Hephaestus

"Machines are easier than people."

Hephaestus Firebeard, the Broken God

Hephaestus is the Olympian God of Fire and the Forge, and the son of Zeus and Hera. A principle member of the Olympian Pantheon, husband to the legendary beauty Aphrodite and possessed of a seat on the Olympian Council, Hephaestus is unlike many of his peers in that he spends little time in the spotlight. Though his skills as an artificer and forgemaster are without question, Hephaestus spends much of him time in seclusion, working on various projects, and as a result, has few strong allies (beyond the allegiances of the pantheon) and even fewer friends. In many circles, he is mocked as a deformed recluse, looked upon with pity and scorn. Oftentimes he is referred to by those who make light of him as the Broken God.

Early Life
Hephaestus's youth was not particularly happy. Hurled from Olympus by his mother Hera after he was born, Hepheastus was crippled, an extreme rarity for any deity.

Tumultuous Birth
Hephaestus was born in turmoil. His birth was premature, brought on by the rage of his mother Hera when she learned that Zeus had been unfaithful to her. Unlike most royal princes, Hephaestus's birth was not attended by a flock of midwives, and he instead came into the world with none but his mother present. Shortly after he was born, however, Hephaestus found himself the target of his mother's rage towards his father, as he was hurled down from Olympus by his mother.

Despite his newborn infancy, he was still a god, and the fall did not kill him. Even so, smashing through a small island and then crashing into the sea left him with considerable injuries. Fortunately, several Nerieds happened upon the injured and terrified baby, and Hephaestus was taken to the isle of Lemnos. Shortly thereafter, forces that his father Zeus had sent to search for him found him there, and he was taken back to Olympus. For several days, Zeus refused to allow the boy to be parted from his side. It was noticed at this time that Hephaestus's wounds were not healing properly.

Eventually, Hephaestus was brought back to his mother, but he had become deeply frightened of her, and would cry any time she tried to hold him.

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS HIGHLY OUTDATED

Years later, Hephaestus was also present for the birth of Athena, being the one who cracked open Zeus’s skull to allow her to emerge fully grown and armored. Hephaestus was immediately enamored with her, and over the next few months, he marveled at her intelligence and wit. Struck with love, he asked for her hand in marriage, only to be scornfully rejected. Later on, upon the arrival of Aphrodite to Olympus, Hephaestus avoided the goddess, far to shy from his previous rejection to approach. However, Zeus, his father, interpreted this as a calculated move to avoid conflict, and thus married Aphrodite to him. Hephaestus was thrilled, and did everything he could to try and please his bride, crafting jewelry for her, and constructing a new palace for them on Olympus. However, despite his kindness, whenever Hephaestus traveled to his forge, Aphrodite would make a fool out of him with Ares, his brother, which resulted in three sons that Hephaestus believed were his own. When Helios informed him of this betrayal, Hephaestus was heartbroken and hurt, and resolved to take his revenge by humiliating the pair in front of all the gods. Nevertheless, he still resolved to raise Aphrodite's bastards as well as he could, trying his best to teach the value of humility and hard work. At some point later, whilst travelling the realms, Hephaestus encountered the early dwarves, and taught them the secrets to crafting.

Personality
Hephaestus is possessed of a rather gruff demeanor, and he is not particularly personable. He often enjoys solitude, spending long periods of time alone in his forges, crafting items. While he is not the most charming of individuals, Hephaestus is hard working and honest, and utterly loathes lies, deception, and trickery in all its forms. However, he does admire intelligence and wit, as long as it is used not to manipulate others. He takes great pride in his craft, and can be easily manipulated by the challenging of his skill.

Powers
Hephaestus has the standard powers of an Olympian, though he possesses physical strength that exceeds most of his brethren. He possesses the ability to control heat and flames, and to manipulate volcanic activity, as well as power over all crafted items.

Skills
Hephaestus is without a doubt one of the finest blacksmiths to exist within the universe, having learned the craft as a child. He possesses a considerable knowledge of enchantments, which he usually incorporates into his creations. Hephaestus is also a reasonably skilled fighter, having battled against both the Gigantes and Typhon.

Stats
Power Level: 4

Traits
Strength: 11

Dexterity: 7

Endurance: 10

Intelligence: 12

Charisma: 5

Perception: 9