Phase 1: Establishment

Duration: Until the first Queen of any suit is drawn 
 Tone: Hopeful, ambitious, foundational 
 Focus: The settlement is finding its footing. Players define community identity, establish resources, set up infrastructure, and articulate initial aspirations. Challenges exist but feel manageable. The future seems open. 
 Mechanical Notes: 
 
 Characters emerge slowly; typically 2-4 by phase end 
 Tension starts low and builds gradually 
 Projects initiated tend to be infrastructural 
 Deliberate actions often define cultural identity 
 
 Phase Ends: When any Queen appears, read that suit's Growth Phase entry below, then transition to Phase 2.