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]

Perhaps against her better judgement, Agrias would give them a opportunity to make a better impression on her.

A much better one.

She'd come to know plenty of men and women in her travels that she never would've of thought associating with. Men and women from all walks of life. And it would only to her benefit, to know as much of the people here as possible.

Even ones that presumed to be overly familiar with her as this one.

"Agrias Oaks, knight of the Lionsguard, at your service."

[priforprince]

"A knight!" Hibiki is sincerely delighted. As expected, her instincts have proven accurate. Here is someone perfect for the role she had in mind.

But her pleasure has a simpler source, as well. "A word I adore. No one in the Far Shore is better positioned to understand you than I."

She'll leave aside the amount of actual royalty here, as well as the vassals who serve them. Shikyoin Hibiki is a Prince and a Knight where it counts - in her heart. (And on TV, which counts for nearly as much.) Once again, she wins.

As is natural.

[cleansingstrike]

"You continue to presume much, Ser." Her hands rested on the table, her fists partially clenched. Though Agrias' posture was relaxed, her expression remained serious.

She was giving this individual a chance to turn around her opinion of them. So far, she remained undeterred in her original assessment.

"Pray indulge me. What would you understand of a knight's duties?"

[priforprince]

Hibiki sniffs. This will be simple.

Pulling a rose out of her pocket, she holds it to her face. Speaking of such beloved concepts requires the proper ambiance. "Of course, a knight dedicates themselves to the protection of an admired ideal. Although they may struggle and suffer for their love, it invariably leads them true."

She peers over the petals, eyes heavy-lashed. "You should possess such a guiding star, as well."

As a knight, and all. A knight without a Princess or some other sublime calling to which fealty may be sworn simply is not worth the name!

[cleansingstrike]

Agrias is still, for the most part, unimpressed. And what was the reason for the rose to begin with? Was it supposed to add anything to the conversation? She didn't really understand.

"For these moments, my sword and my charge are all that I need. And fortune would see to it that I've been brought here with both."

For a certain definition of 'fortune,' considering what it meant.

[priforprince]

"You are blessed indeed." Hibiki offers Agrias the rose - and a small smile. A little more. Just a little more, and then she can make her proposition. Her staging is perfect. It won't fail her.

"Like the crimson petals of this rose, your noble devotion will never fade."

[cleansingstrike]

"You speak of what I already know."

Her heart was indeed heavy with the knowledge of her Queen's fate. That much was true. Memories such as those were like to plague her thoughts for quite some time. But in spite of all that, Agrias could not falter now.

Not when Ovelia needed her more than ever.

"Though I beseech thee to kindly stow away the rose."

[priforprince]

Instead of stowing the rose, Hibiki offers it to Agrias. "Consider it a gift. In honor of your mission."

She'll wait a beat before breaching her true topic, now - perfect timing means perfect execution means, once again, Shikyoin Hibiki is perfect. How she delights herself. "I find myself requiring someone of your talents, actually. You'll hear me out?"

She has a quest that only a knight can fulfill. Surely this is too good an offer to refuse!

[cleansingstrike]

Much as she she would have, Agrias does not reject the now-declared gift. Though she's not quite sure what she's supposed to do with it. Perhaps keep it in some water so that it doesn't wither as quickly?

Well, that could wait until later.

"I'll listen to your words, but I'll promise no more than that."

[priforprince]

"I seek to put on some extremely splendid pageantry." That's...probably better to say to this particular audience than "movie", but it also might be how Hibiki would phrase this to anyone. "Of course, the starring position can be held by no one but myself, but the role of a loyal retainer has become available."

She looks Agrias right in the eyes, mouth managing to smile and smirk simultaneousy. "You suit it perfectly."

[cleansingstrike]

"You would sing my praises so freely." Without there being any actual singing involved, thankfully. Agrias was still finding herself regretting giving them more and more of her time.

"Yet I must decline. For I have already sworn my life to another."

And it just so happened that she was currently her Shinki.

[priforprince]

"You would be merely acting a part. No compromise on your existing loyalty."

Unless, of course, this knight's loyalty extended to doing nothing but serving their charge.....Hibiki couldn't precisely fault that. Far be it from her to interrupt a living ideal when one actually strode into her midst.

"Is even that distasteful?"

[cleansingstrike]

"You must understand. The land I come from, 'tis so very different than this." She felt so out of place, so unprepared.

Neither were feelings that she particularly enjoyed.

"Much has changed for me, and I would have myself be ready for the trials that are to come."

[priforprince]

"I see." Well, Hibiki can't say she's unused to this serious sort of person. They're a far sight preferable to the absurd ones, that's for certain. "It's a pity. You'd learn rapidly by being surrounded by the Far Shore's best."

Still, she can respect a person with a firm sense of self. So she nods. "I'll look forward to seeing you radiantly you shine once your footing is sound."