Heaven's BBS | Text

[adventurology]

Posted: 29th of May
Sender: Athena

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Hello to whomever might be reading this. My given name is Lara, and I am the current incarnation of Athena.


I've gathered I am not the first to bear her name, and I'd be interested in learning more about my predecessor. What sort of god was he/she? As I've begun settling into her temple here, I've found quite a lot of things that they probably left behind, and I also thought that perhaps it would be right to return them if any were on loan.

And I would also like to ask about the community's feelings on something. Truth be told, I've only recently begun to accept that the supernatural is real and there might be a higher power(s) at work. At least, until I woke up here and was hit in the face with it. It's a lot to absorb.

I'm feeling a touch overwhelmed and I'd like to know what role you believe a god should play. I've my own ideas, naturally, but I'm curious what others think. Do you want to live up to the legends of who came before? Do you want to change those legends into something else? Or is there something else you believe about divinity? I'm curious, so please, let me know your thoughts. It may help me better sort out my own.

Comments

from: Cho Hakkai

[reformedsinner]

I'm afraid, being a shinki, I can't help you with your questions about a god's role.

But I can tell you that the former Athena was a man by the name of Tenpou. Quite a book lover, I believe.

[adventurology]

Hello again, Cho.

You say he's a book lover? I'd never have guessed from the library :) It's quite extensive. Fitting, I should think.

Did you know him well?

[fullcowl]

To be honest, I didn't really think a lot about gods an the related stuff until I got here either. As Aidos there's not a lot of history around anymore. I know my domains shame, modesty, humility, the quality of keeping men from doing wrong.

But if people are asking to help with their problems, then I want to. It feels like my responsibility to help them as much as I can.

[adventurology]

Is knowing when to ask for help not a form of humility and modesty?

I think that sounds very much like living up to the name. In essence by helping out someone, I'd say you're rewarding the faithful. And that is an excellent point. One I should remember on my own.

From: Hestia

[small_reservations]

We gods are here to help others, it seems. We take on missions from the heavens and from our human followers, and fulfill them to the best of our abilities alongside our shinki.

Other than that... We're granted power, and freedom. I'm mostly ignoring the legends. They don't really fit me.

[adventurology]

I've heard that, answering prayers and helping the Heavens take care of their business. But you are the first I've heard from that ignores the legends.

I take it you're not much of a homebody?

From: Artemis

[missingache]

I didn't know there were real gods other than Hades and maybe Zeus. From what I read the ones I know are a lot different. And there's so many!

I like helping people, and I think the gods we are suit us. Or I think that's what the Heavens think. I don't mind doing some of the things that Artemis did, like hunting.

[adventurology]

Every culture looked to the sky and the stars for answers, so there being a lot really makes sense but you say you know Zeus and Hades? You mean before arriving here?

And it is nice to meet you, Artemis. I believe that would make us related, after a fashion.

[freestyle_chrysalis]

Hello! My name is Rei Ryugazaki and I was the previous Shinki! I am currently teamed up with Azeban. I would love to talk to the current Athena!

[adventurology]

And the current Athena would love to talk to you. I've a few questions and I'd love to get to know more about you and the predecessor.

Would you like to Skype or something?

[hontobakabaka]

Hello, I'm Ruri Hoshino, and filling in for the god Omoikane. I can't say much about the previous Athena as I never met him, or her, or... I'm uncertain what to call men filling in for goddesses or women filling in for gods. Honestly the whole divine thing still is a bit ridiculous to me.

Generally I guess I am lucky as there are not too many legends, or oral traditions other than Omoikane was represented by a bell, which even I knew back home as my super computer was named after the god. Most of the prayers I get tend to be help on tests so I don't mind emailing study guides, beyond that I can't say as I know.

If you ever want some tea though I'd be glad to discuss it with you.

[adventurology]

Hello Ruri.

I admit, I'm rather familiar with Shinto folklore and I know very little of Omoikane beyond the scraps in the Kojiki and Nihon-Shoki about his role in Amaterasu's courts. I suppose that could be a relief.

As for tea, I'd never object to that. I'd be happy to host you or visit you to talk about some of that. Answering prayers without talking to people seems like quite a challenge.

[gentilitea]

Ah, so he is to be replaced after all. [ And he's not sure how to feel about that, but, moving on… ]
But, to answer your first question: I have had the pleasure of his acquaintance previously, and have as a matter of fact come into possession with a few of his books, which I should return to you presently.
As for your second question…I do believe that that is out of my place as shinki to reply. [ Although he has his own ideas, and they may or may not involve aristocracies and etiquette training and feudalistic household management. ]

[adventurology]

I'd rather not think of myself as replacing anyone. I'd prefer to think of it as fulfilling his duties while he goes back to his old life. He sounds well-liked, though and I hope I'll be able to prove worthy of the mantle.

As for the books, I'd happily take them back or leave them on loan if you've not finished them. I've yet to take an inventory, but it is on my list of priorities.

Would you be willing to talk about your relationship with him? I'd be interested in knowing what you did with him, what he was like, and if you ever worked with him on any of our shared duties? I don't want to throw out too much of his stuff or step on too many toes as I settle in.

[oathkeeper]

a few people have already said what i would say. we're here to help where we can and keep the near shore from blowing up. we answer prayers and help human souls too.

aside from that i think it's a big job of ours to help our shinki. they're not tools to me, they're friends first. since shinki can't remember their lives i think it's a big part of our job to help them learn and grow and get stronger. they get a second chance with us, and i think it's important we make it the best that we can.

[adventurology]

I've gotten that, Sora. :) It seems there's a lot of shared ideas on that.

But I absolutely agree. Or, I would. I have no shinki save that little soulless thing you saw me with. The ax. I'm not terribly sure where it came from, but I don't think it's one of the dead from the Near Shore.

From: Fortuna

[connivingbird]

A lot of the others have said what the supposed mission of our position implies, so I won't bore you with adding to the din. Although I admit that I never met them or if I had, I didn't bother to learn their name.

As for your questions: no, no, and a divine power of some sort is something you humans tend to create. I have no knowledge of any that would affect me.

[adventurology]

'you humans' ? Implying that you, yourself, are not?

Anon; text

[volksdaemon]

[Helpful!Schuldig here with a much more optimistic view than normal.]

A God's job is to answer prayers for the people, of course!

[adventurology]

And is that all there is to it? No greater purpose?

From: Ixtab

[onerous]

I think I was chosen for this goddess for a reason--probably a good one. I just want to be someone to help people that no one else usually does. If people are worshiping Ixtab over another god, there must be something that they believe only Ixtab can help them with.

So, I won't turn them away.

She's a pretty obscure goddess though, so I guess I should be thankful I don't have any stories or anything to actually live up to. I can make my own way.

[adventurology]

[Another Mesoamerican god?]

Ixtab. Mayan, I believe? The Goddess of Suicide, though the only surviving writings I'm aware of are Diego de Landa's texts. A psychopomp as well, if I'm not mistaken?

I can certainly understand why you'd never turn away a prayer, Ixtab. For you, I imagine, the ones that do are in dire need. Sounds like quite a responsibility.

From: Ksitigarbha; Video

[royaltyloyalty]

The way I see it, my primary job right now is looking after the shinki I have. They didn't choose to be here any more than I did, but they're in a bad spot with no allies, so that's even worse. Got backed into a corner, so now what? I can bet some of them are going to lash out and I think we should try to help them.

Text

[adventurology]

Not having a Shinki means that's not quite what I'm able to do. However I do understand, and if one is put in my charge, I will definitely do the same.

Poor bastards don't deserve that.

from: Sanji

[concasse]

gods come in all shapes and sizes, so I'm sure Lara-chan would make a fine one no matter what she does

you've already got a good heart on you

[adventurology]

[Well, when in Japan, may as well respond as appropriate. If he's using honorifics, then she should too.]

Thank you, Sanji-kun.

I appreciate the vote of confidence, truly. I'm afraid I'm not quite as good a person as you might believe, but that may be why I was chosen for this post.