October Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: February 6th, 2017
Where: Outside the Meeting Hall, the Far Shore (and optionally, the slopes of a recently erupting volcano)
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 at least one unrecognized god who the Heavens believe to be attacking them, and another recent incursion by an unrecognized god ended in his defeat and the extinguishing of the volcano he had caused to erupt. 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

There are stacks of informational pamphlets sitting out on tables around the dojo. There are five or six white-robed shinki present, who will willingly answer any questions or instruct newcomers in the use of the borderline. They accompany their answers, or their 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. Both Sabimei and his animated straw training dummies are absent from this training session, but standard, inanimate straw targets have been lined up outside, and a few rings are laid out on the frozen ground for friendly sparring matches. (Shinki characters who are interested in learning more about the borderlines or want to learn new shinki spells or songs may approach any of the training shinki for advice or instruction. Please remember to comment on the Shinki Spells page when your character begins to learn a new spell, excluding the borderline.)

Physical Training

There is still clean-up left to work on from the volcano's eruption. Two tengu (one of whom characters might recognize as the hot springs' proprietor) have volunteered to help transport any gods or shinki who are willing to help clear trees, dig or wash away ash on roads and roofs, and repair damage to occupied temples. The abandoned temples that were damaged by the earthquake and volcano are being left to decay, although anyone who's curious about them could take the offer of a free ride to explore some of those abandoned and damaged buildings as well. Some might contain old books or mementos of the long-vanished owners; others have nothing left inside but dust, mold, and curious spirits.

Back at the training ground, characters who aren't helping clean up the Western district have the option of playing sparring games to test their reflexes. The white-robed shinki are organizing them into pairs in the marked circles and explaining the rules: each participant is given 10 seconds on offense to score a hit with any weapon of their choice, from bare hands to sparring weaponry to shinki magic, while their partner is only allowed to dodge or defend. After five rounds, the person with more points gets to declare a penalty for their partner: drawing on their face with a marker, ordering them to do something silly or embarrassing, making them fetch tea... it's up to the winner!

Rest and Refreshments

After the gods' training lecture is finished, a few of the white-robed shinki bustle back in to set up craft tables and a buffet area. This time, the theme seems to be a sweet English tea: little cakes, scones, jams, cookies, tiny finger sandwiches and a vast array of chocolates are available, as well as many different teapots, with hot water dispensers and loose tea available to let everyone brew to their own tastes as they venture in to rest or talk to their new partners.

Over on the craft tables, there's all kinds of art and craft supplies available, from construction paper to calligraphy brushes, glitter to gouache. Signs on the tables encourage gods and shinki to show their appreciation for each other with a valentine letter or card. It's a bonding exercise! There is a lot of glitter. And glue. Hopefully, no one's wearing their nice clothes.

In Summary:

• Get all the information you can handle
• Veteran new gods and shinki are welcome to volunteer showing the ropes
• Explore damaged temples or practice sparring
• Enjoy a tea and make some valentines
• Have fun~

Comments

[cleansingstrike]

Temple. She had her own temple now. It all seemed so extravagant for a mere knight such as herself.

"I awoke there when I arrived, and the path is already known to me. I would also have you inspect your quarters, to ensure that they are to your liking."

[ofnovalue]

"Then we shall to it, then! With your escort, of course, milady," Ovelia gave a small bow, her smile still warm.

[cleansingstrike]

It was Ovelia's disposition that continued to help to lighten Agrias spirits. Despite the loss of her memories, and the fate that had been forced upon her, if her shinki could find joy in this situation, then so would she.

"Let us be away, then."

The two began to walk together, like they had done so many times in the past. She already knew where to go, taking Ovelia through the forest and into the clearing, where a lone building stood.

"We've made it at last." Agrias looked on at the structure, the familiarity not lost on her.

"I would call this monastery our new home. And I would... ask of you to do the same."

[ofnovalue]

There's a small gasp in Ovelia's breath as she spies the building, eyes tracing from its spire to each of the corner stones at the base, taking in the whole shape of the building, and the shore it sat upon. A strange, warm nostalgia seemed to soak over her, more leaving her with a relieving sensation of safety than anything else. This place... this place felt safe.

"Tis lovely... I would very much like to peer within it."

[cleansingstrike]

"As you wish." One would think their roles had remained as they always were, leading Ovelia to the monastery's front doors and escorting her inside. Though she'd been here before, Agrias once more took in the sight before her. It was all the same as before, down to the placement of the windows.

"I confess that I find myself at somewhat of a loss. A building such a this... 'tis meant for more than just you and I."

[ofnovalue]

Ovelia took pace ahead of Agrias, spinning about to take in the whole sight of the main chamber, delighting in how comfortable the building felt, despite how empty and cold it might seem to most.

"Well you do have the ability to take more shinki unto your fold, milady. Twould suit a knight to have a platoon, yes?"

[cleansingstrike]

Agrias hadn't even considered the possibility. To have Ovelia as her own shinki was jarring enough. It was taking all that she had to hide how she truly felt about it.

"Perhaps. I've fellow knights serve under me before. Though in times such as trying as these..." She ran a gloved hand across a nearby wooden bench.

"I would much prefer to make sure it is you who is properly attended to."

[ofnovalue]

Ovelia's reverie was interrupted by that comment, some color coming to her cheeks as she ducked her head, sheepishly.

"Milady speaks of silly things... I am a shinki. I am a tool. To be treated well is one matter, but you've already accomplished that. There is little more I could ever ask of you, milady."

[cleansingstrike]

There it was. That one particular word. Agrias had come to dislike hearing that word being associated with Ovelia in any sort of way. To think that it had followed her here, in a land so far removed from Ivalice, and those who would seek to use the Queen for their own personal gain.

"Nay." The knight shook her head, approaching her shinki. "I would ask that you not refer to yourself as such."

She stared at Ovelia, a hand resting upon her shoulder.

"Without you, this knight would surely fall, as I would be no more capable of fending off these... ayakashi. We are to fight together, as one. As equals. You are..."

She spoke with such conviction, such strength. Even know, as her old life had been snatched away from her.

"Irreplaceable. This, I truly believe."

[ofnovalue]

But that conviction, that strength, served her so well, allowing the words to carry past the veil of darkness around Ovelia's heart, that even her own poor self-worth could not keep it back. It warmed her blood, bringing delightful heat to her cheeks, though she ducked her head away regardless, not wanting her goddess' eyes to linger on her blushing face.

"If that is your wish, than so shall it be..."

[cleansingstrike]

It was not only her own wishes that Agrias was concerned with, but Ovelia's as well. She would not have her become a tool again, not even for herself. If taking her to another world was what it took to finally give the Queen the life she deserved, then it was up her to see that realized. She would know Ovelia's desires, and her wishes.

Perhaps not immediately, as there was still... much for them to both take in.

"Shall I escort you to your quarters, My Lady?"

[ofnovalue]

Ovelia's smile radiated the warmth inside of her, seemingly so much easier to find in the presence of her goddess. She really was blessed to have such a wonderful goddess, wasn't she? The darkness in her heart seemed so much smaller, in her presence...

"You shall, if it is your wish," Ovelia nervously responded, her cheeks still flushing.

[cleansingstrike]

True to her word, Agrias escorted Ovelia down the hall and towards the entrance of her room. She opened the door and stepped inside. It had all the essentials, but other than that, it wasn't much to look at.

"'Tis rather ordinary, I'm afraid." Still, a bed and a roof over their heads was more than enough to be grateful for.

"Though I would be happy to assist in decorating and furnishing it to your liking."

[ofnovalue]

"Ordinary... I feel ordinary to be comforting in this moment. I suppose all I could really ask for is a bookshelf," oh she had no idea what was below...

[cleansingstrike]

"A bookshelf... Would I be correct in assuming that the lady finds enjoyment in reading and scriptures?"

[ofnovalue]

"Indeed. I do not know why, but reading has always brought me some joy, particularly works of fiction. But histories and books of science also fascinate me."

[cleansingstrike]

"I would ask you to accompany me further, My Lady." Given that they were in a replica of Orbonne Monaster, there was something else she wanted to show her.

"I've already taken the time to survey these environs and... I trust that you will find the basement levels to your liking."

[ofnovalue]

That piqued Ovelia's curiosity. Something in the basement levels? She remained near Agrias, wearing her wonder on her features plainly.

[cleansingstrike]

"Allow me to show you firsthand, Ovelia." True to her word, she led her to the entrance of their ample basement.

Standing in front of the door, she nodded.

"Please, enter."

[ofnovalue]

Ovelia was pensive, sticking close behind Agrias leading up to the entrance to the basement, her uncertainty leading to trepidation in every motion before she finally stepped just slightly ahead of Agrias, peering past the door...

[cleansingstrike]

It was that same apprehension that was making itself known within Agrias. Truly, a sign of their bond a Shinki and God.

"Worry not, My Lady. There is naught within these walls that will ever cause you harm."

And certainly no portals into Necrohols.

[ofnovalue]

When the Ovelia's eyes had adjusted to the light within the basement chamber, cast by the torches, another feeling rushed through her and no doubt to Agrias, gasping.

"A library! There are so many!" she let out an excited squeal.

[cleansingstrike]

The sensation happened almost immediately, and it was further proof of the bond that she and Ovelia shared. Her shinki's happiness was, quite literally, her happiness. Seeing the way her Queen's eyes lit up from the sight in front of her, it did much to ease her burdened spirits.

"Were I to say that 'tis only the first level, would the lady believe mine words?"

[ofnovalue]

"Truly?!" even without the connection between them, Ovelia's excitement was palpable, almost bouncing on her feet.

[cleansingstrike]

"But of course. I've already made the rounds to familiarize myself with these insides. I counted 5 levels, and more scriptures that one would ever know what to do with."

You could spent multiple lifetimes and still not even come close to finishing.

"But I trust that the lady would enjoy herself as such."