Right.
I think I'd like to make 2 versions of the timer. Basic play could be just over a minute and then have a second 'tournament timer' for 30 seconds. When you know how to play the game 30 seconds feels right because you need to be concentrating and mistakes can happen, which is good because the more skillful player that knows their team can take advantage. Just over a minute for basic play doesn't feel too rushed we've found. When Nathan from Rock, Paper, Shotgun was playing we had it set for 45 seconds and it was a little rushed because he never played before, so 1 whole minute should feel fine. That being said ALL this is open for debate and balance once we're in Beta. I'm just musing here.
When playing friends there will be more timer options including no timer. So you can relax and teach a friend over chat or work on testing tactics.
Of note: "Friend mode" does not accrue Renown. It's just for fun, bragging rights and training.