The Matron of Ravens

Originally a human priestess of Oblivion's Shadow (Draconic God of Death), the being known as the Matron of Ravens has long inspired stories of rising above one's station. While there are many tales of her heroics performed in the name of her God, and her power after taking seat on her divine throne, there are few stories about how she actually ascended.

She is one of the few 'New Gods' recognised and worshiped by followers of the Draconic Pantheon, hinting that perhaps she was welcomed into their fold before the fall of the Draconic Era.

Worship

Followers of the Matron of Ravens often oversee funerary rites in their towns and villages, burning prayer strips to help the dead find their way to her embrace, and offering treasures to her ravens. As with most beliefs, many who worship the Matron also worship other deities - though her most devout will burn prayers exclusively to her on solstice nights, New Year, and New Harvest Bounty. Prayers typically include wishes for good fortunes or guidance, as well as messages for deceased kin.
Her holy symbol is a raven's skull, and for this the birds are considered to be good fortune. There is a common belief amongst her followers that rather than symbolizing death, these ravens point the direction a person must travel to find an eventual 'good death'.
Followers of the Matron believe that when their mortal journey ends, they will take their place in her river of souls where they will remain in a blissful dream of their own making, or will be reincarnated as one of her ravens. The Matron's ravens will shepherd other souls on to their final homes of eternal bliss or damnation. Regardless of your destination, it is wise to bring a treasure for the Matron - a precious memory or a priceless trinket - as payment. The most highly regarded form of burial is to be laid to rest in the tangled roots of an old tree.

Shadowfell

As master of death, the Matron's home is said to be hidden in the twisting mists of the Shadowfell. Myths speak of a grand castle atop a cliff, beneath which a river of souls flows.
While much of the Shadowfell is traversable, those who go seeking the matron never return to the material plane - so their success or failure goes undocumented.