Application
.the myth;
» God(dess): Astraios/Astraeos/Astraeus.
» Reference: Wikipedia and Theoi.
» Family: {mother & father} Crius & Eurybia ; {spouse} Eos ; {children} The Anemoi (winds: Boreas, Zephyrus, Notus & Eurus) and the Astra (planets: Phaethon, Phainon, Pyroeis, Eosphoros, Stilbon), maybe Astraia ; {siblings} Pallas, Perses
» Played By: Jonathan Rhys-Meyers
» Human Alias: Travis Dimas
» Human Age: 34.
» God of...: Nightfall, the stars and astrology
» Flair: ORACULAR VOICE He can predict what is going on (or going to happen) in a person's life, if he has the relevant information about them to cast a horoscope, although this doesn't really work with people in the complex (a fact we'll blame on Cronus).
» Flair Type: activated
» Fitting in: He is a consultant at an investment firm/brokerage. What does this entail? Well no one really knows, but it's a place where his astrology skills comes in handy. And who actually believes in horoscopes, anyway? Mr. Dimas is just that eccentric guy with good instincts. He makes the clients loads of money, gets to work his own hours (or even from home) and they even let him convert his office into a mini-planetarium. [And don't tell anyone, but he also writes the horoscopes section for tabloid magazines (a la Ok!). Consider it a public service.]
» History:
Astraeus, born to Crius and Eurybia, was the Titan god of dusk, the stars and planets, and astrology. His first cousins include Eos (also his wife), Selene and Helios (via Hyperion and Theiea) and the Sexy Six (Zeus & his sibs, via Cronus and Rhea). His siblings are Pallas (Styx's husband & father of Bia, Zelos, Nike & Kratos) and Perses (father of Hecate).
He is best known, across multiple sources, for being the father of the Anemoi (winds) and the Astra (planets) with the dawn goddess, Eos.
There are few other details noted of him in mythology, although there is a notable mention in the Greek epic poem, Dionysiaca, which shows him as a sort of sooth-sayer for the gods. Demeter is seens visiting Astraeus - described as a "kindly ancient" and "god of prophecy" - and she is upset by the fact that Zeus's eye has settled on Persephone. Long story short, Astraeus reads Persephone's horoscope and predicts her seduction by Zeus. Now, this particular myth is obscure and not probably compliant with the canon as it stands with the game's Demeter (or Zeus, or Persephone), but I shall use details from that excerpt to flesh out aspects of Astraeus's history and personality (specifically, the idea of him being some kind of astrologer god). It makes sense that the God of stars and nightfall would be into astrology; who could be better at reading the stars?
The fact that he was married to Eos, and that they fathered almost a dozen kids together, is virtually the only fact recorded about their union in the mythological sources that are available at present, which means that the in-between details must be extrapolated. (A lot of the following falls under jurisdication of Eos's player, and therefore has been discussed with her - indeed, where it relates to Eos's characterisation directly, I've chosen to follow Ash's interpretation of things and paraphrase her exact words to ensure all the details are there & correct.)
There is nothing to negate the placing of Orion placed first (chronologically) amongst Eos's lovers, and their affair together is noted to be short. Moreover, it did not lead to the begetting of children (which, as Ash notes, is something of a pattern with Eos's relationships). After this affair fell apart, Eos hooked up with Cephalus (another doomed romance), and finally Tithnous. The latter is described across multiple sources as being Eos's consort/husband (e.g. Statius, Thebaid, the specific passages can be read on Eos's page at Theoi (towards the bottom)); this suggests that Eos was not in fact married to Astraeus during the course of the relationship. (More information of Eos's romantic history can be found at her application here.)
Therefore, it's been extrapolated from there that the relationship between Astraeus and Eos began post-Orion/Cephalus/Tithnous. Eos's player has inferred that Eos might have been traumatised by her series of doomed romances; going from there, it's very possible that Astraeus could have initiated the relationship. Since he's something of an astrologer god, I think it's reasonable that Astraeus's astrology would have aided and abetted him in this - since becoming involved with Eos is accompanied by some potentially dangerous baggage. That said, there is also an aspect of inevitability in their hook up - goddess of dawn with the god of dusk, you can't get more appropriate than that.
The love part took a bit of time, but desire and attraction was always there, as it can be when one is faced with their complement. Especially since Eos's curse would not have been negated by the occurrence of her marriage. But it is not unreasonable to infer that Eos, ashamed of the nature of her curse, might've attempted to redirect her passions towards her husband (and also attempted to focus her mental energy on the marriage). The conception of 9-10 kids from the union certainly supports this theory to some extent. For Astraeus's part, the colder parts of his personality - again, an extrapolation, this time from the personalities of his sons - provides something of a foil to the manifestation of the curse. We think that Astraeus being somewhat possessive, and having a mean streak (and havoc-wrecking Anemoi as sons to cause damage if/when necessary to potential 'threats' - as noted below, he would totally delegate that sort of thing), would have helped him "rein in" Eos up to a point... or deal with any affairs that may have occurred anyway.
Astraeus has been taken from the present.
» Weakness: (Some personality is explored in this section.)
Astraeus has a bit of a mean streak - well, Boreas & the rest had to get their tempers from somewhere - but with him, it is not likely to manifest in physical violence. Verbal violence is a more likely option, though since he's not a particularly emotive person... it's probably more about making snarky comments than biting someone's head off.
Additionally, Astraeus does not get jealous in the sense that he probably won't go around beating up every other guy who hits on his wife, or even tell him off (though he isn't above delegating the task to his temperamental Anemoi) - but he can be possessive of things that he believes belong to him; possessive in a creepy sort of way. Keeping said things close by and preventing anyone else from having access, for example.
Being an astrologer, he does place great importance in the things one can learn from studying celestial objects. Perhaps even too much importance: at what point do you draw a line between fatalism (in the sense of believing your predictions will happen, regardless of what you do) and free will? Especially when you're a Titan whose kids include the winds and planets - you're not the sort of guy who appreciates a frail mortal body, and certainly not a situation where you're trapped in that very shell. This will be an issue for a thrown-in-NYC-Astraeus, and it's not something he's had to deal with before this. To fight against what has happened (something which does not fit with his personality, but which seems necessary if he does not want to be completely miserable), or to let things happen as they will, and trust that he will make the right choice(s) when the time comes? Dun-dun-dun!
This astrology business also means Astraeus (figuratively) moves very slowly: considering all options (i.e. what the stars have to say about it) before proceeding. Which sounds sensible but it can hold him back and make him miss out on things. There is such a thing as being too slow or laidback. It also goes hand in hand with his fatalistic philosophy of life and the "everything in its own time" approach, which is another thing that can be positive or negative depending on the situation. For example, if someone comes to him, upset, he's likely to sit them down for dinner, drink a couple of bottles of wine, dance around a bit, before getting to the problem... which can be really annoying when you're trying to get something off your chest, and problematic if hastiness/urgency is required.
He is also forward looking - another good trait as he doesn't do regrets or get stuck in the past/nostalgia... but again, too much looking ahead, and not quite living in the present, can be very detrimental. And sometimes, looking back can be good - one could say a person needs to do so to learn from their mistakes. But to that Astraeus says, "Pfft. I don't make 'mistakes'." Which brings me to my next point: Astraeus is stubborn and always thinks he's right. Period (this is linked to the first point in the Personality section).
Astraeus isn't a great parent - sure, he loves and even respects his children, but don't expect him to rein them in. You'll get a variation of "oh, that Boreas! Always did have such a temper!" and so on. He dismisses anything they do as "just being kids". Yeah, not much of a disciplinarian, this one. This characteristic is only perpetuated by the aforementioned fatalism. In the hypothetical situation of his children turning to him for any of that parental advice jazz, he'll probably either force feed them and/or cast their horoscope. This may or may not be helpful, depending on the child and depending on the situation.
» Personality:
Being described as an "ancient", even for one of the gods, Astraeus has a pretty much been there, done that attitude to most things, which falls in line with the laidback aspect of his personality. But he's a simmering sort of laidback - he comes across as broody most of the time. Where Eos shines, Astraeus smoulders. That is his default setting. He does not really get angry, per se... and if he does, it would manifest in a very cold sort of way (the aforementioned snark). This underlies his loves and passions, too.
But even if he isn't hot and blazing, he is still an attentive lover in a very quiet, subtle sense: imagine him as a low, consistent presence. Like, he'll leave little love notes around for Eos on the fridge door or something, or randomly buy her a beautiful silk shawl because he knows she loves the feel of it. He would not make a big thing out of it.
Dusk is the time after twilight (which itself is the time between sunset and dusk), and marks the beginning of the darkness in the evening/night - alternatively a time for winding down, or a time for revving up. For Astraeus, it is a time for both. As fond as he is of his brother-in-law (well, as fond as Astraeus can be), Helios blocks the stars - night is when they rise again. And Astraeus is, at heart, a star-gazer. He is most content lying on the grass, contemplating the planets and constellations. To that end, he hates the city (and its star-blocking air pollution) - so rather than grass, he is usually found on a roof at night, with a telescope, or at an observatory.
Astraeus is also very much a "behind the scenes" kind of guy. He does not like drawing attention to himself, and prefers to let his wife and kids (and other relatives) have the spotlight.
He trusts and respects his Anemoi, and relies on them for tidings of the world. At this point that relatonship, to his eyes, is a working one of mutual respect, developed over thousands of years. Same with the Astra, who he relies on for making accurate horoscopes. It's a very casual sort of relationship, and reflects on his parental philosophy... which is, ah, non-existent. He treats his children like friends, and as noted is not much of for disciplining or nurturing.
Speaking of which - excepting his job of writing horoscopes, which, look doesn't really count - he does not offer his astrological counsel freely or easily (or openly): only by request. Especially since it's a calculated process that needs to be done slowly, with thought, and also requires various bits of personal information. He takes his astrology very seriously and if anyone tries to slag it off he'll just react by... predicting their dog's death or something. :O [Okay, but he does secretly check his loved one's horoscopes every so often to keep tabs on how they are all doing. This might contribute to his general laidbackness when confronted with provocative information. He already knows, or suspects at the very least!]
The Dionysiaca notes that "Astraios was one of sweet words, who possessed mind-bewitching Persuasion.", which perhaps speaks for itself (i.e. suggests he can occasionally have a way with words). The same poem shows him "(preparing) a great spread, that he might dispel Demeter’s heart-piercing cares by his tables". In essence, Astraeus is a decent guy who tries to comfort sorrowful folk in his own way (um, stuffing them with food & getting them drunk? Oops), despite his broodiness. And despite his fatalistic views on life, you can always rely on him to see the silver lining in everything ("You will see before marriage a false and secret bedfellow come unforeseen [...] But I proclaim you most happy..."). As discussed in the Weaknesses section, he is also sensible, careful, and always looks ahead rather than back, which are helpful traits, for the most part.
» Sample Journal:
Now, honestly, uncle. I did tell you that Nike would give victory to the Spanish at Wimbledon and the World Cup. Admittedly, having an octopus agree with my predictions muddies the waters somewhat, but I do think I have a solid track record spanning, oh, I don't know, a couple of m i l l e n i a. Now why didn't you send that darling niece of mine here instead? [deleted]
At least I saw this coming, even if I could not avoid it. Besides which I should be pleased to see my wife and son again, and whichever other kinsmen Cronus has seen fit to send into exile here. And I know there are many of you. Incidentally - Cronus has already outsourced all your old positions. My sympathies, those Hesperides made me redundant long ago*. [deleted]
I do not like this place, the fumes hide the stars. [deleted]
* ooc: not strictly true since they were nymphs of the sunset, which is different from dusk.
» Sample Roleplay:
The financial system that existed in the mortal world was excessively elaborate. Nothing that a Titan could not cope with, of course, but Astraeus did grudgingly marvel at how involved it all was. For beings that inhabited such frail, pathetic bodies, they certainly possessed more intelligence and imagination than he expected.
Not to say that there wasn't a lot of stupidity there as well, though. Being in debt to themselves? Ridiculous. And so many did not believe in Gods or the old myths anymore, but apparently they could believe in the abstract art that was finance. It made little sense.
No matter. It was a game, and Astraeus was now one of its many players. But a damn good one, he thought, watching the television screen in his office. He'd made his clients at least a few million dollars that day, and it wasn't even lunch time yet. He could leave at that very moment, and no one would bat an eyelid - but no, it was bright daylight outside, and he was far too comfortable in his dark office. One of their interns - ever keen to please - had even installed a star map for him on the ceiling. Obviously, it didn't match up to actually living in the heavens, amongst the stars. Indeed, it didn't even match up to actually looking up at a star-filled sky in all its glory, but one had to adjust to these things. Even if it was extremely annoying. The mortal world had never compelled Astraeus, and having experienced it now, he could safely say that it still didn't.
"Sir?"
Astraeus stayed where he was - reclining in his chair, legs on the table - and kept his eyes on Bloomberg. Stocks on pharmaceuticals had gone down severely across the board, just as he had predicted.Stilbon was in retrogade, after all. Though that was only part of the story. He allowed several moments to pass before finally turning his attention to his secretary, who waited intently at the door.
"What is it?" he said, his voice its usual slow drawl; listening carefully as she replied. Mundane mortal matters, as usual. But in the end, most things were mundane - whether they involved mortals or immortals.