One of my PCs is a paladin of Iomedae and did a couple of things to violate some tenants of her paladin code (avoiding a fight against some evil things that other party members were actively engaged in -- which to me violates "I will never abandon a companion, though I will honor sacrifice freely given."). This is nothing fall-worthy, and doesn't need an atonement either, but I want to have some way for Iomedae to express her displeasure and give a wrist slap so he doesn't do it again.
So, what sorts of things could Iomedae do in this situation?
Why did the paladin avoid the fight?
Why did the paladin avoid the fight?
The enemies (incorporeal undead) opened the fight as an ambush by casting deeper darkness. The Paladin was outside of the spell's range, but did look behind him once he heard the sounds of battle inside of the darkness. Instead of figuring his allies were possibly in trouble, he kept walking away. In this case, the character knew there was a fight going on (although he was unable to see exactly what it was), and instead of asking if they needed assistance or otherwise trying to figure out what was going on, he tried to leave. (Party was level 9 at the time, in case that makes any sort of difference, and did eventually prevail in the combat)
Given those circumstances, I think Patrick McGrath's suggestion is even more relevant! I'd go with that. And maybe add "you feel like you are having more trouble than usual reaching Iomedae with your prayers, it takes you an extra 10 minutes of praying in the morning to regain your spells." It doesn't actually hamper the player, just nudges them to make a course correction.
Paizo published some suggestions on how to indicate Iomedae might be a little pissed off. From Gods and Magic:
"Iomedae intervenes in the form of mundane objects reshaping into sword-like forms, mysterious white or golden lights on a person or object, or a compass-like pull on a longsword or other long metal weapon. She shows her displeasure by flickering lights, damaging weapons against inferior materials, and by gold or silver items becoming dull and heavy."
All good suggestions so far. I didn't know Gods and Magic had suggestions like that as well.
Some other thoughts:
- Cut the Divine Grace, Smite Evil, and /or Lay on Hands bonuses in half for a time. Either a day, or until a suitable act of bravery is performed, would do.
- Remove his personal immunity to fear, let Aura of Courage still work on allies for a time.
- Remove his ability to call upon his Divine Bond for a time.
Honestly though, I like the idea of his sword and armor losing their shine, feeling twice as heavy, and showing increased battle wear and tear from use.