Choose 6 Tribes for the game. (Each Tribe is a set of 12 Faerie cards that share a single Power).

Shuffle the selected Tribes together to create the Faerie deck (72 cards). Deal 3 cards, face down, to each player. Place the Faerie deck in the middle of the table. (A)

Players examine their cards.

Faeries have both a Rank (B) (from 1 to 5) and a unique Power (A). The specific card distribution is (2) copies of Ranks 1, 3, and 5, and (3) copies of Ranks 2 and 4.

Each player chooses 2 of their dealt Faerie cards to keep, and places them face-up in front of them. (D) These starting cards begin your Alliance (tableau). When choosing Faeries, players should consider keeping Faeries of the highest rank. Faerie Powers do not activate when placed during Set Up. So, if you have an ability that you really want to use, consider NOT choosing that Faerie right now. The remaining card is placed face-down to one side of the table to start the Dismiss pile.

Shuffle the 6 Direction of Play cards. Put one card back in the box without looking at it. It will not be used this game (The game is 5 rounds). Place the Direction of Play deck next to the Faerie deck. (B)

Give the Scepter card to the owner/host of the game. (E) Alternatively, give it to the player who has most recently been mischievous. Set Up is complete!