The Smithing God

Aliases: Hephaestus, Vulcan, Amphigueis (The Lame One), Kullopodion (The Halting), Khalkeus (Coppersmith), Klutotekhnes (Renowned Artificer), Polumetis (Shrewd, Crafty, or Of Many Devices), and Aitnaios (Aetnaean).

Basic Appearance: The god’s skin is brown like granite and his hair and beard comprised of fire. His body is packed with muscle, emphasizing his strength over his speed. Hephaestus’s eyes glow like hot coals. His torso is exposed like a solid, rock face and a metal belt wraps his hips. His trousers sink into shin-high boots that are sturdy and reinforced with steel. He is never without his hammer.

Background: Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera. His brother is Ares and his sisters are: Eileithyia, Enyo, and Hebe. On his birthday, he was cast from the mountain by Hera for being born with a deformed leg. While in exile, the god became a master smith, and with his unrivaled talent was able to return to Olympus where Zeus bestowed upon his own workshop. It is in this workshop where Hephaestus forges divine weaponry, machines, automobiles, etc. The artisan can create anything.

Personality: Hephaestus is a quiet god but when he speaks, his voice is like a weight. It weighs down on the listener and can crush those weak of spirit. For being more of a listener than a speaker, the god is very cunning. The smith can always be found in his workshop working tirelessly on projects. He enjoys inventing and finds his shop therapeutic when troubling situations arise. He knows that Aphrodite is disloyal, and after learning of her countless affairs, his heart has grown numb to her. However, he refuses to go to Zeus to take back his proposal. Out of spiteful revenge, he holds onto their marriage. The beautiful goddess will never know a beautiful husband.

The mastersmith takes pride in all of his creations and works diligently to present only the best crafts. An insult to his devices is an insult to him, and in such cases, he will deny his services to that fool.

Hephaestus has always felt like the outcast. Having been cast from a mountain upon birth and exiled until adulthood by his own kin, he has grown detached from his home. He doesn’t directly involve himself in the god’s disputes and wars. He is but a blacksmith and that is his only role. What his customers do with the weapons he creates is their business.

Creations He’s Known For: He designed Hermes' winged helmet and sandals, the Aegis breastplate, Aphrodite's famed girdle, Agamemnon's staff of office, Achilles' armor, Heracles' bronze clappers, Helios' chariot, the shoulder of Pelops, Eros's bow and arrows, and all the thrones in Olympus. His most famous creation was the fire that was stolen from his forge by Prometheus and given to man.

Servants: Hephaestus has three, metal golem apprentices that help him work around the workshop as well as guard it. The three enchanted colossi seem human in personality capable of normal communication and gestures, but they are not to be underestimated. Having been constructed by a mastersmith and god, the golems rival the powers of most of the gods in the pantheon. The servants names are: Brontes, Steropes, and Pyracmon.

Most Prized Possessions: His hammer and iron cast.
Symbols: Hammer, anvil, and tongs.
Domain: Divine Workshop

Weapon: Warhammer, which is also his crafting hammer.
Powers:
Divine Craft – The master smith can craft any object that manifests within his imagination. He is the god of technology, blacksmithery, craftsmanship, artisanship, sculptors, metals, metallurgy, fire, and volcanoes. Every object the smith makes is imbued with divine magic and is therefore resilient to wear, tear, and rusting. A weapon from Hephaestus is not only deadly but a masterpiece.
Fire – It was from his forge that man gained the power to create. Hephaestus can wield fire to create and destroy. He can inspire hot magma to bubble from the earth and exude fire from his very being.