Lathander, the Morninglord

Basic Information

• Name: Lathander (pronounced "lah-THAN-der")
• Domains: Life, Light
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Symbol: A sunrise made of rose, red, and yellow gems

Lathander is the god of dawn, renewal, and new beginnings in the Forgotten Realms. He embodies the hope and promise of a fresh start, often associated with the first light of day. As a Neutral Good deity, Lathander is compassionate, benevolent, and dedicated to fostering growth, creativity, and the betterment of all.

History and Mythology

Lathander is one of the oldest deities in the Faerûnian pantheon, believed to have been present since the dawn of creation. He is often depicted as a young, handsome man with golden hair and a radiant smile, symbolizing the vitality and optimism of youth and the morning sun.

Key Myths

• The Dawn of Creation: Lathander is said to have brought the first light to the world, banishing the primordial darkness and ushering in the age of life and growth.
• Battles Against Darkness: Many myths recount Lathander’s struggles against deities of darkness and decay, such as Shar and Talona, where his light triumphs over their shadows.
• The Time of Troubles: During this period of divine upheaval, Lathander’s avatar walked the Sword Coast, inspiring hope and renewal in the wake of chaos.

Lathander’s myths emphasize his role as a bringer of light and a champion of new beginnings, offering inspiration to those who seek to start anew or overcome adversity.

Worshipers and Church Structure

Lathander’s followers are diverse, including farmers, artists, healers, and adventurers who seek his blessings for new ventures, harvests, or personal growth. His church is highly organized and places a strong emphasis on community service, charity, and the promotion of life and creativity.

• Clergy: Priests of Lathander, known as Morninglords or Dawn Priests, are often skilled in healing and protective magic. They serve as spiritual guides, counselors, and community leaders.
• Hierarchy:
• High Morninglord: The supreme leader of the faith, overseeing all temples and shrines.
• Morninglords: Regional leaders who manage local temples and coordinate charitable efforts.
• Dawn Priests: Local clergy who lead worship, perform rites, and serve their communities.
• Worship Practices:
• Rituals are held at dawn, involving hymns, prayers, and offerings of flowers or gemstones.
• The Festival of the Dawn celebrates the first day of spring with communal feasts, artistic displays, and acts of charity.

Divine Realms and Sacred Locations

• Divine Realm: Morninglory, located in the plane of Elysium, is Lathander’s domain—a place of eternal dawn where the sun never sets, and the air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers.
• Sacred Locations:
• The Spire of the Morning in Waterdeep: A grand temple where the faithful gather to witness the sunrise.
• The House of the Morninglord in Daggerford: A smaller but significant shrine known for its healing gardens.
• The Dawnstone: A mystical stone circle in the High Forest, said to amplify Lathander’s light during rituals.

Gameplay Mechanics

Lathander’s influence in gameplay is tied to healing, protection, and the power of light, making him a popular choice for clerics and paladins focused on support and renewal.

• Cleric Domains: Life, Light
• Favored Weapon: Mace or morningstar
• Divine Boons: Clerics of Lathander can channel divinity to invoke Radiant Dawn (a burst of healing light) or Blessing of the Morning (granting temporary hit points or advantage on rolls).
• Artifacts: Legendary items such as the Sun Blade or Lathander’s Tear (a gem that can resurrect the dead under specific conditions).

Campaign Hooks

• New Beginnings: Players might seek Lathander’s blessing for a fresh start, such as rebuilding a war-torn village or starting a new guild.
• Battles Against Darkness: Quests to banish undead or thwart cults of Shar, using Lathander’s light to overcome the shadows.
• Healing and Renewal: Adventurers could be tasked with restoring blighted lands or aiding communities recovering from disaster.

Summary

Lathander is the embodiment of hope and renewal in the Forgotten Realms, a god who brings light to the darkest corners of the world. On the Sword Coast, his presence is felt in every sunrise and every act of compassion, from the grand temples of Waterdeep to the humble shrines of Daggerford. For players and Dungeon Masters, Lathander offers rich opportunities to explore themes of rebirth, growth, and the triumph of light over darkness.