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

[nopixiedust]

Wendy, in the meanwhile, is practically bubbling with a vicious breed of excitement. She's had a lot of issues with how Heaven has been dealing with some things, lately, and this is exactly the kind of way she needs to get it all out. "Let me know when to let loose!" There are a lot of ways that the power to shrink or grow can be used in a fight, if you're just a little creative. She can't wait to show off.

In the meanwhile, their opponent shakes his head, snapping out of it, and he makes what looks like an upfront charge. However, before he can meet Hibiki head on, he leaps instead, aiming for a diving spear charge.

are there any tricks you've always wanted to try with wendy? for her Most Satisfying Victory

[priforprince]

"Hmph." Hibiki smirks, sidesteps the blow. As her foe falls past her, she tosses something from one pocket onto the ground, focusing on it. "Grow."

A white rook piece from her chess set begins to balloon to log proportions, right where the other god could trip over it upon landing. Yes. She'll demonstrate utter mastery over the terrain, shrinking those things of which she disapproves and growing those of her choice, and then - then, when his composure breaks -

"Bulleki." Hibiki's eyes track their opponent. "Can you affect other shinki?"

BIG FLOOR, BIG FLOOR TILE

[nopixiedust]

"I've never tried before!" As their opponent almost rolls right over the giant rook, Wendy gives a sharp mocking cackle. Unfortunate that he manages to adjust himself quickly, pitching forward to flip himself back upright with one hand.

"I guess it would depend on if they count as something like this!" Something, instead of someone.

my god wendy if you open that door hibiki will want to grow all buildings she occupies. let's do it

[priforprince]

Tch. Well, he is a god, Hibiki supposes. In that case - the scale of the entire board requires changing.

She spins the top in the same direction as before, broadening her focus. Expand the room. Keep him from ever securing his footing. He can't attack if he never gets to feel himself on solid ground...

And they'll build to the grand finale.

"Such a detail seems worth investigating," she observes. "Don't you agree?"

hibiki please, no

[nopixiedust]

If they do the entire room, then they'll probably break the building, Wendy is pretty sure. That will come with a can of worms all its own, and, honestly? The whole day is already pretty annoying with how they've all been interrogated and goaded. But the floor? Wendy can do the floor, especially with how its made into wooden blanks for a nice smooth finish people can spar on.

So she enlarges one of the planks instead, having it grow beneath him. It's just enough of a surprise for him to lose his footing again before he can make another charge, earning what looks like a hilarious expression from where Wendy is.

"I think we'll have to get closer for that, so let's do it!"

~*~A GRAND SCALE ALONE BEFITS A GOD OF FORTUNE~*~

[priforprince]

"Understood." Close quarters will provide both of them a better view of their opponent's face as it twists in realization of his defeat, so Hibiki doesn't mind that.

She leaps into the air, her free hand shooting a purple rope up into the ceiling so she doesn't have to navigate the growing floor plank. Then she flicks Wendy back and forth, focusing on the rope. Shrink to take her up - over - over - behind him -

The one problem with this is the target they present when soaring overhead. But it is a sufficiently magnificent way to attempt to alter position, so it's worth the risk.

SHE *WILL* TAKE AWAY THAT CARRIAGE IF YOU ACT UP, HIBIKI

[nopixiedust]

Whoa- Wendy isn't entirely sure about them going high up in the air like this. It feels way too risky, even if the guy is currently a little off-balance. Then again, unlike Hibiki, she actually has a manageable ego and some common sense. Of course she's going to be a little more worried...

...Which she feels vindicated about when he manages to sweep his weapon through the air, sending a row of ice spikes up at them. "So he has that kind of ability, huh?"

hibiki can't hear you over the sound of watching this seventeen-story hibiki statue sprout

[priforprince]

"Tch--"

So he did have a range attack?! Hibiki twists herself in midair, trying to dodge the projectiles by twirling and flipping. A free finger sends Wendy twisting in the opposite direction - shrink those! They are unworthy of striking a blow against Shikyoin Hibiki!

She's cutting this awfully close, though. And her face is hardening into the realization that variations on a theme won't work against this opponent forever.

She's going to have to add at least one movement to this suite before the finale.

will she hear a sentence ender

[nopixiedust]

At least when they're smaller, they're just pointy ice cubes instead of spears. Wendy huffs as she reduces their size. Still, this isn't going to work forever. They clearly need to think of something new. So...

"Hibiki, let's box this guy in."

YOU WOULDN'T!! /GASP

[priforprince]

Excellent idea. Hibiki thinks she will steal it. It is hers now. That is how this works.

"As you desire!"

The top is spun again, the planks manipulated. The last icicle catches the light as it flies past Hibiki's face, sending up sparkles she didn't even have to generate herself. (Heh.)

Hibiki also tosses the king chess piece from her pocket onto the ground, away from where she's building the trap. That'll be next. That'll be how she ascends, in preparation to look down upon her caged foe.

It's thematic.

she'll do it

[nopixiedust]

Thematic, huh? Wendy has some opinions on that, which she'll gladly speak up about. "So are we the king, or is this about how we're getting checkmate...?" It feels like the kind of metaphor that might bite them.

Other things that might be biting them: their opponent. The rise up of the other planks makes it hard for him to swing around his spear from side to side, but he doesn't seem to want to give up yet. (Most people wouldn't in the face of Hibiki's obnoxiousness.) However, he can still swing it vertically. Another row of icicles are shot up, all along the side of the giant king piece.

It doesn't take a genius to know what he plans to do as he starts running right for it.

:O

[priforprince]

"Perish the--"

Hibiki's thought is cut off as the enemy goes on the offensive. "Using our tactics against us?!" she cries, legitimately surprised. "Curse you!"

Okay, fine. Close combat it is. Hibiki leaps from the top of the chess piece, summoning her God of Fortune wings and beating them to create a strong wind. She's aiming to knock him back where he can't move his spear as well. And then -

Well. Then, won't they be near enough to see if Bulleki can't put an end to that irritant?

(｡+･`ω･´)

[nopixiedust]

"I guess it WOULD be a lot to ask for him to be good and stay there while we crushed him!" Wendy would have loved it, but she's not that stupid. It's why she proposed the idea of boxing him in to start with. Still, she guesses there's only so much for now... She'll have to keep this in mind for the future.

For now, trying to ascend is definitely difficult to do when he's begin blown back so much. However, he seems fairly aware of his situation, and digs his spear into the side of the chess piece with grit teeth. Wendy clicks her tongue. "So it's like that, huh? Hibiki, let's shrink it down again really fast, and catch him off-guard then."

orz

[priforprince]

Persistent wretch. Hibiki will give him this much: such spirit in the face of overwhelming majesty does merit her defeating him. All of her worries about Wendy having challenged someone whose initial slight was unworthy of offense have melted like the ice with which he seeks to disrupt them!

"As expected of my shinki!" Extra power goes into this backwards spin - hope you don't get dizzy, Wendy. Shrink quickly! Before he seizes another chance to regroup. "Now, know the truth! Only a genius may perpetuate revolution!"

And you, sir. Are not a genius. Her top, on the other hand, is certainly doing plenty of.....

revolving.


IF YOU MAKE A REALLY ELEGANT PUN IT DOESN'T COUNT AS A PUN, BUT AS CLEVERNESS.

[nopixiedust]

Just accept that puns aren't bad when you're the only one making them, Hibiki.

Either way, at least Wendy doesn't have to worry about getting dizzy. With the bizarre sight that shinki have in their vessel form, well, it's only disorienting when someone isn't used to it. This isn't the first battle they've fought together. Wendy spins, smug all the while as their opponent flails a little bit at suddenly losing his position.

"Let's go!" Before he can recover.

[priforprince]

"Ah!"

Down Hibiki plummets, tucking her wings and diving. Closer, closer - focused on the other shinki, and the other shinki alone - Before the god can recover, before he knows what's happened to his weapon -

She twirls the top. Pardon her, madame or monsieur (or mademoiselle, or...) shinki. Revolution requires sacrifice.

"DIMINISH!"

[nopixiedust]

Hibiki, please stop being so Prench and overdramatic, although Wendy guesses that the former doesn't know how to stop being the latter. (Wait, is Hibiki even French-) Either way, it all works according to plan as the spear starts to rapidly shrink in the god's hand. For a moment, he seems flummoxed at the bizarre reality, and then he's yelling in a panic.

Wendy will take that as a victory all its own.

[priforprince]

"Have no fear."

Does Hibiki alight on her chess piece again out of sheer determination to use her scene setting despite the enemy's taking advantage of it earlier? Can it be doubted?!

She looks down at the god, her expression serious. "Your shinki may easily be restored. Once you acknowledge your place."

She owes a shinki a present now, but that can wait until she's done making a point to this upstart. "Or--"

Hibiki holds up the top. Wendy isn't the only person with a teasing streak in this combo. "Shall you be next?"

[nopixiedust]

Truly, a pair of teasing streaks that should never have been allowed to coexist. Wendy's smugness can probably be felt by people even without the god and shinki bond, and despite the fact that she is currently a toy top.

Down below, the god's expression warps stubbornly... Only for him to grimace a little bit and lean away from the itty bitty spear in his hand. He even reaches up to plug one finger in his ear, as if that will do anything against the mental yelling he's probably experiencing. "Ugh, I know, I know, hold on- I'm talking, hold on! Fine, I lose for this round!"

[priforprince]

"The round is immaterial." Hibiki flicks the top. Wendy, please restore the room to its previous condition, leaving the shinki for last, if you'd be so obliging. Hibiki has a point to make.

When all is normal again, a spygoat rolls up with tea on a platter. Hibiki lifts the cup in her free hand, lets the steam waft over her features, sips a sip of victory. (Not to worry, Wendy: the obliging goat brought two cups.) "The proper hierarchy has now been sufficiently engraved upon your heart. Return, Wendy."

It wouldn't do to wait too long for that, after all. Wendy's tea will get cold.

[nopixiedust]

Returning everything to their proper sizes is easy enough, kind of, and Wendy mostly gets that right before she spins back into her proper existence as a cute hellraiser. She dusts off her clothes a little bit before daintily picking up a cup of tea.

She won't say anything. She'll just wear her smugness like a cute dress.

The god's eye twitches a little bit at what Hibiki is saying, but his own shinki- returned to human form as well in something well androgynous- takes him by the arm with a weary sigh. At least someone is calling off this shitshow before it gets any worse.

[priforprince]

Hibiki twins that smirk with one of her own - a perfectly-matched pair, completely suitable for each other. She nods to the shinki.

"Recompense for our violence towards you shall be delivered later," she promises - to the shinki, and only to the shinki. The god lost. Shikyoin Hibiki is no longer in the mood to bestow the honor of direct speech upon those who lose. "For now, you'll withdraw."

And she turns away, indicating the goat and Wendy should follow her. The hand not holding tea even moves to touch Wendy lightly on the shoulderblades - a gesture of solidarity. They are the Ultimate God And Shinki.

"Polish yourselves," she adds over her shoulder (again, to the shinki). "Should our paths cross again, enduring another unexciting battle won't bring any radiance to the Far Shore."

[nopixiedust]

Well, one thing is certainly guaranteed, more than Hibiki's 'recompense': she's made an enemy for life with the way the opposing god bristles all the harder with how she outright refuses to address him at all. It's probably a good thing that his shinki is there to forcibly pull him away for some cool down time, or a Round 2 would be happening immediately.

As it is, they at least get enough time to exit the room, with Wendy cheerfully skipping along. "So, what are you thinking of getting the shinki?"

[priforprince]

"Flowers and a trinket of some import should repay the inconvenience." Hibiki doesn't sound too concerned - not about the fact she just shrank somebody to the size of a toothpick, not about having made a new enemy, none of this. Having obtained her objective, she has returned to a graceful state of being Above It All. "I'll have the staff research the latter."

From the way the goat rolling along behind them somehow straightens upon hearing this, it seems "the staff" means "the spygoats". Oh boy. A mission from Maa-ster. Exciting.

But for now, it must remain here, so Maa-ster may pick up and sip from her teacup whenever she desires. Like so. This is a very important task it is fulfilling for a very important god! That no one should maaa-ver doubt again!

[nopixiedust]

Someone help these poor spygoats. Wendy shakes her head and reaches down to pat the goat, because, well. It's not like they pay them or anything. Or feed them. They're just... robot goats. Patting is really all Wendy can give.

"So nothing a little more personal than just some trinket, huh?" Sometimes, she feels her god really is the laziest.