No, those are fine. You have to play companions in an order, so you choose the order that works. In the first case, you play Faramir for
![3 [3]](https://lotrtcgdb.com/forums/Smileys/classic/3.png)
, then he makes Mablung cost
![1 [1]](https://lotrtcgdb.com/forums/Smileys/classic/1.png)
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![4 [4]](https://lotrtcgdb.com/forums/Smileys/classic/4.png)
. In the second case you play
Alcarin whose cost is
![2 [2]](https://lotrtcgdb.com/forums/Smileys/classic/2.png)
in your starting fellowship, then
Turgon who can spot
Alcarin to play also for
![2 [2]](https://lotrtcgdb.com/forums/Smileys/classic/2.png)
-->
![4 [4]](https://lotrtcgdb.com/forums/Smileys/classic/4.png)
. Obviously if you played those cards in the other order, it would not work, but the fact that there is an order that does work means they are legal starting fellowships.
Thranduil