Niamo

Niamo is the spirit of the stars, the high kami of the night sky. She is said to watch over all those who travel beneath her domain with honest intentions. She does not come down in physical form very often, but when she does it is to help those who she thinks need it. She is heavily associated with motherhood and is frequently invoked by midwives. 

A Mother Ascends

The legend of Niamo says that she was once of the Yan. She was said to have been too sick to work the mountain, so she was sent to the nuns for care. With precise cultivation, plenty of martial arts for exercise, and a mountain's worth of loving care from her adopted community, Niamo became a nun of her order despite her health, and was able to live and care for herself at least. While her oaths prevented her from having any children herself, Niamo became the favorite of the children in the care of her order and she readily viewed herself as their mother, all of them. She lived more than a hundred years more, and never once lost touch with any of the ones she raised with her sisters. Such was her love and her influence that when she did finally die, the rites of farewell needed to be delayed so that all who wanted could bid her luck in the next life. The funeral wails of those she loved and loved her in turn moved the spirits of the air and the earth, and they carried her spirit to the sky, spreading her love across all of the night so that she could watch over all those who deserve it. Which is to say, from Niamo's point of view, everyone. The stars are her spirit, twinkling with her laughter forever. 

Spirit of the Stars

As the high kami of the night sky, Niamo is heavily associated with the spirits of specific constellations and with the moon spirits. She is frequently sent offerings through burnings done in the darkest part of the night, respected by most who travel beneath the moon and stars. Sometimes, lost travelers find themselves outside of their homes with no recollection of what happened. Sometimes, a kindly old woman brings a child to a monastery in the mountains with no words needed. 


On the Illirian continent, Naimo was worshipped as the moon goddess Kiaru

Divine Domains

Niamo is associated with Home, Night, Souls, Travel, and Stars.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

The stars are the only symbol Niamo has ever wanted. Those who claim her specifically as protector spirit use stars as her symbol, usually each with their own specific arrangement. She seems to especially love sacrifices of flowers. Sometimes, her aid can come in the form of an owl or bat behaving strangely.

Divine Classification

Divine Kami

Religions

• The Wheel of Heaven

Church/Cult

The Wheel of Heaven