The chaos and lawlessness of some civilizations can only be rectified by creatures of pure law, the paladins of the Vanguard are those creatures.
As a beacon and stronghold of absolute law, Vanguard Officers are a focal point in many planes and universes. Your positions within the Vanguard gives you a unique perspective and authority in kingdoms, governments and militias. Many civilizations that are aware if the Vanguard reach out to them for judgment and punishment for matters beyond local laws.
- Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Intimidation
- Tool Proficiencies: Land, water and air vehicles
- Languages: Two of your choice
- Equipment: A Vanguard insignia, a scroll containing the text of a law important to you, a bottle of blue ink, a pen, a set of fine clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp
The Vanguard doesn't always send a warrior to solve a problem, some issues require a sharper mind and gentler handling.
Either practiced as a lawyer, scholar of law or an accomplished detective there are many positions for a Vanguard Officer.
| d4 | Vanguard Position |
|---|---|
| 1 | Enforcer - A warrior in the field, fighting against the agents of Chaos wherever they may be. |
| 2 | Expert - An Officer with extensive knowledge of laws that is sent to handle court held sentences. |
| 3 | Lawkeeper - Officers that review newly made laws in different civilizations and advise about them. |
| 4 | Incarcerator - Officers that are sent to retrieve criminals and agents of Chaos to judgment in the appropriate courts. |
You have the authority to enforce the laws of the nations you are in, and that status inspires a certain amount of respect and even fear in the populace. People mind their manners in your presence and avoid drawing your attention; they assume you have the right to be wherever you are. Showing your Vanguard insignia gets you an audience with anyone you want to talk to (though it might cause more problems than it solves when you’re dealing with incorrigible lawbreakers). If you abuse this privilege, though, you can get in serious trouble with your superiors and even be stripped of your position.
Spell List
Prerequisite: Spellcasting or Pact Magic class feature
For you, the spells on the Vanguard Officer Spells table are added to the spell list of your spellcasting class. (If you are a multiclass character with multiple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.)
| Spell Level | Spells |
|---|---|
| Cantrip | friends, message |
| 1st | command, compelled duel, ensnaring strike |
| 2nd | arcane lock, calm emotions, hold person |
| 3rd | clairvoyance, counterspell |
| 4th | compulsion, divination |
| 5th | dominate person |
Your magic often takes the form of blue or silver runes floating and glowing in the air in circular patterns or of shimmering silver barriers of magical energy. If you cast ensnaring strike, for example, the vines created by the spell might appear as rune-inscribed glowing bands that wrap around the target and hold it in place.
Suggested Characteristics
Members of the Vanguard vary in demeanor depending on their position and rank, though all Officers do not take lawlessness lightly and are rather strict. Steeped in the law as they are, their ideals and priorities revolve around legal issues.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I try never to let my judgment become clouded by emotion. |
| 2 | I have infinite patience with the dolts and boors I’m forced to deal with every day. |
| 3 | When I give an order, I expect it to be obeyed. |
| 4 | I just want things the way I like them: neat, orderly, and clean. |
| 5 | No wrongdoing can escape my watchful gaze. |
| 6 | I always say exactly what I mean, no matter how many words it takes to communicate the particular nuance I am attempting to convey. |
| 7 | I’m very literal and don’t appreciate metaphor or sarcasm. |
| 8 | I never change my mind once it’s made up. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Loyalty. The Vanguard is all that really matters. (Any) |
| 2 | Order. The law is meant to ensure that the gears of society turn smoothly and quietly. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Peace. The ultimate object of the law is to remove violence from society. (Good) |
| 4 | Compliance. Coercion is a fine way of ensuring that the laws are obeyed. (Lawful) |
| 5 | Legislation. The law embodies excellence in its precision and detail. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Punishment. A public display of consequences is an excellent deterrent for other criminals. (Evil) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am beholden to a Vanguard Officer who protected my city against Demonic hoards from the Abyss. |
| 2 | I hope one day to write the laws, not just enforce them. |
| 3 | I tried and failed to prevent a murder, and I have sworn to find and arrest the perpetrator. |
| 4 | I successfully prevented a murder, and the would-be perpetrator wants me dead. |
| 5 | The Vanguard plucked me from the masses as a youngster, I know nothing but the Law. |
| 6 | I’ve modeled my career after a highly respected lawmage or arrester, but I fear that my role model might be involved in something illegal. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I’m unable to distinguish between the letter and the spirit of the law. |
| 2 | I seem like a harsh judge to others, but I judge myself most harshly of all. |
| 3 | I have a secret, illegal vice. |
| 4 | I was traumatized by witnessing a crime as a child. |
| 5 | I’m incapable of deception. |
| 6 | I believe all that I kill deserve it under the Law, I am their judge, jury and executioner. |
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