Lathander

Overview
Lathander, whose title is The Morninglord, is the neutral good deity of creativity, dawn, renewal, birth, athletics, spring, self-perfection, vitality and youth. He favours those who dispel the undead and blesses those who plant new life. Lathander is also the god called upon to bless birth and fertility related ceremonies.

Worshipers
Novices in the Lathanderian faith are called the Awakened while clerics are known as Dawnbringers. The full priests take a new name in his service when they are ready to signify that Lathander has personally recognized and accepted them. This new name can either be used instead of their old name or simply used only when addressing other Dawnbringers and when in solitary prayer. Other titles include (in ascending order): Dawngreeter, Dawnlord, High Dawnlord and Dawnmaster while an elite cleric is referred to as a Morninglord. All followers are required to be of neutral to good alignment.

All of Lathander's clergy respect art, liberty, nature and culture, promote betterment of oneselves and strive to bring hope to their followers and others. Many of these followers work in various creative arts. They are intolerant of evil, especially undead and inaction that causes evil to prosper. Most ceremonies of Lathander are held at dawn and actions and contracts agreed to at sunrise are said to be blessed by him. Funerals, among his followers, are held at dusk, and followed by a wake that lasts until dawn.

Some followers of Lathander insist that he is in fact the reincarnation of Amaunator, the Netherese god of the sun. Others take this heresy further, claiming that he will to take up the mantle of the lawful neutral Amaunator again, and that the transformation from deity of the morning to sun god is imminent.

Orders
A small restricted order of paladins and fighters sponsored by the church of Lathander.
 * Order of the Aster

Relationships
Lathander is known to have a romantic relationship with Chauntea for centuries. His allies include Gond, Tymora, Tyr, Torm, Ilmater, Sune, Selune, Oghma and Mielikki. His foes are Cyric, Talos and Shar. He also has a shaky relationship with Helm.

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."

Favored Sayings

 * "From death, life."
 * "There is always another morning."
 * "In the dawn, beauty reigns, and the way is clearer."