Informal Divisions within the Lanterns

A great many Lanterns claim not to have factions in the sense that the other priesthoods do, though the Mask Breakers do qualify as a separate faction, putting lie to this.  The rest of the Laterns often do not claim the Mask Breakers as their true spiritual kin disparaging their questionable methods.

Zarthus faithful are said to have the informal factions of Vindicators, Homesteaders, and Patrons. Not every Latern regularly uses these names in their conversation and some are opposed to the labels, but all Lanterns are familiar with the terms, as well as outsiders and polytheists who interact with the Lanterns with any degree of regularity.
Vindicators tend to be Lanterns who focus on fighting evil doers. Whatever they define as evil. Vindicators usually set their sights on corrupt government and the institutions that support them will they will fight monsters, brigands, and criminals if they feel doing so well protect the innocent.

Homesteaders tend to be Laterns who tend to focus on creating small communities of Zarthus aligned communities and try to distance themselves from other people as much as feasible, either creating independent settlements in the frontier or taking over the administration of a city quarter or neighborhood or in rare cases by swaying a Baron or Count to their views.

by Eron12 with Hero Forge

Patrons tend to be Laterns who tend to focus on sharing art and supporting artists. Musicians are especially likely to be affiliated with the Patrons, but all forms of art are encouraged.

Many Lanterns straddle two of these groups or all three. Of course a single follower of Zarthus may shift camps over the course of her life and career. Some are vehemently opposed to the labels and believe Zarthus' faithful should not be constrained with labels that are limiting at best, false at worst.

History

Historical records indicate that the three informal factions:  Vindicators, Homesteaders, and Patrons, existed during the the Second Age and persisted through all the eras of the the Third Age.

Observance

None of these three groups have their own ranks, insignia, designated temples, heraldry, or ecclesiastical laws, or official written canon.
A temple might be said to have "Patron leanings" or a certain priestess can be described as having "Strong Vindicator sympathies," or a priest's memoirs might have "a clear homesteader bias" but all distinctions are informal and are potentially a subject for debate.

Primary Related Location

Scarterra