Gods of the Realms: Lathander

"Gods of the Realms" will be an ongoing article that focuses on the Forgotten Realms pantheon in regards to our Hoard of the Dragon Queen campaign. Since our new party of heroes boasts their very own cleric of Lathander (Here's looking at you, Sara), I thought The Morninglord would be a great first god to brush up on. No need to roll a Knowledge (religion) check, just scroll down and take it all in.

Lathander (Greater Deity)

The Morninglord

Alignment: Neutral Good

Portfolio: Athletics, birth, creativity, dawn, renewal, self-perfection, spring, vitality, youth

Ever willing to look over the defeats of today to focus on the victories of tomorrow, Lathander preaches a doctrine of proactive good works and constant reevaluation of society's traditions and mores. He also urges the destruction of all forms of undeath, which he views as a mockery of life and creation.

Critics suggest that Lathander's aggressive altruism often gets in the way of his good sense. His vanity and enthusiasm cause him to discount the consequences of his actions. He oftentimes hopes for the best and attacks a problem head on, regardless of the ramifications. Despite his brazen philosophy, Lathander remains popular among heroes, nobility and commoners alike. He simply believes that good makes the world turn and nothing should stand in ones way of seeing it come to pass.

Lathander the Morninglord: Professional Baby Inspector

Clerics of Lathander tend to be "morning people" in every sense of the word. They pray at dawn when able and most holy services take place just as the light of the sun breaks the horizon. Ceremonies are joyous, but dignified and feature singing, meditation and ritualistic drinking of clean well water touched by the light of a new dawn.

Lathander's followers encourage social, cultural and political progress and they believe in personal liberty, artistic expression and racial harmony. Larger temples sponsor community events and will even finance the recovery of lost treasures or important symbols that will bring hope to the people who encounter them. While there is a loose command structure among Lathander's followers, most clerics simply refer to one another with the title "Dawnbringer."

The Holy Symbol of Lathander. Mind the pointy bits.

Lately there have been visions and portents from the most powerful of Lathander's followers suggesting that their brilliant god has something monumental planned. If there is truth to this, then the Forgotten Realms may wake to a dawn like they have never experienced before and the denizens of the darkness will be forced to find new places in the world to hide.