Flags

What Flags Are

Flags replace bonds. A flag is a clear invitation to the other players: this is the kind of pressure, temptation, or complication I want you to put on my character.

Flags work best when they point outward. They tell the table how to engage your character, not just how your character feels.

How We Use Flags In This Campaign

Each character chooses two flags.

When a flag comes up in play, lean into it. A hit usually means you present a tough choice, not that you force a result.

If a flag stops fitting the character, change it when that makes sense in the fiction.

What Makes A Good Flag

A good flag is:

actionable, so the table can tell when it is hit
tense, so it creates a real choice
revealing, so it shows something important about the character
consequential, so it can change relationships or decisions

If a flag is too vague, it will not get used. If it is too broad, it will not create interesting pressure.

Example Flags

Use these as prompts for character creation:

challenge my pride by offering me a smaller role than I think I deserve
tempt me with an easy answer that costs someone else more than it costs me
put me in a position where honesty would make things worse
offer me a chance to protect a friend by breaking a rule I claim to follow
show me a shortcut that would help now but create trouble later
make me choose between personal loyalty and the needs of the group
ask me to prove myself when backing down would be wiser
give me a reason to keep a dangerous secret
put my competence in doubt in front of people who matter to me
offer me an advantage that I can only take by compromising my values

Move Changes

Replacing bonds with flags changes two moves.

Aid or Interfere

When you help or hinder someone, say how. You may do so before or after they roll, but before the result is known. If you do it:

using brute force, roll+STR
using speed, agility, or physical finesse, roll+DEX
using vitality, toughness, or vigor, roll+CON
through emotional manipulation, roll+CHA
through analysis, logic, or book-learning, roll+INT
some other way, roll+WIS

On a 10+, you choose whether they take +1 or -2 to their roll. On a 7-9, they still get the modifier, but you also expose yourself to danger, retribution, or cost.

End of Session

At the end of the session, if you hit a flag of any other character at least once, mark XP. If anyone hit at least one of your flags, mark XP. These are separate triggers, so you can mark XP for one, both, or neither.

How To Use This At The Table

Read everyone’s flags before play starts. Keep them in mind while you act.

When you hit a flag, aim for pressure and choice. Put the character in a spot where they have to decide what matters more, or what they are willing to risk.

The goal is not to trap a player. The goal is to make their character’s priorities visible in play.