Gods

The Gods of Gods' Wars
Any of the 13 Gods who serve as sponsors in the competition can be contacted by any PC, regardless of whether or not they are your sponsor or your parent. When contacting the Gods, assume that you are sending them a magical message of some kind- something you are able to do only to them. It can show up to them in nearly any way you would like- feel free to be creative! A scroll, a messenger pigeon, confetti that spells out words, any of these and more are possible. To respond, Gods can send back similar letters or they may manifest in person. When they do so, they will appear in a form that wouldn't look too out of place in Victorian London (see the images below). You can ask Gods to meet with you in person, but whether or not they do is entirely up to them. Some Gods may prefer speaking in person and others may prefer letters.

You can ask Gods for Quests in your communication with them, and some may offer them to you without you asking. Gods will not give out Quests to anyone they are at Condemned status with. You do not need to be sponsored by or a child of a particular God in order to contact them generally or get Quests from them.

For those of you familiar with Greek mythology, there are a lot of other Gods in the Greek pantheon. These Gods will not be making an appearance in Gods' Wars. You are welcome to speak about them or attempt to contact them, but do not expect them to make an appearance or for you to get a reply.

Please note: Tiresias is an exception to nearly all of this. See below for more information about them.

Tiresias
Pronouns: They/Them

Aspect: N/A

Domains: Prophecy

Godly Relatives: None

Known Personality: Tiresias is known as the "blind prophet." They are wise, kindly, curious, and knowledgeable. Though they cannot directly interfere in the Gods' Wars, they are an excellent source of information and are happy to help any participant who comes to them for advice. They do not have any Quests to offer.

Tiresias is the neutral Arbitrator of Gods' Wars. They are explicitly designed to be a "helper NPC"- someone without ulterior motives who can and will help you if you get stuck or are confused about anything in character. You can find them in the Library or contact them by letter.

Because of Tiresias' status as a Neutral Arbitrator, players are unable to progress on their Devotion track like they can with the other 13 Gods. They are also unable to be Bonded like other mortal NPCs. This does not, however, mean that they don't have feelings. If you insult them or are kind to them, they will treat you differently. However, because of their Arbitrator status, they will still give you information regardless of their personal feelings.

Athena
Pronouns: She/Her

Aspect: Scholarship

Domains: Wisdom, Warfare

Godly Relatives: Zeus is her father and Ares, Hephaestus, Dionysus, Apollo, Artemis, and Hermes are her half-siblings.

Known Personality: Athena has a reputation for loving learning and knowledge and having an intense rivalry with her brother Ares. She is also known to be a virgin and has sworn never to marry.

There are few things that Athena loves more than scholarship. She is interested in the pursuit of knowledge of any kind, but has a particular interest in battlefield tactics and military history. Though you are able to contact Athena for any reason, she will likely be particularly interested in speaking with you about these topics.

Aspect Details (Scholarship): “Scholarship is to be created by… awakening a pure interest in knowledge.” Learning, seeking knowledge, or creating something new from the knowledge and wisdom you have gained are what Athena most values. Pursuing or producing knowledge or scholarship as well as completing Quests for Athena will increase your points in this Aspect.

Ares
Pronouns: He/Him

Aspect: Pugilism

Domains: War

Godly Relatives: Zeus is his father, Hera is his mother, Hephaestus is his brother, and Athena, Dionysus, Apollo, Artemis, and Hermes are his half-siblings.

Known Personality: Ares has a reputation for being violent and bloodthirsty and having an intense rivalry with his sister Athena.

Ares loves a good fight and will look for any excuse to do so. Depending on your devotion level, this may be for fun, or out of anger and a true desire to harm. Although you can contact Ares for any reason, he is unlikely to be terribly interested in chatting with you, if it isn't about a fight of some kind.

Aspect Details (Pugilism): It can’t be all war all the time. But you can fight nearly all of the time and Ares will absolutely encourage you to do so. Friendly bouts of wrestling, loud arguments, or a classic punch in the face will all please Ares and will increase your points in this Aspect, in addition to performing Quests for him.

Zeus
Pronouns: He/Him

Aspect: Glory

Domains: Sky, Thunder, Justice, Law

Godly Relatives: Poseidon and Hades are his brothers, Hera is his wife, and his children include Ares and Hephaestus (by Hera), and Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, and Dionysus (by other women).

Known Personality: Zeus is known as the King of the Gods. He has a reputation for being prideful and for straying from his marriage.

The rest of the Gods largely seem to respect Zeus, or at the very least his status as the King of the Gods. Zeus himself seems much more laid-back and jovial than you would expect for a God of his station. Theoretically, he is is supposed to be in charge, but based on the gossip from the other Gods as well as any interaction you may have had with him, it is hard to see this.

While Zeus may have sanctioned this competition, along with his brothers, official questions about Gods' Wars should be directed to Tiresias as the Neutral Arbitrator.

Aspect Details (Glory): As one of the 3 Fathers of the Realms, Zeus oversees the competition more generally and is not sponsoring any particular Aspect. You can still gain his favour and do Quests for him. This will get you points in the overall competition (i.e. Glory), but not for any particular Aspect. Because of his relative status amongst the other Gods, his favour and Quests will be worth slightly more points in the competition.

Hades
Pronouns: He/Him

Aspect: Glory

Domains: Death

Godly Relatives: Poseidon and Zeus are his brothers and Demeter is his mother-in-law.

Known Personality: Hades is the God of the Underworld and of the dead. He has a reputation for being utterly devoted to his wife, Persephone, and for being busy, hard-working, and strict.

Hades is one of the Big Three Gods of the Pantheon, along with his brothers Poseidon and Zeus. Being relegated to the Underworld left him as somewhat of an outcast and slightly out of touch from the other Olympians. It is difficult to tell how he feels about this, however it is very clear that he takes his position extremely seriously. Of the three brothers, he very evidently works the hardest.

While Hades may have helped sanction this competition, along with his brothers, official questions about Gods' Wars should be directed to Tiresias as the Neutral Arbitrator.

Aspect Details (Glory): As one of the 3 Fathers of the Realms, Hades oversees the competition more generally and is not sponsoring any particular Aspect. You can still gain his favour and do Quests for him. This will get you points in the overall competition (i.e. Glory), but not for any particular Aspect. Because of his relative status amongst the other Gods, his favour and Quests will be worth slightly more points in the competition.

Poseidon
Pronouns: He/Him

Aspect: Glory

Domains: Sea, Storms, Horses

Godly Relatives: Zeus and Hades are his brothers.

Known Personality: In his younger years, he was impetuous and headstrong, though these days he has a reputation for being mellow and melancholy.

Poseidon loves the Sea and anything related to it, always pleased to speak of nautical topics. These days, though, the wilds of the sea have been calmed and, so too Poseidon. Perhaps if you anger him, you will find evidence of his tempestuous nature once more. Or perhaps, like the sea, Poseidon has mellowed over the years

While Poseidon may have helped sanctioned this competition, along with his brothers, official questions about Gods' Wars should be directed to Tiresias as the Neutral Arbitrator.

Aspect Details (Glory): As one of the 3 Fathers of the Realms, Poseidon oversees the competition more generally and is not sponsoring any particular Aspect. You can still gain his favour and do Quests for him. This will get you points in the overall competition (i.e. Glory), but not for any particular Aspect. Because of his relative status amongst the other Gods, his favour and Quests will be worth slightly more points in the competition.

Hera
Pronouns: She/Her

Aspect: Justice

Domains: Marriage

Godly Relatives: Zeus is her husband and Ares and Hephaestus are her children.

Known Personality: Hera cares deeply about justice and fairness. She also has a reputation for being proud and jealous.

Hera's staunch beliefs in justice and fairness mean that she is particularly concerned that people get what they deserve. The innocent, and particularly children, mothers, and women, should be protected. The guilty, though... Heaven help those who Hera deems as guilty as her wrath is legendary.

Aspect Details (Justice): Though it is her husband who is officially the God of Justice, Hera feels strongly about the concept. Ensuring that the wicked are punished and the virtuous are rewarded is what Hera is most interested in ensuring for this competition and what will increase your points in this Aspect. Completing Quests for Hera will do the same.

Hermes
Pronouns: He/Him

Aspect: Trickery

Domains: Thieves, Travelers, Speed, Cunning, Wit

Godly Relatives: Zeus is his father and Ares, Hephaestus, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, and Dionysus are his half-siblings.

Known Personality: Hermes is known as the Messenger God and is sometimes regarded as the “divine trickster.”

Hermes is a fun and friendly God, extremely extraverted and seemingly comfortable with and knowledgeable about the rest of the Olympians. Don't let his pleasant demeanor fool you, however. Tricks and practical jokes are his forte and you are just as likely to be encouraged to play them on others as you are to have them played on you at his behest.

Aspect Details (Trickery): Some people take this competition far too seriously, and Hermes wishes to ensure that there is still fun to be had. And what could be more fun than a bit of dishonesty, double-crossing, and deceit? In addition to completing Quests for Hermes, engaging in trickery in any form will increase your points in this Aspect.

Dionysus
Pronouns: He/Him

Aspect: Hedonism

Domains: Wine, Festivity, Hedonism, Madness

Godly Relatives: Zeus is his father and Ares, Hephaestus, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, and Hermes are his half-siblings.

Known Personality: Dionysus is always down to party and rarely takes things seriously. He is rumored to have a darker side.

Dionysus is everyone's friend. A notorious drinker and partier, he encourages most everyone he meets to do the same. If you aren't having a good time, then what is the point of living? He is informal, casual, and a lovable drunk. You can contact him for any reason, but if you aren't interested in having a good time, he will not be terribly interested in you.

Aspect Details (Hedonism): Let’s be honest, what’s the point of life if you can’t let loose every now and again? Or, really, as often as possible. Dionysus encourages drinking, partying, and hedonism in all of its glorious and enjoyable forms. Indulge yourself, enjoy a bit of revelry, and you will increase your points in this Aspect. Completing Quests for Dionysus will also do the same.

Aphrodite
Pronouns: She/Her

Aspect: Bonding

Domains: Love, Beauty

Godly Relatives: She is the wife of Hephaestus and has no known parents, instead having been born of the seafoam in the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus.

Known Personality: Everything is fair in love and war, and Aphrodite takes love very seriously.

Though Aphrodite is most commonly known as the Goddess of Love and Beauty, this wasn't always her legacy. Indeed, she began as a Goddess of War. Though this is no longer her domain, her approach to love is intense and somewhat militant. This time, the battlefield is social- Aphrodite has opinions on who should be matched up and who should be kept apart and she will fight for these to come to fruition.

Aspect Details (Bonding): As the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite believes that nothing is more important than your relationships with people. Though she, herself, is a particular fan of romantic love, she acknowledges that strong friendships with others can also be important. Quests completed for Aphrodite and actions relating to gaining love and friendship will increase your points in this Aspect.

Demeter
Pronouns: She/Her

Aspect: Balance

Domains: Harvest, Agriculture

Godly Relatives: She is Hades’ mother-in-law, and mother to Persephone (by Zeus).

Known Personality: Demeter cares deeply about the environment and keeping the world in balance. She is also very overprotective of her daughter and is known to be very emotional when Persephone spends time with her husband.

Nature works in cycles, but sometimes the cycles are thrown off balance. In the midst of the Industrial Revolution, the world- and England in particular- are incredibly imbalanced. The pollution and toxicity is getting out of control and Demeter is particularly interested in readjusting the balance toward Nature.

Aspect Details (Balance): Mortals are often so narrow-minded and don’t consider the consequences of their actions. Demeter has been around for millennia and knows that everything is connected. Because of her status as the Goddess of the Harvest, she is particularly interested in the balance between industry and environment. In addition to completing Quests for Demeter, taking actions to restore balance, especially to the environment, will increase your points in this Aspect.

Artemis
Pronouns: She/Her

Aspect: Sporting

Domains: Hunt, Wild Animals, the Moon

Godly Relatives: Zeus is her father and Apollo is her twin brother. Ares, Hephaestus, Athena, Dionysus, and Hermes are her half-siblings.

Known Personality: Artemis is quiet and prefers the solitude of the hunt over the company of others. She is also known to be a virgin and has sworn never to marry.

Artemis seems to be much less involved in the drama of the Olympians than the others. Her interests are largely solitary and she prefers it that way. She will interact with other Gods and demigods, particularly if they are conversing about sportsmanship and hunting in particular.

Aspect Details (Sporting): Though hunting is the favored sport of Artemis, she has graciously acknowledged that sporting is much more varied in Victorian London. Hunting, archery, cricket, croquet, and fencing, for example, are all rather popular. Hunting may win you special favor, but any type of sporting in addition to completing Quests for Artemis will increase your points in this Aspect.

Apollo
Pronouns: He/Him

Aspect: Arts

Domains: Music, the Arts, Healing, Prophecy, Protection, Archery, the Sun

Godly Relatives: Zeus is his father and Artemis is his twin sister. Ares, Hephaestus, Athena, Dionysus, and Hermes are his half-siblings.

Known Personality: Apollo has a reputation for being hard-working and thoughtful, and has a bit of a rivalry with Dionysus.

Unlike Dionysus’ chaotic and unconscious creativity, Apollo has had to work hard for his craft. Though he may pretend his creative genius comes easily to him, his success is primarily due to the amount of time and effort he has put in. Unlike most of the rest of his Olympian family, he takes his responsibilities very seriously. He is particularly interested in the arts and creative scholarship and enjoys conversing with others about these topics.

Aspect Details (Arts): Though Apollo is less well known for being the God of poetry, it is still a great love of his. Wooing a romantic partner with honeyed words, showing off your skills in flower arranging, composing a ballad, and similar pursuits will please Apollo and increase your points in this Aspect. Completing Quests for Apollo will also do the same.

Hephaestus
Pronouns: He/Him

Aspect: Fabrication

Domains: Blacksmiths, Metalworking, Stone Masonry, Carpenters, Sculptors

Godly Relatives: Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera and the husband of Aphrodite. Ares is his brother, and Athena, Dionysus, Apollo, Artemis, and Hermes are his half-siblings.

Known Personality: Hephaestus has developed a newfound confidence with the prominence of the industrial revolution, something he feels passionately about.

Hephaestus has always found himself to be a bit of an outsider compared to the other Olympian Gods. They are largely considered more attractive and exciting. Nevertheless, he has endured by throwing himself into his true passion- creation. The Industrial Revolution is one of his favorite times and he feels a particular kinship with the mortals of iron, steel, and steam.

Aspect Details (Fabrication): Nothing could make Hephaestus more proud than crafting something incredible. As the God of blacksmithing, metalworking, masonry, and more, the medium does not matter for Hephaestus. Create something impressive and complete Quests for Hephaestus and you will increase your points in this Aspect.