Phaestus

Phaestus, the Smith
Realm	Industry
Symbols	Hammer of Phaestus
Relatives	None
Allies	None
Enemies	None
Order Name	None
Temples	Vashnar Mountains, Inbhir Ness

Phaestus, the Smith, was the God who helped Proteus shape Creation in the early days of the world. Experimenting with the creation of life forms, together they discovered the secret of consciousness and created the myriad number of creatures and plant life that populate the realm's innumerable planets. Phaestus is Father to one specific race, however, as the sole Creator of the Dwarves. The Smith first used them as intelligent tools and companions as, at that point, they were nothing other than complex machinery. However, Phaestus eventually pledged His eternal loyalty to Proteus at the beginning of the War of Humanity in exchange for their free will.

The embodiment of Industry, the Smith teaches that industry is the application of the self to the creation of something greater. Practically and creatively applying one's self is to live Phaestian virtue, and the pinnacle of that virtue is the creation of something that endures. It is through this, therefore, that the craftsman immortalises himself, as it is not the creator that lives forever but the creation.

Phaestus crafted a new hand for Pandora, Goddess of Mischief, after Her own was lost due to being fused with the Caduceus of Castigation, a relic belonging to Sarapis. Followed by the inventors and honest labourers of Sapience, the month Phaestian was named after Phaestus.

Phaestus is also known to share a fondness for ale.