly by two electric lanterns on each side. Each lampshade a stained glass marvel. On second thought it is not that weird. He always was a bit too modern for his times adopting readily all that is new and useful. Electricity is, if anything, extremely useful.
Entrance opens to a long hallway with ceiling that vanishes high in the darkness. There are even more lamps affixed to the walls casting yellow pools of light on reliefs and some clearly Egyptian hieroglyphs. There are scenes depicting every Alexander's battle from slaughter of Thebes up to Hydaspes. There is Alexander as pharaoh of Egypt offering to his farther Ammun surrounded by cartoushes with all his titles.
Setep en Ra, Chosen by Ra.
Menryamun. Beloved of Amun.
Mek Kemet, Guardian of Egypt.
There are also inscriptions in Greek of his other titles. Basiileus of Macedon. Hegemon of Hellenic League. Shahanshah of Persia. Lord of Asia.
The lamps switch on as they approach and turn off a while after they pass them. So all the time they walk as if enclosed in the globe of glow. With darkness before them and darkness behind them.
At the end of the hallway there is an enclosed space with great, shallow vase made of copper and in it burns a fire. Overhead there is a small, narrow opening for the smoke and fumes to escape. As it is winter some errant snow falls down from it glistening in the light of the furnace before melting half the way on its way down.
The air smells of incense.

Iskandar stops before the fire. Clearly he hasn't got the time before to do proper sightseeing of his own temple but nevertheless he looks very pleased. He waits for her to catch up.]

I think that's a proper place.

[He looks for a moment into the flames then turns back to Symmetra and proclaims.]

My name is Alexander the Great! Grasping thy true name, I bind thee here. With borrowed name, I dub thee my servant. The name answers, the vessel to sound. I call thee as my divine instrument. The name, Satya. The vessel, Shi. Come, Shiki!

[As soon as he finishes his proclamation a thunder rolls somewhere outside the temple. ]

[ For all intent and purposes, this fits the image of a Temple she had somewhere back in her mind. Egypt might be a surprise, but it fits him- it must fit him. He was given a home fitting his position. Is it a reflection of the god himself, or what the people who follow him seek though, an interesting question to raise someday.

Also, this is going to be her home.

Satya gets lost in a moment, looking at every detail, admiring the architecture, even if she's unable to decipher the hieroglyphs their artistic value is unmistakable. Alexander's voice returns her to the here and now, she turns to him. Serious and ready. By the time the thunder rolls she undergoes what can only be described as "transformation"

It starts with losing the sense of touch, the sense of the body and for few blissful seconds she's no one and nowhere- until she exists again, but this time in form of- ]

A chakram [ She identifies the weapon shape correctly, mildly surprised at the form ] Hm, does it meet your expectations?

[Iskandar looks at the chakram. It is a shining, golden circle of brass with delicate engravings on the whole circumference. A weapon and piece of art in one. Equally elegant and deadly.
At first he's surprised. True, he did see such weapons in use. The warriors who wielded them stopped march of his army further into the East. Still, this wouldn't be his first weapon of choice.
But then Satya is an Indian name, is it not? It is only fitting that she would become the most deadly weapon of the Indian continent.]

It is [His smile widens to a grin] perfect.

[ Her voice gains confidence, the unique form pleases him, so it's all good. It is strange to be suddenly so aware of one's not human form but- ]

I do not know how to properly describe it. But I think- I split?

[ It is held together as one circular blade right now with a handle in the middle. But there is a curved line running across the middle of it, and there is probably a mechanism that makes it come into two seperate parts ]

Should you prefer changing for a dual-wielded weapon, it is possible.

Oh...

[Iskandar raises an eyebrow. After a brief moment of manipulation there's an almost inaudible click and chakram separates. He's now holding a part in each hand.
He goes for a test swing. It's almost too light for a weapon and cuts air with pleasant, melodic sound.]

That's more like it.

[Still he feels a bit weird like that. Knowing this is a weapon and a person at same time. One might say that having an army is not that different. You order your soldiers to go and they go. You order them to attack and they attack. So in a sense you're using them as well.

But this.

This is different. This feels different. There are no orders necessary. This feels more personal, more ... intimate.
It would take time getting used to.]

[ Her worries eased, her purpose fulfilled. It is only just a beginning of course, but at least he got a weapon he can wield. ]

I believe the training grounds might still be open, should you wish return there.

[ The thought that they could go and just hunt the ayakashi as a test instead does not cross her mind. ]

Edited 2018-07-22 14:07 (UTC)

[It actually did cross his. It feels inappropriate, repulsive even to waste such a blade on a straw mannequins.]

I don't see the need. We will find you a fitting target in due time.

[There will be plenty of ayakashi to cut in not too distant future.]

[ Even if she wasn't at all aware what kind of story name of Alexander the Great carried, it was clear from his stature, it was clear from his temple, that this man is a formidable warrior. ]

Have you fought with similar weapon before?

[ This confidence suggests so, and she wouldn't mind learning more. ]

To my recollection, no.

[He pauses. That particular victory had cost him greatly. Victory or not, still Porus' men has stopped advancement of his army. None other was capable of similar feat. He suffered losses but gained a friend.]

But I've seen it in use. By the most noble and formidable warriors I have ever met. I've been to India and this shape is too distinct to mistake it for anything else.

[ India. So the weapon belongs to India. Somehow this trivia doesn't surprise her, let it was one of those pieces of knowledge buried deep down, not related to the lost memories. She doesn't need memories to operate a computer, a cellphone, her arm or even just know how important name "Alexander the Great" is to the history.

And she is now working for him. What an opportunity. ]

One day, you will tell me that story.

[ Alas she has no idea yet what she is signing for. ]

For now I am content. Let us proceed with other necessary arrangements.

[ She has to learn the arrangements of the room. Where who is staying. What is used for what- are there ceremonies? There's so much work to do. ]

[Iskandar hasn't seen much of his own temple so he's absolutely pro exploring. For now only one thing bugs him. Shouldn't this place have some priests? He is a proper god so it would seem natural. He would really like someone like those priests of Amun he met in Egypt... They had best seers in the whole known world.
First, he should bring his shinki to human form. Then they can go sightseeing. He already notice his temple has electricity which is extremely good because it means he can setup a gaming console somewhere in the private quarters... and then go hunting for that one particular title in the human world... Hmmm ...
Also a library would be nice. He's actually very interested in the state of modern literature.]

Return Satya!

[No sound effects this time around.]

Shall we go exploring my domain?

[ Again this strange feeling- everything shifts for a second and she's back in her normal body. Clothes, artificial arm, everything is intact. She does closer her hand into a fist slowly and then opens it again as if confirming it is truly hers. She's content with the result, that much shows on her face. ]

Yes, let's. It's a beautiful place. [ She gazes over the surrounding a bit of stars show in her eyes for a moment. Architecture fascinates her, remnants of knowledge whisper to her sources of the inspiration in the shapes and edges. ] The entrance is designed with telling a story-

[ Your story ]

It's a space meant for others as much as for the owner. The inner sanctum is always different, I do wonder how it's handled in contrast with this openness. [ She continues watching the feats presented on the walls until-

-she squints. Among all the historical facts being illustrated, portion look vastly different. She has to hurry and walk closer to it. ]

Huh.

[Iskandar could swear this one particular scene wasn't there a moment ago.
Still how fitting of his temple to have a character of its own. His horse ended becoming a Heroic Spirit so it's absolutely no wonder his temple in no mere architecture.
Does it mean that all his future exploits would be documented on those walls? It certainly seems so.

The relief in questions clearly shows the space they are now in. Complete with the fire in the copper vase in the middle. There is a person depicted on each side of the flame. One on the left is certainly him. There are sun rays and ankhs flowing from his figure. A proper depiction of the divine. There is image of what could only be a chakram floating over the fire.

The person on the right however. Even if the relief is in rigid Egyptian style not exactly known for showing individuality he could not mistake her for anyone other. The fact she has her name and title written above her head also helps. If anyone were to have doubts.

Σατια Το υπόδειγμα του Αλεξάνδρου

Iskandar smiles. Satya. Alexander's Exemplar. Good job temple. This is exactly how it should look like. She's part of his legend now.]

How do you like it, hm?

It's-

[ Note to self: start learning greek. Probably sooner than later. While she cannot read what is written there, she can guess- since the person depicted on relief is unmistakably herself. It's incredibly validating in a way, the shrine itself recognizing her role, her new function.

Grounding.

She takes her gaze right, but there is nothing on the walls yet. Aside from decorative elements of course, but no continuation of that story. Which means- ]

I am almost impatient to see how our actions will paint the rest of those walls.

[ She's smiling when she turns back to him. ]

As do I. For I am certain they will be as glorious as any other depicted here.

[They maybe only two of them this time. Instead of him and an army. Still it doesn't mean they are incapable of great deeds. Quite the contrary.]

Shall we go exploring further?

[ Two is a start, there will be more with time... ]

Lets. [ She says and makes the first move to it, moving along the wall but looking for a place where a hidden way into the inner temple could be- there always is one. But it's never meant to be easily noticeable, that's how temple architecture usually works, doesn't it?

No question mark even needed, for whatever reason she's certain of it. Next to one of the columns, cleverly hidden from view by a series of foreshortening illusions built into the stone, making sure that it's not noticeable from the main entrance, staircase opens ]

How about we start here?

Good find. I must say I am most curious.

[For some reason this temple reminds him of his temple in Egypt. The one they built in Bahariya Oasis on the road between Siwa and Alexandria. It was dedicated to him and his divine father under his Egyptian name: Amun-Ra. The entrance, the style, even the hidden door to inner sanctum and the stairs behind it. It all looks so similar. Does it have so many rooms as that one? Iskandar is first the pass the entrance and there he encounters the problem. There is no light switch. Temple! You behave yourself!]

I could really use a lamp. How can you have a fully lighted corridor and no lights in the entrance to inner chambers? That is beyond me!

[ With a flick of her wrist and short "hologramsound.mp3" a source of light in a shape of regular icosahedron that's floating over Satya's hand. ]

It is a construct made out of light, although it does not emit much, it should be enough. Please, give me your hand-

[ She asks clearly gesturing to gift Iskandar with this unconventional replacement for a good old torch ]

[Iskandar extends his hands and the glowing shape floats effortlessly. It seems to have no weight and the light indeed is bit deem, blue of hue as if filtered through layer of water.
He smiles. Plato did connect icosahedron to element of water. Still to be able to conjure it so effortlessly. That is a feat in itself.

He nods to Satya as he raises the hand higher so the light, dim as it is, could shine on their path.]

Behold ...

[If he thought there would be another magnificent corridor before them he was sorely mistaken. Instead what the light from the glowing platonic solid reveals is a narrow passageway with a low ceiling and a straight flight of stairs descending into the darkness.]

the stairs...? This temple has an underground level? What for?

[This entrance DOES however, maybe somewhat eerily, remind of him of a tomb. Well, according to Egyptians the pharaoh, being god on Earth, ascended to Heavens after shedding his mortal coil through elaborate ritual starting at the pharaoh's tomb. Technically speaking Iskandar WAS a pharaoh...
Still he has nowhere to ascend to as those ARE Heavens and he is very much NOT dead! So THAT is not even funny! Temple behave yourself!]

Well, at least we'll have cool lodgings during the summer heat.

[All of this temple is pretty cool so ... yeah ... wording.]

Or a basement to store things in. [ Satya forms another icosahedron that she keeps for herself. Both of them combined illuminate the stairs a bit brighter. Giving it a thought, she wonders if she could set it up in the place where torch should be - this way at least they would have a well lit way back.

And also know where they have already been in case they--- yeah in case they get lost. It seems the temple layout is as new to her as it is to her god, so just to be safe. So instead of going down the stairs, she turns to the wall managing to set the floating ~~ball~~ icosahedron of light on it.

Stopping to think how is she even doing that would be pointless right? What if there is a upper limit to this? ]

Corridors and stairways have to lead somewhere. Unless there is a treasury down there, and a labyrinth, for security.

[ Please, don't be a labyrinth, ok? ]

[It is not a basement. What the end of the stairs reveals is small corridor leading to surprisingly modern and spacious living quarters. They were supposed to underground but a room that can only be described as living room has floor to ceiling french windows spanning whole wall. The view is on a garden with some low shrubs and herbs on not a small number of rows of...]

Olives?

[Iskandar is probably more surprised of them both. It's weird, considering the location, but strangely it fits. Apart from living room there are two bedrooms furnished with futons, a bathroom, small kitchen and two other rooms, completely empty. Their purpose probably to be determined. It's clearly not a palace. It would be far too small for that but it's almost eerily cosy.
Satya can see from his wide smile that this dwelling gained Iskandar's total approval]

Not bad, temple, not bad.

[If only he stopped anthropomorphizing the building... Although he might have be unto something.]

[ Of course. That's the architectural benefit of having temple build on top of the hill. It is most likely that the windows are on the other side of it. While it lacks oversight of the road leading up to the hill and thus to the temple entrance, it also guarantees privacy and silence.

And apparently a garden.

Satya walks closer to the windows admiring the view. The additional rooms are either for future inhabitants, if were they to join, or simply up for the owner to decide. ]

Who knows, perhaps the building adapts to your preferences, as you go. [ Insert a dry: "That was a joke" ]

You are pleased. [ It's a statement of fact, as she dismiss the hard-light shape ] Are you going to inspect the garden as well?

June Training

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