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

Refreshments and Stories

[unlucky7]

Well said. It's important to remember the people of the Near Shore are most important. Their lives are precious and their stories are unique.

[Ginia waits for Aymeric to finish, making sure her message is loud enough for those around to hear as she takes a seat at his table. She smiles at him, dialing the volume down to a quieter level.]

Today's been a tiring day, hasn't it.

[onedrinkwithme]

[He nods to acknowledge her words because they are very much true.]

For it is them why this realm exists. It would be a grave injustice not to remember why we are here in the first place.

[He can hear an older god scoff and walk away (good riddance) and when the rest of the group turn to talk to their comrades, Aymeric returns his thoughts to Ginia at the same volume.]

The questioning was unexpected, I will not lie. But that only shows that the Heavens are indeed planning for warfare. It is only a matter of when they will strike. [Because of course.] But what about yourself? How are you feeling?

[unlucky7]

Within the week, I can imagine. There's too much momentum built up to let it fade off.

[April will be an interesting time then. Ginia's hand curls around her phone, wondering if there's time left to warn Votelli. It would also give Heaven's forces a possible lead. Who knows how much they're observing and what they already know.]

Concerned. Uneasy. Angry.

[It's all a useless show of a power and a gross misunderstanding of who the new generation is loyal to and will fight for.]

Want to swap interview questions?

[onedrinkwithme]

[Ha, he ain't loyal to either side but to his friends and comrades. There's more unity with the newer generation than with the old it seems. With the exception of Ebisu. And sheesh, not only a war but he gets the feeling the wedding may have to be postponed.]

Of course. Some of the questions were on loyalty between our followers, the Far Shore and Lady Amaterasu herself. [Also on the Gods' Greatest Secret but uh saying that around a shinki, let alone a good comrade is a no no.] There was a question asking if we believed what a god does is Just.

They also asked about our shinki partners and the forms they take as well as if we are planning to train them in the future.

[unlucky7]

[Ginia listens, nodding along. There's a small scowl on the mention of if what a god does is Just, but it's more she's tired of the line 'Heaven is always just and right.' It's a dangerous line of thinking that justifies far too much and she wouldn't trust anyone that believes they cannot be wrong.]

We were asked about our vessel forms and our experience fighting in vessel form with our god or other shinki. We were asked what spells we knew what we would do to further our training.

[Her smile is thin as she looks out at the old gods before typing again.]

I'm not surprised gods were asked about their loyalty while shinki were asked about their use.

[onedrinkwithme]

To see how useful we can be in the battle ahead and whom to trust.

[He shakes his head as a tiny smirk appears.]

I feel there is irony in asking a god of justice if a god is Just if they did not consider all the angles. After all, I would be doing a poor job myself if I did not follow those guidelines.

[Throwing their logic back at them? Perish the thought! Ok maybe he did.]

[unlucky7]

I am inclined to believe we of the new generation follow different guidelines than the old.

[That they are not of this world, that they are still rooted in mortality is perhaps the biggest difference. How many of the new actually see their role as a sign of divinity and accept their godliness? How many see it as a role they have to otherwise fill?

Ginia's phone taps lightly against the table. Her brow wrinkles in thought.]

In terms of actions Heaven believes is just and right, how much have you heard?

[onedrinkwithme]

There seems to be more camaraderie between us than the older generation. It is odd that throughout my time here, none of them has lifted a finger to help the Far Shore or Near Shore when a crisis has come. The temples during New Years, the forest kidnappings, the volcano eruption, none of them were present. And I do not include the 'medical treatment' given to us upon coming back to the Far Shore after the forest.

[That was literally 'come give us attention we did a thing'. See why Aymeric holds Ebisu in high regard? Because he and his partners actually give a shit? Speaking of the god of fortune:]

Hmm, Master Ebisu mentioned the concept to me after our meeting with Lady Amaterasu. I had asked why did Heaven believe everything they did was considered Just however the answer was not the best.

[It was basically nothing. Which makes Aymeric question more about Heaven's motives.]

[unlucky7]

[There is a lot more camaraderie between the new than the old. It's a matter of scale in many ways; after centuries to millennia of existence, some things no longer matter as much. Grudges or competition in others, or simply minding their own business. The new are an unknown quantity, a curiosity. That some have reached the status of God of Fortune in such a short amount of time is probably a shock.

They are not all allies, but the fact the new generation does talk makes them stronger than most.]

Yes, I remember that answer.

[The joys of having a mundane vessel form. Ginia sighs, understanding Ebisu's - and Kunimi's - answer. She knows shy her fellow shinki repeat the statement too. Keep up appearances, follow things, don't do anything that will cause Heaven to look too close.]

Do you know why Ebisu is a child?

[onedrinkwithme]

...I have a feeling that it was not by choice.

[Given the nature of the conversation and that Amaterasu is also a child, Something Happened. He has no clue onto what but never questioned Ebisu's state, only thought that he was just a very intelligent child with an old soul.

Yeah right when Ginia asks, he gets a knot in his stomach. Oh boy.]

[unlucky7]

[No. It was not. Ginia's expression falls a little more neutral as she chooses her words. It's strange; there's so knowledge that's taken for granted by the old that no one's told the new. So much history too. Best to assume Aymeric hasn't heard anything and begin from the basics.]

Ebisu mentioned gods are born from the beliefs of humans. When an old god dies, if there's enough belief, they're reincarnated as a child without any memories.

[Which certainly adds another layer of horror about Votelli and Sotero, doesn't it.]

Ebisu's previous incarnation was executed by Heaven under the belief he was controlling ayakashi. The evidence was circumstantial at best, but it was enough they moved against his temple.

They tortured and murdered his shinki to get to him.

Unlike our generation, shinki of the old generation do not return to life after dying.

[Ginia's very good at keeping a neutral expression, but her fingers type a bit heavier, a bit faster. Tension settles in her shoulders. There's so much more she could say, but it's not her place, not her story to tell.]

[onedrinkwithme]

[It's horrifying and damning on the part of Heaven. Anyone else would be screaming up and going WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK but it is not only due to the setting but also Aymeric's own mannerisms that stops him from doing so. However, he's tense as he tries not to ball his hands into fists so he doesn't break the mug and make others question.]

And so without proof they give Judgement. This I know well long before seeing the Heavens.

[It's taking everything he has not to scream. This is...fucking hells.]

[unlucky7]

[Granted, Ebisu did have ayakashi under his control. However, the fact Heaven found him guilty based on absence and didn't even consider the reasons why someone would control ayakashi before murdering everyone is a massive misstep and immensely shortsighted.

Heaven cannot be just and right when this is how they act. Yet when they are the lawmakers and executioners, who will dare move against them?]

Above all, Heaven wants compliance. They will move with vengeance against anyone who defies them.

Whatever battle is ahead of us, I would not be surprised if someone used this as an opportunity to remove us.

[After all, their existence is already in defiance of all natural order.]

[onedrinkwithme]

And anyone who does not is branded a heretic and executed, correct?

[Oh look, it's Ishgard before his reform. Joy.]

And they are willing to harm the Near Shore to accomplish it? Or did they forget of when some vanished that it caused disasters?

[unlucky7]

[A nod. Ebisu, the declaration against Votelli and Sotero, Heaven will not stop until they have their way.]

Heaven apparently forgives gods who return from death.

[There's proof in the idea in that Ebisu is still a God of Fortune despite his multiple transgressions. However, that does not mean individual opinions are as forgiving.]

Eight million gods. How many do you think pay attention to gods just over a year old? They might dismiss it as mere coincidence if anything happens.

But perhaps I am overly cautious.

[onedrinkwithme]

Until it keeps happening and threatens their very livelihood. When gods vanish and the followers ask for succor and they cannot answer, people will become angry and lash out.

[Like the cult for example.]

[unlucky7]

[Like the cult. Their actions are wrong, but Ginia understands the frustration. Who doesn't want a world without suffering, one where people felt heard and their actions rewarded?]

The old are unlikely to change their ways if they believe they cannot be wrong and all they do are just. Change may come from the shinki, but it's different for them too.

[Ginia looks over to where the old gods are seated. At the far edge is Ebisu, flanked by Kimi and Kiwami, Kunimi unseen. She'll have to regroup with them again, share what she's heard, make plans going forward.]

What is your opinion on nora?

[onedrinkwithme]

It is when you have to prove that there is another way that eyes can open.

[Nora? Oh yes he can answer this since he and Yona share Yoon. That sounds awkward but true.]

I have no issue with nora, one of my partners being one themselves. As long as both know what the risks are going in, I see no issue with a choice both make.

[unlucky7]

You've probably heard the old generation is against nora. What they don't tell you is when a god disappears, any shinki left behind still carry their name. A god could also disown a shinki from their service without revoking the name.

[Shinki who become nora by choice and serve multiple gods at once seem to be far more a trait of the new than the old. No matter how you look at it, the stance against nora is bullshit.]

Ebisu employs nora without question.

[onedrinkwithme]

That...sounds like a way to abuse a system and play on the fears of the populace. A common tactic if you wish to keep the people content.

[Goten has had several gods before coming to Aymeric and Yoon has as well. So because of the taboo and stigma of this, shinki get even a worse end of the stick so to say.]

Master Ebisu is a good man. He and his temple did not deserve such a punishment. [And he is glad to see the god as a sort of comrade. Still a good man and would defend him and his temple when the time comes.]

[unlucky7]

[Heaven is Just and Right is a threat above all else. Follow the rules, don't do anything to step out of line, and you'll live. It's a system that favors gods above all else. Even if she's found happiness here in sudden unlife, Ginia still knows it's not a fair system. How can a system that begins with servitude be fair?]

No, they did not.

[Aymeric doesn't even know the full extent. Unleashing ayakashi on a trapped group, weakening their borderlines, forcing poor Takami to choose the lives of his god or the lives of his fellow shinki... even though she's only heard Kiwami's account and seen Takami's nightmare, the idea still makes her stomach turn.

She doesn't even know how Ebisu actually died.

It's a question that seems too frightening and personal to ask.]

His conviction was what drew me to his temple in the first place. Ebisu is impressive. His shinki too.

[onedrinkwithme]

I can see why. He is someone who cares about the people, his comrades and their needs. There are many who speak of it but not many who can put them to action.

[Not only that but the desire to ride a bike with the small child is quite sweet. Most old gods probably would not think of such things given that they have easier transportation but not Ebisu.]

We share a similar mindset when it comes to helping others after all. I cannot help but admire him for it.

[unlucky7]

[Heaven would be better served with someone like Ebisu in charge. It's a statement she can't voice lest someone mistake it for a statement of a coup or any kind of truth. It's probably not even something he or his other shinki would want, especially as he is very fond of his sister.

But Heaven would be better off with someone who cares about humans, gods, and shinki.]

I dare not speak for the temple, but you have my respect. I'm sure you have the respect of many others. I'm sure you would be a welcome guest at the temple.

[There's a pause before Ginia adds on to her message.]

Without sounding too opportunistic, if you also wanted to help out the temple, there's always work we're happy to contract out. You'd be properly compensated.

[She's not desperate, but it might be a small call for help. Just a small one.]

[onedrinkwithme]

[He appreciates the kind words; one can never have enough comrades or friends. But he's a bit intrigued about this extra work Ginia is mentioning. Aymeric just has to make sure that he is not doing too much otherwise he will keel over.

That and Leo will kick his ass. If he wouldn't, Estinien might do it as well.]

What kind of work are you and your comrades seeking, if it is alright to ask?

[unlucky7]

[Overworking is a state of being in Ebisu's temple and it's a miracle no one's really keeled over yet. That doesn't mean they'll overwork anyone else and within the temple, they do take care of each other.

This also means Ginia will seize on any opportunity to help her coworkers out.]

Ebisu is a god of fishing and the economy. As a God of Fortune, it means his followers are numerous and his prayers cover a wide range and continue to grow everyday.

On the most mundane level, there's always paperwork to organize. However, help managing things on the Near Shore, whether it's events, people, or ayakashi are always things in need. I promise I can find something interesting and worth your time.