June Training

[godsoffortune]

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

Newly arrived gods are escorted into a much nicer room than the warehouse where the last set of new gods got their informational speech. It's a smaller meeting room, with tatami floors and a small dais at the front of the room where the speaker stands. A minor deity is giving the speech, and none of the white-robed shinki enter.

The speaker delivers her welcome speech with the intonation of someone who's practiced it many times. Newly arrived gods 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. They are allowed to remain in the room as long as they wish, should they want to discuss questions with each other or with more experienced gods who are here to help out.

Shinki Training

Various shinki in the white-and-gold of Amaterasu's hosuehold are stationed around the dojo, passing out informational pamphlets that have been freshly printed. They will be happy to answer any questions or instruct the newcomers in the use of the borderline. They also accompany their answers, or lessons, with 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.

The dojo is back to its old, fully functional self; a set of motionless straw targets line one wall, to be used by people practicing with any of the weapons spread out on tables or hanging in racks on the walls. Outside, six animated straw targets wait in an area marked off with red ribbons and warning signs. Anyone entering the marked area may find themselves in combat with one (or more) of the magical training dummies. Those who leave the marked area, though, won't be chased.

Physical Training

Beyond the dojo, a scavenger hunt has been set up throughout the grounds of the Meeting Hall. Brightly colored plastic balls are hidden in shrubbery, tucked into support beams, floating among reeds in the ponds, and lurking in even cleverer hiding places. When a god or shinki gets their hand on one of them, they will burst open to reveal a hidden prize, such as candy, small toys, or accessories. How many can you find?

As well as the scavenger hunt, the white-robed shinki are engaging in more serious physical training and will be happy to let new gods or shinki join them. Sparring matches with practice weapons from the dojo, jogging laps around the hall, sit-ups, push-ups... or, for the younger shinki, competing to see who's the fastest to climb a tree.

Rest and Refreshments

Midafternoon, once the last of the scavenger-hunt prizes have been found, the white-robed shinki will turn their hands to clearing away the training equipment and laying out a lovely buffet table. Bright lanterns are hung from the trees, and a few shinki even take up a station on one side of the training area and begin playing shamisen, koto, wooden flute and drum. Although their instruments are traditional, their music selection ranges from some very classic Japanese tunes to others that sound surprisingly modern. The koto player can really rock!

Old and new gods and shinki alike are welcome to circulate, socialize with their friends, partake of the buffet food and enjoy the music. There's even room for those who feel inspired to dance, and plenty of privacy offered by the extensive garden for those who would rather retreat with their new partners to have a serious conversation.

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~

Comments

[towards_okeanos]

Use them well or use them at all? That is a big difference because I have not seen in combat ever.
Still, as I said, it's more curiosity than actual desire to master the art.

Am I interested? Well... How can any man say no to such a question?

[He smiles and grabs a round shield and a spear from the rack.]

Ready when you are ... partner.

[irishfriskey]

I'm certain I've seen them at least once. I would try them myself...

[But another day. Spinning his spears, he bows his head.]

Then... here I come!

[He charges towards the tall man, spinning one of his spears again as he lunges towards him, as a test to see what he would do.]

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar manages to lift his shield to guard mostly thanks to instinct. Because everything in his conscious mind screams: I KNOW THIS GUY!
He's surprised and it shows. He might not have recognized him from looks or voice alone but this stance? Two spears? You cannot forget those!
Fortunately he's fast to collect himself. It would be dangerous to share his revelation as he does not yet know if Lancer is a god or shinki.
But to have a chance to cross spears with the legendary First Spear of Fianna ?! Blessed are the Gods! His day just got so much better!

He's grinning as he launches his counter-attack. Lancer maybe insanely fast but he'll first have to get through his shield. And none has ever taken Iskandar's shield from him!
Oh what a day! What a glorious day!]

[irishfriskey]

[He is shamed that he's not familiar with this man, or he would be if he knew what was going on. But instead, he's more than happy to fight back against him. Sliding in again, he moves to slam his spear against the shield, trying to distract him.

While another spear comes to the side for a strike.

At least these spears won't wreck your fighting arm forever, Rider!]

[towards_okeanos]

[Distracting Iskandar could prove difficult. He's too focused and clearly enjoying himself. When the first spear hits his shield he counters it with a thrust.
Let us see how strong is your grip, Lancer...
He dodges the second spear mere seconds before it could hit his ribs widening the distance between them, looking for a chance to attack himself... ]

[irishfriskey]

[Distance! Lancer is prepared to fight back in distance if he must, but it gives his opponent more opportunities to attack him back.

So instead of waiting he immediately kicks off from the ground and runs towards him to strike.]

[towards_okeanos]

[ Iskandar deflects the strike from the side and blocks the blow from above. Lancer's spear hits his shield at a slight angle. Metal scrapes metal screeching like horde of vicious bats. It slides then hits the shield's rounded brim, bends and breaks sending splinters of the ash wood in all directions. Those are training weapons after all. For human use. Not for Servants. Iskandar thrust with his own spear but Lancer is too fast. It was worth trying though.]

Say, Lancer. As it seems we both are here to stay.

[ Iskandar hasn't seen much of his own temple grounds much but he has an idea.]

Would you be interested in having a sparring partner once in a while? I'd wager a training ground somewhere around my temple can be arranged.

[irishfriskey]

More training?

[He smiles, landing on his foot with a chuckle.]

I think we can manage that. I hope this doesn't mean you'll go easy on me now, yes?

[Humming lightly as he spins his spear in his hand again.]

[towards_okeanos]

Ho! Ho! I wouldn't dare!

[Iskandar laughs out loud. Easy, ha! That's a good one.]

I mean, you are keeping me on the defensive all the time. Maybe I should be asking that question ?

[He stretches a bit. It's not that he takes pleasure in being beaten. Far from it. Iskandar still intends to win. The mere fact he has to put effort is already satisfying.
As for more training.... well... yes, anytime. Fighting is what he does. To say he likes it is some real understatement.]

Still I must admit I have thing for spears. Personal preference. In truth, a bit irrational. A sword and a chariot play more naturally to my strengths, I know.

[Hopeless Illiad otaku and Achilles fanboy, that's why...]

It seems I seize the opportunity whenever it presents itself. Do forgive me if I'm being a little overzealous.

[irishfriskey]

That's for you to figure out, isn't it?

[If Iskandar is looking to train, Lancer, someone who is constantly in a state of training, is most likely best for him. He hops down on his other food before starting to dash towards him. He won't make any headway if he doesn't try.]

I don't think you're being zealous enough for my tastes!

[If Rider thinks it's over, he's kidding himself with that idea.]

[towards_okeanos]

[Lancer, oh Lancer. You may not be aware but you have just presented Iskandar with a most wondrous gift. With his strength and Lancer's speed and agility their battle could last for hours and still it would be uncertain who will prevail.
That is exactly why Iskandar is so happy. Whatever this Heaven turns out to be to find oneself a worthy opponent to clash one's arms with is already a prize fine enough.
So he charges at Lancer head on. If Lancer were to pay attention he could hear Iskandar reciting very quietly, as if only to himself, a couple of lines from one particular poem.]

Sing, o Goddess, Achilles’ rage,
Black and murderous...