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]

Anyone who knows Wendy would know the last thing she is is dumb and sensitive, but being overlooked and underestimated is always weapon worth wielding. Today is a day for seeing how much everyone can pull over Amaterasu's shinki. It may be the thing that saves them all later.

"I stalled out my interview for half an hour. Ginia grins a little at that. Hey, it was worth it just to see the interviewers get frustrated."I think my interviewer thought I was deaf because she began talking slower and overenunciating."

[nopixiedust]

"Now that's just dumb," Wendy snorts, wearing condescension like a cute bow. "If you're deaf, wouldn't you want to speak louder? Speed has nothing to do with it." Well, maybe in that it's a little easier to hear things, but, still. Honestly, some people.

"Maybe we should make a pamphlet of the various tricks people used to be a pain. It could be a bonding thing."

[unlucky7]

"I think they were assuming it'd make it easier to lip read?" Which assumes every deaf person learns lip readings. Granted, Ginia can lip read, but it's not as precise as people think it is. Talking louder would have been just as grating and condescending.

If they had any sense or the means, they would have pulled in someone who knows sign language.

"With all the information that needs to be shared, we might as well distribute our own magazine. Personally, I'd read whatever advice you give over whoever answers the questions in For Ama."

[nopixiedust]

"Our own magazine, huh?" That's definitely an idea, and Wendy swings her legs aimlessly while she thinks it over. Well, she's not opposed to it, exactly. She's already done so much while here, a magazine doesn't seem like that big of a deal. But there's a problem with that.

"Do you know much about making magazines? Or even what would go into them, I guess... I don't exactly want to just follow AMA's example."

[unlucky7]

"A little? I've done a few prayers around publishing."

Mostly centered around editing and making things were delivered in time, less around putting one together. But it's not like they're looking to put something on store racks somewhere, just something they can pass out. If they need to go fancy, she can ask her coworkers for advice.

"A magazine can be whatever we want it to be. A few articles, pictures, whatever else we want to put inside, printed, stapled together, and distributed as we see fit as often as we want."

[nopixiedust]

"I guess you have a point. Still, I would want it to look at least a little nice. I mean, can you just imagine trying to compete with AMA while not even being the least bit cute?" Even as she says it, however, another issue is already popping up to her mind, and Wendy sighs with one hand to her cheek.

"Not to mention what Hibiki would say if she realized I was involved but it wasn't up to her standards..." Not that she think her god would... insult it, exactly. Wendy's concerns are more practical. "She'd go running with the whole thing if I'm not careful."

[unlucky7]

They can definitely make things cute and professional and worthy of competing against For Ama without also driving themselves mad with details. But hm. Hibiki. Ginia's smile tightens a little. It's not that there's anything wrong with Hibiki, but Wendy is right; Hibiki would take over given the opportunity. Her input and opinions are as important and valid as anyone else, especially as she's a God of Fortune among the new, but this magazine also isn't For Hibiki either.

...Ugh. They need figure out a name for the magazine too. A problem for later.

"I think she can be reasoned with the right framing. Hibiki likes people that rises to challenges and would step back to let you accomplish greatness."

A pause, a dawning smile.

"Tell her you're starting your own revolution."

[nopixiedust]

They need to figure out a lot of things if they're going to start their own magazine, which makes it sound like it's going to be a huge pain, but oh well. Wendy guesses she needs stuff to do, especially when Hibiki is too caught up in herself.

Although speaking of Hibiki- Wendy stares over at Ginia for a second before she bursts into a round of cackling. "Oh, she'd become insufferably pleased with that! It would be hilarious!"

[unlucky7]

Ginia probably needs less to work on with everything she's involved in, but new projects are nice for a change of pace. The pamphlets probably didn't happen in a day, they can take time with the magazine to make it useful.

"You have to tell me how she reacts if that's the route you go."

She grins as she digs through her backpack for a notepad and a pen. Flipping to a blank page, Ginia jots down a tentative list of topics for the magazine, showing it to Wendy when she's done.

Shinki pamphlet information
Map to shinki sanctuary
Technology tips
Tips for new arrivals?
Q&A with gods and shinki around?
Tips for avoiding awkward interactions with Amaterasu's shinki
Advice column?

[nopixiedust]

"I'll hide a camera somewhere and film it instead." That way she can show everyone, since she knows that Ginia isn't the only person who takes enjoyment from how extra Hibiki can be. So long as she's viewed at a distance, much like an actual sun, then everything is fine.

Leaning forward, she gladly claps her hands together when she sees the list. "Yeah, that's perfect! I can ask a lot of other people about the kind of questions they first had when they got here, too. After all, if one person has dealt with it, then another is definitely guaranteed to."

[unlucky7]

"Sounds great. I can talk to Hakkai and see if he wants to post anything for the school. That's not mentioned anywhere."

Maybe there are other people willing to share their skills. Most people make offers on the network, but that's a lot to sort through.

"What kind of questions should we have for the Q&A? Useful advice and a fun question, I'm thinking?"

[nopixiedust]

"Oh yeah, that guy." Wendy always means to talk with him a little more, but it never really seems to happen. Well, whatever. As long as he's helpful, it's fine. "Anyway, as far as I'm concerned..."

Questions, questions. Wendy taps her fingers along the table, doing her best to remember the kinds of questions she first had when she arrived. It's a little difficult, considering that she had a whole lot. "How about 'who are these weirdos in white'?"

[unlucky7]

There's a good question. Ginia jots it down. The name tags are a little helpful now, but their introduction and greater role were largely glossed over. As far as Ginia remembers, on her first day they weren't unhelpful, but far more focused on what made a shinki a good shinki.

"It wouldn't be bad mentioning the roles of some of the other gods too, like Amaterasu's retainers. A picture could help too; I didn't recognize her the first time I met her."

It was a nice meeting. She was a nice girl. Ginia still has the bracelet, but now it feels a bit more complicated.

[nopixiedust]

"I'm going to be honest, I've never actually met any of her retainers." Wendy makes a face. "I've only met Amaterasu a few times... I wonder if I could bug her shinki into getting a picture of her. I mean, it shouldn't be that weird of a request, should it? Everyone knows their names and they're around so much that we know their faces. This would just make it easier for new people."

Something occurs to her, and Wendy snaps her fingers. "I wonder if this is something I could use Hibiki for! After all, she's a God of Fortune now. That means a lot to people, right? Or maybe even just her name is what I could use.
"

[unlucky7]

It's a fairly reasonable request to Ginia. If they're all supposed to be here in service of Heaven and Amaterasu, shouldn't they know who they're serving? Of course, it's also the kind of reasonable request Ginia can see Amaterasu's shinki shielding up on.

Using Hibiki's name is a great idea though and Ginia chuffs quietly, grinning.

"The old generation do care a bit more about titles. I'd definitely put her name and title to use toward getting a picture."

[nopixiedust]

"Excellent!" Grinning widely, Wendy does an energetic little fist clench. "The nore thing might put some people off, since I don't doubt they'll gossip, but Hibiki has such a big name now that they can't just ignore it!"

Her eyes are sparkling as she looks over at Ginia.

"Not unless they want to actually deal with Hibiki!"

[unlucky7]

May someone have mercy on the poor shinki tasked with dealing with Hibiki. And if they have the force of will to withstanding dealing with Hibiki? Hell, maybe the shinki deserves an interview or something.

"This feels like we could leverage Hibiki's name and money for a lot of things. Heaven might even overlook two nora starting a magazine if it's backed by a God of Fortune or two."

[nopixiedust]

"They can overlook it or not all they want~." Apparently the mental image of forcing some poor soul to deal with Hibiki has put Wendy in a good mood, considering how light her voice is. "But they can't stop us from doing anything. What, like Heaven owns printers?"

They can disapprove, sure, and they can judge all they want. Wendy knows they'll do that anyway. But they can't really do anything about it, not without starting up a fight they might not want to deal with.

[unlucky7]

"Imagine the uproar if Heaven tried to shut down an independent publication." Ginia's mouth curls into a cat-like smirk as she imagines the furor. It'd certainly win them no supporters and likely further fuel underground publications. In most likelihood, like so many other things, their hypothetical magazine will be ignored.

"I guess all that's left is putting a few pages together. Can you think of anyone that might want to help in any way? I'll get something about the school from Hakkai. See if him or any of the other older gods want to write an info page for gods."

[nopixiedust]

"It would raise hell~." And what a great mental image that is. Wendy laughs a little more, enjoying the daydream. Well, that's all it will be in the end. Heaven obviously has more important things to focus on than this sort of minor thing.

"Anyway, if it's this kind of thing, I could ask D2. He seems to know a lot about this sort of stuff."

[unlucky7]

"He's pretty sharp, his input would be great." If he wants to give it, that is. Only volunteers here. Who else would be good to ask...

"Kairi might be willing too, especially since she wrote the new pamphlet." Her optimism might also add some nice cheer, especially given the most pessimistic and cynical outlooks around. "Shun is professional enough I could probably get him to answer some questions."

[nopixiedust]

"Oh, Shun would be really great. He has so much criticism of literally everything, I'm sure we could get gold of out of him." For all that Wendy finds it frustrating to deal with him sometimes, well, she does like and appreciate him, and this is one of the rasons why. He's reliable when it comes to matters like this.

"I guess we'll ask around and see what we can do, huh?"

[unlucky7]

Shun is acerbic, but it's why Ginia likes him. He'll definitely give good information given how long he's been here. A pity they probably won't be able to get any fluffier questions from him like favorite food or how he styles his hair.

"I think so. I'll do some research on the publishing side of things and see what we need to do to get something printed."

[nopixiedust]

"And I'll start writing down a list of different things we could put into it. I'm sure there'll be a lot." Her hand flicks dismissively through the air. "Especially once I start talking to other people. If there's on thing the Far Shore has plenty of, it's opinions and questions, right?"

[unlucky7]

"These training days happen every two weeks or so?" Often enough to be a regular thing even if the format changes. It certainly puts into perspective how quickly things move here. "Let's come back in a month or so and see what we have and how we feel about things."