PB: Nephania
Shared Reality: DDC
Deity & Purview: Goddess of Hate / Keeper of Oaths
Source Material URL: http://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/PotamosStyx.html


Description of Residence: Styx has (and has only ever had) one residence: that of her Underworld temple at the bank of her river. A great structure of black marble, roofed with great towering rocks, it is girded with silver columns that stretch to the grey ceiling dividing the Underworld from the world above. It is in Erebus, positioned at the mouth of the Underworld at the edge of the mortal plane.

Although the facade remains the same, the inside of her temple has been updated with modern conveniences. The kitchen is done in chrome and black enamel. A great iron staircase connects the first and second floors. Installed in her bedchamber is a very modern, sumptuously-outfitted bed. Apart from the red and black draperies around her bed, the only other feature in her room is the northern wall, comprised of her river, with a horse hoof lined pool at its base.

Personality: Originally created as a guardian of the barrier between the mortal plane and the Underworld, Styx has always been stubborn, which has served as a strength as well as a weakness. Her upbringing enforced the importance of family, and she's steadfastly stood by this family motto since she was first old enough to understand the meaning behind it. In close relationships, her stubbornness translates into loyalty - a fierce and undivided thing. Likewise, when she has certain tasks set before her, she rarely ever deviates from the goal until she's finished - and she'll do whatever she thinks she needs to in order to get there. But Styx also has a difficult time of seeing around her own priorities. She's clever indeed and very political-minded (as evidenced by her history), but when she's set her mind that she's right, there's little that will change her opinion.

As the goddess of hate, she's extremely passionate. There are no hots or colds to Styx, either in her likes or her dislikes. But being the goddess of hate does not preclude her from feeling anything other than her aspect. Those who don't know her might be surprised that she loves fiercely, with a force that runs just as strongly as her cursed river.

Indeed, her nature and the circumstances of her long life have made Styx something of a study in extremes. She faithfully serves two masters - the King of the Gods and the Lord of Haides. Her heart seems to require two loves: both dark and light. She names her family and herself of the Underworld, yet her adored children are decidedly Olympian now that Zeus has accepted them under his roof. The marker of her existence seems to be balancing the fine line between her contrasting loyalties.


Special Details: The river Styx is extremely corrosive to all things - save the hoof of a horse. When Iris comes to the river to collect water upon which gods may make their oaths, it must be done with a horse hoof lined vessel. It is also poisonous to drink - deadly to humans, and producing a deep coma-like state in divinities. Styx herself oftentimes allows her physical form to turn into her more natural (albeit cursed) naiad form - a black-skinned water sprite whose touch eats all within its path.

The Oath of the Styx: "Now let my witness be Earth, and the wide Heaven above, and the down-flowing waters of Styx, which is the greatest and most dread oath for the blessed gods,by which I would never dare to forswear myself, that..." - spoken when one of the gods was to take an oath by Styx. Iris fetched a cup full of water from the Styx, and the god, while taking the oath, poured out the water.

Throughout the rule of Khronus, Styx came to see the brutality of the Titans, and although she loved her husband Pallas, she saw the world that the Titans created and did not enjoy the vision of her children living in it. When the Titan War began, her husband took his place at the head of the war effort - despite Styx' wishes that he remain apart. They argued fiercely; Pallas won by exerting his physical power against her, leaving her sorely injured.

In the aftermath, Styx' father advised she answer the call Zeus sent - and bring her children with her - for the son of the Titan had promised great gifts for those who stood with him against the Titan regime. Styx did as suggested, and in secret betrayed her husband to his death on the spear of Athena. It was agreed that neither Zeus nor Athena break the secret of Styx' betrayal of her husband - an oath given to her on the waters of her river itself. From then forward, Styx was given the title of Keeper of Oaths - and to all the gods, by Zeus' decree, the most solemn of oaths were sworn on her waters. With her title came the power to punish those who were foresworn. She took to her new responsibilities with seriousness and passion.

When the Titan War was over, her children were given eternal welcome in Zeus' temple - and Styx encouraged them to remain with the new King of the Gods. Her oath was also sworn to the King, and later to his brother, who was placed as ruler of the Underworld. The dual nature of her loyalty has since been the dangerous line she has been required to balance between -- but such a thing was worth having her children safe and well-provided.

When Styx was assured her children no longer needed her, she returned at last to her riverbed, heartsore and weary from leading Pallas to his doom. She slept. For centuries and centuries, she slept, waking only when the essence of herself in the mortal world was so strong that it drew her up to take part. The Salem Witch Trials; World Wars; the Red Scare. It was only recently that she remained awake - and then, only for the company of a younger god, an Olympian, the twin of her foster brother Deimos. Phobos Hysterios swiftly made his way into her heart, and for his sake, she remained.

But there were others who vied for her attentions -- Moros and Akheron, both of whom drove a response from the darker part of her heart, that part still belonging to the Underworld. Because none of her suitors accepted the duality of her heart, she has been keeping herself aloof from all of them, choosing instead to focus on the pleasures of the world and all its hate.