The Vanguard of Dawn

Identity: Legendary Adventuring Party of the Era I "Dawning Age" Location: Various (Deceased or Immortal)

The Vanguard of Dawn are the foundational heroes of modern Aethervale. Composed of four (or possibly five) extraordinary individuals, they rose during the Age of Ruin to defeat the Abyssal Lord Mal'Ganis and his demonic hordes. Their sacrifice and victory established the magical wards that protected the continents for five centuries and paved the way for the rebuilding of civilization. They are worshipped as saints and heroes in nearly every culture.

Members of the Vanguard:

• Sir Alistair of Dawn (Human Paladin): The leader and moral compass of the group, known for his indestructible shield and his unwavering faith in the Seven Saints.
• High Priestess Elowen (Dwarven Cleric): A master of healing and protection magic who established the first temples of the Pantheon in the Northern Continent.
• Kaelen the Swift (Elven Ranger): The group's scout and master archer, whose knowledge of the Aether-currents allowed the party to navigate the corrupted landscapes of the Age of Ruin.
• Toby the Brave (Halfling Rogue): A master of infiltration and social engineering whose quick thinking saved the party on numerous occasions.
• The Forgotten Fifth (Unknown): Rumors persist of a fifth member whose name and deeds were erased from history for reasons unknown.

Plot Hooks:

• The Vanguard's Vault: The party finds a map to a hidden vault containing the personal journals and weapons of the Vanguard. However, the vault is guarded by ancient, spectral versions of the heroes themselves who must be proven worthy.
• The Descendant's Call: A character with a strong connection to one of the Vanguard's lineages starts experiencing flashes of the heroes' final battle, revealing a secret weakness of Mal'Ganis that was never recorded.
• The False Vanguard: A group of charlatans is posing as the reincarnated Vanguard, using illusions and sleight of hand to swindle cities. The party must expose their fraud before they cause a diplomatic incident.