Your initial expeditions will primarily be in the Royal Woodlands and Marshlands. These biomes serve as excellent training grounds for understanding core mechanics. Focus on achieving the minimum Reputation required to call the Emissary, typically 14. Don't aim for perfection; learn to adapt to the random blueprints and glade events.
Prioritize establishing stable food production and housing. Explore glades cautiously, as early game settlements might not have the resources to handle complex glade events. Utilize the trading post to sell surplus goods for Amber, which can be crucial for buying missing resources or blueprints to complete orders.