SMITE: Demigods, Deities and Gods Explained is a column dedicated to introducing prospective players of SMITE to its massive back story of lore. From the Greek to Hindu, each week we’ll look at two characters from a major pantheon and provide a quick recap of their history and in what capacity their digital incarnation will represent on the field of Hi-Rez Studios’ new MOBA.
Lore: Mercury is a god of many declarations, giving the definition to mercurial, or one that is erratic, volatile or unstable. A later addition to Roman religion, Mercury is primarily aligned with with commerce and trade, communication and boundaries. A member of the Dii Consentes, the twelve major Roman gods, his primary role was as the guide of souls between the mortal and underworld. He and nymph Larunda are the parental units to the Lares, two household gods.
Winged shoes and hat aside, Mercury was among the most popular of the Roman pantheon. Heralded in most of its conquered lands, Mercury’s most famous story is entwined with that of the blacksmith god Vulcan. After Vulcan created his unbreakable steel net to catch Venus and Mars in the act of adultery, Mercury stole the net for his own purposes, ensnaring Chloris. Charged with spreading lilies and roses after the rising sun, Chloris was captured during a daily flower shower over an Ethiopian river.
In-Game: Mercury is a force to be reckoned with one-on-one. Featuring very high and very quick single target damage, the Messenger of the Gods is a premiere physical assassin. Gaining additional physical power from travel and a bonus from movement speed items, Mercury is optimized by keeping those winged shoes moving. Featuring high mobility and instant ranged attacks from his first ability, Mercury can be all over the field of battle quickly.
Mercury is a straightforward character that offers little beyond his design of damage. Quite squishy early, it’s important to be cautious, bide your time and jump in at opportune moments and quickly get out of dodge with his high mobility. Builds should focus on damage and movement items like Bloodforge, Deathbringer, Rage and Hastened Fatalis to maximize his potential.
Further reading:
- Mercury on Wikipedia
- Roman Mythology on Wikipedia
Head over to SMITE: Demigods, Deities and Gods Explained for details on all of the playable characters.