January Training

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone
What: Information and Training
When: March 24th, 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 (God or Shinki), the name of the god they will represent (Gods) or the god they will serve (Shinki), and directions to the temple that will be their new home, regardless of role. During these initial meetings for Gods, paper and pens are provided as an unsubtle suggestion to take notes on the information they're given. For Shinki, there are stacks of informational pamphlets sitting out on a table inside the room, and which new shinki are offered as they are leaving the Meeting Hall.

Gods and Shinki alike are cordially invited to a training session beginning in early afternoon - several hours later - after they've had the chance to return to their homes, meet their new partners, and have their questions answered.

This time, it is implied that the Training Session will have a different purpose, so it is highly encouraged for ALL new gods and shinki to attend, no matter how long they have been in the Far Shore.



Divine Service

New gods are assigned a time to meet with an attendant in white robes with a chrysanthemum on their robes bearing a notepad. Gods can request a changed time slot, but they are not given an option to avoid the appointment entirely. Unless they are bullied into allowing multiple gods in one interview session, they insist on one god per time slot. All meetings take place in private rooms similar to those for New God and New Shinki meetings.

The interview consists of questioning the God's commitment to serving the needs of their followers, the Far Shore, and in turn Amaterasu herself. There is the matter of "A God's Actions Are Always Just" and The Gods' Greatest Secret as well, to see if the God believes these are true and important. Do they espouse these opinions to other Gods? Will they respond to a summons by Amaterasu to defend The Far Shore? (If prodded, the attendant will admit that they are in fact an Old God, despite wearing clothing similar to Amaterasu's shinki. They will claim it an honor to do a favor for Amaterasu during her preparations.)

The second round of questions are about their shinki. What vessel forms do they take, in order starting with Exemplar? How do you use them in combat? What sort of opponents have you faced with your shinki in vessel form - human, ayakashi, or other? Do you have any plans to personally train your shinki for battle ahead? For wielders of multiple shinki, when was the last time you used all of them working together?

They insist that all questions are answered. Afterwards, the God is dismissed.

(An OOC breakdown for you characters IC answers to the God Interview...)
On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being low and 10 being high, what is your commitment to serving the needs of...<blockquote><b>1. Your followers?</b> ## <b>2. The Far Shore?</b> ## <b>3. Amaterasu herself?</b> ##</blockquote><b>4. Do you believe that A God's Actions Are Always Just?</b> ... <b>5. Do you protect The Gods' Greatest Secret?</b> ... <b>6. Do other Gods know your opinions on the above matters?</b> ... <b>7. Will you respond to a summons by Amaterasu to defend The Far Shore?</b> ... <b>8. What vessel forms do your shinki take, in order starting with Exemplar?</b> ... <b>9. How do you use them in combat?</b> ... <b>10. What sort of opponents have you faced <i>with your shinki in vessel form</i> - human, ayakashi, or other?</b> ... <b>11. Do you have any plans to personally train your shinki for battle ahead?</b> ... <b>12. For wielders of multiple shinki, when was the last time you used all of them working together?</b> ...

Tempering the Vessel

Shinki are assigned time slots to meet with the white-robed shinki as well. While their sessions are shorter, the conversations are similar, and likewise held in private meeting rooms.

What is your vessel form? How many battles have you been in while in vessel form and what were your opponents? Do you have any opponents you would resist fighting alongside your God and fellow temple shinki? What have you done to increase your resilience while in vessel form? If you have other shinki at your temple, how often have you fought alongside them in vessel form? What spells do you know? Do you have any plans to further that training?

The shinki are then dismissed after all questions are answered.

(An OOC breakdown for you characters IC answers to the Shinki Interview...)
<b>1. What is your vessel form?</b> ... <b>2. How many battles have you been in <i>while in vessel form</i> and what were your opponents?</b> ... <b>3. Do you have any opponents you would resist fighting alongside your God and fellow temple shinki?</b> ... <b>4. What have you done to increase your resilience while in vessel form?</b> ... <b>5. If you have other shinki at your temple, how often have you fought alongside them in vessel form?</b> ... <b>6. What spells do you know?</b> ... <b>7. Do you have any plans to further that training?</b> ...

Shinki Training

A well-appointed dojo has been prepared for newcomers to practice their physical or magical arts. 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.

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 request a thread with one of them or if you have questions about handwaving an interaction. (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

While each month the Far Shore attendants try to adapt the physical training to the Near Shore's weather and holidays, the weather is fair and any festive impulses have been subdued. This time, Physical Training encourages pitting a God with one or all of their Shinki against another God with one or all of their Shinki. This is touted as a benefit to the Shinki, so the white-robed shinki make clear that certain Shinki need this training more than others. For example, the ones who answered their Interview questions saying they hadn't spent much time in their vessel form, or fought in many battles, or hadn't fought with their fellow Shinki much - if at all.

There are Old Gods (NPCs - not run by a mod) who can be targeted as opponents, allowing the temple residents to gel as one fighting unit. (OOC: So that your multi-person thread can be limited to as few players as possible, if you choose.)

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. Moreso than other Training Sessions, there is a wide array of international alcoholic options this time. If you've heard of it and you can get drunk by imbibing it, it's probably here in a bottle or glass. Guests can help themselves, settle in, chat, and make new friends.

The Old Gods in particular will begin to regale the crowd at the end of the afternoon with War Stories from the ages past, speaking of their great deeds they performed as prayers for their followers, miracles to convert the unbelieving, powerful ayakashi they fought, and other amazing feats, especially if they involved a shinki at their side - who it was and the form they took. After many Old Gods have spoken, they turn to the New Gods as if in challenge to tell better stories, mocking words exchanged that imply the New Gods could not possibly have done anything so impressive in their short time in the Far Shore.

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
• Answer Interview Questions
• Tell the truth - if you dare - or lie through your teeth... if you dare
• Tell War Stories
• Have fun~

Comments

[unlucky7]

I - Shinki Training
Like the last session, Ginia's helping out at an info table set up where new shinki are likely to pass by. There's the shinki pamphlet that Amaterasu's shinki are passing out, as well as the previous pamphlet. There are a few tourist maps for Tokyo and some of the other major cities, lists of various restaurants, directions to the shinki shelter, and an ad offering work at Ebisu's temple.

There's also a typed sign that says "borderline and spell information upon request." For those that want to know a little more than what's usually taught at training sessions.

II - Physical Training
Ginia watches the fights from the side of the ring, taking pictures and recording. If this is gearing up for a war, knowing what the old gods can do and the capabilities of their shinki is just as important. As far as she's concerned, everyone is a possible enemy that can put her friends at danger. The more she knows, the better.

To anyone watching nearby she's seen around or knows, she'll venture a question through a message played on her phone (or signed). "What do you think about things today?"

To any new faces, she states more simply, "Things aren't always like this."

III - Rest and Refreshments For Science!
So this is how things are going to go today, huh? A bunch of arrogant assholes puffing themselves up in an attempt to intimidate or impress, driving forward a meaningless mood with all signs pointing to war. Ginia listens to the stories because information is information, but at her own table, she's setting up an experiment of her own.

There are at least ten bottles of various beers, wines, spirits, etc. lined up in front of her, with a shot glass or disposable paper cup in front of each one. There's also a notepad with the name of each drink and space for notes. In theory, her nanotech prevents her from getting drunk. With so many options out today, might as well test it out. Maybe she'll even find a drink she likes.

Bottoms up.

III

[dredefulchilde]

"Ginia!"

There's a small child uncharacteristically beaming up at her. His face is flushed and his eyes are bright and he's got his hand wrapped 'round the stem of a mostly-drunk bottle of green apple shnapps. Joscelin's obviously been putting his thieving skillset to work this evening, and he's had a bit too much of the stuff. As a vampire, he'd been unable to get drunk, but now as...whatever he is now, he's capable of so much more human frailty. The boy takes another swig and giggles. "You should try this. 's good. Like sour candy."

He turns his attention to the old gods and shakes his head disapprovingly. "La, but they are silly old windbags, aren't they? They ought to shut up and let us get back to the sport at hand. Say, what are you doing with all those bits of paper? Taking notes on the drink?"

[unlucky7]

Mentally, Ginia facepalms. Joss is fast and sneaky and with so many people around, no doubt no one noticed him grab a bottle. For all anyone knew, it was soda. Outwardly, Ginia sighs and holds her hand out for the bottle and pats the cushion next to her. The best she can do now is keep an eye on him and make sure he stays out of trouble.

At the mention of 'the sport at hand,' she assumes he means the sparring. Even if he didn't get to fight himself, it was probably interesting to watch.

"Taking notes. I'm curious if there's anything I can get drunk on. Lacking that, it's an opportunity to see what I like and don't like." Ginia opts to respond through her phone. With how drunk he is now, it seems the easiest route.

[dredefulchilde]

Joscelin hands her the bottle proudly, expecting her to take a taste. He'll keep looking expectantly at her until she does so: after all, he recommended it! And anything he recommends is excellent.

He sits next to her and continues to giggle absurdly at whatever the gods are blabbing on about. Their tales of valor and victory strike him as endlessly hilarious. Of course they're all lies. How could they not be? Heaven isn't nearly competent enough to have done all that.

"Then try the green stuff next! It's really good. Packs a punch. I'm not s'posed to get tipsy, you see." That much he vaguely knows about himself. "But I think I'm just about there." He's far past there.

[unlucky7]

Just about there? Ginia's pretty sure he's well past and beginning to loop back around. Bottle in hand, she takes a small sniff before taking a swig from the bottle. He's not wrong about the sour flavor. It's not quite to her liking, leaning far into the sweet over sour side of flavors. Green apple isn't her favorite fruit either.

But there's promise. Hm. Ginia makes a note in her notepad and adds the bottle to her lineup.

"Does it come in other flavors? Green apple isn't my favorite, but I can see it mixing well with other things."

[dredefulchilde]

Joscelin is a very affectionate drunk, it turns out. He snuggles so close to Ginia he's practically in her lap.

"I didn't see any, but there's so many I'm sure you could find some. I did see Fireball whiskey--that's cinnamon, isn't it?--and Chambord, which I think is raspberry. 's a proper spread they've got this time. I can't remember ever seeing so much alcohol in one place."

That's because as far as he can remember he's ten years old, and ten year old boys aren't usually allowed into bars.

[unlucky7]

A cuddly drunk is probably better than moody or angry, especially with Joscelin's temper already. Ginia slides back from the table so she's not as trapped under it, especially if she needs to stand up. There's already a hunch she'll have to carry him back to Hakkai's temple at the end of all this, or at least walk him back.

"There was a similar spread at the God's Meeting." She pauses, reconsidering the spread of that night. "No, lots more of a similar variety. Much more food though."

I

[myblueskies]

"Miss Ginia! Miss Ginia! Hello!" Romeo runs up to the info table when he spots it grinning at Ginia. He hasn't seen her in a long time! Not since he fell asleep. So he is glad to see her today, especially since she is working so hard at helping everybody!

Also, his interview with the white robed shinki had reminded him of something! "Can you teach me a spell, miss Ginia? Like the one that made me go invisible? Or there's ones with singing right?" He smiles again. "Please." He remembers the manners he had almost forgot in his excitement.

[unlucky7]

There's someone nice to see even on a day as stressful as today. Ginia's smile is genuine as he runs up to the table. She waves as she hears out his request. Spell training, huh? She has a hunch where the request is coming from and there's a small twist of uncertainty because he's so young and shouldn't have to fight. But she is offering to teach and if it can keep him safe, all the better.

"Sure thing. Have you learned any spells before or this your first one?"

[myblueskies]

"It's my very first one!" He grins at her, he knows a few signs now and so he uses them, sporadically for the words he knows, it makes very little sense but it's good practice.

"I was going to try and learn after you showed me at Valentines day but then lots of things happened and me and Elfnein fought a bad bear ayakashi and then I fell asleep for a long time!"

[unlucky7]

There's a lot to unpack in that statement. It's a good thing Ginia's heard of shinki falling asleep for long periods of time. She still looks over him, confirming he fell asleep because of whatever weirdness falls upon shinki and not because he was injured.

First spell. Okay. Ginia comes around the table to kneel in front of Romeo.

"Besides borderlines, there are two kinds of spells shinki can use. What people call shinki spells and song spells. Shinki spells use a name.

Ginia taps the kanji on the back of her left hand, a change since the last time they saw each other.

"If you know a shinki's vessel name, the name your god uses to call you into vessel form, you can cast spells on them. That's how I turned you invisible."

[myblueskies]

Romeo nodded. He remembered that much. He remembered Ginia asking what name Elfnein called him to make him turn into his vessel form.

He peers at the mark on Ginia's hand. He thinks it looks different than the one she had had before but he can't be sure.

Since arriving in the heavens he has been learning to read and write kanji. But this is not one that he knows and he stares at it for a time to see if it makes sense. Finally he looks up to Gina's eyes looking a little embarrassed.

"I don't know how to read that one, miss."

[unlucky7]

Since their conversation on Valentine's Day, it's been a brand new addition to her life. Ginia holds her hand out so he can better see the kanji.

"That one is read as hanatsu. Hatsuki for my vessel name. However, you also need more than the name. You need confidence and superiority too."

A pause.

"Do you know what superiority means?"

[myblueskies]

Hanatsu. [He grins and looks at it again trying to make all the lines stay in his head.

Confidence and superiority? He thought for a moment and then nodded.] It means that you are better than someone else. Or you're the boss of someone and they got to do what you say.

[unlucky7]

[Ginia nods. That's exactly it.]

To cast a spell on another shinki, you need to keep a superior mindset as you cast. You have to be better than them.

It's a bit easier casting spells on yourself in that regard.

[Some spells at least. As a test, Ginia tried casting Bind on herself, but found her mind resisted that one too much to work.]

[myblueskies]

So only the best shinki can cast spells? [That was going to take lots and lots of practice! He would work hard though, he was sure he could become the best at casting spells as long as he worked hard every day!]

III

[alchemists]

Is it really ok for you to drink all of that?

[ Elfnein knows everyone has different levels of dealing with for this sorta thing but that is a lot of drinks lined up. ]

[unlucky7]

[Hi Elfnein. Ginia finishes jotting down a note before waving.]

Yes. I can't get drunk.

[Which also explains absolutely nothing besides sounding incredibly foolhardy, arrogant, and the kind of thing someone drunk would say. Ginia drums her fingers against the table before she signs again.]

Have you heard of nanotechnology? ['Nanotechnology' is definitely fingerspelled out.]

[alchemists]

I've heard of it, though right now the uses of it aren't used within the human body from where I'm from.

[ Elfnein had certainly used it before when upgrading the symphogear relics and when crafting other items, but it was still far from being implanted directly into humans. ]

[unlucky7]

[Good, one less thing to explain. Ginia turns her wrist up and looks at her veins. There's nothing different about them compared to anyone else. She doubts even a microscope in this world could detect them. Is there any way to prove her claim? Probably not.

All that matters is they keep working the way they should.]

I can't get drunk since they filter anything out of my blood before it can affect me.

[alchemists]

Really? That's something I would love to know more about function wise. If that's ok with you.. I don't want to intrude since it's more personal.

[unlucky7]

Ask what you want, though I don't know how it works. Only what it does.

[Not a lot of people know, but enough do it doesn't feel like a secret. Besides, it's Elfnein; even with her young age, she's reliable.]

[alchemists]

Have you always had it or was it something given to you? Does it also work with other substances like poison or other toxins?

[unlucky7]

I can't really say with the first question. I guess it was given to me?

[She was able to inject herself with new nanites here so it seems like something she wasn't born with.]

I guess they're like vaccines in this world? Everyone gets them when they're young and then you get flu shots every year.

[With the world-based understanding of nanotechnology, it's the closest conclusion she can come to.]

Anything that isn't suppose to be in my blood is filtered out. Poisons, toxins, caffeine, over the counter medication. I can't get sick from any diseases or illnesses either.

[alchemists]

That is fascinating, so it's a common practice for you and people from your world.

[ Elfnein is making a lot of mental notes, if it's like vaccines and whatnot that could help with figuring out how to get it to work in the human body with her current level of knowledge. ]

If everything is filtered out doesn't that make every day things boring? Drinking coffee wouldn't give you an energy boost, there is no need to take any sort of medication for simple aliments.