Heaven's BBS || Text

[mybadhabit]

Posted: 30 Mar 2016
From: Hermes

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I know that adjusting to a new name is a serious undertaking for most people, but the common use of an individual's god name does not seem to be wide spread. Admittedly, my sample size is still relatively small, but most of the other gods I have met thus far have introduced themselves with their mortal names first, and then given their god name second. Is this because many have not yet adjusted to the new name, or are we not supposed to use our god names?

I'm making the adjustment myself, and I think it would be easier if I was a little more informed about what my relationship with my god name is meant to be. I, personally, am perfectly comfortable with dropping my old title in favor of Hermes, but if it's something meant for followers only, I can adjust my expectations accordingly.

Comments

[mybadhabit]

I was under the impression that we are the real gods. Reincarnations, sure, but that essence of the god resided in us the whole time, even if we were not aware of it. Why do you doubt that this is so?

[sweetdeath]

Wait, you mean always? No way. We took the position of the god, and we've got their powers now, but those other gods were here until right when we arrived.

At least that's how it worked with me. I don't know about your god. Hermes, right?

[mybadhabit]

That was the explanation as I understood it. If I was wrong, I am not sure if it makes much of a difference to my opinion. This position is mine now, and I intend to keep it.

Yes, Hermes. Greek emissary and messenger of the gods and conductor of souls into the afterlife. Patron god of herdsmen, thieves, oratory and wit, literature and poetry, athletics and sports, invention and trade, roads, boundaries and travelers.

[sweetdeath]

Greek. So that would've been a long time ago, right? Maybe there wasn't a Hermes here before you showed up. I never heard of him having a temple in Japan.

I mean I could be wrong, I never paid that much attention before I got this job!

So what kind of things are you going to do as Hermes?

[mybadhabit]

I'm not even from a realm that has a Japan. Some of our deities seem to be similar, and the culture of the Near Shore is very similar to my experiences, but "Japan" as a location is not something that exists. Everything is essentially new to me.

I believe our responsibilities lie in defeating Ayakashi and answering prayers, do they not? I am also meant to be a messenger, but no one has yet made use of the postbox at the entrance to my temple, or made any requests in person. From my understanding, my duties as a psychopomp are primarily meant for persons of interest to the Heavens, and I have not yet received any requests in that regard either.

[sweetdeath]

Psychopomp, huh?

Sounds like you've got to be from a very different place. Mostly we do work with the ayakashi, plus whatever prayers you get. Now you're here, there are people who are going to be relying on you.

[mybadhabit]

Would you prefer grim reaper? It conjures a bit of a different image than the one I've been lead to believe is associated with my nature. I feel my duties are more akin to a bodyguard, ensuring that certain souls arrive where they're meant to go.

I am no stranger to responsibility. There was no flaw in my performance in life, I will not allow my standards to slip now. I fully intend to maintain a perfect record.

[sweetdeath]

I know what it means. That used to be my job.

Isn't it more important to make sure you help people than worry about your performance record, though?

[mybadhabit]

I fail to see how the two concepts are separate. Maintaining a perfect level of success ensures that I have maximized the amount of people served. It shows that I am reliable, and that I can be depended on in any emergency.

[sweetdeath]

Yeah, but sometimes what they actually need might not be the same thing as what you got asked for. Or it takes longer to do. Or --

You get it, right? Hitting the performance marks isn't the important thing, it's helping people.

[mybadhabit]

I'm sorry, mind reading isn't one of my abilities. I cannot provide assistance for needs that I am not aware of.

[sweetdeath]

... So, you take the time to find out.

[At least he seems like he cares. He's just... kind of weird?]

[mybadhabit]

Why? It is not the nature of the gods to be actively involved in their followers' personal lives. Not even my pantheon bothers with it outside of petty situations and sexual intent. I will not hold my followers' hands; if they truly need something, they must ask for it, and they must be willing to put in the effort to earn it.

[sweetdeath]

Yeah, well, I guess that's how you're going to do it, huh?

It's not my style.

[mybadhabit]

No one has ever helped me without expecting anything in return. I don't see the big deal of simply expecting them to try.

I never said you had to do it my way. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[sweetdeath]

No, I know! I just think it's kind of important. If you're gonna be helping them anyway.