Theseus (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
deltastrike) wrote2025-06-10 01:43 am
deltastrike) wrote2025-06-10 01:43 am
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CHARACTER INFO
Character Name: Theseus
Canon: Hades
Age: Unknown but possibly very old since his appearance is as a Shade after his mortal life
If Under 16, why is this character a good thematic fit for Somnia?: N/A
Canon Point: Post-game
Wiki Link(s): https://hades.fandom.com/wiki/Theseus
SOMNIA-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
1. Dreams are how Sleep chooses you. What might draw your character into Somnia— a wound, a wish, a weakness? Would they follow the dream, or run from it?
It may seem there is nothing that could draw Theseus out of Elysium, a literal paradise which exists for the sole purpose of exalting him for all eternity, where he is surrounded by loving fans and in the company of his dearest friend. Theseus himself would be insistent that his current state of being is perfection manifest, since this afterlife is his explicit reward from the gods for his deeds, and anything flawed or lacking is to suggest that he is either being shortchanged by them, or that his glorious heroic nature falls short of expectations. (Neither of which is acceptable.)
It is for that reason that ultimate temptation takes on the form of an insecurity, a breach into that heavenly existence. It has the appearance of an instability, something which attracts unavoidable notice for its sudden appearance and draws further attention for its fundamental difference with its surroundings. Fault can be denied, but not ignored, and as much as it will displease him Theseus also won't be able to look away. It's this flaw in his otherwise unchanging world which could motivate him to leave, out of a morbid fascination over what could threaten it and perhaps, what could protect it.
2. Somnia is a slow unraveling—of worlds, and of selves. How does your character respond to fear, transformation, and losing control? Do they fight, adapt, collapse?
Theseus' initial reaction to anything which might aim to change him is spiteful resistance. He fears and respects little, to an extent that defies self-preservation at times. Respect is given rarely from Theseus, and never from intimidation. Even when forced to face the total futility of any counter effort, it will only further embolden his stubbornness to see the end fighting rather than be seen admitting acquiescence. While he can be willing to hear out the perspective of those he trusts (pretty much just Asterius), he does so very reluctantly and with no enthusiasm for sweeping changes in direction.
But at the same time Theseus is impulsive, capricious, and prone to following whims. As contrary as that sounds to all of the above, it can be explained as a determination to live in a way he approves, and no one else.
3. Connection is the only constant. What kind of bonds does your character form— fast and burning, slow and wary, deep and desperate? How might that shape their time in this world?
Theseus explicitly has a difficult time forming deep connections with others. He is described as "peerless" before his requested reunion with Asterius in the afterlife after both their deaths, with Asterius suggested as the first real equal whom Theseus could truly acknowledge. Theseus' problems with viewing the people around him on the same level is not helped by a lifetime (plus extra, since this is Hades) of being surrounded by the subjects and fans of the hero king. If that wasn't enough, his healthy ego only elevates him further above his perceived inferiors, which includes most everyone. Putting aside status, Theseus is also just a quirky personality, eccentric at kindest, which makes finding similarity in others an usually fruitless search even if all conditions were ideal.
The rare and few bonds which Theseus does manage are especially treasured by him, to the point of possessiveness and protectiveness for them. Despite the intensity of his closeness with Asterius, Theseus rather quickly becomes wary of him leaving over their conflict with Zagreus and easily depressed at the idea.
4. What are two major forces in your character’s personality that are often in conflict? (Ex: logic vs emotion, power vs guilt, obedience vs rage, etc.)
The dichotomy which defines Theseus' nature can be described as the conflicted dynamic of his selflessness vs selfishness. Theseus is a literal hero and noble, who takes it upon himself to save others either out of genuine kindness, or as an extension of his ego where his kingdom and his people are objects to impress and stand-ins for his greatness. He can care for their worship as vicarious trophies who act as proxies for his legacy and reputation through praise, or he might want to be loved and feel as if it's actually deserved. His justice can be a duty to see people get what is their due (even a soul like Asterius who was so neglected to be unserved even by the gods of the underworld), or flimsy moral rationalization for his ill-decided actions. The key to it all is how the hollowness of his honor is entirely defined by, and antagonized by, himself.
VESSEL SELECTION
Which Vessel Type are you choosing: Token or Offering? Offering
Why does this Vessel type feel appropriate for your character? Irresistible irony, basically. Theseus' pride is rooted in being a hero who triumphs over monsters, and much of his animosity toward Zagreus is as an inherently foul existence. If he's inexorably changed to something undeniably not human, he might be made to confront some of these biases and maybe eventual admit to some of them being more fitting to himself. The real monster is man but also the monsters.
Choose one OR list three subclass options within your chosen Vessel type that you think would suit them: Daemon!
Character Name: Theseus
Canon: Hades
Age: Unknown but possibly very old since his appearance is as a Shade after his mortal life
If Under 16, why is this character a good thematic fit for Somnia?: N/A
Canon Point: Post-game
Wiki Link(s): https://hades.fandom.com/wiki/Theseus
SOMNIA-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
1. Dreams are how Sleep chooses you. What might draw your character into Somnia— a wound, a wish, a weakness? Would they follow the dream, or run from it?
It may seem there is nothing that could draw Theseus out of Elysium, a literal paradise which exists for the sole purpose of exalting him for all eternity, where he is surrounded by loving fans and in the company of his dearest friend. Theseus himself would be insistent that his current state of being is perfection manifest, since this afterlife is his explicit reward from the gods for his deeds, and anything flawed or lacking is to suggest that he is either being shortchanged by them, or that his glorious heroic nature falls short of expectations. (Neither of which is acceptable.)
It is for that reason that ultimate temptation takes on the form of an insecurity, a breach into that heavenly existence. It has the appearance of an instability, something which attracts unavoidable notice for its sudden appearance and draws further attention for its fundamental difference with its surroundings. Fault can be denied, but not ignored, and as much as it will displease him Theseus also won't be able to look away. It's this flaw in his otherwise unchanging world which could motivate him to leave, out of a morbid fascination over what could threaten it and perhaps, what could protect it.
2. Somnia is a slow unraveling—of worlds, and of selves. How does your character respond to fear, transformation, and losing control? Do they fight, adapt, collapse?
Theseus' initial reaction to anything which might aim to change him is spiteful resistance. He fears and respects little, to an extent that defies self-preservation at times. Respect is given rarely from Theseus, and never from intimidation. Even when forced to face the total futility of any counter effort, it will only further embolden his stubbornness to see the end fighting rather than be seen admitting acquiescence. While he can be willing to hear out the perspective of those he trusts (pretty much just Asterius), he does so very reluctantly and with no enthusiasm for sweeping changes in direction.
But at the same time Theseus is impulsive, capricious, and prone to following whims. As contrary as that sounds to all of the above, it can be explained as a determination to live in a way he approves, and no one else.
3. Connection is the only constant. What kind of bonds does your character form— fast and burning, slow and wary, deep and desperate? How might that shape their time in this world?
Theseus explicitly has a difficult time forming deep connections with others. He is described as "peerless" before his requested reunion with Asterius in the afterlife after both their deaths, with Asterius suggested as the first real equal whom Theseus could truly acknowledge. Theseus' problems with viewing the people around him on the same level is not helped by a lifetime (plus extra, since this is Hades) of being surrounded by the subjects and fans of the hero king. If that wasn't enough, his healthy ego only elevates him further above his perceived inferiors, which includes most everyone. Putting aside status, Theseus is also just a quirky personality, eccentric at kindest, which makes finding similarity in others an usually fruitless search even if all conditions were ideal.
The rare and few bonds which Theseus does manage are especially treasured by him, to the point of possessiveness and protectiveness for them. Despite the intensity of his closeness with Asterius, Theseus rather quickly becomes wary of him leaving over their conflict with Zagreus and easily depressed at the idea.
4. What are two major forces in your character’s personality that are often in conflict? (Ex: logic vs emotion, power vs guilt, obedience vs rage, etc.)
The dichotomy which defines Theseus' nature can be described as the conflicted dynamic of his selflessness vs selfishness. Theseus is a literal hero and noble, who takes it upon himself to save others either out of genuine kindness, or as an extension of his ego where his kingdom and his people are objects to impress and stand-ins for his greatness. He can care for their worship as vicarious trophies who act as proxies for his legacy and reputation through praise, or he might want to be loved and feel as if it's actually deserved. His justice can be a duty to see people get what is their due (even a soul like Asterius who was so neglected to be unserved even by the gods of the underworld), or flimsy moral rationalization for his ill-decided actions. The key to it all is how the hollowness of his honor is entirely defined by, and antagonized by, himself.
VESSEL SELECTION
Which Vessel Type are you choosing: Token or Offering? Offering
Why does this Vessel type feel appropriate for your character? Irresistible irony, basically. Theseus' pride is rooted in being a hero who triumphs over monsters, and much of his animosity toward Zagreus is as an inherently foul existence. If he's inexorably changed to something undeniably not human, he might be made to confront some of these biases and maybe eventual admit to some of them being more fitting to himself. The real monster is man but also the monsters.
Choose one OR list three subclass options within your chosen Vessel type that you think would suit them: Daemon!