August Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: January 6th, 2017
Where: Outside the Meeting Hall, the Far Shore / the Ryukyu Islands
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 more experienced god and shinki volunteers.




Meeting Hall

God Training

Newly arrived gods are escorted into a small meeting room, with tatami floors and a stage 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. Paper and pens are provided to all the attendees as an unsubtle suggestion to take notes on the information they're given.

The speaker delivers her welcome speech in the monotone of someone who's practiced it far too often. Hopefully no one's feeling sleepy! She adds that gods should be cautious of anyone on the Near Shore who might ask to use their shrines to visit the Heavens, and should instruct their shinki to be cautious as well. There is an unrecognized god who the Heavens believe to be attacking them. 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. Each of the shinki is wearing a brightly-colored sticky name tag reading HELLO, MY NAME IS ________, and all of their names appear to end with the syllable "mei."

A variety of weapons are available in the dojo for shinki and their gods to practice with, and a row of straw targets are set up along one wall. Outside, in an area carefully roped off with red ribbons, are six animated training dummies, also made of straw and dressed in plain cotton jackets and trousers. They will immediately engage anyone who enters the area marked with the ribbon, but will not pursue opponents outside it. A white-robed shinki nearby keeps a sharp eye on the animated dummies, and will intervene if anyone tries to destroy one. The white-robed shinki appears to be a particular expert in magic, and will occasionally offer to help out anyone who's practicing a spell more challenging than the Borderline, especially if they look quite lost. His nametag reads HELLO, MY NAME IS SABIMEI. (To interact with Sabimei, please comment on the "NPC REQUEST" thread below! If you prefer, you may also handwave his assistance or advice with your character learning spells.)

Physical Training

Two of the white-robed shinki, whose nametags mark them as Toumei and Kimei, are standing off to one side of the training area near a pair of large, curtained tents. They each have an enormous wicker basket full of clean, folded beach towels, and a rack of what appear to be wetsuits and swimsuits in a variety of styles and sizes. Once suited and toweled, new and veteran residents of the Heavens alike will be handed a pretty white-and-gold cockade that can be pinned to their suit or tied around their wrist by its ribbons, and either Toumei or Kimei will escort them to a beautiful, but rocky, Near Shore beach. Tropical plants, palm trees and high grasses surround the area, and although the sounds of cars are audible from a road not too far away, the only sign of human presence on this beach is an ancient, rotting fishing boat pulled up well past the high tide mark.

It's quite chilly, with a brisk sea breeze, but there's room to run up and down the beach, a net set up for beach volleyball, younger shinki building sand castles, and showers for the brave souls who venture into the water. The surf is impressive today, so swimmers will get the chance for some serious exercise. There's also the chance to climb through the wreck of the old fishing boat; inside, piles of old seaweed and drifting sand host curious crabs, and a curious explorer could even find treasure... although nothing more valuable than large seashells, old one-yen or five-yen coins, and bits of weathered sea glass.

Rest and Refreshments

When sunset comes -- early, at this time of year -- the shinki bring giant picnic-sized bento boxes with five or seven layers of carefully packed foods, and pile wood for bonfires that leap with flames edged blue-green from the salt. The bento boxes contain a wide variety of traditional foods, many in the style of traditional New Year's dishes: sweet potato and chestnut, slivered carrot and burdock, whole fish, toasted mochi, sliced lotus root and more. A fireworks display starts over the ocean once full night falls, fountains and bursts in every color imaginable, some so ornate that it's hard to believe they're not helped along by a touch of magic. The display lasts half an hour.

After the last fireworks, the shinki will guide everyone back to the Meeting Hall to return to their homes. The wind is getting chillier, and gods or shinki who stay too much past the firework display will notice the tiny, creeping forms of glowing ayakashi no larger than a fist, looking like little jellyfish on land. They don't seem hostile; instead, they're fixated on the boat, and will climb on it and settle onto the rigging and wood of the boat, chirping quietly to themselves and snuggling in so that the whole boat seems to glow with an unearthly blue-white light. They can be fought and defeated, but if attacked, will fight back: and be careful! Those jellyfish tentacles spread blight instead of stinging, and they're longer than they look.

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 at a beach (isn't it winter?!)
• Relax and watch the fireworks
• Have fun~

Comments

[notatyrant]

You think so? With how calming the sound of the waves are, and the people moving around far away?

[Terra smiles, watching him.

He nods at his question.]

Freshly became a god. How about you?

[killercoat]

[ At Terra's optimism, Akutagawa makes a face, though he doesn't answer or rebuttal his state. Admittedly, the crashing of the waves is soothing.

However, he turns to the other as he mentions he's a god.]

You're a god?!

[ Terra's demeanor is altruistic at best, but nothing sticks out as being divine. Akutagawa realizes that the selection of gods are just as random as shinki it seems. Although he has no complaints about being a shinki, he feels it suits him better.

Akutagawa straightens his posture.]

...I'm a shinki.

[notatyrant]

Yes? Why do you sound so surprised?

[Terra raises an eyebrow at him, and nods at the information.]

Do you know who your god is yet?

[killercoat]

...I guess I'm learning that gods here aren't quite how I would envision them.

[ Although, it's not like Terra doesn't seem worthy of being a god. For Akutagawa, gods are untouchable, flawless and invincible. A deity who would be impossible to sit next to, unlike in their current position.]

Though you seem dutiful enough to help strangers, you should do well in your role despite my expectations.

[At the question, Akutagawa shakes his head.]

No. I'm sure they will appear before me in time.

[notatyrant]

How did you envision gods?

[Terra is smiling. This kind of conversation feels interesting to him, because he's never talked about deities before, and apparently, he fits as one.]

I'm glad you seem to think so, I will do my best to be a good god.

[He nods.]

I have a shinki assigned to me, but it's not you. Hopefully your god is a good fit for you.

[killercoat]

Well, I view gods probably in the same way as those in the living world. Perfect, brutal and at times, merciless. They can spurn hope and devotion in their followers by their kind generosity. They can also instill fear by how they punish.

[ Once he finishes he takes another drink of water. The gods here aren't quite like he would expect, but he does have hope that he can serve someone who fits that mold.

He recaps the bottle.]

It doesn't matter either way. If I find my god inadequate, then I have no problem seeking someone who is more worthy.

[notatyrant]

The way you describe gods sounds similar to how my master was.

[He laughs, quietly, smiling softly.]

That's true, you can always pick a new one.

[killercoat]

[ When Terra mentions his master, Akutagawa turns his way. He looks surprisingly interested in the subject.]

Your master is similar? He must be someone who's difficult to please, but that must make you work harder.

[notatyrant]

He is- was. He worked us, me and my friends, until we were good enough to be masters, and then a bit more.

[He smiles sadly.]

He was like a father to us, a very strict, very powerful one.

[killercoat]

[ Akutagawa feels like he understands that tough love, but he's not sure why.]

That's good that you had such a role model in your life. Though it sounds as if he's no longer of your world?

[Akutagawa looks down at the sand at his feet.]

It must have been hard to lose such a prominent figure in your life. Maybe that's why he pushed you and your peers so hard?

[notatyrant]

You're right. He died, in a fight.

[He's not going to say the fight was against him though.]

He always wanted us to be better, that's true.

[killercoat]

[Akutagawa probably wouldn't bat an eye at that admission. It just seems like the proper way to succeed your master.]

Then I look forward to seeing the fruits of your late master's labor. If he trained you so fiercely, you must be a great fighter.

[notatyrant]

Not to brag, but I am pretty strong compared to my friends.

[He smiles.]

If you want, we could train together one day.

[killercoat]

It's fine to boost as long as it's not hot air. If you're as strong as you say, then I would be honored to spar with you.

[ There seems to be a hint of excitement at the promise of a fight. Akutagawa finds it much more appealing than wasting time on the beach.]

[notatyrant]

Thank you! If I see you around here again, I'll make sure to ask you to spar with me.

[He smiles.]

Unless you'd like to try now.

[killercoat]

I'm afraid I'm not at full strength.

[ He hates to admit it, but he's sort of re-learning his ability. Even if it feels second nature, he's not confident that he can use it effectively at this point in time.]

Next time, I'll definitely give you a good fight.

[notatyrant]

Next time, then.