( open ) fortune slips

[cranekin]

WHO: Anyone, everyone, you, and me
WHAT: New Year fortunes
WHERE: Whatever shrine we find ourselves at
WHEN: New Year
WARNINGS: N/A

(It's New Year in Neo Tokyo and as per tradition, many people will be visiting shrines to pray for good luck in the year to come. Another tradition is drawing fortunes. You normally have to pay a small fee to get one but it's worth it to get a preview of what the year has in store for you, right?

The shrine near LILITH's base is especially popular with members but there are plenty of other shrines around Neo Tokyo if you want to try your luck elsewhere.

(Please feel free to treat this as a mingle to share fortunes with your CR or snag a fortune for your own posts if you want.))

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟおみくじ ﾟ｡⋆

✧ Omikuji are fortune slips and are traditionally drawn at shrines, especially during the new year. Your first fortune is supposed to be special.
✧ RNG a number between 1-40 for your fortune or read through them and pick the one you want.

✧ Each fortune is divided in 3 parts:

⋆ Type of fortune (great, medium, small, regular, uncertain, curse)
⋆ A traditional poem or proverb that is meant to be meaningful
⋆ Three things of note. Traditionally, this would be a detailed breakdown of different areas (marriage, health, business, school, relationships, etc but for simplicity's sake, I just chose 4 key points to be vague about: two general things, a moment in time, and a time of day).

✧ The fortunes are meant to be open to interpretation (because ultimately, you determine your own future).
✧ A commonality for fortunes is that even good fortunes have a warning to not get overconfident/too comfortable and even the curses offer hope and ways to improve your fortune.
✧ Traditionally, if you are dissatisfied with your fortune, you can tie it on a pine tree's branch or a string to leave the fortune behind
✧ This is all meant to be something fun! Like horoscopes, you can decide how seriously you want to believe their fortunes if at all.

#001

大吉
(great fortune)

The spacious sky
Spans serene and clear
So blue above,
Oh, that our soul would
Grow to become so open.

Something Of Note

something lost, a journey, past, morning

#002

吉
(regular fortune)

Three times a day,
Ancient people reflected upon
Their own lives,
We ourselves yearn to learn
From the hearts of such people.

Something Of Note

health, relationship, past, afternoon

#003

吉
(regular fortune)

Other people's words
Sometimes good and sometimes bad
Need to be heeded;
If we listen carefully
We can benefit ourselves.

Something Of Note

relationship, a wish, present, evening

#004

吉
(regular fortune)

Unknown to others,
These thoughts within our hearts,
Both good and bad
Are known by deities
Of heaven and earth

Something Of Note

a wish, a dispute, present, evening

#005

吉
(regular fortune)

A single thread
When not taken properly
From the very end
becomes all tangled
And so hard to unravel

Something Of Note

a journey, a challenge, past, night

#006

小吉
(small fortune)

Before deities,
Even though they are unseen
We stand without shame
When these hearts of ours
Are filled with sincerity

Something Of Note

a wish, health, future, afternoon

#007

中吉
(medium fortune)

Managing to live
Without becoming concerned
With trivial things
Seems in terms of living long
To be the best medicine.

Something Of Note

something lost, a challenge, present, morning

#008

小吉
(small fortune)

No matter how heavy
A burden we may have to bear
We must be aware
That these hearts of ours
Should be full of ample strength

Something Of Note

relationship, health, future, night

#009

中吉
(medium fortune)

If left unpolished
The glow of precious stones
Will not luster forth;
Surely this is true
of these hearts of ours

Something Of Note

health, a wish, past, morning

#010

吉
(regular fortune)

In a world of storms,
Let there be no wavering
of our hearts;
remain as a pine tree
with roots sunk deep in stone

Something Of Note

wealth, a dispute, future, afternoon

#011

中吉
(medium fortune)

Much like bamboo
That just keeps growing
Upward joint after joint
We as people can become
Splendid in many ways

Something Of Note

knowledge, something lost, past, morning

#012

小吉
(small fortune)

Though overgrown
With a dense thicket
Of briers and brambles
A path needing to be tread upon is
One that must be followed

Something Of Note

a dispute, wealth, future, night

#013

吉
(regular fortune)

If just neglected
And never polished to a glow
Even precious jewels
Would remain resembling
Dull roof tiles made of clay

Something Of Note

a wish, knowledge, future, evening

#014

大吉
(great fortune)

Although some are slow
Still we will never fail
to reach our goal
if we hold within our hearts
Those thoughts of sincerity

Something Of Note

health, a challenge, future, evening

#015

凶
(curse)

Going to excess is
As wrong as falling short
So used carelessly,
Words can be the cause
Of causing great harm

Something Of Note

something lost, a journey, future, afternoon

#016

凶
(curse)

We are prone to fail
In our perseverence
Just when we need it
So let us always be aware
Of this flaw in our hearts

Something Of Note

relationship, something lost, past, morning

#017

小吉
(small fortune)

While still reflecting
The image of lofty mountains
Water in streams
Strives to seek humbler levels
As should these hearts of ours

Something Of Note

a challenge, knowledge, present, night

#018

末吉
(uncertain fortune)

Were we to neglect
The completion of a task
Because it was difficult
Nothing would be done at all
In this mortal world of ours

Something Of Note

a journey, something lost, future, night

#019

吉
(regular fortune)

In this world of ours
We shall always fall behind
If we do not move
When we could be advancing
and fail to progress at all

Something Of Note

a challenge. relationship, past, morning

#020

吉
(regular fortune)

Even a high peak
Seen soaring in the sky
So high above
Can be scaled if we desire
Since there is a path for climbing

Something Of Note

health, knowledge, present, evening

#021

大吉
(great fortune)

How amusing—
I wonder what is becoming of my heart
What a joy,
To be able to look at the flowers
And the moon at the same time

Something Of Note

a dispute, a journey, past, afternoon

#022

凶
(curse)

I tried to distance myself from it
But in the end
Trouble still found me

Something Of Note

wealth, a journey, present, night

#023

末吉
(uncertain fortune)

I've come so many times to this shrine
And yet
Why do I not receive a blessing
From the gods?

Something Of Note

knowledge, a journey, present, morning

#024

中吉
(medium fortune)

There was a time
When I thought the world was ending
But now I've been blessed with wealth
I can't be happier

Something Of Note

change, a wish, present, afternoon

#025

吉
(regular fortune)

Like the moon's reflection
In the water of my cupped hands
It vanished so soon.
What a fleeting world we live in
Where things are so easily gone

Something Of Note

knowledge, change, present, evening

#026

吉
(regular fortune)

Once in awhile
We should look each other in the eyes
Otherwise we might feel lost

Something Of Note

a journey, a dispute, present, night

#027

末吉
(uncertain fortune)

Just like I thought
No perfect moment lasts forever
I guess that's what made it
So perfectly beautiful

Something Of Note

a challenge, relationship, future, evening

#028

中吉
(medium fortune)

Like the crane
that lives for thousands of years
This abundant, joyful moment
Will last for a long time

Something Of Note

a dispute, change, past, night

#029

吉
(regular fortune)

A flower that never blooms
Will neither scatter nor wilt
But will merely keep on waiting
For tomorrow

Something Of Note

a journey, change, past, afternoon

#030

末吉
(uncertain fortune)

Time is like an arrow shot,
Everything should be done quickly.

Something Of Note

relationship, something lost, past, evening

#031

吉
(regular fortune)

Upon the pine trees
Clings snow:
From afar,
The season has led astray
The blossom, it does appear!

Something Of Note

something lost, change, present, morning

#032

末吉
(uncertain fortune)

That no one may know
Quietly, does he cry?
Until the autumn bush clover
Blooms flower
The stag’s bell stays silent.

Something Of Note

knowledge, a dispute, future, afternoon

#033

凶
(curse)

Their voices sing
And yet
Their flesh is empty—
O, how strange is
A cicada shell world!

Something Of Note

wealth, a wish, present, afternoon

#034

末吉
(uncertain fortune)

This world of dew
is a world of dew,
and yet, and yet.

Something Of Note

wealth, a challenge, present, night

#035

中吉
(medium fortune)

Were the ever-cycling blossoms
To be a model for this world,
For the long-gone
Past once more to
Return – that’s what I would want.

Something Of Note

health, a wish, future, night

#036

吉
(regular fortune)

O snail
Climb Mount Fuji,
But slowly, slowly!

Something Of Note

a challenge, relationship, past, evening

#037

小吉
(small fortune)

snowmelt—
on the banks of the torrent
small flowers

Something Of Note

something lost, relationship, future, afternoon

#038

小吉
(small fortune)

losing its name
a river
enters the sea

Something Of Note

a journey, change, past, morning

#039

大吉
(great fortune)

Snow falls and piles up on
bamboo leaves

It’s fun to dance for the gods
on a winter’s night

Something Of Note

a wish, a challenge, future, afternoon

#040

吉
(regular fortune)

The moon sparkles like new fallen snow
The plum blossoms resemble shining stars

Something Of Note

a dispute, a wish, future, morning

by killthecake

Comments

[likemybooks]

[Taryon got himself bundled up nicely in a light jacket and even combed his facial hair to visit the nearby shrine. The weather is crisp, and he's looking forward to getting his first ever fortune slip.

He follows the example of the others in line before he steps up to take his own. Taryon unfurls it with great hope and dread for the upcoming year.]

"Uncertain Fortune"? Does this even mean anything?

[stresspoint]

No, it doesn't.

[ He's a little salty about the fortunes, but he won't take that too personally. ]

I means you can't predict anything completely. We'll be fighting monsters. We'll be lucky to survive to see a future.

[likemybooks]

That's a rather grim message for the start of the year.

[He rolls the slip of paper and tucks it behind his ear.]

Although it's better than a message of bad luck.

[stresspoint]

You don't think being brought to another world just to fight monsters is a grim future?

[ But there's not so much conviction behind his words. ]

Uncertain is just another way of saying it's in your hands. At least you can decide what to make of it.

[likemybooks]

It's not like the first time it's happened to me, and I'm better prepared now.

[It's not six people versus a Kraken or a pit fiend. And Taryon actually has some wisdom in his brain for once.]

Where I'm from, the group I worked with fought giant monsters and won in the end - and they never worked with a plan. Sure, we almost died, but I think we'll do better now that we can work out our strategy before we head out into the field.

[stresspoint]

Hm.

[ Okay, okay, he probably misjudged Taryon initially. Since he was so shy before, Nanami had assumed he didn't have any combat experience, but the way he talks now is much more confident. ]

You fought monsters like the ones here? What weapons do you have?

[likemybooks]

No, not exactly like the ones here. [He folds his arms and shakes his head while smiling.] But they were terrifying enough that I can handle these guys.

As for weapons - [No, it's been a month. There is no need to complain about LILITH taking away all of his useful equipment.] I used just about anything I can get my hands on, mostly magical in nature. I was just left with my Rod.

[He holds up his right hand, where he wears a ring on his middle finger.]

I did get this shield generator a few days ago. Guess I'll slowly build up my arsenal here.

[stresspoint]

I see.

[ He looks Tary over and... sorry, Tary, but Nanami has to say it. Compared to people who he's seen focus on cursed tools, Tary struck him as a distance fighter. ]

You don't seem like a brawling type. I guess I shouldn't be too quick to judge.

[likemybooks]

[Taryon holds his hands together and pauses. Is he saying that he looks weak? That he's too refined to be some sort of barbarian? Does he have to prove what he can do to this cool guy?]

I use magic and ranged attacks, yes, but I can also take care of myself up close. This...I have this thing from home. [He opens his jacket, where a silver, ornate rod is resting in an inside pocket.] It turns into just about any weapon, but I don't think this is the best place to show it off.

[He zips up the jacket.] But I can fight, when needed.

[stresspoint]

[Taryon does have more of a distance air to him. A look that's more fancy and dramatic, but that doesn't mean he's weak by any means. After all, Nanami knows that some techniques don't need to rely on brute force, and maybe Taryon is just that type.

But his personality so far just strikes him as a gentler person.]

Some other time I'd like to see it.

[Because tools can in fact make the difference in a fight. He wants to know what they have as a team.]

What is your team like?

[likemybooks]

Don't worry, I'm in no rush to show off my Rod. [They need someplace private for Taryon to fully reveal its power, obviously.]

Vox Machina? Oh, they're legends. Killed five dragons and a god when I wasn't there. And each of them has their own unique power, but together, we're practically unstoppable. But outside of that, we're all really good friends. Even if [He rolls his shoulders.] They're kind of weird about it. And talk a lot about dirty topics. And get kind of mean. But they're good people.

[stresspoint]

[ He listens and he's polite about it, but the more Taryon talks, the more Nanami's brow creases. He can't help noticing the vague way the other man dodges details, and what details he does include are honestly a little concerning? ]

...These are your friends?

[likemybooks]

Well, yes. They've taught me to be honest with myself and to focus on my own strengths instead of what I think they should be.

[If Nanami is concerned by all that, Taryon shouldn't mention the hazing. Or all the bullying during their first few adventures.]

None of them know how to enchant items. Not even Percival - and he's a genius. I think I can say that I turned his mind around on magic being a useful tool. He uses these - guns, you call them, that he built himself, and from what I've been told, he didn't trust magic all that much before I came around.

And they're rough, but in a nice way. Vex is feared among merchants and many citizens, but she would defend us with her life if we were in danger. There's also Grog, our barbarian. Oh, we've had so many bizarre adventures together, but all in good fun.

And there's Pike, our wide cleric, Keyleth, the all-powerful druid, Scanlan, this...weirdo that was with them before I joined. And...Vax. [Taryon looks ahead, focusing on the shrine.] A man of many opposites, but...he always looked out for those he loved.

tags belatedly........

[cranekin]

(Dressed in a white kimono, one wouldn't be at fault for thinking Tsurumaru might be one of the workers at the shrine... but Taryon might have seen him around at the main base before.

Regardless, he's very much in his element here. Maybe it's his nature as a spirit himself or his past experience as a shrine sword. Either way, when he hears Taryon, he smiles,)

Well, what do you think it means?

(Why give answers directly when he can pick at people instead...)

[likemybooks]

[Tsurumaru seems familiar, but he's dressed like one of the workers. Taryon decides to play it safe.]

It sounds like it doesn't predict anything good or bad, just that I'm going to have to look out for this. [He points at the words at the bottom of the slup: relationship, challenge, future, evening.] But the phrasing doesn't commit to anything.

[cranekin]

(Ah, he sees and he really can't help but look amused,)

Were you hoping for something more certain?

[likemybooks]

It's a bit anticlimactic, is all.

[His very first fortune in a new world, with a dangerous job...and even the fates have nothing to say.]

[cranekin]

Hah! (He laughs,) If that's what you think, then that's what it is.

(We got a cryptid that speaks in riddles here.)

If you were to ask me, though... I would think it's quite exciting.

[likemybooks]

Oh? [Taryon tilts his head curiously. He's eager for an interesting interpretation of his future.] In that I choose my destiny, or is there more to it?

[cranekin]

(He nods,)

A fortune that tells you everything is boring. Once it's been received, it's how you live, and a life where everything happens exactly as expected is the same as dying slowly.

(Literally everything he says has to be dramatic or he'll die maybe.)

[likemybooks]

[Taryon's face falls. This the exact opposite of what he wanted. If his future went exactly as his father planned, he would be miserable this very moment, living an unfulfilling life. Breaking out of the rigid structure of his home saved Taryon.]

There...is truth in that. ["Dying slowly" — that's an excellent way of phrasing it.] But I don't think I've been very good at following a prescribed path, historically speaking.

[cranekin]

(Oh, did he say something? He hadn't been trying to.)

A surprising number of humans don't.

(Laughing again, bright and loud,)

How auspicious! You might have the greatest fortune of all.

[likemybooks]

Humans? [Oh! Oh, so this guy isn't human! This is one of the Outsiders!]

Well, humans and elves and everyone else can forge their own path. [Taryon just happened to have a dramatically-timed blessed dice roll at the most critical moment of his arc.] Do you do this a lot? Fortune telling and interpreting signs?

[cranekin]

(What is an elf......)

Me? (Oh, he waves a hand in the air as if he's brushing away the very notion,) I haven't done shrine duties in years.

(Centuries.)

[likemybooks]

Sure, but you have a knack for coming up with vague but helpful advice based on these. [He holds up his fortune between his forefinger and middle finger.]