December Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: March 8, 2017
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 brought into small one-on-one meeting rooms as they appear, with a white-robed shinki offering them an explanation of their current role, the name of the god they will represent or the god they will serve, and directions to the temple that will be their new home.

They are cordially invited to a training session beginning in midafternoon, once they've had the chance to return to their homes, meet their new partners, and have their questions answered.



Morning/On the Road

New gods and shinki are being packed off to their new temples for the morning to settle in and meet their partners -- this is also a good time to visit with new neighbors or explore the area! What does your new temple look like? Are you headed straight there, or taking the scenic route to get a better sense of your new surroundings? The Western District is still scarred from the aftereffects of a recent volcanic eruption and earthquake, with fissures in some of the roads and burn scars in the wild landscape. The volcanic ash, though, seems to be serving as fertilizer for vast swaths of unfamiliar and colorful wildflowers, which are spreading out even further with the onset of Spring. Strangely, there are many fewer flowering trees than might be expected.

Shinki Training

A well-appointed dojo has been prepared for newcomers to practice the physical or magical arts. Outside, there are two impromptu target practice areas: one is for long-range weapons, with targets set up against hay bales at the other side of a wide, grassy area and a line drawn for the weapons' wielders to stand behind. The other is for borderlines, and a number of young children wearing short coats marked with Amaterasu's golden chrysanthemum on white are dashing around practicing their own borderlines against what look like old clothes and sheets rescued from the rag pile and hung from trees or stuffed with straw to serve as targets. Some of the children are trapping their straw-stuffed targets by dancing in circles around them, hands held as they sing the Kagome song; others are using cutting borderlines to bring sheets fluttering down.

Inside the dojo, there's room for several pairs to spar, and weapons are set up all along one wall, everything from polearms to rifles, chakrams to broadswords. They're all meant for practice, with edges dulled or padded to avoid any accidental deaths, but sparring partners will still have to be careful to avoid injury. Although there are many fewer white-robed shinki here than usual, except for the children, there is one adult shinki keeping an eye on things inside the dojo and one keeping an eye on things in the yard. They are willing to answer questions, help with borderlines or teach shinki new spells on request. Comment to the NPC REQUEST form to interact with one of them or if you have any questions about handwaving an interaction.

Physical Training

The cherry blossoms that had begun to bloom across the Meeting Hall grounds seem to have experienced a mysterious mishap. Buds and half-opened blossoms alike have rained down from the branches, carpeting the fresh spring grass below with soggy brown and black rot. Several gardener shinki, with their sleeves tied back and sensible heavy aprons to protect their white uniforms, are raking up the fallen blossoms and trying to coax the trees back to health with powders and straw wraps to protect the trees' trunks from nightly chill. They need help: climb the trees and sprinkle the knots along the branches with invigorating powders to encourage fresh buds, or help the gardeners hold the straw in place around the tree trunks while it's wrapped with cloth, or just help rake up the dead flowers.

Besides the cherry problems, the gardens are beautiful and just beginning to burst into spring bloom. Tulips, crocuses and daffodils are sprouting everywhere, and once the borderline game is done, the child shinki are quickly organizing a garden-wide game of hide-and-go-seek. Find the best hiding spot you can, and make a break for home base as soon as you're sure the seeker is too far away to catch you! But don't run into anyone on the way.

Rest and Refreshments

Gods and shinki who are finished with their training can step into a large room in the Meeting Hall that has been set up with comfortable cushions and low tables. A fresh springtime menu is available: lightly flower-scented teas, plum wine, and a variety of little savory or sweet snacks to nibble on while waiting for dinner. Dinner turns out to be okonomiyaki: bowls with mixed batter and a plate full of tasty add-ins are brought out, and griddles at the center of the table heated to let every guest set out their own favorite add-ins, pour batter over, and make a savory pancake. It's a little tricky to flip with the tiny spatulas provided, but it should only take a few pancake disasters to get the hang of it, probably!

After eating, a few doves will flutter into the room, dropping off scrolls to certain people, and the frazzled-looking adult shinki from the earlier training session dashes to the front of the room to try to keep everyone occupied. He's reading from a handful of printouts with corporate icebreaker ideas: pin a secret card to the back of everyone's shirt and ask whoever you meet for clues to figure out what it says! Fill out a bingo card with different skills or experiences your fellow gods and shinki have! Figure out how to stack every piece of furniture in the room onto just one table... play a game where you're only allowed to reply with questions... switch tables every five minutes and see how well you can get to know the other person there before your five minutes are up. Wait, isn't that speed dating? He seems to be running out of ideas.

In Summary:

• Get all the information you can handle
• Veteran new gods and shinki are welcome to volunteer showing the ropes
• Practice sparring or shinki magic
• Enjoy a buffet dinner and some icebreakers
• Have fun~

Comments

[unlucky7]

[It's not as sparse as the last training session, but there are still things missing. Namely, the information pamphlets for shinki. After coordinating with Wendy and getting an idea of what will be available at today's training, Ginia sets up a folding table near the outdoor ring.

The following is on the table: a neatly handwritten sign that says "shinki information" taped to the front of the table, a few flats of bottled water, assorted energy bars, several tourist maps for Tokyo and other major cities in Japan, and two stacks of shinki pamphlet written by Kairi and the older shinki pamphlet. There's also a handwritten sign that says "borderline training and information upon request."

Ginia sits behind the table with a laptop, offering a wave and a friendly smile whenever anyone comes by, especially when it's someone that looks new. Her phone is nearby and she plays a message, a digitized alto voice speaking for her.]

Let me know if I can help you with anything.

Closed to Ebisu

[unlucky7]

On the plus side, it's probably good I can't start fires with this form.

[Ginia jokes as she crosses her arms and sighs, her scarf-form wrapped securely around Ebisu's neck and shoulders. Snow leopard and bow. Those abilities had come easily, an innate extension of the self, though maybe it was easier since they were discovered in combat too.

Here, she's at a loss at what to do. It's not movement related, nothing that enhances his senses either. No elemental abilities either.]

Any other ideas on what to try? Am I overthinking this?

[chibisu]

"Probably!" There's no reason to keep things subtle, in Ebisu's opinion, so he speaks out loud and freely. He's fine, despite the fact that he has a kitchen knife in one hand. As long as Kunimi is with him, he doesn't have reason to worry about accidentally cutting himself.

"These sorts of things come naturally, to god and shinki alike. If you overthink it, then you might just be blocking your own natural instincts."

Kimi pats Ginia's shoulder. "Remember that it's basically magic, in the end. Try to tap into that! Actually, you know we can cast magic while in vessel form, right?"

[unlucky7]

There's also no one around, by design. Ginia isn't worried about Ebisu accidentally cutting himself with Kunimi around, but no one needs to ask about the young child holding the kitchen knife.

No overthinking. Let things happen naturally. It's all magic anyway.

"I know borderlines work, but I haven't had a chance to try other spells in vessel form. Though I presume song spells over targeted shinki spells?"

After all, seems a bit hard calling someone's name to target for a spell if they can't hear you. Even if she signs all her spells.

"Let me know if anything changes." Ginia closes her eyes and exhales slowly, clearing her mind. Don't overthink, let it be. She can feel herself resting around Ebisu, soft and warm. She's stationary, meant to be worn. As her mind relaxes, there's a greater sense of the area around Ebisu, like a column surrounding him.

Ginia isn't sure why, but as she focuses on the space, the image of blooming flowers comes to mind. Like she could will things in if she wanted to. And indeed, a few feet from Ebisu's feet, a few wildflowers seem to pop into existence.

[chibisu]

"Yeah. I'd say you need a voice to cast, but in this case..." Kimi glances down. "I guess it's more like you need to be able to use your hands to target your opponent." Well, it all amounts to the same thing in the end, he guesses. It needs to be something physical in the world, and not hidden away in the separate little space that shinki are hidden in while working as vessels.

"But singing is perfectly fine. Don't ask me why." He's not the magic expert in the temple, so there's only so much that he can do.

On the bright side... What he can do right now is be closer to the ground as Ebisu holds him, and he immediately notices the change in scenery that occurs. "Ah- Young master!"

Ebisu immediately looks around, and then down, making a pleased noise. "Oh!" Leaning down, he tries to touch one of the flowers curiously, because nothing can stop Ebisu when something has his interest. "You made flowers, Ritsuki!"

Closed to Chris

[unlucky7]

[In comparison, her ability with Chris is easier to understand, though it doesn't mean she has a full understanding too. With a range set up at today's training session it's a good chance to practice. Ginia has an assortment of weapons lined up - an air rifle, slingshot, another bow and arrows - and she waves at Chris as her god arrives. Is her ability only good on arrows fired from her form or is there a larger range of control? One way to find out.]

Thanks for agreeing to meet. I figured it'd be good to figure out how my ability works a bit more before we roll into another fight.

[trustheart]

[Chris smiles as she sees Ginia, and nods.]

That's a good idea. What are you thinking we'll try? [She eyes the collection of weapons.] I see you've been a bit busy.

[unlucky7]

Since you also use guns, I think it's worth finding out if my ability affects other weapons you use or only shots you fire with me.

[Hence the wide-range of projectile weapons too. There are even a few throwing knives and throwing stars in the weapon stash. No harm in checking everything out when they have the means to.]

[trustheart]

I see. That makes sense. I guess the first thing we should check over is my symphogear, though, since that's the kind of weapon I use the most, right?

[dredefulchilde]

“You got a new name.”

Joscelin has come up behind Ginia and is peeking over her shoulder at the brand new symbol on the back of her hand. “When did that happen?”

He kind of misses being a nora, both for the fact that it doubled his chances of getting a solid ayakashi meal, and also because it seemed to annoy Heaven a great deal.

“How many is it for you?”

[unlucky7]

Ginia looks over her shoulder at Joss, giving his forehead a friendly pat with the back of her left hand, the sleeve falling back a little to reveal most of the kanji printed there: 発.

"Rude to ask how many names a shinki has," Ginia signs slowly for him, mouth forming into a smirk. "Guess."

[dredefulchilde]

Joscelin's brow furrows with concentration as he watches her sign. He's a very quick study, but she's only been teaching him for the last few weeks, mixed in with those impossible magic lessons.

"Rude, hmm? I think...three? Or Four. Four."

[unlucky7]

Ginia scoffs at the number, wondering if she should be flattered or insulted at his guess.

"Three." She smiles and taps his forehead again. "Don't tell anyone, okay?"

[nopixiedust]

[Honestly, Wendy is going to have some words with Amaterasu's shinki at the rate things are going. This better not be a permanent state of affairs, let her tell you. What's the point in setting up this whole affair if you're not even going to give the proper supplies to people? Nice food isn't a good enough substitute for information, especially when they all feel hungry all the time anyway.]

[At least, that's how it feels for her, although she's lucky it's not that bad.]

[Thankfully, she's not the only one invested in actually helping new and stupid shinki to the Far Shore. After a little bit of running around to check on people, she finally comes bouncing back over to where Ginia has set herself up.]

Thanks for helping set this all up! Especially since I know it's probably a pain for you.

[What, with the no talking thing. Phones help, but it still must be a little annoying.]

Let's hope we don't have to make this a permanent feature, huh?

[unlucky7]

[The changes at the last training session were worrying, but understandable with the possibility of a crisis elsewhere. With a second training session following the format of the last and still no information, it's a troubling trend.

Ginia smiles and waves at Wendy as she bounces back, shrugging lightly. She's mute, no changing that, she rolls with it. If other people have a problem with it, that's on them.]

Agreed. Though maybe we should suggest they set up a permanent table. Easier than hoping someone runs into a shinki with a pamphlet and we can put other things on it.

[Maps, more brochures, snacks, the options are endless.]

[nopixiedust]

I wonder if we can really convince them into doing it... I mean, it does sound like common sense, but it's funny how rare that sort of thing can be, huh?

[Oh, unless... Wendy immediately perks up.]

Oh, maybe we can bully them into doing it! A little peer pressure to tighten the screws. Or I can just cry at them until they feel so guilty, or get tired of the noise. I mean, when you put your mind to it, there's no end of possibilities, right?

[No end of possibilities to making Amaterasu's shinkis' afterlives even worse... Listen. Wendy has no sympathy to others, not when it comes to getting what she wants.]

[blahblahblah]

[Rita pauses as she finds the table; this looks like nothing more than a welcome center. Which she supposes it is, but here? It's at once both amusing and unsettling, and she sighs before taking a few steps closer. The selection of both small refreshments and actual information (!!) is intriguing, and Rita finds herself relaxing just a little.

Until the synthetic voice comes out of the phone, and her eyebrows shoot into her bangs.]

That's quite a blastia... ah, no, forget that for now. I have no idea what I'm doing besides what they told me, so. Information seems more helpful than anything right now.

[Absently, she reaches for one of the pamphlets, cracking it open and scanning it briefly. The tone is refreshing, if nothing else, and she's quite for a moment as she reads, though she glances back up at the person behind the table every so often. She's not wearing one of the white robes, so what's her angle...?]

[unlucky7]

[When most people don't know sign language, being a fast typist is a necessity. Ginia's fingers glide across the screen of her phone, another message playing with minimal downtime.]

Take your time looking. I'll do my best to answer questions not covered in the pamphlets.

[The pamphlets are good, but there's only so much information you can cram in them before they're overwhelming. A lot of other things - like spells or borderline tricks - are more word-of-mouth or through demonstration too.]

[blahblahblah]

[Rita's a fast reader, code monkey that she is, and it's not long before she pockets the pamphlet for later, further perusal, giving her full attention back to Ginia.]

Actually, this is pretty helpful, thanks. Most of this is fine, and some of this I need to practice on my own, so... I guess the biggest problem is, what am I supposed to be doing? I've met my goddess, and clearly there isn't an ayakashi to deal with right now or none of us would be standing around. Should I be training? Or out hunting for ayakashi? Or just training, or whatever?

[She seems a little uneasy asking it, like she's not sure what the answer's going to be, but it needs asking, so she forces herself not to fidget.]

let's get down to biznis

[timeforpink]

[ Borderline training? Jen heads right over. ]

Hi. I'm interested in borderline training. I'm Jen, a new shinki.

[ The opening notes of Be A Man play in the background. ]

[unlucky7]

[Ginia nods and pushes back from the table, typing up another message.]

Welcome. I'm Ginia. Someone already walk you through casting a borderline already?

[timeforpink]

[ Since Jen is in Training Mode (tm), she is practically at attention. Nothing can distract her now. o9 ]

The basics, yes. I know it takes time to master, so I want as much training as I can get.

[ And almost as an afterthought— ]

Thank you for offering. It's an important skill for us to have.

[ Maybe so, Jen, but it's okay to be a little bit chill... ]

[beyondtheblade]

[In this sort of situation, Tsubasa is forced to be nothing if not inquisitive. Normally that task was being served by others in her organization, but she realizes she doesn't have them to fall back on. She has Chris, and one shinki that appeared before her but... Everything else she's kind of coming to grips with, particularly that shinki.

So, upon exploring and coming across a table that literally just says "shinki information" on it, she obviously gravitates towards there.]

Ah, greetings. [A slight bow. She doesn't know anyone, so.] This... looks useful. [She eyes the pamphlet.] If I must admit, even with what has been explained, I'm a little at a loss about what all is going on here...

[unlucky7]

There's usually more onboarding for shinki and gods then what was here today.

[More than last time, but it's a sparse day and it bothers her. So might as well step up and do what she can. Ginia wishes she could have asked some of the shinki at Ebisu's temple for help, but with the differences between the old and new, it's safer this way.]

Feel free to take what you want, I'll do my best to answer questions too. I've been here for five months now.

[Not as long as some others, but it adds up fast.]

[beyondtheblade]

There's usually... more? [She raises an eyebrow. That sticks out, but she tries to focus otherwise.]

Ah, yes. Thank you. [She reaches out for one of the pamphlets.] I am Kazanari Tsubasa. I woke today and was told that I am evidently embodying Susanoo in this place.

...a friend of mine is here, as well. I... had a shinki seek me out, too. It is a lot to take in at once, if I'm being honest.