#where: pontius (helicon)

[alectocarrion]

with: @patroclusc​ when: february, 2130 (week one - before everyone’s arrival) where: pontius, helicon 

When Alecto is told that everyone from Arcadia, Olympe, and Tartarus will be joining them aboard Pontius, Alecto’s heart sinks. It’s only been two weeks, and though the time had gone by quickly, it felt like years. Whether that was dramatic or not, Alecto cared very little. She hadn’t taken into account, or realized, that there was a possibility of seeing them again so soon. She’d been reassured that she’d be protected, and though she had nothing to fear ( other than the wrath of those she’d left behind with no real consequence other than a cold shoulder ), the anxiety of the situation continued to pummel her up until the night before everyone’s arrival. 

Patroclus stands by their side, and Alecto bites their tongue to keep from telling him that the company is not needed. Out of everyone -- despite the kindness of those who welcomed them onto Pontius, Patroclus had been the most welcoming. There was a certain edge to him, Alecto thought -- smothered in something, worry, maybe. Was he afraid for her on Pontius, or did the worry stem from what Tartarus could do to her? 

“You can really see for miles here, huh?” It’s a dull observation, they think. “Tartarus isn’t like this.” When they landed, Alecto had tried their best to map out the parts she remembered, but the development in the surrounding areas had created this environment anew -- or rather, constructed something entirely different of it. “It’s strange, too. I figured it’d be brighter here than in Olympe with, well,” they motion towards the sun, “but it’s not like that.” 

[minotaurus-archive]

where — helicon, pontius. when — week 1 of kalavria with — @alectocarrion

He feels tension gathering between his shoulders, right at that place where his neck begins, where it always tends to gather. It nags, pulls, grows taut, and Mino seems unable to fight it. He should not be here, in this place where his want could be awakened again, where he sees Ari everywhere. He should not be here: he made a decision, in Olympe, to stick to Tartarus and accept that that’s what life is and will be. No looking forward to potential golden horizons, but resignation or acceptance or commitment, or all at once.

But here he is, staring at a golden horizon all the same. The sun sinks in the sea and Mino breathes salty air and he rubs at his neck. This could be almost peaceful. He counts the day in his head. He’s deadly aware of his surroundings, even as he stands in the open, even as he tries to just stare. 

There are a few names here, on Pontius, that are on his mind. The main one is that of his brother, but there is Alecto, too. He follows her from the corner of his eyes when she happens to be in the vicinity, worries with a distant numbness, hopes that whatever words Poseidon had spoken at Heteraidia were true; that she had it better here. When she enters the deck, she’s registered as a presence, as everyone is. He’s not working, but he’s still on. 

He does not think Alecto Carrion a security threat, though. He remains standing, for a few minutes, staring at that horizon, which grows pinker and pinker. And then, when he feels certain it’s alright, he approaches, “Hi.” A stiff greeting. He does not touch his neck any more, but he feels his tenseness grow. “I never got a chance to give you your hat.”

[achillespithia]

status: closed for @patroclusc​​​ ! 🔬 location: helicon deck. time: kalavria summit, week 1.

His anxiety has taken the shape of a clenched fist. It sits in the pit of his stomach, an ever-present reminder of where he is. What he intends to do. He’s waded into treacherous waters with ill intentions and can only hope that the sharks don’t smell the blood. Patroclus has changed, but not in a way that stops Achilles from recognizing him by presence alone.

He’d traced the scars on Patroclus’ body that night, when they’d been together again. He knows what made Patroclus, because it made him, too. At one time he’d been able to map the curves and arches of Patroclus’ body like it was his own. He can’t just change that. He can’t just forget it. The waves of the ocean rock Pontius like the fates rock Gaia to sleep each night. He clutches his drink a little tighter and searches the crowd. It’s like magnetism, maybe. He doesn’t even know Patroclus’ routine but Achilles catches sight of him among the crowd immediately, on the other side of the deck overlooking the sea.

Just like that, the anxiety softens from the cutting edge of a knife to a dull pinprick. Patroclus has always done that to him. Things make sense around him. The pieces of the puzzle snap into place easily as ever. Achilles cuts through the clusters of people around their tables and others emerging from the mosaic-bottomed pool. If it were anyone else this might feel more like going into a fight, like he should be steeling himself for bloodied knuckles and a fourth-time-broken nose. He sidles up against the railing and leans, and then buys himself a second by putting the glass to his mouth without really drinking. When he lowers it, the glass makes a soft sound against the metal of the railing. He tries to joke, first, to soften the blow of his mere presence. “So… come here often?” 

[herarhearp]

Who: Alecto ( @alectocarrion​ )

When: January, 2130 - after Heteraidia, before Kalavria Summit.

Where: Helicon, Pontius

The last night of Heteraidia was quite eventful for Hera, and she didn’t get to witness the fight between Nyx and one of her children, but she heard enough gossip to know what happened. She considered reaching out to Nyx, mother to mother, but she couldn’t find her old friend in time, and that is not a matter Hera would like to discuss over Tala.

She was pleasantly surprised to find out that Alecto had boarded Pontius. Not that she was happy that this child had broken all ties to her family, but at least on Pontius there would be an opportunity for Hera to approach her. And so she did, as soon as the cruise had sailed far from Olympe, both of their homes left behind. During a walk around Helicon, Hera saw her and took the chance to start a conversation.

“You’re Alecto, right? I heard of what happened last night. If I am not intruding, I just wanted to say that I know how... Complicated it can be, this self-exile situation. I hope you find Pontius to be a good shelter.” Her intentions with this polite chat weren’t manichean. She felt some empathy for Alecto’s circumstances, and it felt right to keep an eye on someone who qualified as a child of Nyx the day before. It was an act of caring for the Queen of Night, even after so long, and it was also a strategic decision to keep someone like Alecto close. She certainly knew a lot about Tartarus and would now be a part of Pontius, so Hera had a lot to gain.

[reushq]

February 2130. Pandora Independent reporting from Pontius on the first day of the Kalavria Summit.

Those of us who have been around long enough know: where the sun may set for one domain within Gaia, it rises for another. As the festivities for Heteraidia come to a close elsewhere, Aegean Waters begins preparations for their first Kalavria Summit - an ambitious endeavor announced nearly years in advance. Touted as a tech and media conference for Gaia’s industry leaders, innovative creators, and invited press (yours truly included, thank you very much!), the Summit is rumored to be the first of its kind in terms of sheer size, scale, and amenities offered to those invited as Pontius (and its adjacent archipelago) opens up for its largest, most glamorous public hosted event yet.

The floating leviathan has been anchored off of the Aegean Archipelago, and attendees arrive by way of private air or sea travel. Poseidon Rhea has graciously arranged shuttle ferries for those who don’t have the means to arrive on their own, though those of that ilk may find it torturously slow - especially when flurries of private aircrafts swoop in above, and passing speedboats create a continuous wake on their way to dock at the distant silhouette carved into the horizon. 

As arrivals are unloaded and attendees make their way up Pontius’ main glittering stairway, those who have never had the privilege of visiting prior will find the Helicon deck greeting them first. Already normally opulent and spilling with excess and leisure, attendees will pass through an open-air twenty-four-hour bar; the largest, swear-to-Chaos shimmering outdoor pool of mosaic and marble tiles the entirety of Gaia has ever seen (serviced, of course, by dutiful attendants); and the vast Basileus Stage outfitted just for the occasion, boasting rotating acts in between summit sessions - aerialists and acrobats and fire-eaters, a live orchestra playing grand and flourishing pieces with each major arrival, and set pieces that could nearly put Delos Studio to shame. 

The heart of the summit will be on the Kalavria Deck, second to uppermost, where the majority of the guests will be staying throughout the two week duration. Notably, the deck plays host to a grand, spanning ballroom housing the conference’s tech showcases, demonstrations, and panels - if you were the least bit bewitched by The Agora at the Heteraidia Festival, this expo is for you. It spans thrice the space, and boasts enough in the realms of science and technology to make The Agora look like slim pickings. In a smaller hall across from the ballroom is a space designated for press conferences, a cordoned off area reserved only for reporters and journalists to reserve interviews with any of the illustrious attendees - should they choose to accept, of course. Aegean Waters has always boasted an emphasis on transparency and open forum with the public (though we’ll see if such earnestness backfires… even those of Pontius are not immune to scandal, as we’ve come to see!)

Presiding over this technological arms race is, as always, the Arcadian Quorum. There is hardly a pocket the council doesn’t reach into, or a promising venture they fail to oversee. This endless merchant road of legates and representatives is what ensures Arcadia’s economic prospects remain as triumphal as they have been for centuries.  For the duration of the summit, the following trailblazers will represent the city-states’ political and financial interests alike… as well as supervise the legal proceedings. They are there to ensure everything is equitable and above board in the action market of Pontius’ four decks. 

Such concerns, of course, are only scratching the surface. Beyond anything, their purpose is to ensure the Quorum will not miss any opportunity for investment, and that both the elective body and the individual states they represent will eat well, conquer plenty, and seize with both hands.

QM Briseis Krisia - Lyrnessus state representative in the Quorum, one of the youngest elected to serve in the council at a national level, rumored to be gunning for the first nomination of a diplomat into Tartarus.

COO Clytemnestra Tyndareus - HELE-N’s COO and head of business relations for the genome mapping company, scion of the renowned Tyndareus dynasty, ready to steal the biotechnology show from the get-go.

QM Diomedes Delyle - Aetolian state representative, often found working together in a lethal duo with their wiser, more jaded counterpart, QM Odysseus Laertes. Often called upon as a financial expert, but they are best known for their reckless (and yet nearly clairvoyant) investments.

Menelaus Mycenae - Agamemon’s estranged sibling, most famous ‘professional’ actor of their generation and four time Pallantium Award winner, recently gone off the rails and running their mouth about all kinds of peculiar ventures their brother is getting into.

QM Odysseus Laertes - Ithaca state representative, former tech prodigy abandoning the industry in order to enter politics and propose a stronger tech corporate regulation reform, with notable criticism done in partnership with Nemean News and Zeus and Athena Rhea; Circe’s age-old university rival.

Orion Hyria - One of the most renowned movie directors of the past decades, worked with Artemis for a brief stint before personal divergences pulled them apart (and Zeus pulled the strings to deadlock all their most enterprising projects), now they are a creative consultant working with the Quorum’s not-so-subtle propaganda machine. 

Agamemnon ‘Amon’ Mycenae (NPC) - CEO & founder of HELE-N, former protege and personal investment of Cronus Rhea, went off the grid after the magnate’s death and resurfaced under Tyndareus’ protection two decades ago.

And of course: those from Olympe and Tartarus are in attendance, with their own agendas in mind. Both visiting kings surely have their reasons for wanting to scope out the newest and biggest in tech to bring back to their respective domains, but who knows if there is something bigger that pulls all of them within the same territory yet again. Members from both factions have been invited to speak on topics relevant to their domains and industries.

Some new arrivals we’re keeping an extra eye out for this week:

SCALPEL: One event you’ll not want to miss is the demonstration by recent Aegean acquisition Scalpel, presided over by POSEIDON himself. The controversial company first made waves when its entire founding team was expelled from GemTech in one fell swoop, and has only continued to shock and scandalize ever since. Supposedly, Scalpel has been pushing the boundaries of what was previously believed possible for facial and body augmentations to newer and greater heights– though rumor has it that there is not enough data on their product’s side-effects or long-term outcomes, and that the company has a track record of prioritizing flashy developments over human safety. Whatever the truth, there’s no question that their product has been surrounded by its fair share of hype and mystery, so be sure to get your seat early!

HELE-N: One of the most buzzed about demos is surely that of HELE-N’s, conducted by AGAMEMNON. For those who may not be in the know, HELE-N is a global tech company that has stolen the spotlight as of late for pushing their industry one step past what the late Cronus Rhea pioneered, claiming the next step in age extension. Analysts are predicting immortality is within reach of HELE-N's tech - though it remains to be seen if it is more than just a rumor, it is no surprise their booth flaunts the highest crowds. Little is known about the team currently working on its development, and the mother-company seems to rotate with every report. Independently-owned, no one knows when the product is going to hit public markets, but the Three Kings are keeping their bids close to their chest - and conducting their own investigations.

Additionally, your darling Pandora lackeys have managed to snag a snapshot of the itinerary for this two-week event:

ITINERARY FOR WEEK 1

Opening Keynote Speech & Introduction to Kalavria - presented by POSEIDON

News & Tech in 2130 - a conversation between APHRODITE and ZEUS

Innovation & Invention: A Glimpse into Aegean Waters’ Future - presented by CIRCE & HEPHAESTUS

Scalpel Demonstration - hosted by POSEIDON

The Chaos Ball - Mini-event to be conducted in the IC Discord server, March 19th - 25th. A masquerade party themed around the divine power, celebrating the end of the first week. Attendees are encouraged to dress according to their interpretation of the theme, and the ball is to be held atop Helicon.

ITINERARY FOR WEEK 2

Governance & Tech in Gaia - moderated by ATHENA, panelists include ICARUS & ODYSSEUS

HELE-N Demonstration - hosted by AGAMEMNON

Talaria & Social Design - presented by HERMES

Tech & Tourism Panel - moderated by ARIADNE, panelists include HADES, NYX & BRISEIS

Final Night Festivities - Mini-event to be conducted in the IC Discord server, April 9th - 15th. Drinks by candlelight on Helicon, along with a selection of rafts and private boats, finishing off with fireworks shot under the Aegean stars.

ONGOING: LEISURE

Helicopter and glass-bottom boat tours off the coast of the archipelago

Whale-watching, snorkeling and diving around the local reef

Boat and jetski races between small local islands

Various ocean sports, including spearfishing and waterskiing

Hands-on demonstrations, notably in the realm of augmentations

Tours of the greenhouses and production facilities on Isthmia deck

Unlimited access to the spas on Kalavria deck, and hot springs on the local islands

ADMIN NOTE

Welcome to our second event, a two week summit aboard Pontius which takes place from March 5 - April 15th in real time! Feel free to set your threads anywhere on Pontius, so long as they loosely follow the guidelines of the itinerary for each in-game week. Also, remember you are encouraged to suggest locations and mini-events to the mods even if your character is not a part of the Pontius faction! Make sure you mention the date, location and general place in the itinerary at the beginning of your starters if you can (where applicable).

As you may have seen, we have peppered a few names through our event description! Besides the NPC Agamemnon Mycenae, CEO of HELE-N and a key player in the financial and political games taking place at the summit, we have also introduced six Arcadian newcomers. Their skeletons will be released in the following days, with more updates on when we start taking applications to come at the beginning of next week. 

An important mention, here: due to popular request (and valid concerns) we were asked what measures we will put in place to make sure new applicants receive the same attention & equal chances as old members, who have had plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the plot and worldbuilding. Our best solution for this at the moment is to leave the skeletons exclusively available for applications by new people only. Current members who want to take a second character (or, pending admin permission, a third) are invited to apply for OCs. Updates on this OC format and guidelines will be released once all the skeletons are posted!

Additionally, players may now write ‘home base’ threads set during the two weeks between events, within their respective domains, granted they are necessary for plotting reasons– as most threads should focus on the current event!

[hephaestusgalani]

 closed to @nyxerebvs where: helicon, pontius when: the hour of the leviathan; first week

It’s been years since he’d last seen Nyx before Olympe; perhaps even decades - he can’t remember the last time he ever trekked to Tartarus since Hades’ and Persephone’s wedding. Feels like lifetimes, if a life is partitioned between ignorance and knowing. 

He’s not spoken or seen Nyx since Olympe, but encountering her here, knowing all that she must know for years now, he can’t help his envy. How he could look at Hades and Nyx, and never once doubt his trust in her, and hers in him. “I heard it was meant to be you, initially,” he begins, and ends. Hephaestus looks and feels exhausted, and he can hardly spare more in terms of pleasantries.

[hadesrhea]

closed to @zagreusrhea & @goldentheseus where: helicon, pontius when: the hour of the leviathan, first week

He finds Theseus on Helicon, waiting at their appointed meeting spot, a place swallowed by shade, far from any cameras or crowds. Zagreus follows close behind - a recent addition to his routine, and even if the new increased proximity takes some getting accustomed to, it is a sure relief and source of renewed satisfaction that his son has re-engaged with Khton.

Hades flicks his sunglasses to rest atop his head, taking a seat in front of Theseus, an attendant close behind balancing a tray - coffee, fruits, hors d'oeuvres, all of which is placed at the center of the table, an offering at every turn. “Theseus,” he greets, his lips playing at a dry smile. “I hear you’ve been hungry. Bored. Is what I’ve been giving you not enough to keep you sated anymore?”

[hermies]

 who :    @gorgonias​​ ,   hermes   rhea .

 what :    you ,   me ,   a   bottle   of   champagne .

 where :    ext .   rooftop   garden ,   atop   helicon .

 when :    kalavria ,   night   one .   eleven   years   since   our   first   date .

 why :     tradition ,   nostalgia ,   codependency .   and   love ,   probably .

 pontius   is   an   impressive   creature .   a   living ,   breathing ,   city   perched   atop   the   waves .    an   absolute   spectacle   of   a   home .   hermes   will   never ,   ever   tire   of   it .   nor   will   he   tire   of   showing   it   off .   and   if   there’s   someone   on   this   planet   worth   showing   off   for ,   it’s   dusa   gorgonia .   especially   tonight .   tucked   away   towards   the   stern ,   on   the   highest   point   of   the   ship ,   is   a   small    garden .   it’s   lavish ,   flourishing ,   a   testament   to   patroclus   and   the   sheer   tenacity   of   weather   resistant   flora .   twin   weeping   cherry   trees   wind   into   one   another ,   branches   twisting   around   like   fingers   entwined .   flickering   fairy   lights   dot   the   plants ,   tealights   bob   on   the   shimmering   surface   of   the   pool .      pontius   has   many   an   impressive   locale ,   opulent   ball   rooms   and   state   of   the   art   laboratories ,   but   this   one ,   this   key  -  code   only   garden   with   it’s   saltwater   pool   and   trickling   fountain ,   this   storybook   place   that   opens   to   the   stars ,   this   he   knew   would   impress   dusa .    he’s   leaning   back   on   his   elbows ,   legs   dangling   in   the   pool ,   cigarette   on   his   lip .   when   dusa   arrives ,   he   jerks   his   head   in   the   direction   of   the   champagne   in   the   ice   bucket   beside   him   and   holds   his   cigarette   out   on   offer .     ❛ ❛   you’re   late .   i   started   without   you .   ❜ ❜

[ohartemis]

where — helicon deck, pontius when — week one of kalavria with — @icarusfclling

She’s here for work, sure, but she’s also here for leisure. There’s not much to do on Pontius for Artemis besides networking and filling her Talaria account with insight on the many panels and presentations. An outspoken presence, to be sure, but also an outgoing easygoing one. So she parades over the top deck, sunglasses perched on her nose, bathing suit worn under the wrap dress she’s put her body into. Looking for distraction from her restless soul, from the gaping hole in her mind, from the thoughts that keep seeping in.

So, she finds it. Icarus Volati seems to be doing something she thinks he should do more often: relaxing. She moves over, sitting on the empty deck chair next to him, stretching her legs beneath his. “Good afternoon, QM Volati,” she says, placing her sunglasses on the top of her head. “I thought I’d check in. Quite turbulent times, for those of us close to both Zeus Rhea and Hephaestus Galani, after all.” She leans back a little, placing her hands behind her and stretching her toes. A better person would ask whether Icarus wanted to talk of it, but Artemis decides to just introduce the topic and see where it takes her. It’s easier, she finds, to deal with other people’s turbulent emotions on the entire situation compared to her own. “I hope you’re alright.”

[icarusfclling]

WHO: @herarhearp WHERE: pontius, helicon deck WHEN: february 5th, 2130. so late it’s early. WEARING: haider ackermann (x)

The chorus in their head grows louder by the day: you fool. You fool. You pathetic, naive, ignorant, ambitious fool. All those lofty dreams, all the things you sacrificed to chase them, and look where it’s gotten you. Look what you’ve become. Without chemical assistance to drown it out the repetition keeps Icarus awake at night, keeps him pacing the length of his room and scrawling furiously in a cheap paper notebook he intends to burn the moment the last page is filled. Just now, however, the notebook lies at the bottom of a document safe disguised as an old fashioned briefcase ( a necessity when traveling with sensitive information as frequently as they do ) and Icarus is slipping out of the cabin bound for the upper deck.

It isn’t as quiet as they’d hoped, emerging far too close to the open bar, but a few minutes of walking puts enough distance between themself and the all-night revelers that Icarus can almost pretend he’s wandering the terraces of Xenios instead. The entire estate could fit aboard this ship with room to spare; it would feel less like a vessel and more like an island were it not for the sharp drop that marks the boundary between ship and sea. Icarus walks until they lose count of their steps, numbers slipping into and around each other in their mind, then turns and leans against the railing to stare out over the water.

When the sound of footsteps reaches him, Icarus doesn’t move. Hopes that perhaps, if he doesn’t acknowledge them, they might leave him in peace. Then a figure appears in his periphery and he feels a surge of acid in his throat as he recognizes Hera’s profile. A woman he has always respected, has cared about regardless of his feelings towards her husband; another casualty of the explosion that has torn his own heart to shreds. With her, he thinks, he can loosen the white-knuckle grip he’s been keeping on his professional mask. Only a little, not enough to let the true depth of their heartbreak show, but at least they don’t have to pretend to be unaffected.

“I used to hear the sea helped people sleep better. Does it get easier, or should I add that to the list of lies I should never have believed?” It comes out more softly than they meant it to, more wounded, and Icarus knows she will know he isn’t really talking about insomnia or the ocean.

[sccylla]

where — a rooftop-esque bar on helicon when — first week of kalavria with — @herarhearp​​

There are few shades of grey in Scylla’s life. Nuance isn’t something she’s very interested in, after all: she does not bother with the morals most humans seem so bogged down with and is wholly convinced of the vision she has dedicated her life to. Her interests – or, rather, fixations – run deep. There are two that have survived the test of time: Scalpel, and RheSeq and all that has come to existence after it. ( There is a third fixation, called Charybdis. We don’t talk of her. )

Lucky, then, that she finds herself employed by one of Cronus Rhea’s heir, slowly befriending his daughter-in-law, sharing a lab with his grandson ... this world has pests, and if the Rheas could be considered one, they’d be a rather relentless one. But then, Scylla thinks pests exist for a reason, does not think them inherently bad. And Hera Rhea? She’s one hell of a drinking partner. Scylla smiles, mostly genuine, as she clinks her glass with the other’s.

“These events,” she says, interrupting herself by taking a sip from her Martini. “Do they occur often? I avoided attending the one in Olympe, and I must say, I think I preferred Pontius when it’s as empty as it was, then.” Scylla is gleeful, if not giddy, that Scalpel has gone public once more, even if it is in mysterious ways ... but fuck, she has no interest in any of the unfortunate side-effects. The most intense one, of course, all the attention. “Either way, thank the Fates for the potent drinks and quiet corners, here. How was your day, Hera? I shouldn’t complain about these crowds, when they’re most likely pestering you even more.”

[hyacinthpartan]

who: @mcyme​ when: mid-end of second summit week where: Helicon deck.

Stepping into Pontius has been full of non stop conversations, people trying to catch up or ask questions, for the people that were important Hyacinth endured and all the rest were a test for his patience. Why was Pontius so Chaos damn hot? Someone should drop the temperature in this place, or maybe he was still out of breath from three years of laying still in a hospital bed.

It was a miracle he found himself a quiet spot, to catch his breath for a moment before continuing his public relations with the public. But it seems like the Fates won’t even let him have a few seconds as someone else was apparently looking for peace and quiet. Despite whatever Ares might think, Hyacinth always liked the guy, it was funny watching him skulk at Rheas family dinners. 

“Ares.” Instead of a man catching his breath, Hyacinth quickly turned his charms back on and he smiled brightly. “I was expecting an hello from you, I’m hurt, really.” He pouted. “I always knew you were the silent and grumpy type, but I bet you missed me.”

[athenarhea]

WITH: @minotaurus WHERE: Dining facility, Helicon Deck, Pontius WHEN: February, 2130 (Week One of the Kalavrian Summit)

It was one of the first days of the Kalavrian Summit, and Athena found herself in one of Helicon’s dining facilities, alone. She’d found herself on her own quite frequently since coming to Pontius, a sharp contrast from the Heteraidia festival, where it felt like she couldn’t get a minute to herself. She supposed she’d brought it on herself, avoiding both her family and people who might ask her questions about the recent scandal Pandora apparently couldn’t get enough of. Still, it was lonely.

She gazed out over the dining room, teeth digging into her lower lip at the expanse of occupied tables. It was strange to be eating alone; it felt eerily reminiscent of a school cafeteria. Then, her gaze snagged on a familiar face. It took her a moment, staring at him, for her to place it. After all, she had never known Mino as well as she had Theseus. Still, it didn’t take long for her to remember the strange Arcadian she’d known during university. She certainly remembered the disappearance of him and Theseus both, the way they’d both just seemed to vanish into thin air, texts gone unanswered and social media silent.

She strode across the dining hall toward him with a smile and a wave. “Mino! Hi!” she greeted him. “Um, I’m not sure if you remember me; it’s Athena, we met in Arcadia, like, years and years ago.” She laughed, a little nervous that he wouldn’t know who she was, as if she wasn’t the daughter of one of the most powerful men in Gaia.

[reushq]

ABOUT

Full name & known aliases: Hercules Mendacius Faction: Pontius Occupation: Security Officer on Pontius Age: 34 Gender & pronouns: Cis man, he/him Faceclaim: Jordan Calloway Can be seen: Patrolling around Helicon at all hours of the night, doing push-ups to the rhythm of old sea shanties, fishing with Dolus on a rowboat, talking at Alecto during security briefs, resetting his Tala password for the fiftieth time, observing Scylla from afar.

STATS

Influence  ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Charisma  ★  ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Protection  ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Information  ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Experience  ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

CODEX

It is not known yet if the phoenix that is Hercules’ spirit will ever rise from its ashes. But he makes such a show of bravado and strength, that no one would dare question it. As was the way of difficult island life; nary an opportunity to parse over hardship, when there was work to be done. No one would mistake the Mendacius’ for high in the in-step, or bolstered in pedigree. As with all older siblings, strength is demanded. Fortunately, he provides it in spades. An innate physicality for a young boy, he is the cornerstone of their humble operations. Yet the more he worked, the further rest became. Children with shinier shoes and smoother hands ran amok. The chasm grows, and so too does his impressionable envy.

What a dangerous thing it is, to want without culpability. It is not long before the name echoes as part of a cautionary tale. The fisherman’s boy whose naivete and insatiable desire put him at the forefront of a heinous crime. Really - he meant no harm. But the might of his fist was always stronger than his will, and those caught in the crossfire of his escape bare their formidable injuries. Caught on an island three days later, it is the last time he felt the sand between his toes in seven years. 

The world is not quick to forget folklore, and Hercules emerges with few prospects and unanswered letters. Following the same path as his illicit past is  a non-starter. Still - a man needs to eat, and the young whiz-kids of the University promise to keep him fed. Looking back, one has to wonder if he was better off with the devil he knew, than the one he did not. Scalpel’s untoward practices prompt grave consequences, and he pays for his naivete once again. Yet he should be grateful - far kinder souls bare worse consequences of childish whims. As the young students are trudged through the mud and the consequences of their actions are swept beneath the university’s rug - Hercules finds his voice. The sole conscience in the eye of the storm, unmoving even as wealth is promised in exchange for discretion. This time, he would not compromise. 

His need for redemption leads him to the many corners of Gaia; to the homes of Scalpel’s survivors, to the island where it first began, and even to the spot in Arcadia where his crimes unfurled. Yet forgiveness only comes when he looks his sibling in the eye. Grown, now, and a success for the ages - Hercules finds his new purpose. He washes up aboard Pontius’ vessel and commits his physical endurance to the protection of its residents. Yet it is not his vocation. No. Hercules’ strength was never his physicality, but his willingness to endure.

CONNECTIONS

Familial connections: Dolus Mendacius (the reason for being, the better of the pair).

Professional connections: Poseidon (employer - a necessary confidant), Alecto (stoic, no-nonsense, begging to be bothered), Hermes (quite brilliant and with the humor to match), Circe (incredibly brilliant, pays for it with no sense of humor), Ariadne (mystery to be unfurled).

Social connections: Sisyphus (sinners always find their own), Aphrodite (a disposition like his own), Apollo and Artemis (entertainment while in confinement - starstruck at every appearance), Diomedes (a worthy contender), Minotaur (bird of the same feather), Scylla (bane of his existence).

ORIGINAL CHARACTER WRITTEN BY C.

[alectocarrion]

with: @hephaestusgalani​ ​​​ when: february, 2130 (week one) where: pontius, helicon 

Alecto leaned against one of the many railings surrounding the upper level of the ship. The salt in the air hung heavy, and if she focused too hard, the ache in their chest became impossible to ignore. Years, she had spent from this place, and yet, looking overtop of the cascades of green and blues, she felt as though she had never left. But to anyone else, she was new here -- those twenty-one years had gone by quickly for all she was concerned, and it was better that way. 

Out of the corner of their eye, they take note of a very tired looking Hephaestus. With all that had come to light in the past weeks, Alecto found it impressive that he’d been able to focus on the summit at all. Then again, did he have much of a choice? For what it was worth, it seemed as though the people who called Pontius home truly cared for its progress, even if Alecto couldn’t wrap her mind around it themself. 

They consider retiring to their quarters, exhausted from the game of cat and mouse played to keep out from under the public eye in regards to visitors from Tartarus, but decide that Hephaestus’s tired eyes are an invitation for something more. She had to give Nyx and Hades something to report back on. 

“You look like you could use a coffee,” Alecto says, tone lighthearted. “You’ve all been so busy, it’s been eye opening -- the dedication of this place, I mean.” Alecto doesn’t figure that’s why Hephaestus looks as though he hasn’t slept in weeks, but at least it will direct the conversation in a way that maybe he won’t think is related to situation at hand.

[reushq]

                              ⸻   𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐍.

The upper deck of Pontius, Helicon is solely designed to impress & intimidate. Its magnitude is daunting even for those well inured to luxury - where Poseidon's entire life is a monument to practicality, Helicon alone stands as an altar to excess. Beyond its entertainment halls and dining facilities, Pontius numbers multiple indoor and outdoor pools, a landing strip, and a fleet of aircrafts for personal use.

               ... read more about Pontius’s sublocations.