#morninglord

[tateringss]

The Holy Vestments of Mornmaster Sergei von Zarovich

The nights in this valley are deep and treacherous, the darkness suffocating and choking out the very air that we breathe. My brothers-in-arms have fallen to those things from the woods. Every time their cries were smothered and their lights quickly extinguished, I thought I would surely perish the same. But that gold and white gleam splendidly in conjured daylight, the blue as vibrant as the noon sky. I never thought I would see red and not think of blood, but of fire. Warm and soothing. Mornmaster Sergei continues to keep us safe, and for as long as he holds the sun over this dark valley, I will hold my loyalty to him. -- Knight Tudorus of the Holy Office of Barovia, Ordo Solis

"Raven's Inquisition" is a Curse of Strahd prequel campaign I am currently playing in where we get to explore setting elements and character relations that otherwise could not have been explored in the canon module. The DM @emp-roar is constructing the campaign as an adaptation of the "I, Strahd" novel, where Barovia has yet been established, Strahd is still human, and the players are all inquisitors overtaking the Tsolenka Valley under the von Zarovich crest and the banner of the Morninglord.

I am personally interested in Sergei von Zarovich as a character due to his interactions with our party and my player character, Omen, specifically. I then decided to create a concise concept sheet displaying the various layers of his holy vestments.

Credit due to Aciduous' Paladin player that has created the rank insignias for the Morninglord Church!

Edit: how could I forget? SOL INVICTUS! ☼

[violadesdragons]

I shall let all who dwell in dark feel your holy dawn, Morninglord. Hear my prayer. 🌅

[argentumfool]

I made holy symbols for Godfrey and Vladimir (they are the size of a thumbnail)

[blackmagecat]

Terms and Conditions in Baldurs Gate 3 makes a passing reference to the Morninglord, among other things.

5. ADDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS IN ELDRITCH LAW Time for a pause, as We understand by now your mind is longing for respite, having endured the above numerous provisions of legal jargon. So, setting aside the weighty tomes of somber legality, embracing a lighter path of ancient customs and mystical decrees that governed the fair folk, please be wary that in accepting this Pact, you agree to refrain from striking a deal with another creature of Fey, Infernal, or otherwise Eldritch origin. Should you nonetheless not be able to withstand the seductive melody whispered by their malevolent terms, We reserve the right to sever all ties professional or social with the end user, and seek appropriate remedy from the Morninglord.

[lilvampirepet]

you are definitely not immune to strahd's charm 🩸💛

[every-mini-ive-painted]

Dwarf Cleric from Castle Ravenloft Boardgame

[ravenloftian]

Deity: The Morninglord

The Morninglord is a revered deity within the Cult of the Morninglord, a prominent faith in the mist-shrouded realm of Barovia. As a Chaotic Good god, the Morninglord embodies the ideals of optimism, hope, and the eternal struggle against darkness. His worshipers turn to him in times of despair, seeking solace and the light of his divine guidance.

Name: The Morninglord Alignment: Chaotic Good Cleric Spheres: Healing, Divination, Protection, Guardian, All, Sun Favored weapons: Spear, Lance, Long Sword

Description: The Morninglord, also known as the Radiant One, is a deity of light and hope in the realm of Barovia. As a sun god, his presence represents the warmth and brightness that can penetrate even the darkest corners of the world. Though the Morninglord is a divine being, his essence is often described as a benevolent and caring force rather than an imposing figure. He is known to manifest in various forms, but one common depiction portrays him as a figure of ethereal beauty with elven features.

The Morninglord's form is bathed in a radiant glow, as if composed of pure light itself. His golden skin emits a gentle luminescence, illuminating the space around him. His hair is a fiery cascade of flame, dancing and flickering with a captivating brilliance. The Morninglord's eyes are pools of wisdom and compassion, shining with an inner radiance that brings solace and hope to his followers.

While his appearance exudes a sense of serenity, the Morninglord's countenance is not without a touch of melancholy. Blood stains his lips, symbolizing the presence of darkness within even the brightest hearts and the light that can still be found within the darkest souls. This duality serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and redemption can prevail.

The Morninglord's presence brings a sense of comfort and reassurance. His gentle voice carries words of encouragement and inspires unwavering faith in his followers. When he interacts with mortals, he often displays a deep understanding of their struggles and offers guidance to overcome challenges.

As the embodiment of eternal optimism and hope, the Morninglord's teachings emphasize the importance of extending goodwill to others and never allowing hope to fade away. He is revered as a deity who champions the cause of the common good, opposing all forms of darkness and oppression. His followers find solace and inspiration in his teachings, striving to live lives of compassion, integrity, and unwavering faith.

The Morninglord is said to be the foe of all undead, representing the eternal struggle between light and darkness. His presence is a source of strength and protection against the forces of evil that plague the realm of Barovia. It is believed that the Morninglord's ultimate goal is to bring an end to the suffering and evil that permeate the land, offering the promise of a brighter future for all.

Spheres:

Healing: The Morninglord's followers possess the power to mend wounds, restore vitality, and promote well-being. Through the Healing sphere, they offer aid and compassion to those in need, embodying the divine aspect of benevolence.

Divination: The Morninglord's followers can tap into the powers of foresight and fortune. They possess the ability to glimpse the threads of fate, interpret omens, and gain insights into the future. By utilizing the Divination sphere, they navigate the uncertain paths ahead, aiding others with their knowledge of events yet to come.

Protection: The Morninglord's followers are empowered to shield themselves and others from harm. They possess the ability to create barriers, deflect attacks, and ward off malevolent forces. Through the Protection sphere, they act as guardians, defending the innocent and standing against the encroaching darkness.

Guardian: Within the Morninglord's faith, followers invoke the powers of the Guardian sphere. They act as protectors and champions, safeguarding the weak and fighting against the forces of evil. The Morninglord's faithful are bestowed with divine strength, resilience, and the ability to shield others from harm.

All: The Morninglord's followers channel the power of divine intervention and protection against evil forces. They possess the ability to invoke divine aid, heal grievous wounds, and turn back the undead. Through the All sphere, they act as beacons of hope and salvation, providing succor to those in dire need.

Sun: The Morninglord's followers harness the radiant energy of the sun. They can summon rays of light, banish darkness, and unveil hidden truths. Through the Sun sphere, they wield the power of illumination, dispelling shadows and symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

Doctrine and Beliefs:

The Morninglord's doctrine emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and extending goodwill to others, even in the face of the darkest circumstances. His followers are encouraged to support one another, fostering a sense of community and unity in the struggle against evil.

The Morninglord's faithful hold the belief that all undead are abominations to be vanquished, viewing themselves as the champions of light against the forces of darkness. However, they extend mercy and understanding to afflicted lycanthropes, recognizing that their condition is beyond their control.

A central tenet of the faith is the vision that one day the Morninglord will descend upon Barovia, ridding the land of pain and evil. This belief fuels the determination and resilience of his followers as they await the fulfillment of this divine promise.

Paladins of the Morninglord:

Paladins who dedicate themselves to the Morninglord within the Cult are paragons of righteousness and defenders of the light. They embody the virtues of hope, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the eradication of darkness and the protection of the innocent.

Expectations and Duties:

Champions of Light: Paladins are expected to serve as beacons of light, inspiring others with their unwavering devotion to the Morninglord's cause. They are considered exemplars of the faith and tasked with upholding the cult's principles in their actions and interactions.

Undead Slayers: Paladins focus on combating vampires, the undead, and the encroaching forces of darkness.

Protectors of the Innocent: Paladins of the Morninglord are sworn to defend the innocent and weak against all physical and supernatural threats. They are expected to act as guardians, shielding those in need from harm and standing up against injustice.

Bearers of Hope: Paladins are entrusted with spreading hope in times of darkness. They offer solace and inspire others to remain resilient, even in the face of despair. Paladins are expected to be sources of optimism and unwavering faith, encouraging others to believe that light will triumph over darkness.

Adherence to the Code: Paladins follow a strict code of conduct that includes integrity, selflessness, and dedication to the cause of good. They strive to embody these virtues in their every action, upholding the tenets of the Morninglord's faith and serving as role models for others.

Paladins of the Morninglord are driven by a fervent devotion to their deity and the cause of righteousness. They act as stalwart defenders of the faith, bringing the Morninglord's light into the darkest corners of Barovia.

These expectations and duties may vary slightly depending on individual paladins and their personal interpretations of the Morninglord's teachings. Customization and personalization of characters within the Church of the Morninglord framework are encouraged to accommodate unique storytelling and gameplay preferences.

[barovianchickenandwaffles]

Sunday morning in Barovia:

prepare fresh waffle batter ✅

attend obligatory Sunday services to Morninglord ✅

stoke town gossip that the Devil Strahd is actually a werewolf (or wolfwere) ✅

cleanup dead bodies lying in parking lot ✅

enjoy fresh cup of BCnW brand ☕️✅

[crowholtz]

baldur's gate visuals ☼ rosymorn monastery ☼ "[...] we fashioned a simple chapel around ourselves here, and have encased the Blood within steel - to be wielded as a most righteous cudgel against those who sit in shadow. To keep it from the lustful sacrilege of thievery, our simple chapel will become a great monastery..."

[anna-dreamer]

I am so NOT over Finwe’s death! 

[thefruitypebblescastleoftorment]

Guy who's never been in a survival horror Isekai setting besides Barovia looking at the Ten Towns: Getting some Barovia vibes from this place.

(No spoilers for Icewind Dale please, I'm a player in that campaign!)

[astralprisms]

Was wondering why this particular gith face always feels like it suits baldness best and then I realized it IS in fact Orpheus' face model, Orph just has different unique ears.

Anyway welcome back, dreadwolf.

[violadesdragons]

A righteous light in the dark

[raviollies]

God that Ireena pic sent me fucking reeling back into a war flashback of the days I ran Curse of Strahd. My players put the poor girl through so much shit that by the end of the adventure she had paladin levels and had killed 5 direwolves alone

Ismark has left her alone for 1 day and she's already an accomplice to several felonies

[luciferissatan]

The Good Doctor

[powernappin]

curse of strahd tonight..... i'm worried!