Founding a settlement (deed) requires the use of either a [[deed stake]] or a [[settlement form]]. Unlike [[Writ of Ownership|writs]], which are created by building a [[House (general)|house]], settlement forms must be purchased from an [[NPC]] [[trader]]. The price of a form is 10 silver.
Using a deed stake brings up a "Settlement Application Form" dialog. If in which you have sufficient funds in all the options for your bank an 11x11 tile deed is selected settlement (with no other choicessimilar to using a settlement form). The founding costs are taken from your bank account.
When you use your settlement form to found a deed, you will have a credit of 10 silver. 3 silver will always be reserved for upkeep. The other 7 silver is used to cover your tile costs, and any left over will also go to your upkeep. If your inital deed would cost more than 7 silver, you must have the extra amount in your bank account. One tile on deed costs 1 copper to purchase and has a 20 iron upkeep. 1 perimeter tile costs 50 iron to purchase and has a 5 iron upkeep.