Frequently Asked Questions

Before Joining

Do I have to fill out the description and/or personality when registering?

While not required, it is encouraged that players take an active role to fully detail their characters when joining the game. Doing so will help to ensure that other players, and the player themselves, have a solid grasp on the character they are portraying. Reviewing the datalink information on the Starborn universe will help to give players new and old creative ways to fill their character information.

Is it possible to join someone else's crew?

Yes, players are allowed and encouraged to join together to form crews and soar through space. The openness of space is unforgiving on the solitary mind, and as such staff encourages players to interact to jointly craft story in a way that fulfills the needs of everyone involved. Presently there are no real bars to joining crews, while later on the game may incorporate a quota system that will require a set number of player crew before a certain ship is available.

New Members

How do we earn money?

Money is simple to come by in Starborn. All that is required is that you engage yourself actively on the IC forums. The underlying system will record your activity there and transfer the activity into in-game currency as credits. You are free to spend this money as you would, it is assumed to be your "pay" for whatever activities you engage in in-game.

How do we train skills?

Skills are trained in the same way that money is earned. When active on the IC forums you receive experience points to spend in the character system on training, or skill usage. There is no cap to how much you can earn, and each week you can train any number of times that you want, it all hinges on how much you actually play and do with your character. However, it is not encouraged to attempt to 'break' the system, as you will be caught and measures are in place to hobble such activity. Other players are encouraged to be on the lookout for those who are trying to abuse the system and report them to staff.

I just joined Starborn and am eager to get started, but I'm not sure how or where to begin. Can you help?

Its a good idea to begin by reviewing the material in the datalink. By doing so you can ensure that before you begin a solid picture of the universe as we've laid it out will situate in your mind. If you've never role-played before, try out our quick guide on how play-by-post roleplays work. If all of that doesn't help that is why we have a whole section dedicated to asking questions and clearing up problems players might have, the datalog. We have dedicated members and staff who are willing to help answer your questions. Having friends is a sure-fire way to get into the meat of the universe, so try and network a little - you may find that other players have more answers than anything else.

How do you roleplay?

Please review: Your First Roleplay & Common Terms

Can I create NPCs in my storyline(s)?

Yes, there are no real limits on what you are allowed to do in your stories. That is the true beauty of this format. For the most part everyone's actions don't play heavily on one another. Yet, there are limits that are in place. Should you desire your thread's subject matter to be incorporated into a grander storyline, or even interact with other players, you must be willing to be realistic and mature in your gaming. Its easy for everyone to go out and create a million NPCs, kill them as they wish. This is not encouraged and for the most part if such things take place they will not even be recognized as valid action, and in severe cases disciplinary action may result.

Does the staff create a storyline for me or am I free to create my own?

The staff does and will continue to provide storyline for direct player involvement as per our stance on episodic content. However, just the same players are able to opt-out of this grander storyline as they see fit. It is along the same lines of the modern world, where each person is allowed to do as he or she pleases. Player created story lines can be integrated into the game story-line via submission through the integration system. Such submissions are checked for validity and may well be incorporated in whole or in part by the game staff at their discretion. No promises are ever made on incorporating material.

Where is the game material and how do I get to it?

Starborn uses the Datalink (which you are currently viewing) as its "game manual". Housing almost all facets of game related information the Datalink's operations can be examined in detail in the Navigating the Datalink guide. Further question should be sent to the staff or directed to the forums.

Can there be hybrids on Starborn? If so, how do I select my character's species on registration?

Yes, hybrids do exist in this universe. However, due to the nature of Heritage 7 and the genetic differences that resulted from its use certain races are further from the stem of Earth Humans than others. In some cases this means little while in others it means that they are wholly incompatible and cannot interbreed. The Humanity Rating system was designed to address this very real problem of compatibility.

Game Dynamics

Can the number of points we train or money we make ever change?

Yes, unlike the game from 2003 that spawned this project Starborn allows for players to attain experience points and money in respect to how active they are on the forums. There is no weekly cap to this amount.

How do I get a ship?

Presently you are unable to begin the game owning a ship. However, with some playing you can easily purchase a ship with your wages. Staff will likely be implementing a ship database sometime after launch to expand the versatility of ship management. However, a date for such additions has not been set.

Does my post count affect anything?

Outside of changing user titles the forum post count does not have any game mechanic tied to it. Money and experience points are tied directly to content submitted, not the number of posts.

How many skills do I get for my character?

Starborn will have no skill limit at present. We're testing out the idea that so long as you have the skill-points, the money, and the time you could get all the skills in the game. Players will recognize this as a departure from the old model which allowed for only five(5) skills per player.

If I miss a week of training, will the points/money carry over to the next week?

Skill points are a pool, and as such do not expire. A player could in theory simply hoard all his or her skill points and use them at once, although such actions are not recommended as it does not indicate the gradual progression of people's skills over time and might be hard to account for in a story.

1. Can I change a skill after registering?

I want to fight someone. How is it handled?

Fights are only to be undertaken with the express consent of both parties. In which case the two players are allowed to work together to resolve the matter. If the two cannot come to an agreement a story guide can be called in to moderate the action. In which case the guide will work to factor in player skill levels, equipment, and most importantly what they've written.

Are there any special events on Starborn?

News and updates will be given on the main page in a constant feed. Large-scale game events will be handled by story guides and players will be able to participate. The specifics on each event will be different, so be sure to read details on every event before posting. For more information check out: Holidays and Events.

Is there a core storyline on Starborn?

The core storyline revolves around episodic content, where staff will help guide the universe in a progression from where its been heading. Already several episodes are sitting, waiting for completion. Keep your eyes peeled, the universe is not static.

What do the stats represent?

Stats are a rough estimate of player aptitude at a skill, ability, or craft. Their numbers are there to help compare players, but other factors do come into play, especially in combat situations. The setting, along with player writing, are huge factors in determining combat odds.

Can I sell items back to the shop?

Yes, players can sell back most any item to the shop for at least some credits. Additionally, certain trade skills allow players to create items that they may then sell at the shops, as a built-in trade system to make more money.

How long does it take to travel from place to place and do I have to RP that in real-time?

Is there any handicaps in using ballistic weapons over energy weapons?

Ballistic weapons are only included to appease antiquity buffs. Beyond that, their use is rather impracticable and often time they are highly illegal. Energy based weapons are far more efficient, cheaper, and have more lethality. Yet, for those who want it some ballistic weapons still exist. Be ready to pay a premium for these antiques.

When does the credit for posting stop?

There is not real cutoff in the system that "dumps" accumulated currency into their account. Instead it is done on a fairly dynamic basis.

What do Starborn engines run on?

Starborn relies on the use of numerous propulsion mechanisms, which can be further researched at Technology. Mechanisms range from magnetically propelled LANCE systems, the internal fusion engines of ships, to the mammoth space station that outrigs ships for extra-solar transit.

What is a Credit? How are purchases made?

The currency of Starborn is credits and they are detailed in their own entry. Purchases are made through the character management system, where players are able to spend their money on shop items, skill usage, and more.

Scenarios

1. I want an Aurora Class ship, but it won't let me register it. Why?
2. I want to only be a fighter pilot, but I can't register any of the fighters. What do I do?
3. If I go on vaction or move and am away for awhile, do I need to inform the staff?
4. What happens if my character dies?
5. If I, after registering a ship, form a larger crew and gain access to better ship classes, can I transfer purchased items to a new ship?
6. My relative/friend plays VS on the same computer as I. Is this a problem?
7. Can I land my ship on a planet?
8. What happens with my ship if the crew size drops below the minimum requirement for that class?
9. What is the name of the medicine that gets rid of the poisonous effects of Caster Filter #2 and how may I get it?
10. Is there any possible way you could use Telekinesis to fly?
11. Where would a shield generator be located on a ship?
12. Dropships do exist to rent, for land travel right?
13. Could there ever be the possibility of a TPT screw up, like sending you to the wrong place?

Game Settings/Locations

Do you dock with space stations or teleport into them?

Space stations are docked with. Starborn does not feature any teleportation systems.

What is beyond the area shown on the star map?

Every system is different, but Earth's Sol system is surrounded by an expanse of space so massive that a player could spend a life-time exploring it and never see it all. The Oort Cloud as its called, dwarfs the whole of the Earth System and is the reason extra-system transit must be managed by the control center on Pluto.

Are there any locations not shown on the star map?

Yes, player created locations, as well as numerous game features have not been included on the star maps for keeping the maps themselves scalable and readily accessible.

Can I invent a new location in my storyline?

Yes, players are allowed to invest in their own locations and by this have them incorporated in to legitimate destinations. Staff has final say on what is and isn't incorporated, yet players are free to invest as they would like. This system even allows for players to start their own businesses or give their organizations a base of operations.

What are cities like on the planets?

While every planet and colony differs most cities operate just as modern cities upon Earth. Rule and law abide in most, while the classes struggle against greed and corruption in others. The mix of the worlds is an intricate tapestry.

Shouldn't there be natural land marks like nebula, suns, black holes, etc.?

All human colonies at this point are centralized around habitable, or relatively so in the case of the Inex System, suns. As such there are no landmarks of the large galactic sense such as black holes and sweeping nebula. Should humanity settle a wider area in the future instead of relying on point-to-point transit through the slipstream then that may change.

Are there any water planets?

Yes, please feel free to visit the expanse of blue that is Aquelas.

Site/RPG Guidelines

Is there a limit to how many characters I can register?

At any given time you should have only one character per account. NPCs do not count towards this total.

Can I be a staff member?

Staff members are picked based on their personality, dedication, and administrative decisions. As time progresses numerous positions will open up, and they will be filled from the general member base.

Can I help Starborn? If so, how?

Players are encouraged to take an active role in helping build the universe. As such please be active in any fashion you like. However, numerous outlets for you exist: participate on the datalink forums and help newcomer, submit new material for entry into the universe, or support the site by becoming a community supporter. There are so many other ways to help, even posting on OOC forums is a great way help build a stable community.

Can I advertise my RPG/site on the forums?

Presently, no. Starborn is operated by InMyth.com and as such requests that members do not advertise their own games. However, the whole point of Starborn is to help display what is possible through use of the InMyth back end. If you feel you would like to use our system for your own game, in whatever theme you choose feel free to contact us. We are looking to expand use of our back end system.

Do I get any reward for my character for inviting others to join Starborn?

A badge system is planned for integration so that players may earn community-based recognition for such actions.

Can I create a fan, clan, guild, etc. site for Starborn? If so, can you host it?

The possibility does exist that we would allow hosting of fan-sites, however at this time we do not offer such services. However, if you desire we will be willing to provide Fan-Site packages with imagery you may use from our hosting site.

If I have a problem, who do I contact?

Problems and bugs with the site should be quickly reported to any administrative staff. Doing so will help to ensure that the problem is resolved. Don't be overly worried about sending material to the wrong person, we are a tightly knit team and will forward the problem on to the appropriate party.

I would like to be an associate/affiliate with Starborn. Who do I contact and are there any prerequisites?

Please see our contact information for such requests. We will review each request on a by-case basis and give you our decision. Our contact page also includes pre-made link icons for inclusion on outside sites.

I am having a problem with another member. What do I do?

Please contact any staff member and detail the situation. In such a case it is a good idea to try and log incidents to help validate your claim. Staff will work to help resolve all such issues as promptly as possible.

Are there restrictions on the skills or items?

Certain items are designed specifically for the races of the game and are otherwise a waste of money for any other player. Be aware of such situations. Skills are much the same way, with some races having skills only accessible to their kind.

Are there any experts on the species?

On the forums please seek out the datalog for detailed help from knowledgeable players and staff.

Can I draw or create an illustration/graphic of something on Starborn?

We are always open to user-created submissions. Anything you submit we will gladly review for inclusion, with proper credit given, just the same with any written materials that you submit.

Are there any contests or any plans for some?

Contests will be held, however thus far the staff has not spent time deciding what these will be - and will postpone any such action until the game is further underway.

Miscellaneous

Are all the members on Starborn database active?

While not all members are active Starborn does have a healthy population of people who participate daily. The character database can give you a rough idea of just how many people have taken the plunge and joined our story.

Can you help me create an RPG?

The hosting site for Starborn, InMyth.com does that very thing. If you are interested in working with InMyth on a project - contact them and you may well find yourself on your way to using our systems to run your vision.

How long do you plan to keep Starborn open?

Starborn will remain open as long as the players are willing and the staff is able.

What is planned for the future of Starborn?

Some items that we are planning can be found in the "About" section of the site. Yet even there we are somewhat stingy, we can't be expected to give away all the secrets.

Why can't I post on the forums? I keep getting some message about not being logged in.

Starborn requires player to register and be logged in to their accounts to post on the forums. This is a simple policy to help keep spammers out and the forums relatively clean of unnecessary clutter.

How do I get one of those cool titles?

User titles are based on post counts, or for community supporters they are allowed to enter in their own - with special colors reserved just for them. Additional titles exist for staff positions or simple recognition of outstanding members.