In the interests of moving this game forward, how do you feel about locking recruitment now and having the remaining player-slots filled with NPC settlements you need to convince to contribute to the defense? Or are you okay with waiting for more players?

Regardless, initial OP to the IC is largely prepped and ready when you are, starting with the first joint-defense conference set about a week after the First Raid by the pirate armada that will be your initial nemesis.