I'm digging it so far, but IMO, if ever there was a time to get away from the concept of enemy scaling and give them flat stats (so that, for example, if you see a centaur at level 4 you need to scream and run for your life), this would be it.

Caravan: The rules (I don't think the rules for a card game count as a spoiler) state that you start with one card to determine suit and the next to determine ascending or descending order. That means that I should be able to lay down any second card as long as it's the same suit. It kept coming up red, though (seven of clubs on three of clubs, two of hearts on ace of hearts). Am I missing something else?

Yes you are trying to play on top of the card. There is a position right under each card to place another card. Face cards can be played on top of cards tho