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

[defensivematrix]

[ 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. ]

[towards_okeanos]

[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?

[defensivematrix]

[ 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.

[towards_okeanos]

[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?

[defensivematrix]

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. ]

[towards_okeanos]

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?

[defensivematrix]

[ 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?

[towards_okeanos]

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!

[defensivematrix]

[ 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 ]

[towards_okeanos]

[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.]

[defensivematrix]

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? ]

[towards_okeanos]

[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.]

[defensivematrix]

[ 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?

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar wouldn't say it is all the temple has to offer. He just has a feeling that won't go away.

They haven't seen much yet..

It already is a strange mix of both old and new, ancient and modern, Egyptian and Greek, with Japanese elements thrown in for a good measure. There could be plenty more surprises waiting for them.]

I won't be exactly surprised if it did.

[She might be joking but the temple already showed it can change. As a matter of fact there is one relief on the wall of the upper level that wasn't there when they arrived. Dwelling of gods never are ordinary places. This one for sure isn't.]

I think I could use some more permanent lighting on our way down here. I won't always have your assistance.

[He crosses the room to better inspect the view. Over and through the olive grove he can see way down to the steep cliff ending abruptly. Waves crash on the white rocks of the cliff and seagull sail high in the air. It looks so familiar. I sight he haven't seen for a long time.]

Yes, let's go out.

[As soon as he figures out how to actually open those windows. It's Japan so they probably should slide sideways... but on other hand his temple can be bit of a jerk sometimes so one could never know.]

[defensivematrix]

That can be arranged. [ Satya says with full confidence and notes that down. Light up the stairs- perhaps in a way that won't clash with the design of the temple interior. Of both levels in fact.

It will be nothing less than perfect, really.

As he stands before that window, admiring the view she walks closer and assumes as well they function as sliding door- and lo and behold she is right! The air outside is a little chilly, but once the warmer months hit- this will be a good place to hold these door open.

This is a good place to call home. ]

I wonder what kind of care such grove requires. [ She is no gardener but it cannot be allowed for the olives to just wither because of lack of care. This has to be researched thoroughly! ]

[towards_okeanos]

[Iskandar goes out into the garden. Once he's there he feels for a moment as if he was transported many miles west. Yet this is only a brief moment. There is no city down below, just the cliff and water below. There are no mountains in the north. He is not home.
Is it his destiny never to return ? It may. He can never return to city of his youth. Even if he were to travel to Macedonia now it would be a different place. Pella he remembers does not exist anymore. Ceased to do so many centuries ago.

He takes a deep breath.

Here the wind carries a salty smell, roar of the sea and the cries of seagulls. The olives grow in neat rows. They could even plant some grapes should he fancy them.

It may not be his home country. Still it doesn't have to. He can make it one.]

They need to be pruned but I don't think they need a lot of maintenance. At least that's what I remember. Oh, and they don't like cold. That's all.

[defensivematrix]

The winters here seem to be short, and not necessarily very cold. [ As evident now. They're in the December, yet the air just chilly, and when the sun shines it's even pleasant. ]

If they were safer under greenhouse, I could see what can be done.

[ She has means, you see. Maybe she does not jump immediately to the "creating it with hard-light" choice, but she is convinced that a "do it yourself" set would be obtainable on the Near Shore.

Aaand yes, she does entirely miss his nostalgic moment of wondering about the past. It's her first day here, forgive her. How to people? and how to be useful? bundled into one. ]

[towards_okeanos]

Then I believe they should be all right as they are. I don't think they need extra protection from the elements.
Should anything happen we can always add it later.

[What nostalgic moment? It was purely his wishful thinking to have a childhood that he could remember fondly.
In truth he didn't. Whatever idyllic image he tries to keep in his mind it was never true. His father's court was a hostile place. His home country barely just rose to any kind of prominence from being the region's most ridiculed backwater. And he was as far from pampered prince as one can ever be.]