First Orders: Common Questions

Can I start next to a friend?

Yes, if they invite you. An invited Governor lands in the waters of the one who sent the invitation, or as close beside them as the sea allows. Without an invitation, the sea picks your waters for you: new water toward the open edge, with a sea rock and at least one free island to scout and raid, and other Governors close enough to meet but never a crowd.

Why join an alliance before I even have an army?

Because the banner is worth most when you are weakest. A distress call from a small island brings allied garrisons that fight in its defence, and the chat behind it answers questions faster than any handbook. Waiting until you are strong enough to "deserve" one is the most expensive habit a new Governor can keep.

Should I train soldiers before building stores?

Not usually. A tiny garrison matters, but early overflow and weak income hurt every later order. Build the Storehouse before production starts spilling away.

I collected nothing and the Main House quote looks impossible. Am I broke?

Probably not. Rewards wait in Dispatches under Claims until you take them, and the early beats pay mostly in gold. Collect before you plan the next build.

What breaks sanctuary?

Launching an attack, a raid or a settling fleet at another Governor's island ends the shield immediately. Building, trading, spying, scouting the map, raiding unclaimed shores, and joining an alliance do not. The full rules are on New player protection.

There is a Black Tide island near me. Did I do something wrong?

No. Every Governor arrives to one. A Black Tide raider stands in your own ocean from the day you land, or in the next one over when yours has no free island, and it keeps to itself unless provoked. It is not aimed at you and it is not a countdown. Leave it be while you build.

When should I leave this playbook?

When the first raid haul has come home and the island holds income, storage, walls, and a garrison, move to Second Orders and start weighing a second shore.