From the introduction:
The year is One Thousand and Six Hundred Anno Domini, by the Gregorian Calendar. As you have been chosen by the Crown to found a new colony in the New World, We are prepared to send you a good deal of aid. However, before you begin, We must explain to you the details of the charter you now bear. Acts of witchcraft (as befitting the common perception in our year of One Thousand and Six Hundred) or high treason shall result in the instant revocation of your charter and your expulsion from the civilized world. Failure to fill out the proper forms, presented below, will result in the suspension of your charter. Finally, over-reliance on the Crown's military support will result in heavy fines being levied against you. It's simply business, that one, as our coffers can't afford to empty themselves over just one colony. Now, shall we begin?