Phaedon appears as a young man standing at 5'6" (167 cm) with a toned, lean build and strong arms. He is uniquely shorter than most other gods (and often mortals too). He has dark green eyes, and black wavy hair that reaches his shoulders, which he usually wears in a half-up bun. His skin is olive brown, with a distinctive black gradient coloration that fades from his hands to his elbows, and from his feet to his knees. His fingernails are notably sharp and claw-like.

The god typically dons a knee-length chiton made of fine navy wool, secured at the shoulders with silver fibulae (decorative pins), and leather arm bracers. A silver pendant with his mother's Strophalos and triple moons hangs around his neck. Over this, he wears a deep red printed cloak, held in place with a sleek silver pauldron over his shoulder.

Underneath this cloak, his armor consists of a silver breastplate decorated with bronze engravings of lunar phases and wheel sigils, symbols associated with his mother, Hecate. Dark leather straps connect the armor pieces, and he wears a utility belt with compartments and a holster for his xiphos. In battle, he also wears a corinthian helmet with a silver half-mask that slightly resembles a crow.

Later on, during his captivity on Olympus, Phaedon develops raised lightning scars that stretch across his back and chest. His appearance becomes more weary, his frame becomes thinner, and his hair grows to his lower back.

Phaedon is known for his sharp intellect, loyalty, resourcefulness, and independence. As the god of trickery, he demonstrates skill in deception and misdirection, making him an indispensable ally in the Greeks’ arsenal. His curiosity and determination often drive him to seek unconventional solutions to problems, and fuelled his desire to leave his mother to explore the mortal world.

Despite his reputation for cunning, Phaedon is known for his unwavering loyalty to his closest allies. His deepest bonds were formed with mortal warriors during the Trojan War, particularly Diomedes, Odysseus, Achilles, and Patroclus, whom he came to view as his true family. His loyalty to them was the only motivator for him to continue fighting the war. This devotion, while admirable, can lead to rash and destructive behavior when those he cares for are threatened. Following Achilles' death, Phaedon hunted down Paris in a blind rage, subjecting him to a particularly brutal death that even his fellow warriors found disturbing. Similarly, his bloody assault and humiliation of Apollo after Patroclus and Achilles’ deaths demonstrated both his fierce loyalty and his dangerous impulsiveness.

In moments of rage, Phaedon can display a cruel streak that he later regrets. This darker aspect of his personality, combined with his stubbornness, has led to several notorious incidents throughout the Trojan War; such as when he beat Ajax the Lesser the lesser to death for raping Cassandra at Athena’s altar. This led his allies, namely Agamemnon, to distrust his judgement going forward. His tendency to act first and reflect later has earned him both admiration for his decisive action and criticism for his lack of restraint.

Unlike many deities, Phaedon feels a stronger connection to mortals than to his fellow gods. His experiences fighting alongside the Achaeans significantly influenced this perspective, as he found acceptance and understanding among them that transcended his divine status. This affinity for mortals has fostered a deep cynicism toward the Olympian gods, whom he criticizes for their capricious, immature nature and callous treatment of humans. He particularly resents how the Trojan War, initially a dispute between gods, led to immense mortal suffering. Phaedon controversially believes that the Olympians should be subservient to mortals, arguing that their divine power ultimately stems from mortal worship and belief.

Despite his cynicism and battle-hardened nature, Phaedon maintains a distinctly playful and youthful spirit that often contrasts with his more serious companions. Even in the midst of war, he frequently lightens tense situations with jokes, quips, and good-natured mischief. This aspect of his personality complements his closest allies: balancing Odysseus's calculating nature, softening Diomedes's intensity, and drawing rare smiles from Achilles during darker moments. He has been known to use his powers of illusion for entertainment, creating shadowy displays to amuse fellow soldiers around evening campfires or playing harmless tricks on his companions to lift their spirits during long campaigns.

Phaedon believes in the capacity for goodness in others. This stems largely from his experiences with mortals, whom he finds particularly inspiring. Where gods have eternity to perfect themselves yet often choose pettiness and cruelty, mortals—with their brief, fragile lives—are regularly kind and courageous even in their darkest moments. He sees this in the small acts of compassion between soldiers, in Patroclus tending to the wounded, in villagers offering shelter to strangers despite their own meager means. This faith in mortal goodness shapes his own choices; though capable of brutality when enraged, Phaedon strives to emulate the everyday heroism of humans who choose kindness despite having so much less time to learn wisdom than the gods. It's this quality that draws him to figures like Odysseus and Diomedes—not just their prowess in battle, but their fundamental humanity, their ability to maintain hope and humor even in war's darkest moments.

Having fought alongside mortals and triumphed over enemies both divine and human, Phaedon often believes himself to be among the most capable of gods, often overestimating both his own abilities and his moral standing over the Olympians. His disdain for the gods is not purely rooted in their cruelty but also in the belief that he is better than them—more just, more principled, more deserving of respect. This hubris, while occasionally justified, has led to reckless decisions, unnecessary conflicts, and moments of self-righteousness that alienate him even from those who share his ideals.

This arrogance is most evident in his defiance of Apollo, whom he not only bested but publicly humiliated. Rather than simply striking him down, Phaedon made a spectacle of it—mocking the god, beating him before the eyes of mortals and immortals alike, and daring him to "run to his father" for help. While his anger was understandable, his need to assert dominance over an Olympian blinded him to the consequences. Such recklessness has earned him both admiration and wariness, as even his allies recognize that Phaedon’s pride will not allow him to walk away from a challenge, no matter the danger. His conviction in his own righteousness also makes him stubborn and dismissive of other perspectives—he believes the gods should be subordinate to mortals, that their power is undeserved, and that he uniquely sees the world as it truly is. Yet, in his eagerness to condemn the Olympians, he fails to see the ways in which he, too, is shaped by power and pride.

DIVINE ATTRIBUTES

As a god, Phaedon possesses immortality and cannot be permanently killed, though he can be wounded and experience pain. His divine nature grants him enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes beyond mortal capabilities. He maintains the appearance of a young man and does not age like a human does. Like other gods, he can assume different forms, though he prefers to maintain his usual appearance.

COMBAT SKILLS

Phaedon is a highly skilled warrior, trained in both Greek martial arts and weapon combat. He excels in using the xiphos (short sword) and dory (spear), often combining conventional fighting techniques with his shadow abilities. Being smaller compared to his allies and enemies, his fighting style emphasizes speed and precision over raw power, utilizing quick strikes and fluid movements. In hand-to-hand combat, he uses pankration, an ancient Greek martial art which combines wrestling and boxing.

SHADOW MANIPULATION

His most distinctive power is the ability to control shadows and darkness, an inheritance from his mother Hecate. This manifests in several ways:

• Shadow travel: Can move instantly between shadows within his line of sight
• Shadow concealment: Ability to hide himself and others within shadows
• Shadow constructs: Can create solid objects, weapons, and barriers from shadows
• Illusion casting: Manipulates shadows to create realistic images and figures
• Shadow sensing: Can detect the presence of others through their shadows

MAGIC SKILLS

His most distinctive power is the ability to control shadows and darkness, an inheritance from his mother Hecate. This manifests in several ways:

• Glyph magic: Creates magical effects by drawing or carving glyphs/symbols on surfaces
• Healing magic: Can treat wounds and ailments, though not as effectively as Apollo's children
• Protective spells: Capable of creating wards and barriers
• Curse-breaking: Knowledge of countering malevolent spells and curses

COMBAT SKILLS

As a god of trickery, Phaedon combines his exceptional cunning with masterful deception. His quick wit and strategic mind allow him to analyze situations rapidly and devise creative solutions. He can alter his appearance, perfectly mimic voices, manipulate mortals' perceptions, and craft elaborate schemes—abilities that proved invaluable during the Trojan War. While skilled at complex deceptions like creating phantom armies or spreading disinformation through enemy ranks using mimicked voices, Phaedon often uses his cleverness for lighter purposes, such as creating illusions for storytelling or devising clever pranks to lift spirits.

LIMITATIONS

Despite his divine status, Phaedon's powers have notable restrictions:

• His shadow abilities are weakened or completely ineffective in complete darkness or bright light
• Complex spells require preparation and physical components
• Healing magic drains his energy significantly
• Like other gods, he is bound by ancient laws and oaths
• His powers can be temporarily suppressed by certain divine weapons, artifacts, and spells

HECATE

As his creator and mentor, Hecate instilled in Phaedon not only magical knowledge but also a strong sense of justice and protection for the vulnerable. In the Crossroads, Hecate would teach him to manipulate shadows and guide lost souls. However, their relationship grew strained as Phaedon developed his own identity separate from his mother's vision. Having crafted him as a daughter in her image, Hecate struggled to accept Phaedon's transgender identity. While she never rejected him outright, her hesitation created a painful distance between them. This tension was exacerbated by Hecate's expectations that Phaedon would follow her path as a guardian of the Crossroads. She saw him as an extension of herself—a continuation of her legacy—while Phaedon yearned to forge his own path in the mortal world. Despite their complicated dynamic, Phaedon carries many of Hecate's teachings and mannerisms, often unconsciously performing magical gestures she taught him. Unknown to him, Hecate was devastated by his departure, spending years searching the Crossroads and mortal realm for signs of her child. She loves him fiercely, even if she struggles to show it in ways he can recognize.

ODYSSEUS

Odysseus stands as Phaedon's closest confidant and first mortal friend. Their relationship, beginning in Ithaca before the war, is built on mutual understanding and shared cunning. They often engage in friendly competitions of wit, trying to outsmart each other with increasingly elaborate tricks, schemes, and jokes. Phaedon particularly admires Odysseus's ability to navigate both diplomatic and combat situations with equal skill. Their bond is strengthened by countless nights spent sharing stories and warmth in their shared tent, joined often by Diomedes in their various escapades. Phaedon finds in Odysseus someone who accepts him completely, neither as a god nor as a former woman, but simply as himself. For that, Odysseus will always have his undying loyalty.

DIOMEDES

Among Phaedon's closest companions, Diomedes shared an especially intimate bond with him and Odysseus that went beyond mere friendship. Their shared tent became a sanctuary where the three could drop their wartime personas and find comfort in each other's presence. Phaedon admired Diomedes not only for his legendary courage in successfully wounding two gods, but for his steadfast loyalty, resourcefulness, and honorable nature. They engaged in playful wrestling matches (which Phaedon often lost), shared blankets and beds on cold nights, and offered each other unwavering support in battle. Phaedon always dreamed of a life shared with Diomedes–a life that would never be as he watched him almost die returning home and eventually relocate to southern Italy.

PATROCLUS

Patroclus represented to Phaedon the finest qualities of mortality. WIP

ACHILLES

Phaedon's relationship with Achilles is complex. He both admires him greatly, but also fears him. While he deeply respects Achilles's martial prowess, ferocity, and passion, he also witnesses firsthand the terrifying extent of his rage. Their sparring matches are legendary among the Achaean camp, with Phaedon being one of the few who could match Achilles's speed with his shadow-based techniques. Before Patroclus's death, Phaedon was one of the rare individuals who could draw genuine laughter from the serious warrior. However, after witnessing Achilles's descent into murderous grief, Phaedon's admiration became tinged with horror, though he never ceased supporting his friend even in his darkest moments. After Phaedon witnessed Achilles’ death at the hands of Paris, he sought revenge, finding himself caught in the same vicious cycle of grief and violence as Achilles did.

AGAMEMNON

Phaedon's relationship with Agamemnon is largely antagonistic, though tempered by necessity. He frequently targets the king with his pranks, particularly after witnessing his mistreatment of Achilles or his arrogant behavior toward other warriors. While Phaedon acknowledges Agamemnon's necessity as a unifying leader, he often mocks his pretensions in private with Odysseus and Diomedes. Nevertheless, he maintains a facade of respect in public to avoid undermining the army's cohesion.

MENELAUS

Phaedon views Menelaus with a mixture of pity and frustration. While he acknowledges him as the war's catalyst, he considers him more victim than villain—a man manipulated by gods and fate far beyond his control. He respects Menelaus's surprising moments of level-headedness in battle, yet grows increasingly exasperated by his stubborn fixation on Helen, believing that thousands of lives are being sacrificed for what began as wounded pride. When Menelaus spares Helen after Troy's fall, Phaedon has a rare moment of genuine respect for the king, though he still believes that the entire war could have been avoided had Menelaus simply let her go years earlier.

ATHENA

Despite his general disdain for Olympians, Phaedon maintains a respectful relationship with Athena. He appreciates her strategic mind and how she aids his friends without demanding their degradation in return. They share mutual respect and occasional collaboration, particularly in protecting their shared favorites among the Achaeans. Phaedon sees in Athena a different kind of divine being—one who uses her power with wisdom rather than whimsy. During his captivity on Olympus, however, their previously friendly relationship sours as Phaedon begins to realise that all of the Olympians are complicit in his punishment.

ZEUS

Phaedon's relationship with Zeus represents everything he despises about the Olympians. Initially their interaction was limited to Phaedon's role as an unwilling cupbearer, punishment for his assault on Apollo. However, Zeus's growing interest in him turned the punishment into something far more sinister. Phaedon's captivity in Olympus under Zeus's unwanted attention serves as a cruel irony—having spent his early years protecting women and girls from such abuse, he now finds himself unable to escape it. His hatred for Zeus is deeply personal, rooted not only in his own suffering but in witnessing the god's casual cruelty toward mortals and lesser deities alike.

HERA

Phaedon's relationship with Hera evolves from mutual hostility to unexpected alliance. Initially, she regards him with contempt and suspicion, believing him complicit in yet another of Zeus's infidelities despite being unwilling. However, as she witnesses his repeated resistance to Zeus and recognizes the true nature of his punishment, her perspective shifts dramatically. They form an unspoken understanding based on shared suffering at Zeus's hands. Phaedon gradually sees reflections of Hecate in Hera's fierce protectiveness and unyielding pride, while Hera finds herself impressed by his defiance despite his lesser status. Though never openly affectionate, she begins intervening subtly on his behalf, creating diversions when Zeus seeks him out and ensuring his duties keep him far from her husband's chambers whenever possible.

HEBE

Hebe is Phaedon's sole sanctuary in Olympus, becoming his first and only genuine friend during his captivity. As the goddess of youth, her gentle nature is a stark contrast to the hostility or apathy he faces from other deities. She secretly brings him nectar when Zeus restricts his rations, listens to his stories about his mortal companions without judgment, and offers comfort after particularly difficult encounters with her father. Their friendship deepens through shared experiences of feeling overlooked by more powerful Olympians. Phaedon treasures these moments of kindness, teaching Hebe shadow puppetry to make her laugh and crafting small magical tokens of protection that she hides beneath her robes.

• Phaedon has “female” anatomy and is infertile.
• Phaedon’s name translates to “he who gives light”--it is intended to be ironic since his domain is darkness and shadows.
• He, Odysseus, and Diomedes definitely explored each other’s bodies on a drunken night.
• Phaedon's grandmother Asteria was also aggressively pursued by Zeus in the form of an eagle.
• Penelope taught him how to weave tapestries. He still remembers her teachings even after a decade.
• Hecate gave him the nickname: “little shadow”. Diomedes, Odysseus, and his other allies (and enemies) also use this for him.
• When he is afraid/restless/stressed, Phaedon fidgets with his clothing a lot.
• He really liked birds before being abducted.
• He has developed a fear of heights from said abduction.