Iomedae

(a.k.a. The Inheritor, Light of the Sword)

by Paizo

Iomedae (pronounced ahy-OH-meh-day) is the goddess of righteous valour, justice, and honour. Having served as Aroden's herald, she inherited many of the Last Azlanti's followers upon his disappearance. She continues to espouse the ideals of honour and righteousness in the defence of good and the battle against evil.

Divine Domains

Domains: Glory, Good, Law, Sun, War
Subdomains: Archon, Day, Heroism, Honor, Light, Tactics
Favored Weapon: Longsword

Tenets of Faith

Iomedae's priests are composed of clerics and paladins. Personal cleanliness, as well as an honorable demeanor, are both very important for her followers. An hour of prayer a day is practiced, in addition to a weekly public worship service. 
The paladins of Iomedae are just and strong, crusaders who live for the joy of righteous battle. Their mission is to right wrongs and eliminates evil at its root. They serve as examples to others, and their code demands they protect the weak and innocent by eliminating sources of oppression, rather than merely the symptoms. They may back down or withdraw from a fight if they are over-matched, but if their lives will buy time for others to escape, they must give them. Their tenets include the following affirmations.
I will learn the weight of my sword. Without my heart to guide it, it is worthless-my strength is not in my sword, but in my heart. If I lose my sword, I have lost a tool. If I betray my heart, I have died. I will have faith in the Inheritor. I will channel her strength through my body. I will shine in her legion, and i will not tarnish her glory through base actions. I am the first into battle, and the last to leave it. I will not be taken prisoner by my free will. I will not surrender those under my command. I will never abandon a companion, though I will honor sacrifice freely given. I will guard the honor of my fellows, both thought and deed, and I will have faith in them. When in doubt, I may force my enemies to surrender, but I am responsible for their lives. I will never refuse a challenge from an equal. I will give honor to worthy enemies, and contempt to the rest. I will suffer death before dishonor. I will be temperate in my actions and moderate in my behavior. I will strive to emulate Iomedae's perfection.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

As a mortal, Iomedae led the Knights of Ozem in the Shining Crusade against the forces of the Whispering Tyrant. In the fall of 3832 AR, Iomedae, was the last mortal to pass the Test of the Starstone and ascend to godhood. Her actions took the notice of Aroden. She became his herald, replacing the slain Arazni. She served him in this capacity until Aroden's disappearance in 4606 AR.

Divine Classification

Demigod