The Morninglord
Greater Deity Symbol: Sunrise made of rose, red, and yellow gems Home Plane: House of Nature Alignment: Neutral Good Portfolio: Athletics, birth, creativity, dawn, renewal, self-perfection, spring, vitality, youth Worshipers: Aristocrats, artists, athletes, merchants, monks? (Sun Soul), the young Cleric? Alignments: CG, LG, NG Domains?: Good, Nobility, Protection, Renewal, Strength, Sun Favored Weapon?: "Dawnspeaker" (light or heavy mace) Favored Animals/Plants: robins, red peacocks, butterflies, aster blossoms Favored Monsters: - Favored Gems/Precious Metals: - Favored Colors: yellow, red, rose Misc: intense rosy radiance surrounding a person's body
Whenever humans embark on a new journey, enter a contract, or start a political or romantic relationship, chances are good that they whisper a prayer to Lathander (lah-than-der), deity of dawn, renewal, and vitality. Though he is among the oldest of the Faerûnian pantheon, the Morninglord nonetheless retains the cheery optimism of youth that makes him the perfect symbol of beginnings. Ever willing to pass 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 undead, which he views as vile corruption that mocks creation and true life.
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 simply hopes for the best and attacks a problem head on, regardless of the ramifications. Never was this character flaw so clearly illuminated than during the Dawn Cataclysm, a catastrophe second only to the Time of Troubles, in which Lathander attempted to reshape the entire pantheon in his own image and thereby triggered a major divine struggle. His ultimate failure resulted in the destruction of several deities and powerful outsiders, led to the collapse of a half-dozen theocracies, and presaged the fall of Myth Drannor.
Despite the failure of the distant past, Lathander's faith remains extremely popular and powerful today, especially among idealistic young nobles (though seldom their parents). They claim to be personally tasked by the Morninglord to see to the affairs of their lessers, as though their fortuitous accident of noble birth granted them a writ to serve as Lathander's mortal representatives. For many young aristocrats, a foray into Lathanderism represents a last act of rebellion before accepting the responsibilities of the nobility. Those of truer heart, however, remain in the church and often end up making a profound difference in their community. Commoners appreciate such treatment, making the Morninglord popular among all social classes.
Clerics of Lathander pray at dawn. Most holy services take place just as the light of the sun breaks the horizon, with secondary gatherings occurring at highsun and sunset. Ceremonies are joyful but dignified and feature singing, offerings, and ritual drinking of well water touched by the light of dawn. On midsummer morning and on the morning of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, Lathanderian clerics perform the Son of the Dawn, a popular and complex musical ceremony that attracts even nonworshipers to the Morninglord's cathedrals. Lawful clerics often multiclass as paladins.
HISTORY/RELATIONSHIPS:
Lathander's friendly demeanor makes him almost as popular among other deities as he is among the mortals of Toril. The deities, however, tend to have longer memories then their followers; many appreciate Lathander's calls to action and altruistic rants but try to keep him from doing too much damage to the status quo. He gets on well with other idealistic deities such as Eldath and Llura?, or with those, such as Lurue and Siamorphe?, who prefer to focus on the pleasurable and good things in life. The Morninglord's command over creativity brings him into friendly contact with Oghma, Milil?, and Gond, and his unflinching hatred of the undead has made him a fast ally of Kelemvor. Chauntea seems to appreciate his exuberance more than any other member of the Faerûnian pantheon, perhaps because it brightens her ancient soul. She and Lathander believe that their fates are intertwined, and while their romance has faded and flared intermittently over the centuries, they always seem to return to each other.
Lathander somewhat naively holds evil deities such as Bane, Cyric, Loviatar, and Talos personally responsible for the majority of Toril's ills. He particularly dislikes Shar, whom he views as an eternally corrupting force, the foul cancer at the heart of every shadowy intrigue against him and his church. Lathander believes that the Dawn Cataclysm occurred because spies of the Lady of Loss secretly corrupted his efforts, and he is hatching plans to ensure that does not happen again.
Helm harbors ill feeling toward the Morninglord that date back to the Dawn Cataclysm, when Lathander indirectly caused the destruction of Helm's lover Murdane, a lesser deity of reason and pragmatism. No doubt the Vigilant One would be chagrined to learn that Lathander has, since the Time of Troubles, been working on some of the incantations and machinations that brought about that catastrophe so long ago. Oghma, Chauntea, and Lliira know of Lathander's plans, but so far, each has remained silent. With the return of Bane, many progressive deities believe that direct action must be taken to destroy evil once and for all, and that no unintended consequences of Lathander's plans could be as threatening to the world as simply standing by and doing nothing.
DOGMA:
Strive always to aid, to foster new hope, new ideas, and new prosperity for all humankind and its allies. It is a sacred duty to foster new growth, nurture growing things, and work for rebirth and renewal. Perfect yourself, and be fertile in the mind and body. Wherever you go, plant seeds of hope, new ideas, and plans for a rosy future in the minds of all. Watch each sunrise. Consider the consequences of your actions so that your least effort may bring the greatest and best reward. Avoid negativity, for from death comes life, and there is always another morning to turn a setback into a success. Place more importance in activities that help others than on strict adherence to rules, rituals, and the dictates of your seniors.
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LATHANDER-Temples of the Realms
SILVER MARCHES 1. Rhyester's Matins (Silverymoon) Founded by the blind prophet Rhyester in 717 DR, this worship house features an altar that every morn is lit by rainbows coming through the east-facing stained glass windows. Objects of beauty crafted by the clergy and worshippers line alcoves along the side, while normally at least one song fills the air of the temple. The death of the previous Mornmaster has caused deep rifts within the temple's following. Rival claimants vie for the leadership of the temple. Lathander himself! spoke to the assembled followers after the funeral of the Mornmaster, saying, "Take for your leader the one who lays upon this, my altar, the rightful sign from me." This speech has brough claimants to the temple from all over Faerun. -This is a holy site of Lathander, the first temple founded by his prophet, the blind Rhyester of Silverymoon, in 717 Dalereckoning. While it started as a small log and mud building taking up only a quarter of the site, it ' s now one of Silverymoon ' s major temples. Its congregation hall is two stories tall and the temple and altar are breathtaking. The entire ceiling and eastern wall of the temple are made from glassteel and inset with small prisms to provide a wonderful array of rainbows when the dawn ' s light strikes them during morning services. Unfortunately, situations within the temple are not as beautiful as its ornaments. Mornmaster Onadar Ryl lies on his death bed after a long, arduous illness severely weakened his 92-year-old body. The temple elders are deadlocked on their decision between two candidates for the post of Mornmaster: Onadar ' s son, Lavis Ryl and Kuth Charagon. Lavis was an assumed heir of his father ' s, but he was never officially proclaimed such by Onadar and spent the last three years away from Silverymoon. Kuth is a lifelong native, a popular speaker, and acted as the Mornmaster ' s second for the past two years. Both men are suited for the post, but if the succession isn ' t secured by the time of Onadar's death, the High Mage may have to intervene in temple business. (The North Boxed Set p53) 2. The Morning Watchtower (Deadsnows) Rising above the city walls, this slender tower casts its shadow over the main gate. A banner flies from its topmost turret, depicting the golden sunrise of Lathander. The Watchtower if home to five Lathanderite clerics, as well as a couple of guards who make sure the temple is safe and secure. Morninglord Ashnar the Humble (LG male human Clr4/Pal3 of Lathander) is the leader of the temple. (Silver Marches p141)
NORTHERN SWORDCOAST 3.The Spires of the Morning (Waterdeep) The Spires of the Morning is Waterdeep's oldest temple, founded in DR 998. The Spires of the Morning, located in Waterdeep’s Castle District is a walled garden compound with eight beautiful gilded towers that reflect Lathander's dawn. Both an abbey and temple, curing and healing is available here. Destroyed in a fire in 1,345 DR it was rebuilt within the year. This night is now known as the Night of Templefall as the House of Heroes also burned. High Priestess Ghentilara (female 10th L Cleric) presides over the temple while Prior Athosar (Canon, male 6th L Cleric) runs the abbey. Other Lathanderites of note in the city are Lyratha Talltankand who holds sunrise prayers at thr Plinth and Corinna Lathankin and Jandar Ilbaereth who are influential lay patrons of the Temple. 4. Moonglow Tower (Daggerford) Thanks to the constant traffic along the Trade Way, Daggerford has more than its share of shrines, temples and powerful priests. In addition to the Moonglow Tower it supports full temples to Chautea, Shaundakul, Tempus and Tymora. 5.The Rose Portal (Baldur's Gate) 6. The Song of the Morning (Beregost) The town has no official government, instead being run by the high priest of its major temple to Lathander. Yellow-garbed acolytes of the temple bear arms and keep the peace. Curiously the town’s founder was a spellcaster rather than a politician-a wizrd named Ulcaster established a magic school here that attracted a farming villzage to support it. Jealous Calishite wizrds burned down Ulcaster’s school three hundred years ago. The ruins still dominate the eastern side of the raod, where the Morninglord’s clerics graze their sheep to keep an eye on the ruins and prevent unsavory characters from going in (or coming out). Note that the temple provides low-cost healing lotions and salves for all good-aligned beings, and that any interested individuals may talk to High Priest Kelddath Ormlyr about becoming an acolyte of Lathander. "Isn't it time to start a new day with Lathander?"
AMN 7.The Dome of Rose (Athkatla)
WESTERNHEARTLANDS 8.The Healing House of Lathander (Scornubel) 9. Roseportal House (Berdusk) 10. Morningstone House (Asbravn)
CORMYR 11.The Rose Alter (Tilverton) Tilverton (formerly 9002)recently suffered an attack of unknown origin (in Mirtul of 1372). Now all that is left is a dark, concave space filled with shadows and flitting regions of deeped darkness. A force of fifty Purple Dragons has been stationed nearby to ward off visitors, for those who enter become dim and eventually vanish, never to return. A triad of wizards from Waterdeep has been studying the site from a distance, but so far has reparted only that a great deal of powerful magic has been used in the area. It has caused a disruption in the Weave to such an extent that it greatly limits their ability to investigate further. A dirt road has been cleared around the strange ruin to allow caravan traffic passing through the area. 12. The House of the Morning (Eveningstar) A small town of 954 which maintains a temple to Lathander . The House of the Morning often serves as a home base for many an adventurer about to head out to the nearby ruins. It provides accomodations and guides for the hopeful treasure seekers. May the blessing of the Morninglord protect them all! The winged cats known as tressym are common in this area, making Eveningstar a popular place for anyone who would have one as a familiar. 13. Morningmist Hall (Marsember) The city of Spices’sole large church is Morningmist Hall under the control of High Morninglord Chansobal Dreen. He has 16 priests of various levels serving underneath him. The High Morninglord is a shrewd investor in new ventures, who enjoys ceremonially consecrating new ships and is a deadly foe of pirates and smugglers against whom he often sends his priests to fight.
DRAGON COAST 14.The Tower of the Morn (Elversult) 15. Morningstar Haven (Westgate) This opulent temple of the Morning Lord has a beautifully crafted Holy Symbol of the sunrise made of rose, red, and yellow gems. The exterior is garnished with polished stones of semi-precious value as well as wonderfully polished and lacquered wood. Once inside, the gaudiness doesn't stop. Everything is bright, rich-looking and outspokenly gaudy. From the gem encrusted tapestries to the golden water bowls located throughout the temple for the faithful to cleanse themselves symbolically of thier sins. Three handsome young men tend to the flock under the watchful eye of an older senior cleric.
DALELANDS 16. Lathander's Light (Dagger Falls) The Temple to Lathander in Dagger Falls still smells of smoke from the fires that ruined it during the Zhent occupation. In 1360, the Year of the Turrent, Eragyn the Dark, a priestess of Cyric, discovered the crypt of Colderan, the Mage-lord and former ruler of Daggerdale, directly beneath the temple. In an attempt to bring the Mage-lord back to life and use his magic to take over the town, Eragyn set fire to the temple to gain access to the crypt. Eight Lathanderan priests died in their beds during the fire. It took Eragyn 8 years to find the correct ressurection spell, however her master plan backfired when the revived Colderan enslaved her body to achieve his own agenda of using it as the vessel for his long dead beloved, Belasaria. During this time the town’s leader was nothing but a Zhentarim puppet named Tren Noemfor. A group of valiant heroes layed Colderan to his second final rest and freed the town from the hold of the Zhents. The Daggerfolk under their new leader Randal Morn (ironically Colderan’s great –grandson) rebuilt the temple as a sign of their determination to heal the scars of the occupation. Lathander’s clergy are well-loved, not least because a sizable number of young priests from around the Dales come to Daggerdale to spread the Dawn Lord’s light where it’s most needed. This large, solid square stone building sports a new tiled roof, but its walls still bear the scars of the many fires that beset it when Dagger Falls was in the hands of the Zhentarim. It now houses a new contingent of Lathanderian priests and warriors who have come here from all over the Inner Sea lands to where they see a real chance to serve the Morninglord by fostering new growth and renewal where it is really needed. Inside the temple, conditions are still primitive and simple cots, stools, and bearskin rugs are the sole furnishings of the sleeping chambers used by priests and guests alike, but the heart of the building has been left open as a great hall for assembly and worship. It is lit by a network of rose-red continual light spells cast by the resident clergy. Sixteen priests, 22 novices, and 15 lay warriors ('Sword Brothers') sworn to Lathander, and three Lathanderian paladins of the Order of the Aster live here under the guidance of His Radiance, High Mornmaster Harndarr Oryn. Harndarr is a short, squat man who some say has dwarven blood in his lineage. He walks with the aid of a stick, but he has a mellifluous and confident voice that can rise to impressive volume and the wits to use it well. In just a few seasons he has become one of the best-loved and trusted men in Dagger Falls. He is working hard to build a sense of trust and hope in the town and make it again the proud and close-knit community it once was. Much of the pride and hope of the Daggerdalesmen has been put on the shoulders of the near-legendary Randal Morn for years, but Harndarr is trying to bring the hope of peace and healing and renewal to lay alongside Randal's now-victorious struggle. (Volos Guide to the Dalelands p86) 17. The House of the Holy Light (Voonlar) Although primary faiths in Voonlar are to the goddess Chauntea and to Cyric who recently supplanted Zhent-encouraged veneration of Bane, the town boasts a lovely open-air Shrine to Lathander. The House of the Holy Light is equipped with a bare block altar and braziers, but lacking walls or any place to sleep. Its ceiling is set with sheets of mica affixed to angled stones, placed to capture the rosy rays of the rising sun and flash them out in all directions. The House of Holy Light is tended by Gentle Father Erngar Narrowlea (NG hm P3) and several lay followers. Narrowlea is kindly but shrewd, seeing future implications of the smallest acts. He works covertly to confound the schemes of the Bron(local sheriffs) and the Cyricists, lends small amounts of money to Lathanderites for business ventures, And sells holy water and potions of healing to anyone to raise funds for the faith. The shrine attracts a steady congregation of travelers (except in winter) and more than 40 Voonlarrans. Narrowlea is visited about once a tenday by higher-ranking priests of the Morninglord, who bring him fresh supplies of `the coin-earning holies. ' A tiny bed of herbs and spices, which can be freely harvested by all, surrounds the shrine. The only rule regarding taking herbs and spices from the shrine is that no one may take the last shoot, sprig, berry, or leaf. It's written that anyone who does so shall incur the wrath of Lathander. 18. Morningdawn Hall (Shadowdale) Even Lathander might blush at the ostentation of his temple in the town of Shadowdale. The building is a miracle of unbreakable rose-tinted glass blown into the shape of a giant phoenix facing west with outstretched wings greeting the dawn. Its wings become two great turrets which command a view of the surrounding area. The head and neck of the great bird contain sleeping rooms and offices. Its back (eastern side) is translucent, rose-tinted glass that allows the morning light to stream into the great Hall during services. Bane himself Himself destroyed the first version of Morningdawn Hall during the Time of Troubles. Lathander’s zealous clergy then recreated it in every detail – to the private dismay of Shadowdale’s residents, who think highly of Lathander himself but not so well of the priests who have raised this gaudy monstrosity in their town. 19.The Dawnspire (Myth Drannor) Ruined Myth Drannor has always represented both a challenge to rebuild and a shining example of what can be achieved to his faithful. A century ago, Lathander appeared to certain of his clergy, commanding them to found a temple in the ruined city, and giving them the Dawnstone for their altar. The faithful he appeared to became a special order, The Seekers of the Dawn. They journeyed to Myth Drannor, braving its many perils to build a temple, The Dawnspire. Under the protection of the Dawnstone, the Seekers have flourished ever since, diligently cleaning and repairing areas of the city that they can safely reach, and supporting themselves by their brilliant farming skills. The temple consists of a simple conical tower erected by the priests, that rises above an oval walled compound perhaps five acres in extent. Except for a small clear space in front of the tower (used for erecting new experiments and inventions), the compound is crammed with growing things: the garden, fed by a network of pumps and channels, that feeds the priests. Some priests are always to be found here, tending the garden. Poles throughout the garden support both beanstalks and other plants, but allow warriors' shields and a few precious glass panes to be erected above certain plants. The cellars of the Dawnspire itself contain much stored food, mushroom growing areas, and rooms where priests work on restoring recovered Myth Drannan items, or devising new things. The walls are guarded, both by priests and (on patrol outside) the giant beetles they magically control, Priests venture forth from the compound daily, to explore Myth Drannor and scavenge from the ruins and the growing forest about. The size of the compound is dictated by the size of the Dawnstone's magical effects. The Dawnstone - This smooth rose-crystal sphere is as large around as most shields. It floats above the raised chancel, in the innermost, holiest chamber of the temple, where the rays of the dawn can reach it on every clear morn. It glows with an internal light, and is a thing of magic, not a real gemstone: those who touch it find that their hands pass freely into and through it. (Ruins of Myth Drannor p 81) 20. Lathander's Open Hand (Hap in Battledale) Despite the tiny size of Hap this plain stone building is a bustling center of activity. It is both the center of schooling for local children and a popular meeting place. All can see a sign of the Morninglord's favor inside the shrine: Aside from an altar, a few cots, and pews, the only furnishing in the high-windowed converted barn is the Blood of Lathander, a glowing piece of amber said to contain a few drops of the blood of the god locked away forever to aid the folk of Hap.21 The Blood floats about 30 feet off the ground near the ceiling of the chamber and emits a faint rosy glow that can blaze up fiercely when Lathander approves or is roused to notice or act upon something. Lathander is served by a new priestess, Dawnmaster Cathalandra Dovaer (who replaced the previous one, Mumfrey Mimly), and her obvious sincerity and energetic help with mending fences, clearing land, and even digging cesspits has won her the hearts of the village folk. (Volos Guide to the Dalelands p71) 21. The House of Morning (Feather Falls) The only active temple in Featherdale is this long, low, solid stone edifice sacred to Lathander sited at the foot of the Feather Falls. Here Morninglord Jallian Horgontivar - a tall, patrician man who's only about half as cultured and important as he thinks he is - leads a legion of lesser priests and acolytes in the doing of Lathander's work. (Volos Guide to the Dalelands p124)
SEMBIA 22.The Dawn Tower (Ordulin) 23.The Glory of the Morning (Archenbridge)
THE VAST 24.The Morning Halls (Tantras) Although Torm is the city’s main deity, there is a temple to Lathander under the supervision of High Morninglord Alasyn Ambrilar (NG hm P14), with 14 lesser priests below him. 25.The Halls of the Morning Light (Raven's Bluff)
CALIMSHAN 26A. House of the Holy Dawn (Calimport) 26B.The Dawn Belltowers (Calimport
LAKE OF STEAM 27. The Rose-Crowned Tower (Suldolphor) 28. Shrine of Rising Sun (Saelmur) 29. The Temple of the Morninglord (Ankhapur) Ruled for many years by an undead king. The current King Janol Famisso (N male human Rog10) destroyed the old ruler and set about opening the city for trade. He has decreased nerchant taxes and compensated for the loss by increasing the taxes on nobles, which has made him popular with the former and less so with the latter. For unknown reasons, all the tressym within the city disappear on the day before Highsummer and return three days later.
(RUINS) 34. (Lake Weng-AMN)This small lake sports many small villages on its shore, although it is best known for its three old temple-cities to Lathander, Mystra, and Shar, abandoned hundreds of years ago when the theocratic settlers vanished without a trace after an unseasonable blizzard. Minsor Vale, the fourth theocratic city, is still inhabited by Selonite worshipers.
(UNKNOWN) The Towers of the Morning (Telpir)?????? The Shrine to Dawn (Nagarr)?????
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