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

[onerous]

[Well then]

Impressive. You're the first person who knew who that was without me having to explain it first. But yeah, that's me-- Or who I'm supposed to be now. I assure the ones who commit suicide get to heaven, regardless of what doctrines say about it.

I guess. But someone has to.

My real name is Yuri, by the way. Yuri Kozukata.

[adventurology]

I'm an archaeologist and anthropologist by training. This is sort of what I do.

A noble calling, one of the most important I can think of. Never was terribly fond of the idea that someone suffering that much deserved hellfire and damnation.

And it's nice to meet you, Yuri. Call me Lara. Lara Croft.

[onerous]

Really? I've gotten interested in folklore and anthropology recently. It's one of the things I'm studying at one of the universities on the Near Shore.

[That gives her pause though. Only a couple of people have ever expressed such a thing to her directly here, but it makes her feel better to hear it. A little more faith in humanity in general, maybe.] I'm the same. They're suffering enough to the point they think this is the only way out. Why would any religion want to prolong their suffering even more? They should be welcomed with opened arms. That's part of Ixtab's myth or whatever you'd want to call it that I like most, that she took them to paradise along with warriors and priests and all. I don't actually have a paradise of my own for them, but I can at least help them reach it.

[adventurology]

Oh? Well, if you ever want recommendations on a little reading, I'd be happy to give you some extra. I probably even have them laying about, here.

[Just doing her god of wisdom thing, now.]

I've never really heard it put that way, but I think that's an excellent point. A truly almighty, all-forgiving God would see that, and grant them that forgiveness. I suppose it could simply be perversions of the original teachings, as far as Christendom goes, at least, and among other Abrahamic religions. Culturally, I assume Japan is different though, but I admit my understanding of modern Japanese society is limited at best.

Regardless, as sad a topic as it is, based on what I know you're doing exactly what the original would want. I think that'd be living up to the legends, sparse though they may be.

[onerous]

I wouldn't mind. If you feel like doing my homework for me sometime too, I also wouldn't argue. [Okay no she doesn't mind the homework for those classes. her biology classes, on the other hand...]

There's some times suicide was seen as honorable. But westerners influenced a lot once the borders were opened, so I suppose it depends on the area you're in. Nowadays I suppose it's looked at as a sinful thing. The religion that used to dominate the mountain area I lived in said that the priestesses did a job similar to mine here; if a person committed suicide on the mountain under a priestess's watchful gaze, they would be absolved of their sins, including that of the suicide, and their soul could move on.

But that's true, I suppose I hadn't thought of it that closely before. Are you planning on following in Athena's footsteps?

[adventurology]

Hah. I can help if you need it.

That also sounds like an interesting religious order. There wouldn't happen to be books or other sources available on them? I'm curious, now that we've gotten on the topic.

And I suppose I am. At least, with the wisdom bit. I'm happy to share and teach, show people new things. Guide as I can. But war? I'm not really a soldier. I've fought before, but I suppose I'm a bit of a loner at heart.

[onerous]

There are none, I'm afraid. It's not a religion that exists in this world-- It was rather unique to the mountain area I lived in, and that mountain doesn't even exist in this version of Japan. That said, if you have any questions about it I can try to answer them. I'm the only one from my world that I know of.

I understand that, at least. I didn't fight at all before I came here. It's been an adjustment. [At least, hadn't fought in actual combat like this with actual weapons.]

[adventurology]

I'll come up with a list and send it to you. Easiest that way, and it'll help me organize. :)

Would that I could say the same, but even I have to admit I'm a little out of my depth here. Zombies? Ghosts? That's new.