Lathanderian Faith and Clergy
Novices and Clerics
In the Lathanderian faith, novices were known as the Awakened, while full clerics bore the title of Dawnbringers. Upon reaching a certain level of devotion and readiness, full priests were bestowed with a new name by Lathander himself, signifying his personal recognition and acceptance. This new name could either replace their old one or be used exclusively when addressing fellow Dawnbringers and during solitary prayer.
Titles of Dawnbringers
The hierarchy of titles among Dawnbringers (in ascending order) was as follows: Dawngreeter, Dawnlord, High Dawnlord, Dawnmaster, Morninglord, High Morninglord, Mornmaster, High Mornmaster, and Sunrise Lord. Specialty priests were also referred to as morninglords. All members of the clergy were expected to hold neutral to good alignments.
Philosophy and Practices
Core Values
Lathander's clergy held deep respect for art, liberty, nature, and culture. They actively pursued self-improvement and tirelessly worked to instill hope in both their followers and the wider world. Many of Lathander's adherents were engaged in creative arts, seeking to spread positivity and inspiration. Evil, particularly in the form of undead, was vehemently opposed, and the clergy despised any form of inaction that allowed evil to thrive.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Most ceremonies in the Lathanderian faith were conducted at dawn, a symbolic gesture to honor the Morninglord's domain. Contracts and actions agreed upon at sunrise were believed to be blessed by Lathander. Funerals within the faith were held at dusk, followed by a wake that lasted through the night and culminated with the break of dawn.
“Deliver Us, O Lathander”
“Deliver us, O Lathander, from the fury of the Northmen.” — A prayer from Calimshan, seeking the Morninglord's protection.
The Risen Sun Heresy
Some followers of Lathander subscribed to the Risen Sun heresy, suggesting that Lathander was the reincarnation of Amaunator, the Netherese god of the sun. Extremists among them believed that Lathander would eventually transition back to the mantle of the lawful neutral Amaunator, marking a transformation from a deity of the morning to a sun god. This belief, however, was met with controversy and debate within the faith.
