Oath of the Vanguard

The Oath of the Vanguard, initially formed during the 2nd War, gradually faded in popularity compared to oaths centered around vengeance, devotion, glory, and redemption. However, it found new life in the outer regions of Athana, particularly in less civilized areas like Daragaard, Dustven, Nalaphem, and northern territories such as Fenthyr. These places, with their challenging environments and untamed lands, called for a different kind of commitment.

By the year 800 AW (After War), the Oath of the Vanguard had established a presence in Daragaard. Here, those who took the oath trained to be front-line defenders and mercenaries. Their role in Daragaard was crucial - they protected roads and ventured into more wild and dangerous areas. The Vanguard Paladins in Daragaard were not just fighters; they were also essential in maintaining safe travel and commerce. Their training went beyond combat skills, encompassing survival techniques, basic diplomacy, and knowledge of the terrain. This comprehensive training prepared them to be effective in maintaining order and safety in areas where the rule of law was weak or absent.

TENETS OF THE VANGUARD

The tenets of your Oath were distilled in you by your Oath Brother. These words drive you forward when the path is unclear, they are your sword and your shield. 

Maintain Momentum. As a paragon of initiative, use it. To strike first may mean no second strike is necessary. Your progress can only be halted by one thing, your inaction. 

Carve Your Place. You have undertaken this Oath to bring light to the dark. You cannot fail, whether you are outmatched or not, your courage is your weapon, do not leave the battlefield until you have achieved victory.

New Hope. Having undertaken your Oath, you are recognised as being on the frontline of new concepts and ideals. Teach these to those around you, protect those who are brought into the light, and destroy those who would seek to shroud others in darkness.  

 

- Created for the Athana Chronicles -

Channel Divinity

When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options.

Vanugard's Charge. As an action, you use your Channel Divinity to charge towards an enemy within 60 feet and make an attack. You must have a clear and unobstructed path to the target. If using Vanguard's Charge initiates combat, you roll initiative with advantage. Additionally, you add your Charisma modifier to your initiative roll in addition to your Dexterity modifier. Gain a bonus to the attack roll equal to your Charisma modifier. If the attack hits, the target must make a Strength saving throw (DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier). On a failed save, the target is knocked prone.

Kinetic Blast. Even whilst surrounded you are never afraid. You can use your Channel Divinity to throw those around you. As a reaction, when two or more hostile creatures move within 5 feet of you, you let out a cry brandishing your holy symbol. Your scream is imbued with the magic of your deity and any number of creatures, of your choosing, within 5 feet of you must succeed on a strength save of 10 + STR Modifier + Proficiency Bonus or be pushed 5 feet away and suffer 1d6 force damage.

Oath Spells

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.

Oath of Devotion Spells

Nomadic Presence

At 7th level, you wander forward into the battle, ensuring that you are the first line of defence, protecting your allies from the front line. When there are no allies within a 10 feet of you, you deal an extra 2d4 radiant damage to any melee attack made.

At 18th level, this damage is increased to 4d4.

Never-ending Resolve

Beginning at 15th level, your resolve and endurance are unparalleled. You have advantage on saving throws to avoid becoming stunned, restrained or grappled.

Disciple of Momentum

You have mastered the art of harnessing your divine energy to enhance your mobility and the effectiveness of your allies in battle. Upon reaching level 20, you gain the ability to channel this power for a dramatic effect for 1 minute:

• You gain a flying speed equal to your current movement speed. This allows you to move freely through the air, representing your ultimate mastery of movement and positioning.
• Your Armor Class (AC) increases by +2, reflecting your heightened awareness and agility.
• When you activate this ability, you cast the bless spell upon allies within a 20-foot radius sphere centered on you, this does not require concentration.