Getting Started
Before a new player can get started, there are several things that they must first do.
Choosing a Government
The galaxy is a very big place, even in the Star Trek time frame. One race and government can't simply control it all, even if some of them wish it were so. The very first step to getting yourself on the path that you choose is picking a government to represent. At this current time, only three governments are represented in the RP. These three governments are the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Star Empire, or Independant. This choice is important because it will determine what types of ships your character is allowed to use.
United Federation of Planets-Choosing The United Federation of Planets as your representing government allows the player to select from Federation Ships, parts, and upgrades to add to their ship. They are given more Credits to start off with than any of the other races, but are also bound by the rules and regulations of Federation and Starfleet Law. This prohibits them from using sneakier (more illegal) methods to acquire parts or ships. However, if they discover a wreck, they are allowed to salvage from it as long as no other character or government has laid claim to the wreck. As always, the Prime Directive applies when dealing with new races or handling situations on planets, making them explorers and peace keepers first before they attempt to fight.
Klingon Empire-Choosing the Klingon Empire as your representative government allows the player to select from Klingon Vessels, parts, and upgrades to add to their ship. They are given less Credits than the Federation, but more than the Independent Government. They receive the same Credits as the Romulan Government. The Klingons are bound by a strict code of honor, but their government has few laws when dealing with exploration, dealing with planets, or other such things. As such, their laws are far more lax than Federation standards, allowing for more "creative" methods of acquiring new weapons and technology from other races. However, honor is more important than anything else, making sneaky and backhanded tactics highly frowned upon. But to battle and take from a worthy foe is celebrated under the Klingon Government.
Romulan Star Empire-Choosing the Romulan Star Empire as your representative government allows the player to select from Romulan Vessels, parts, and upgrades to add to their ship. They are given less Credits than the Federation, but more than the Independent Government. They receive the same Credits as the Klingon Government. The Romulans are descended from the Vulcans, and as such are very logical, but lack the same solid emotional control as their ancestors. As such, they are terrifyingly good at going the diplomatic route to gain almost anything they want. This is reflected by their laws. If you can make a deal for it, and justify it, you can do it. The Romulan Empire is favored by traders due to this policy of theirs.
Independent-Choosing Independent as your representative government allows the player to select from any government's vessels, parts, and upgrades to add to their ship. However, they are given less starting Credits than any other government as they are pretty much supporting themselves. Going the independent route is hard when it comes to cash, but for some is well worth the cost. The only limitations are their pocketbooks, and what the respective governments will not allow them to purchase. They are bound by no laws but their own. Pirates and criminals are often included under this banner.
Now that you have a government, you'll need to pick what race your character is!
Choosing a Race
Some races have basic attributes that effect their decisions. Vulcans, for example, are cold and logical, and are not effected by their emotions in normal circumstances. Klingons are impulsive and quick to anger. They are warriors first and diplomats later. Romulans are cold and calculating, making them dangerous opponents, but also skilled diplomats. Betazoids are empaths that can sense the emotions of other races, which could make them talented counselors, diplomats, or even tactical officers. These are only a few examples of races that players can choose from as the galaxy is a very large place! Consider these types of things before picking a race and try to find one that suits your style of play.
Once you have chosen a government to represent you and an Alpha or Beta Quadrant race, you are free to head out into the quadrant, however, you'll need a ship first...
Choosing a Ship, and using Credits
No matter which government you pick to represent, you'll still have to go about picking a ship. This task isn't as easy as picking a ship class and going into battle with it. As previously stated, each player is given a certain amount of "Credits" by their representing government. These Credits are then used to purchase a ship, and to purchase parts and upgrades for said ship. New ships can be bought as well, as players earn up more credits by doing various activities. Missions or activities that earn credits include missions posted in the "Quadrant Communications" thread, trading and selling objects for a price negotiated between two parties, defeating an enemy ship in combat, pirating and selling, or continuously exploring a new area for an extended amount of time. If a High Ranking officer (Moderator or Guild Crew member) sees fit to reward you for your job, they can do so with a reward of credits.
A complete list of ships for each government, as well as their upgrades, are available in the "Deep Space 12 - Drydock" Subforum.
you'll need a ship first...
Putting Down Your Information
Once you've picked out everything, you'll need to visit the "Deep Space 12 - Drydock" subforum. Contained within is the "Deep Space 12 Ship Registry" Thread. The information on how to post your bio, ship, etc. is all contained in the first post of that thread. Once you're finished creating everything, you're finally set to start playing! Everyone will start out at Deep Space 12. The more criminalistic types can start at the Ferengi Outpost located in the Sectors A-E 1-20 Subforum. Enjoy!
Insurance
It is important to note that in the event that your ship is destroyed, you will be refunded 75% of the ship's total worth including cost of upgrades for that ship, as well as parts. While destruction of another person's ship is not smiled upon, it is allowed if both parties agree to it while in combat, or if the event or mission that the ship is on allows said ship to be destroyed. This will be outlined in the Mission Parameters.
