Elminster's Forgotten Realms      [1480 DR]

Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms, published 2012

I do not like this book, it's by far my least favorite of the sources in this archive. It isn't all bad. I find the mention of Lathanderite matchmakers cute, and the focus on new ideas could be taken somewhere interesting, but the book puts a huge emphasis on the "new beginnings" of Lathander being those of start-ups and mercantile contracts. Merchants following Lathander is not anything new, but this completely centers them, flattening the Church of Lathander as a whole - into one of an (upbeat and flighty) economic god.

Luckly this is 4E, I don't think this book is frequently referenced for any reason. That being said, I will someday find Elminster and kick his ass.

Lathander, the Morninglord:

Lathander’s priests are the clergy most concerned with business start-ups, new ideas, get-rich-quick schemes, social renewals, and reorganizations - usually involving smaller groups rather than governments, though sometimes of government bureaucracies, too. They are the folk to see if you need a larger loan than a local moneylender will provide.

Optimists are preferred as clergy, and their upbeat nature is infectious, making Lathanderites popular. The clergy host parties to which they bring carefully chosen eloquent thinkers who like to converse. Once everyone is together, they watch over the proceedings with sober-up spells held ready to keep anyone from getting so intoxicated that heated debates turn into brawls or enthusiastic agreements drift into lovemaking. They want the revelers to listen and talk and then go home feeling inspired, uplifted by new ideas, and a part of new endeavors, movements, and ways of daily doing things.

Some Lathanderites are matchmakers, seeing this activity as fostering newness in lives, but others believe this function is more properly left to Chauntea, or Sharess, or even Siamorphe, if the partners are noble.

Creed:
The Morninglord stands for new beginnings and ideas, innovation and artistic expression, renewal and self-perfection, birth and fertility, creativity and vitality, youth and athleticism, and dawn and spring. He abhors undeath and desires to see it destroyed, and is a fierce foeof evil and the tolerance of evil. Be as Lathander.

Support new beginnings of all sorts, be they lives, businesses, ideas, fashions, art, or ways of doing things. Scorn not old art in favor of the new, for all art is expression that stirs new thinking in those who work it and those who behold it. Plant seeds and seedlings, and make common cause with the clergy of Chauntea. Sow hope even more often than you sow seeds. Greet each dawn personally, so as to be closest to Lathander and so as to drink in the bright hope that every sunrise brings. Helping others and instilling hope are more important than laws, rules, and adherence to authority.

Secular Aims:
The Awakened (novices of the priesthood) are trained and manipulated by Dawnbringers (Lathanderite priests) to experience hope and to share hope with others. Belief in the uplifting power of daily hope is their strength and what drives them, and kindling and maintaining this zest for life is essential for one who would do successful service to Lathander. Spreading hope and enthusiasm is “your holy task, your life’s work, and your daily salvation,” in the words of Dawnmaster Istorn Malvantur of Elturel.

Every Dawnbringer is encouraged to share new ideas, as well as to help common folk everywhere with their new ideas. Lathanderite clergy fund new endeavors and facilitate cooperation between crafters and traders by bringing them into contact, guaranteeing loans, and witnessing agreements. From there, it’s a short step into going into business for oneself—and many Dawnbringers do just that, becoming 'wheeler-dealer' moneylenders, traders, investors, and lobbyists in the mercantile world all across Faerûn (but concentrated in cities, ports, and market towns).

The popular expression 'as eager as a Dawnbringer seeking to sell you a rag folded in a new way' speaks to public bemusement at the tireless hucksterism of some Lathanderites. In the faith of the Morninglord, promotion of 'the new' trumps possible negative consequences or the (very rare) disapproval of the church of Lathander. As a result, most Dawnbringers are avid boosters, sponsors, and abettors of swindles, new business ventures, and (often covert) 'new ways' in trade. As a merchant of Selgaunt put it, 'Intrigues? They’re what you can’t hear or see us doing behind all the excited bustling and cajoling done by the dawn-dancing, hope-happy-heads of Lathander.' (149)

Appearance:

Rarely, a divine response to a worshiper comes as a sign visible to everyone present. Lathander, for example, might manifest as a rosy glow around a weapon, a person, a keyhole, or a secret door. (133)