Iomedae
Justice and honor are a heavy burden for the righteous. We carry this weight so that the weak may grow strong and the meek grow brave. —The Acts of Iomedae
The Inheritor, the Light of the Sword
At just over 900 years old, Iomedae is the youngest of the major deities of Golarion, and has only begun to reach her full potential as an independent deity in the last century. She is a righteous knight, fearless in fighting for her beliefs, and a missionary and crusader on behalf of the benign sovereignty of good and merciful justice for evil. She would rather convince evildoers to lay down their arms in honorable surrender than cut them down, but she will wield her mighty sword against those who persist in serving evil. She loathes incorrigible evil, fiendspawn, traitors, and those who abuse good in the name of “greater” good. Now out from under the shadow of her patron, the slain human culture deity Aroden, she has proven she needs no mentor to guide her—she is valor, glory, honor, justice, and strength, and is unafraid to point her sword at the greatest evils facing the world.
Despite her youth and comparative late start, she has been instrumental in fighting evil in the world, even during her mortal lifetime as a paladin of Arazni (and, after that demigod’s death, Aroden himself). Born a mortal in Cheliax, she led the Knights of Ozem in a series of victories over the Whispering Tyrant, and participated in his imprisonment. Success in the Test of the Starstone a short time later granted the valiant swordswoman a spark of divinity and brought her to the attention of Aroden, who elevated her to the position of his herald, vacated by the fallen Arazni. When the Last Azlanti died, Iomedae inherited most of his remaining followers. Though born in Cheliax, she is worshipped by many people outside that land, and most recently took up patronage of the Mendevian Crusades. With the return of the Whispering Tyrant to the world, she has directed her attention and followers to defending against his evil.
The Inheritor does not see herself as a deity of war, but she places great value on prowess at arms and is patron to many military orders, and her saints are known for their combat skill. As the only woman who has ascended to divinity through the Test of the Starstone, she offers a haven for women fleeing from cruel partners, slave masters, and other oppressors. Many of these women grow to become skilled knights in their own right or earn positions of great influence within her church.
Iomedae’s favored weapon is the longsword, and while it is not required of them, many of her priests and champions refuse to use any other weapon. In fact, swords are so important to her faith that they are engraved on the wedding rings of the faithful, and the dead are buried with small sword tokens or even just a scrap of paper marked with a sword. They eschew the practice of burying an actual sword with the dead, however; swords are instead passed down to a family member or a student who has need of them, or are donated to a temple for use by priests and holy knights. The only exception is when a sword has become damaged beyond repair or where magic or some other influence keeps the sword tied to its wielder. Even in these cases, such swords have a habit of turning up in moments of great need, as if Iomedae herself charged it with continuing its duties. Armor is of similar importance to Iomedaeans, and they are rarely buried in their armor. Many bequeath suits of armor to loved ones so they can continue to serve Iomedae’s cause.
Priests of Iomedae often travel, usually with a circle: a group of 10 to 50 individuals under the charge of a sword knight. Many priests serve on the front lines of battle, directly combating evils themselves or aiding others who share their cause. Priests in cities keep their ears tuned for crime and work to stamp it out. Those who can’t endure the rigors of battle or choose a more peaceful path often work in courtrooms, serve as advisors to nobles and local leaders, or train the next generation of crusaders. Iomedae’s churches are rarely staffed directly by champions, clerics, or priests, as most prefer to remain active in their work. Instead, layfolk and acolytes serve at most churches within cities, though some crusaders become the wards of shrines and temples in more remote regions.
Iomedae’s avatar appears as a fierce Chelish swordswoman, resplendent in gleaming battle armor with heraldic markings, and brandishing a longsword and shield. When she is roused to battle, her white cloak turns red and her white-and-gold armor turns the silver-gray of adamantine. The light from her shield blinds all evil, the force of her aura causing the corrupt to weaken and collapse. She shows her approval of mortals by making mundane objects take on swordlike forms, bathing her chosen warriors in mysterious white or golden lights, and exerting a compass-like pull on longswords to guide her servants. Common folk pushed to defend themselves may happen upon an old, rusty blade that still has the strength of a new weapon and grows shinier the more it is used in the name of justice and honor. The Inheritor shows her displeasure by flickering lights, shattering weapons, and turning metal dull. In the rare cases where one of her champions embraces evil, it is said that the traitor’s cloak shifts to black and his shining metal armor and sword turn to dull lead.
As the major deity who was most recently mortal herself, the Inheritor has a strong empathic sense of human frailties and the costs of oppression. She ensures that her temples are havens for the weak and the overlooked, and many who initially come to her for refuge go on to become great warriors. Iomedae is both fiercely martial and adamantly feminine, and commands the respect of any deity who deals with her. She expects her mortal servants to exercise courtesy and receive the same in their dealings with one another.
Iomedae’s holy days include Ascendance Day, which marks the day she passed the Test of the Starstone; Inheritor’s Ascendance, which marks the day she became Aroden’s herald; the Day of the Inheritor, which marks her assumption of Aroden’s mantle; Remembrance Moon, a holiday commemorating the fallen in the Shining Crusade against the Whispering Tyrant; and Armasse, an ancient festival that includes jousts, duels, and other tests of arms. She also upholds the day of Mourningfell, where those who remember Arazni solemnly mourn her death at Tar-Baphon’s hands. Much of her faith surrounds a document called the Acts of Iomedae, which details 11 miracles she performed as a mortal paladin.
Iomedae’s faithful are eager to aid members of other good faiths in any organized attempts to stamp out evil or mediate conflicts, and while most attempt not to be overbearing about it, they are certainly willing to try to sway prospective converts to the path of the Inheritor. Privately, many find followers of Sarenrae and Torag most rewarding to work with; Sarenrae’s faith includes a healthy contingent of holy crusaders, and the practical military expertise of Torag’s followers comes in handy in a fight. Her church treats the remaining worshippers of Aroden with kindness, but it’s leavened with a strong dose of pity such as one might feel for an elderly parent whose mind has gone.
Hand of the Inheritor: This golden-skinned angel serves as Iomedae’s herald. The Hand of the Inheritor focuses on honorable combat, the preservation of just rulers, and valorous deeds. He feels no guilt in slaying those who embrace evil, but strikes to subdue when his opponent is magically controlled or otherwise compromised in his decision-making. He enjoys battle hymns and marching music, though his voice is more suited for harmonizing with a true performer than leading a song. With his angelic speed and might, he leads the charge when the Inheritor’s celestial armies must go to war. A veteran of countless sorties into the Abyss, the Hand fights with a song of battle on his lips and unbreakable courage in his heart.
Jingh: This servant appears as a white metal wheel burning with golden fire, but is able to spread the hundreds of swordlike shards that comprise his body over an area, acting much like a blade barrier, except that those who touch him take slashing, fire, and holy damage. He can dampen his fires in his natural state, though he complains that it is uncomfortable for him to do so. He prefers payment in the form of rare or exotic oils and magical swords, which he usually gives to deserving heroes elsewhere in the world.
Peace through Vigilance: This young celestial gold dragon never sits still for more than a moment, and rarely lets his summoner get a word in edgewise. He likes to take charge in situations where his strength and magic are especially suited for a task. He refers to his patron as “Mother Iomedae,” leading some to believe he is the offspring of the Inheritor and Apsu, god of good dragons. He prizes gems and is especially friendly toward mortals who offer them for his services.
Saint Lymirin: Though this warrior-priest normally appears as a Chelish woman with white-feathered wings, her shape sometimes includes the head of an eagle, and in the heat of battle she has been known to gain talons. She is a no-nonsense sort of angel, intolerant of cruelty or injustice, and inclined to strike first and ask questions later. (In fact, she is the patron saint of first blood). She enjoys gifts or payments of feather-based magic items, often weaving them into her wings so she can use them later.
Despite her youth and comparative late start, she has been instrumental in fighting evil in the world, even during her mortal lifetime as a paladin of Arazni (and, after that demigod’s death, Aroden himself). Born a mortal in Cheliax, she led the Knights of Ozem in a series of victories over the Whispering Tyrant, and participated in his imprisonment. Success in the Test of the Starstone a short time later granted the valiant swordswoman a spark of divinity and brought her to the attention of Aroden, who elevated her to the position of his herald, vacated by the fallen Arazni. When the Last Azlanti died, Iomedae inherited most of his remaining followers. Though born in Cheliax, she is worshipped by many people outside that land, and most recently took up patronage of the Mendevian Crusades. With the return of the Whispering Tyrant to the world, she has directed her attention and followers to defending against his evil.
The Inheritor does not see herself as a deity of war, but she places great value on prowess at arms and is patron to many military orders, and her saints are known for their combat skill. As the only woman who has ascended to divinity through the Test of the Starstone, she offers a haven for women fleeing from cruel partners, slave masters, and other oppressors. Many of these women grow to become skilled knights in their own right or earn positions of great influence within her church.
Iomedae’s favored weapon is the longsword, and while it is not required of them, many of her priests and champions refuse to use any other weapon. In fact, swords are so important to her faith that they are engraved on the wedding rings of the faithful, and the dead are buried with small sword tokens or even just a scrap of paper marked with a sword. They eschew the practice of burying an actual sword with the dead, however; swords are instead passed down to a family member or a student who has need of them, or are donated to a temple for use by priests and holy knights. The only exception is when a sword has become damaged beyond repair or where magic or some other influence keeps the sword tied to its wielder. Even in these cases, such swords have a habit of turning up in moments of great need, as if Iomedae herself charged it with continuing its duties. Armor is of similar importance to Iomedaeans, and they are rarely buried in their armor. Many bequeath suits of armor to loved ones so they can continue to serve Iomedae’s cause.
Priests of Iomedae often travel, usually with a circle: a group of 10 to 50 individuals under the charge of a sword knight. Many priests serve on the front lines of battle, directly combating evils themselves or aiding others who share their cause. Priests in cities keep their ears tuned for crime and work to stamp it out. Those who can’t endure the rigors of battle or choose a more peaceful path often work in courtrooms, serve as advisors to nobles and local leaders, or train the next generation of crusaders. Iomedae’s churches are rarely staffed directly by champions, clerics, or priests, as most prefer to remain active in their work. Instead, layfolk and acolytes serve at most churches within cities, though some crusaders become the wards of shrines and temples in more remote regions.
Iomedae’s avatar appears as a fierce Chelish swordswoman, resplendent in gleaming battle armor with heraldic markings, and brandishing a longsword and shield. When she is roused to battle, her white cloak turns red and her white-and-gold armor turns the silver-gray of adamantine. The light from her shield blinds all evil, the force of her aura causing the corrupt to weaken and collapse. She shows her approval of mortals by making mundane objects take on swordlike forms, bathing her chosen warriors in mysterious white or golden lights, and exerting a compass-like pull on longswords to guide her servants. Common folk pushed to defend themselves may happen upon an old, rusty blade that still has the strength of a new weapon and grows shinier the more it is used in the name of justice and honor. The Inheritor shows her displeasure by flickering lights, shattering weapons, and turning metal dull. In the rare cases where one of her champions embraces evil, it is said that the traitor’s cloak shifts to black and his shining metal armor and sword turn to dull lead.
As the major deity who was most recently mortal herself, the Inheritor has a strong empathic sense of human frailties and the costs of oppression. She ensures that her temples are havens for the weak and the overlooked, and many who initially come to her for refuge go on to become great warriors. Iomedae is both fiercely martial and adamantly feminine, and commands the respect of any deity who deals with her. She expects her mortal servants to exercise courtesy and receive the same in their dealings with one another.
Iomedae’s holy days include Ascendance Day, which marks the day she passed the Test of the Starstone; Inheritor’s Ascendance, which marks the day she became Aroden’s herald; the Day of the Inheritor, which marks her assumption of Aroden’s mantle; Remembrance Moon, a holiday commemorating the fallen in the Shining Crusade against the Whispering Tyrant; and Armasse, an ancient festival that includes jousts, duels, and other tests of arms. She also upholds the day of Mourningfell, where those who remember Arazni solemnly mourn her death at Tar-Baphon’s hands. Much of her faith surrounds a document called the Acts of Iomedae, which details 11 miracles she performed as a mortal paladin.
Relations with Other Religions
Iomedae is on good terms with Abadar, Cayden Cailean, Erastil, Sarenrae, Shelyn, and Torag, holding common interests with each of them. Of these, she particularly appreciates Abadar for civilization’s formalized systems of justice, Sarenrae for her righteous fervor, and Torag for his military expertise. She does not deal with fiends of any status, has little to do with evil deities, and enlists the aid of the Empyreal Lords when appropriate, though she defers to Sarenrae if the elder goddess needs them first. Iomedae is very fond of Milani, whom she calls her sister, and is always ready to support the Everbloom when it is time to act. To all other deities she is indifferent, hoping to inspire them to great deeds but not setting her plans aside to do so.Iomedae’s faithful are eager to aid members of other good faiths in any organized attempts to stamp out evil or mediate conflicts, and while most attempt not to be overbearing about it, they are certainly willing to try to sway prospective converts to the path of the Inheritor. Privately, many find followers of Sarenrae and Torag most rewarding to work with; Sarenrae’s faith includes a healthy contingent of holy crusaders, and the practical military expertise of Torag’s followers comes in handy in a fight. Her church treats the remaining worshippers of Aroden with kindness, but it’s leavened with a strong dose of pity such as one might feel for an elderly parent whose mind has gone.
Planar Allies
The church is known for its many saints, all of them dead mortals granted power and sometimes a new form in the afterlife. In many cases, these saints are the patrons of particular churches or military orders, and may only be known to locals or religious scholars. In addition to her servitor race, the iophanites, the following are well-known supernatural servitors of Iomedae, and are suitable for calling with planar ally or similar spells.Hand of the Inheritor: This golden-skinned angel serves as Iomedae’s herald. The Hand of the Inheritor focuses on honorable combat, the preservation of just rulers, and valorous deeds. He feels no guilt in slaying those who embrace evil, but strikes to subdue when his opponent is magically controlled or otherwise compromised in his decision-making. He enjoys battle hymns and marching music, though his voice is more suited for harmonizing with a true performer than leading a song. With his angelic speed and might, he leads the charge when the Inheritor’s celestial armies must go to war. A veteran of countless sorties into the Abyss, the Hand fights with a song of battle on his lips and unbreakable courage in his heart.
Jingh: This servant appears as a white metal wheel burning with golden fire, but is able to spread the hundreds of swordlike shards that comprise his body over an area, acting much like a blade barrier, except that those who touch him take slashing, fire, and holy damage. He can dampen his fires in his natural state, though he complains that it is uncomfortable for him to do so. He prefers payment in the form of rare or exotic oils and magical swords, which he usually gives to deserving heroes elsewhere in the world.
Peace through Vigilance: This young celestial gold dragon never sits still for more than a moment, and rarely lets his summoner get a word in edgewise. He likes to take charge in situations where his strength and magic are especially suited for a task. He refers to his patron as “Mother Iomedae,” leading some to believe he is the offspring of the Inheritor and Apsu, god of good dragons. He prizes gems and is especially friendly toward mortals who offer them for his services.
Saint Lymirin: Though this warrior-priest normally appears as a Chelish woman with white-feathered wings, her shape sometimes includes the head of an eagle, and in the heat of battle she has been known to gain talons. She is a no-nonsense sort of angel, intolerant of cruelty or injustice, and inclined to strike first and ask questions later. (In fact, she is the patron saint of first blood). She enjoys gifts or payments of feather-based magic items, often weaving them into her wings so she can use them later.
Holy Books & Codes
The one book common to all churches is The Acts of Iomedae, usually just called The Acts by the faithful. The book is a recounting of 11 miracles performed by Iomedae while she was still a mortal as demonstrations of the power of Arazni and Aroden (see the sidebar). All of these miracles happened before she became a goddess, and provide evidence and examples of the greatness within each person should they adopt the Inheritor’s belief in honor, valor, and justice. Individual churches usually keep a ledger of names of local heroes and saints, important battles that took place nearby, and inspirational tales that reinforce the ideals of the faith. Given the relative newness of Iomedae’s faith, there are no myths associated with her, at least none commonly accepted as fact by the entire church; the truth of the Acts takes the place of myths of the faith.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
The Inheritor’s holy symbol is “the sword of valor,” a longsword surrounded by a burst of light, whether sunlight, fire, or some other energy. She is associated with lions, horses, eagles, griffons, and hippogriffs. The primary title she uses is the Inheritor, though the Knights of Ozem call her the Light of the Sword.
Tenets of Faith
Iomedae’s followers heed her call to take up arms against evil and fight wickedness for the majority of their lives. This may take the form of physical combat against the likes of fiends, undead, and other sinister creatures, but devotion to the Inheritor also manifests as individuals fighting against adversity, oppression, or injustice through their own personal methods. Wherever courage, righteousness, and valor are needed, Iomedae’s followers thrive. Iomedae is popular among lawful good adventurers, and those who worship her sometimes show their faith by wearing a thin white chasuble over their normal adventuring gear.
Holidays
Iomedae—and, therefore, her holy days—have been around for less than a millennium, and her church’s detailed records contain accounts of the first celebrations of many of her holidays. In addition to these faith-wide events, and those inherited from the church of Aroden, the church has records of countless battles and slayings of named monsters, any of which might be mentioned in weekly sermons but aren’t quite important enough to merit their own holidays.
The Inheritor’s Ascendance: Originally called Herald’s Day, this festival on 1 Arodus honors the day Aroden chose Iomedae as his herald, boosting her beyond the power of a fledgling goddess. It was renamed after Aroden’s death.
Armasse: Observed on 16 Arodus, this is traditionally a day to train commoners in the use of simple weapons, choose squires for knights, and ordain new priests, though in recent decades it has begun to include jousts, duels, and proud celebrations. When Aroden was alive it was also a day to discuss past human wars and study the lessons of history with regard to how they shape the modern day.
Day of the Inheritor: This somber day of remembrance on 19 Rova marks the day when Iomedae formally invited all members of Aroden’s failing church to join her faith. Celebration of this holiday is increasingly rare throughout the Inner Sea region, and likely to fade away entirely in another human generation.
Ascendance Day: This joyous celebration occurs on 6 Lamashan, the anniversary of the day Iomedae entered the Starstone Cathedral, and is characterized by singing, pledging of friendship, and forgiving old grievances or repentant enemies.
Remembrance Moon: This national holiday celebrated on the first full moon of Desnus in Lastwall and Ustalav commemorates those who died in the Shining Crusade against the Whispering Tyrant, and the church of Iomedae honors it as well due to the goddess’s role in those events.
The Inheritor’s Ascendance: Originally called Herald’s Day, this festival on 1 Arodus honors the day Aroden chose Iomedae as his herald, boosting her beyond the power of a fledgling goddess. It was renamed after Aroden’s death.
Armasse: Observed on 16 Arodus, this is traditionally a day to train commoners in the use of simple weapons, choose squires for knights, and ordain new priests, though in recent decades it has begun to include jousts, duels, and proud celebrations. When Aroden was alive it was also a day to discuss past human wars and study the lessons of history with regard to how they shape the modern day.
Day of the Inheritor: This somber day of remembrance on 19 Rova marks the day when Iomedae formally invited all members of Aroden’s failing church to join her faith. Celebration of this holiday is increasingly rare throughout the Inner Sea region, and likely to fade away entirely in another human generation.
Ascendance Day: This joyous celebration occurs on 6 Lamashan, the anniversary of the day Iomedae entered the Starstone Cathedral, and is characterized by singing, pledging of friendship, and forgiving old grievances or repentant enemies.
Remembrance Moon: This national holiday celebrated on the first full moon of Desnus in Lastwall and Ustalav commemorates those who died in the Shining Crusade against the Whispering Tyrant, and the church of Iomedae honors it as well due to the goddess’s role in those events.
Relationships
Symbol
Edicts
be temperate, fight for justice and honor, hold valor in your heart
Anathema
abandon a companion in need, dishonor yourself, refuse a challenge from an equal
Areas of Concern
honor, justice, rulership, and valor
Temples
castles, cathedrals, large and immaculately kept buildings
Worshippers
aristocrats, crusaders, judges, knights, rulers, soldiers
Sacred Animal
lion
Sacred Colors
red and white
Favored Weapon
longsword
Domains
confidence, might, truth, zeal
Alternate Domains
duty
Divine Ability
Strength or Constitution
Divine Font
heal
Divine Skill
Intimidation
Divine Classification
God (Ascended)
Religions
Species
Ethnicity
Church/Cult
Year of Birth
3832 AR
888 Years old
Spouses
Siblings
Cayden Cailean
(ascended brother)
Norgorber
(ascended brother)
Children
Ruled Locations
Aphorisms
Iomedaeans use a number of battle cries to inspire valor on the battlefield, but they also share a number of phrases to spread the Inheritor’s wisdom.For victory, for the heart: Whether whispered as a prayer or shouted as a challenge, this saying refers to striking at the heart to make sure a foe is slain. Knights use it in battle, priests use it when baptizing a new acolyte, and farmers use it when cutting a tree stump.
A used blade never dulls: The phrase serves as a reminder to keep one’s body ready and one’s mind sharp, as challenges can rise at any moment.
[Their] cloak turned red: When Iomedae goes into battle, her cloak changes from white to red. This phrase evokes that imagery and is used in reference to a knight or priest who embarks on the warpath, whether by literally entering battle or more figuratively against threats to the church, or even simply against an acolyte who has played a prank.
The Acts of Iomedae
Each of the Acts is a specific episode of heroism performed by Iomedae during her life as a champion in the service of Arazni and Aroden. Tales of valor and adventure, these stories serve as examples of Iomedaean virtues. While regional variants of the stories exist, all have the same general themes, with the goddess herself acknowledging that it is the lessons, not the particulars, that are important. The 11 Acts are as follows.First: She slew the fell beast Nakorshor’mond and cut the still-sleeping bodies of her circle from its gullets.
Second: She defeated a coven of Garundi witches, freeing the city of Senghor from their tyranny.
Third: While riding a griffon in an aerial battle, she cut the wings from Segruchen the Iron Gargoyle, so-called King of the Barrowood, then slew him in his falling-crater before he could flee.
Fourth: With heartfelt words and a prayer to Arazni, she convinced a regiment of mortally wounded knights at the Second Battle of Encarthan to hold back a wave of wraiths long enough for reinforcements to arrive at dawn.
Fifth: She smote Erum-Hel, Lord of the Mohrgs, at the Battle of Three Sorrows (where the Whispering Tyrant returned Arazni’s body to the Knights of Ozem), crippling him and causing him to flee to Orv.
Sixth: After the Whispering Tyrant used magic to break her sword, she fused it together with a prayer and an oath to bring an end to his evil, her pure heart and righteous ire reforging it in an instant.
Seventh: An image of Iomedae appeared at a shrine to Aroden in Absalom, healing anyone virtuous who touched it and burning wicked folk who came too near. When she later became a goddess, the shrine was expanded into a temple dedicated to her, named the Seventh Church.
Eighth: She convinced the graveknight known only as the Black Prince to throw himself upon his sword as punishment for his evil. This reversed his undead state, redeeming his soul and allowing him to be judged and pass into Aroden’s domain on Axis.
Ninth: She gave nine drops of her blood to free nine righteous knights imprisoned by the vampire-mage Basilov; she and the knights then slew him when he attempted to recapture them.
Tenth: She ruled the city of Kantaria for a year and a day while its lord, heirless patriarch of House Narikopolous, was missing; the city prospered despite constant attacks by shape-changing horrors, which she battled personally.
Eleventh: At the Pit of the Starstone in Absalom, she cast her cloak before her, transforming it into a firm walkway across the gap so she could enter the cathedral and take the test.
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