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amatnpcsAn angry and violent god, Ares is the God of War. There is not much more to say about him than he is gruff and unpleasant, although if it's a fight you're looking for, or you're a warrior, you're more likely to earn his respect and blessings. There is some speculation among his followers that he has some connection to the goddess Eris, but what that is or why they are opposed to each other is questionable. He appears in full battle gear and his face is rarely seen outside of his helmet. Though when it is, it's notable that he seems to be Eros' twin.
Symbol
A simple, utilitarian, sword and shield carved into the heel of a sandal. The sword points up and the shield is square, when viewed as a standalone picture. When carved into the heel, the sword points toward the toes so that the blade is always facing the coming foe. Devout followers carve this into the heels of their feet instead of their sandals. (This is public knowledge among the Collared as of Jan. 2013)
Animals and Other Things Associated with Ares
Hippopotamuses - while this has never been stated outright, it's easy enough to figure out from the frequency of their appearances in the frescos that adorn the halls of the Colosseum.
Common Rituals, Superstitions, and Cultural Influences
Ares is called on by the natives right before they expect to get into a physical fight. Usually to help guide them to victory.
Island Domain
The Colosseum remains Ares’ domain, though he is not often there and it is speculated among the natives that other wars in the world outside of the island interest him more. Quite a few even pray this is true so that what peace they have continues, particularly after facing the harsh realities of a true battle during the war between Poseidon and Demeter in May 2013.
Gaining his attention involves fighting up the ranks of the Colosseum fighters and proving one’s mettle in battle.
Ares is the patron god of Lethia.
Worship of Ares/General Religious Worship
Ares is not actively prayed to on a regular basis outside of Lethia, but his might is respected and feared. Most natives that take part in the battles in the Colosseum are not dedicated enough to war to worship him outside of that venue. There are, however, a very small handful of Atia's temple guard that have dedicated themselves to Ares' teachings (second to Atia's, of course).
Holy Days
Chariot Day - 15th of Fireful (July 15th). This is a relatively simple holy day and the only one that Ares himself actively seems to care about. It is a day when the art of the Chariot Race is celebrated and whatever Colosseum he happens to be making his home in at the time spends the whole of day with increasingly more competitive Chariot Races. This does mean that some years, when Ares is not in and the Colosseum closed, Chariot Day is not celebrated by the natives of Atia.
Symbol
A simple, utilitarian, sword and shield carved into the heel of a sandal. The sword points up and the shield is square, when viewed as a standalone picture. When carved into the heel, the sword points toward the toes so that the blade is always facing the coming foe. Devout followers carve this into the heels of their feet instead of their sandals. (This is public knowledge among the Collared as of Jan. 2013)
Animals and Other Things Associated with Ares
Hippopotamuses - while this has never been stated outright, it's easy enough to figure out from the frequency of their appearances in the frescos that adorn the halls of the Colosseum.
Common Rituals, Superstitions, and Cultural Influences
Ares is called on by the natives right before they expect to get into a physical fight. Usually to help guide them to victory.
Island Domain
The Colosseum remains Ares’ domain, though he is not often there and it is speculated among the natives that other wars in the world outside of the island interest him more. Quite a few even pray this is true so that what peace they have continues, particularly after facing the harsh realities of a true battle during the war between Poseidon and Demeter in May 2013.
Gaining his attention involves fighting up the ranks of the Colosseum fighters and proving one’s mettle in battle.
Ares is the patron god of Lethia.
Worship of Ares/General Religious Worship
Ares is not actively prayed to on a regular basis outside of Lethia, but his might is respected and feared. Most natives that take part in the battles in the Colosseum are not dedicated enough to war to worship him outside of that venue. There are, however, a very small handful of Atia's temple guard that have dedicated themselves to Ares' teachings (second to Atia's, of course).
Holy Days
Chariot Day - 15th of Fireful (July 15th). This is a relatively simple holy day and the only one that Ares himself actively seems to care about. It is a day when the art of the Chariot Race is celebrated and whatever Colosseum he happens to be making his home in at the time spends the whole of day with increasingly more competitive Chariot Races. This does mean that some years, when Ares is not in and the Colosseum closed, Chariot Day is not celebrated by the natives of Atia.
