Rhapso

*Born of fear and life, Rhapso is the unlikely result of an unlikely union between Phobos and Iaso. Though she struggled to find her path in her youth due to a fear of blood and ichor preventing her from successfully following either of her parents' interests, Rhapso did have a gift which the Moirae conspired to nurture. However, Athena had grown tired of the Fates' influence on her father and sought to undermine them. Athena took Rhapso under her wing and taught her to hone her talents with needle and thread. Due to Rhapso's own fear of ichor, she soon found a method to treat fabric to prevent it from burning away when touched by ichor, which soon propelled her to the status of godhood, being anointed as Goddess of Sewing and the Tailor to the Gods.*

## Background

### 716 Olympian Calendar

In the grand tapestry of time, where destinies are woven with threads of love, war, and chance, I, Clio, bear witness to stories that the cosmos itself murmurs. And among these myriad tales, the unexpected union of Phobos and Iaso stands as a poignant testament to the enigma of the heart.

Phobos, the very embodiment of fear, with eyes that could make the bravest warriors cower and a presence that darkened the skies, found himself on a battlefield. Not one of clashing swords and bestial roars of savagery, but rather a battlefield filled with wounded souls and broken spirits. It was here, amidst the cries of fallen warriors and the silence of death, that Iaso, the radiant goddess of healing, moved with grace and purpose, mending the wounded and soothing the tormented.

Drawn by a sense of curiosity, Phobos watched from the shadows as Iaso's gentle hands worked miracles, her aura a stark contrast to the darkness he wielded. As he watched her save his comrades and those he himself had struck down in the earlier melee, an inexplicable yearning grew within him—a longing for light in his realm of shadows. Mustering the courage, he approached Iaso on that fateful night, the moon casting a silvery glow over the world. Their conversation, initially filled with hesitance and caution, blossomed into deep discussions about their contrasting domains.

It was in this vulnerable exchange, between the harrowing cries of fear and the soothing whispers of healing, that an unexpected spark ignited. As the dawn approached, the two found themselves lost in a passionate embrace, their energies merging in a dance as old as time. From this union, under the watchful eyes of the cosmos, was conceived Rhapso.

### 717 OC - 2969 OC

In the vast annals of the cosmos, there arise tales that defy time and reason. From the pages of history, I, Clio, narrate the extraordinary odyssey of Rhapso, a divinity born from a confluence of fear and healing.

Nurtured in the heart of the Haven on Mt. Olympus, Rhapso emerged as an embodiment of two contrasting forces. Her mother, Iaso, blessed her with the touch of vitality. With this divine gift, Rhapso could breathe life into the lifeless, mend the broken, and rejuvenate the tired. Her fingers, nimble and delicate, were not just healers but also creators, drawing strength from her maternal lineage. She had the uncanny ability to discern the health of all beings and, with a mere touch, restore vitality or instill virility.

Yet, from Phobos, she inherited an aura of intensity. Rhapso possessed a unique gift: the ability to glean insights from mere observations, to see beyond the facades, and to fathom the true essence of beings. She could unravel the tapestries of memories, emotions, and histories by simply being present, making her one of the most insightful deities.

In her youth, captivated by her inherent duality, Rhapso explored her talents. Her fingers, exceptional in agility and precision, found solace in the art of stitching and weaving. Not just fabrics, but tales, emotions, and dreams. With every thread she wove, a piece of history was captured, making her creations not just garments, but tapestries of time.

Recognizing her unparalleled prowess, the Fates sought to take custody of Rhapso's mentoring, but instead Athena interjected herself as a possible mentor for the godling. The Goddess of Wisdom claimed to have seen some quality in Rhapso that reminded her of Kalliste long ago, but was also just seeking to counter the growing political clout of the Fates. Against the objections of Ares, Phobos and Iaso gave their daughter their blessing to choose her own path. So it was, that Rhapso chose Athena as a mentor over the mysterious Moirae, and it was that goddess who guided Rhapso, refining her craft and introducing her to the art of weaving and sewing. Soon, young Rhapso wasn't just stitching garments but was weaving gossamer into incredible fashion that defied mortal reasoning. The gods, enamored by her creations gave her a workshop in the lower floors of the Haven where she could create masterpieces which the gods and goddesses would adorn their bodies with.

But it wasn't just her garments that were sought after. Rhapso, with her profound understanding of beings, became the confidante of deities. They found solace in her presence, with some even baring their souls and seeking her counsel as a wise confidante. Not one to risk losing a client, Rhapso is known to keep a tight lip and not engage in the gossip that is often used as currency in the halls of the Haven... though, even the gods and goddesses of Olympus are not perfect and even Rhapso has found herself Nektar drunk a time or two around Pheme, which always has a way of landing the goddess in an awkward confrontation at a later date.

## Role in NeOlympus

Appearances of Rhapso

 Abilities

### Ichoric Doctrine

* ***Divine Physicality:*** Deities possess the following abilities, though the exact levels may fluctuate or cease to function due to lack of Nektar and Ambrosia in their system. Generally speaking, Nektar is processed by the deity's body and converted into ichor which is required for replenishing lost ichor due to injury and channeling essence; while Ambrosia is processed by the body to heal injuries and sustain immortality. Deities do require some level of mundane food and drink, though a diet strictly made of Nektar and Ambrosia can sustain them (though they may become increasingly disconnected and 'inhuman' as a result).
	+ ***Enhanced Agility:*** Deities are more agile, coordinated, and dexterous than their physique alone may otherwise suggest.
	+ Enhanced Awareness: Deities are more closely attuned to the esoteric, arcane, and mystical than mortals. They can perceive ghosts, unmanifested nymphs, and other passively invisible patterns at work in the environment.
	+ ***Enhanced Durability:*** Deities are more durable, resilient, and resistant than their physique alone may otherwise suggest. Mystical weaponry, magic, concentrated essence weaponry, the natural attacks of other gods or divine creatures, and weapons forged of magical metals such as adamantine or orichalcum are the exceptions to this nigh-invulnerability. Most mortal weaponry cannot pierce divine flesh, though bladed attacks from incredibly strong mortals have left bruises or slight cuts on them and repeated blows can weaken them over time as their body burns through its consumed Ambrosia.
	+ ***Enhanced Might:*** Deities are stronger than their physique would otherwise suggest. Their punches are often dealt harder than a mule can kick. In conjunction with their enhanced durability, most deities can barehandedly punch through a brick and mortar wall without concern for harming their body.
	+ ***Enhanced Speed:*** Deities are faster, more reflexive, and all-around quicker than their physique would otherwise suggest. They can usually dodge arrows or even gunfire if they are aware of the attack and prepared to move.

### Inheritance and Birthright

* **Inheritance and Birthright:** Gods of Olympus will inherit three abilities: One Inheritance from their mother (or matron), one Inheritance from their father (or patron), and one unique ability called the Birthright.
	+ ***Maternal Inheritance: Fertility Affinity:*** As the daughter of Iaso, Rhapso has the ability to use essence to enrich organic matter and thereby restore its vigor. With this ability, she can instantly heal minor ailments, cure impotence or infertility over time, and get an overall sense of the general health of all beings in her locality. As this derives from the lineage of Demeter, Rhapso has also inherited a rather insatiable libido.
	+ ***Paternal Inheritance: Sartorial Knowledge:*** As the daughter of Phobos, Rhapso has the ability to physically glean information and insight from closely observing others from a distance or through studying their home environment or personal effects (tools, wardrobe, trinkets, etc.). The closer and more intimate Rhapso is with her target, the more insight and understanding she may gain of the target's true nature.
	+ ***Personal Birthright: Quick Fingers*** Rhapso has a heightened sense of touch, far more acute than other deities. Her hands' agility is also exceptional, allowing her to perform delicate, complex, or intricate tasks utilizing her hands or fingers — such as sewing, stitching, writing calligraphy, loosening knots, and other such things.