Vanguard Operative (5e Race)
Vanguard Operative[edit]
- "The perfect soldier is not born; they are made. We are the proof."*
Physical Description[edit]
Vanguard Operatives are humanoid in appearance but stand out due to their enhanced physiques. Their bodies are optimized for combat, featuring heightened muscle density, rapid reflexes, and near-perfect coordination. Depending on their modifications, some may possess cybernetic implants, alchemical runes, or other signs of augmentation.
History[edit]
Vanguard Operatives were not born but created through secretive military or arcane experiments. Designed to be the ultimate warriors, they were enhanced through magic, alchemy, or cutting-edge science. Many were raised in clandestine programs, trained from an early age, and shaped into the perfect combatants. While some still serve their creators, others have broken free, searching for meaning beyond war.
Society[edit]
Vanguard Operatives rarely have a homeland, as they are often developed in isolated research facilities or military complexes. Those who escape or are discharged may form small mercenary groups, integrate into existing militaries, or become wandering warriors seeking a purpose beyond their programming.
Vanguard Operative Names[edit]
Vanguard Operatives often have designations rather than traditional names, such as "Subject-47," "V-Alpha," or "Project Revenant." However, those who break free from their creators sometimes adopt nicknames or names from cultures they encounter.
Male: Dax, Kael, Orion, Rook, Vex, Juno Female: Astra, Nova, Echo, Vale, Syra, Lynx
Vanguard Operative Traits[edit]
Superhuman soldiers designed through arcane or scientific experimentation, excelling in combat.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 1, and your Constitution score increases by 1.
Age. Vanguard Operatives mature quickly and can live up to 200 years due to their enhancements.
Alignment. Many lean toward lawful alignments due to their structured upbringing, but some rebel and seek their own path.
Size. Vanguard Operatives stand between 6 and 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
Enhanced Reflexes. You add your proficiency bonus to initiative rolls.
Tactical Mastery. You have proficiency in one of the following skills: Athletics, Acrobatics, Insight, or Perception.
Firearm Supremacy. You are proficient with firearms. You can reload firearms as a bonus action, and ranged firearm attacks you make ignore half cover.
Adrenal Surge. As a bonus action, you enter a heightened state for 1 minute. During this time, your speed increases by 10 feet, and you can Dash or Disengage as a bonus action. You also have advantage on Strength (Athletics) and Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks. Once used, you must complete a long rest before using this feature again.
Experimental Resilience. You have resistance to poison damage and advantage on saving throws against being poisoned.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language of your choice.
Subrace. Yes
Infiltrator[edit]
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity score increases by 1.
Silent Step. You have proficiency in the Stealth skill.
Adaptive Camouflage. As a bonus action, you can blend into your surroundings, gaining advantage on Stealth checks for 1 minute. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all uses after a long rest.
Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it were dim light.
Juggernaut[edit]
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score increases by 1.
Unyielding Durability. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to reduce it by 1d10 + your Constitution modifier. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, regaining all uses after a long rest.
Built for Battle. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.
Technomancer[edit]
Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 1.
Spellcasting. You know the *mending* cantrip. At 3rd level, you can cast *detect magic* once per day. At 5th level, you can cast *enhance ability* once per day. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
Arcane Weaponry. Your firearm attacks count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity to nonmagical damage.
Random Height and Weight[edit]
Base Height |
Height Modifier* |
Base Weight |
Weight Modifier** |
---|---|---|---|
6′ 0'' | ++2d8 | 180 lb. | × (x(2d4)) lb. |
*Height = base height + height modifier |
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
When creating a Vanguard Operative character, you can use the following table of traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws to help flesh out your character. Use these tables in addition to or in place of your background's characteristics.
d8 | Personality Trait |
---|---|
1 | I always analyze situations for the most tactical advantage. |
2 | I struggle with emotions, as I was trained to suppress them. |
3 | I have a strict moral code, even if it conflicts with my orders. |
4 | I am always watching, always prepared for an ambush. |
5 | I prefer efficiency over excessive talk. |
6 | I approach problems like a mission: identify, plan, execute. |
7 | I have difficulty relating to people who haven't seen war. |
8 | I am fiercely loyal to those who earn my trust. |
d6 | Ideal |
---|---|
1 | **Loyalty.** I will never abandon those who fight beside me. (Lawful) |
2 | **Freedom.** I reject my creators and forge my own destiny. (Chaotic) |
3 | **Honor.** There are lines I will never cross. (Good) |
4 | **Power.** Strength is the only thing that matters. (Evil) |
5 | **Redemption.** I seek to atone for the things I've done. (Any) |
6 | **Survival.** I will do whatever it takes to live another day. (Neutral) |
d6 | Bond |
---|---|
1 | My squad was my family; I will never forget them. |
2 | I have a vendetta against those who experimented on me. |
3 | I still follow my original mission, no matter what. |
4 | Someone gave me a second chance, and I owe them everything. |
5 | I seek to protect those who cannot protect themselves. |
6 | I must uncover the secrets of my own creation. |
d6 | Flaw |
---|---|
1 | I struggle to understand humor or casual conversation. |
2 | I find it hard to trust anyone. |
3 | I have difficulty controlling my aggression. |
4 | My enhancements make me feel superior to others. |
5 | I see emotions as a weakness. |
6 | My past haunts me, and I have nightmares every night. |
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