Foolish Flagoneers Session Zero

Summary

Having lost my last heroes, I start again. I make a team of 3 (for now), with a level 2 to anchor my mains until they get to level 2. I establish the setting for my game, a temple I have hinted at in my campaign world, and generate my characters. Adventure awaits!

*** 

Do it again, only better.

• Warren Enters

Okay, my twins met a grisly fate. I don’t feel much like going back and clearing those caves AGAIN - and the reality is that I feel like I playtested it enough to feel comfortable publishing it as an introductory adventure. I’m going to jump elsewhere in the Broken Vale, and tool around a bit with Stalwart Keep. I have already established that the Vault of the D’Ro is within the mountain, and that it has some entrances.

I think I’ll explore the Temple of Morning which is higher up the mountainside, above Stalwart Keep, near a fortress of hobgoblins (who maintain a relative peace with the Keep). I had pictured these on flat outcroppings, but I think it’s more cinematic to have them jutting out of the mountain face.

I’m using the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona as inspiration. I think that the hobgoblins have captured a towering gatehouse a little further down the cliff, and that the temple proper is above. They would maintain a heavy gate on the temple side that blocks access. You’d have to pay them to cross to the temple… and again to come back. 

I liked a lot about my last approach (except for the whole death at the end thing), and might keep the same hook here. I don’t think two level 1’s have much of a chance, so I’ll give them a level 2 they travel with until they hit level 2 and can take care of themselves a little better.

Mim and Brand are at the Fated Flagon, just about on their last coin, when Sir Garen enters. He makes it known (announcing it publicly on the stage) that he has come from the High Marshall with a writ of authority to explore the temple grounds above, and he seeks men-at-arms to accompany him. He will offer an equal share of any treasure recovered. Mim and Brand are the two who respond, and they end up inviting him to their table (and to pay their bill). Sir Garek is noble but not stupid; he accepts these two as they are, asking them only not to betray him. He presents a contract with their terms and conditions of service, and they gladly sign away (without reading too much once they see a third share of valuables recovered). 

Sir Garek - Noble Human Paladin 2

Armor 3; Hits 20; Move 60’; Sword (+3*/8) 

Traits: Might 3; Mind 3; Reflex 1 

Tags: Mystic (Common, Light); Two Handed; Warrior 

Gear: Chainmail Armor 3; Bastard Sword 5

Spells: (2 mana) Glimmering Weapon

Brand - Stoic Human Fighter 1 

Armor 2; Hits 11; Move 60’; Spear (+2*/8/40’) or Dirk (+2/6) 

Traits: Might 4; Mind 0; Reflex 2 

Tags: Brawler; Toughness; Two Handed; Warrior 

Gear: Leather Armor 1; Spear 3

Mim - Clever Gnome Trickster 1 

Armor 0 (2); Hits 8; Move 40’; Dirk (+1/2) or Bow (+1/4) 

Traits: Might 0; Mind 4; Reflex 2 

Tags: Charisma; Mystic (Common, Arcane); Thievery 

Gear: Shortbow 2; Toolkit 

Magic: (Mana 1); Command

I throw together a rough map of the location…

Parenthetically (if you’ve ready this far), I decide to coin them the ‘foolish flagoneers’ after the tavern from which they depart. I google the term ‘flagoneer’ just to see what it says, and get this (ironically appropriate) response… I mean, these both describe Mim to a T.

1. Flagorneur (French Term)

If you are looking up a word that sounds like "flagoneer," you are likely looking for the French noun flagorneur. [1]

• Meaning: A toady, sycophant, or bootlicker. It refers to someone who uses insincere, excessive flattery to win favor or get ahead.

• Noun form: Flagornerie (the act of fawning or brown-nosed flattery). [1, 2, 3, 4]

2. Flâneur (Literary/Philosophical Concept)

If you heard a word resembling "flane-er" in a discussion about literature, art, or psychology, it is flâneur. [1]

• Meaning: A passionate urban explorer, stroller, or detached observer of modern city life. [1, 2]

• Context: Coined in 19th-century France and popularized by figures like Charles Baudelaire, it represents someone who wanders the streets aimlessly just to observe society. [1, 2]