You are a graduate from The Academy where you have been educated in the ways of combat, diplomacy, strategy, philosophy, history and arcana since childhood. You act as an agent for the promotion of elven interests in the world, be it on the frontlines of an armed conflict, deep behind enemy lines as a spy or saboteur, serving as an ambassador in foreign realms, establishing trade posts and trade routes in distant corners to bolster elven economy and sphere of influence or roaming the world as an adventurer building up a reputation and power to represent your race in a favourable light. 

As a member of this secretive organization you are a skilled and versatile operative expected to further elven influence where ever you are. You are well regarded by elves in general and your uniform and pin carries with it both immediate respect as well as an expectation to excell at whatever craft or endevour you pursue. On the other hand you are expected to keep a low profile and hide your background while travelling or operating in neutral or hostile territories. Few people outside of elves even know that the Vanguard excists and it is your job to keep it that way. 

 

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two of Persuasion, History, Arcana, Deception, Perception.

Tool Proficiencies: Choose a tool or musical instrument of your choice. 

Languages: Two of your choice

Equipment: A [Tooltip Not Found] (a gift to you when you graduated from The Academy), a note book, a code book, a [Tooltip Not Found], and a pouch containing 15 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

Vanguards are highly trained and respected among elves and are always expected to be exemplary in words and actions. They are expected to not only be good, but to excell at their chosen area of expertize, be it combat, magic, diplomacy, subterfuge or trade. Vanguards have spent decades learning different languages and the etiquettes of various races and societies to be able to blend in where ever they go. And while this training allows for them to converse, interact and get along with most people, it is not rare, after decades of intensive training and singleminded focus on the furthering of elven interests and values, to find among their ranks a zeal bordering on zealotry. In addition you have the personal and mental cost of spending extended periods of time working under a fake identity or deep behind enemy lines, which doesn't neccesarily make for the most trusting or relaxed individuals. 

Their flaws as a result might be anything from xenophobia, arrogance, paranoia or the like, depending on their role within the organization.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I idolize a particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that person’s deeds and example.
2	I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace.
3	I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen.
4	Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude.
5	I quote (or misquote) sacred texts and proverbs in almost every situation.
6	I am tolerant (or intolerant) of other faiths and respect (or condemn) the worship of other gods.
7	I’ve enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society among my temple’s elite. Rough living grates on me.
8	I’ve spent so long in the temple that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world.

d6	Ideal
1	Tradition. The ancient traditions of worship and sacrifice must be preserved and upheld. (Lawful)
2	Charity. I always try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good)
3	Change. We must help bring about the changes the gods are constantly working in the world. (Chaotic)
4	Power. I hope to one day rise to the top of my faith’s religious hierarchy. (Lawful)
5	Faith. I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful)
6	Aspiration. I seek to prove myself worthy of my god’s favor by matching my actions against his or her teachings. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would die to recover an ancient relic of my faith that was lost long ago.
2	I will someday get revenge on the corrupt temple hierarchy who branded me a heretic.
3	I owe my life to the priest who took me in when my parents died.
4	Everything I do is for the common people.
5	I will do anything to protect the temple where I served.
6	I seek to preserve a sacred text that my enemies consider heretical and seek to destroy.

d6	Flaw
1	I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely.
2	I put too much trust in those who wield power within my temple’s hierarchy.
3	My piety sometimes leads me to blindly trust those that profess faith in my god.
4	I am inflexible in my thinking.
5	I am suspicious of strangers and expect the worst of them.
6	Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed with it to the detriment of everything else in my life.

Contacts

The Vanguards are a relatively new faction, but already well known and respected among elves all over Faerun. As a result any Vanguard-member can expect to receive aid and information from elves in most regions. As for the more formalized contacts there are some in every major city and a few in smaller ones as well (at the DMs discretion) that might provide the players and their associates with information and resources. These formal contacts are often the proprietors of the Safe Houses available to Vanguard-members.