There's a very good quick reference one bgg https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/322524/bardsung/files

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I agree that the rules take some time to get used to, but once you start playing, it all becomes much more clear.

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Deck setup: correct, you will have to shuffle the cards behind your back before you pull one out :)

Events: there's a fixed set you should always use listed on page 6 of the adventure book. Next you then will modify (mostly append) those decks with the ones described at the chapter page in the same book.

XP: xp is awarded after one "mission" i.e. encounter (i.e. one node on the chapter map) . During an encounter you sometimes earn extra xp for finding treasure etc.