Starting a faction

[Blakpik]

Alrighty, This is not a faction itself, so if the admins think it needs to be moved then I don't mind,

I am considering starting a faction, and am realising that I don't know how to go about it, I don't know if I am ready to start it or what I am doing. So I thought, is it like this for everyone who wants to make a new faction? So what this thread is supposed to be is a list where everyone goes and plonks down their ideas for how to start a faction. I hope this may be able to help me and anyone in the future who wants to start a faction.

The only suggestion I have is, pick a name that suits what your faction specialises in; for example "The Starmadian Republic" sounds fairly general, where as "The Starmadian Empire" sounds more militaristic, "The Starmadian Union" sounds more industrial and "StarmadeCorp" sounds more like an economically focused faction. Don't let this dictate anything, this is a very loose suggestion and has not much to do with anything, but I think that image is always important and it is important that everyone knows what you are about.

 

[Thalanor]

In any case, if you want to kickoff a brand new faction, you need to do the grindy work alone first (or with whoever you start the faction with) and create a functional base with enough resources in stock. An unknown new faction's name and general idea is unlikely to attract anyone by itself, since everyone can found a faction - the hard work is getting it started without alot of people working with you in the beginning.

 

[CyberTao]

Those are general and over used names (or so people have said), there is a broader variety of titles like Khan, Conglomerate, United, Duchy or various other types. Looking into Government types/styles is one way to get ideas for the foundation/core of the faction.

It's also a good idea to have what you want to be planned, so that the faction structure supports it (Ranks and Roles, plus weight in decisions) if you plan to be a more 'serious' kind of faction, as well as a promotion method (various small tests or checks, or achievements).

What is important is the Role of the faction. Pirate-based factions are free to attack whomever and taunt, whereas trader factions may want to keep their members a little more in check. Find that balance between talking big, helping others, and showing force that would make your faction respected. Excessive talk and no action makes you look like a toothless dog, whereas all action and no talk makes you either exploitable, or just those really weird guys that noone understand, but are kinda annoying.

I would also suggest knowing a server before you create a faction, as you could check on already existing factions and maybe receive some help in setting up, or just make a list of who you would like to associate with. Wouldn't want to be indebted to the server's greatest dick, would ya?

A final thing would be to have a flag/emblem plus a ship or two already made, an existing resource stockpile, a backstory lore/RP, maybe a video, or a few existing members. Any combinations of these might help in getting recruits from the forums, as people are drawn to more established looking factions, or one that simply appeals to their tastes. A neatly organized page with good spelling is also recommended.

That's what I thought up in 15 mins anyways, it's just an opinion and no one can stop you from having fun and doing your own thing. Just be aware that a faction posted here is deemed "official" by some, so presentation matters. I'd recommend looking at some of the other faction intros and seeing what is more or less your competition.

 

[Blakpik]

In any case, if you want to kickoff a brand new faction, you need to do the grindy work alone first (or with whoever you start the faction with) and create a functional base with enough resources in stock. An unknown new faction's name and general idea is unlikely to attract anyone by itself, since everyone can found a faction - the hard work is getting it started without alot of people working with you in the beginning.

Thanks you. I don't really know what to say, but I figured that I should acknowledge your contribution somehow.
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Those are general and over used names (or so people have said), there is a broader variety of titles like Khan, Conglomerate, United, Duchy or various other types. Looking into Government types/styles is one way to get ideas for the foundation/core of the faction.

It's also a good idea to have what you want to be planned, so that the faction structure supports it (Ranks and Roles, plus weight in decisions) if you plan to be a more 'serious' kind of faction, as well as a promotion method (various small tests or checks, or achievements).

What is important is the Role of the faction. Pirate-based factions are free to attack whomever and taunt, whereas trader factions may want to keep their members a little more in check. Find that balance between talking big, helping others, and showing force that would make your faction respected. Excessive talk and no action makes you look like a toothless dog, whereas all action and no talk makes you either exploitable, or just those really weird guys that noone understand, but are kinda annoying.

I would also suggest knowing a server before you create a faction, as you could check on already existing factions and maybe receive some help in setting up, or just make a list of who you would like to associate with. Wouldn't want to be indebted to the server's greatest dick, would ya?

A final thing would be to have a flag/emblem plus a ship or two already made, an existing resource stockpile, a backstory lore/RP, maybe a video, or a few existing members. Any combinations of these might help in getting recruits from the forums, as people are drawn to more established looking factions, or one that simply appeals to their tastes. A neatly organized page with good spelling is also recommended.

That's what I thought up in 15 mins anyways, it's just an opinion and no one can stop you from having fun and doing your own thing. Just be aware that a faction posted here is deemed "official" by some, so presentation matters. I'd recommend looking at some of the other faction intros and seeing what is more or less your competition.

Thank you, my name suggestion was a very general and generic one, But the ideas about preparation are very helpful, thanks. I am not the best with this whole socialising and being nice thing. :P

 

[jorgekorke]

Well, if you wanna follow my example, from the day I started over EE -

I have started over as a one-manner and did not made any recruiting move - instead, I mined and established a decent sized station and made a decent sorting system along with factories, with dumping spots, since I knew the majority of players I would be able to recruit were newbies, so making their lives easier would make the whole faction more attractive.

If you play on EE server, I offer my help to take you faster to the "mid-game", since the most difficult part on Starmade is the transition from Early (start from zero) to Mid game (possess some infrastructure and be capable of taking care of your own).

 

[FlyingDebris]

The Starmadian Republic was actually a mildly successful faction for a little while...

So, you're interested in creating a faction!

First off, you need to make sure your thread is good. I'd recommend starting with a propaganda poster as the first thing to appear, and as the recruit scrolls down they see the information. (I can make a poster for you, if you'd like.)

For the information, you need to make use of different colored and sized headers, then regular text for the information beneath them. Start with something simple, core values perhaps. Then, go on to explain the type of faction you are, your stance on faction warfare, and things of that nature. Then, list the faction's history. (Wait for a few months so you have some.) After that, some general ideas for what members can become in the faction (pilot, builder, etc.) If you have any rules, which I'd recommend keeping very simple as to not appear domineering over your members. After that, a simple, quick application form will do it. For reference, see the Vaygr, Nova Fleet Dynamics, or Tartaran Empire threads.


Now, on to the faction itself.

Having a good serverside recruitment drive is absolutely vital to building up ranks initially. Once you get a good-sized base and 5-10 members, you're ready to take your faction to the forums. Good ships, good members, and good ideals always come into play when recruiting.

Some people will pick inherently 'good' factions like the (long dead) Galaxy Rangers because they are playing on a server and want to help the community there. On the other hand, just as many want to join the 'evil' factions such as the Borg Collective* because it provides more PvP, an aspect of the game which many people enjoy. Others, the vast majority, will just pick a faction that's recruiting and stick with it because it's the first one they chose.

So you have a good forum thread and are gaining members. Is that it?

NO.

As you grow, you may attract attention for better or for worse. If your faction likes PvP, it will be fun for them. If they don't, make sure everything is docked and try coordinating with other factions to take out the threat, or you could ensure your abilities by building ships designed soley as warships, like many of the factions on the forums.

Case study, my own entrance to the factions scene. DFN, brand new faction, gaining lots of members. A few factions with more experience than us saw us as a threat. One day at about 4:00 in the morning, I get news of an attack on our homebase. Everyone died and everything is smoldering. We had 0 defenses, nithing was docked, and our warships were inadequate compared to the ones built for actual faction wars, not clearing out Isanths. So this trend continued for a week or two, and it was eventually resolved (sorta. Been at war with them on and off ever since, though relations do seem to be improving.)

After that, we realized we were sorely lagging behind in terms of firepower. Moral of the story, don't get caught with your pants down. Suspect everything and everyone that isn't green on the nav.



Other than that, remember to enjoy yourself! Take part in competitions, war games, and the like as it's a sandbox game and you can do whatever you very well please.

 

[Blakpik]

The Starmadian Republic was actually a mildly successful faction for a little while...

So, you're interested in creating a faction!

First off, you need to make sure your thread is good. I'd recommend starting with a propaganda poster as the first thing to appear, and as the recruit scrolls down they see the information. (I can make a poster for you, if you'd like.)

For the information, you need to make use of different colored and sized headers, then regular text for the information beneath them. Start with something simple, core values perhaps. Then, go on to explain the type of faction you are, your stance on faction warfare, and things of that nature. Then, list the faction's history. (Wait for a few months so you have some.) After that, some general ideas for what members can become in the faction (pilot, builder, etc.) If you have any rules, which I'd recommend keeping very simple as to not appear domineering over your members. After that, a simple, quick application form will do it. For reference, see the Vaygr, Nova Fleet Dynamics, or Tartaran Empire threads.


Now, on to the faction itself.

Having a good serverside recruitment drive is absolutely vital to building up ranks initially. Once you get a good-sized base and 5-10 members, you're ready to take your faction to the forums. Good ships, good members, and good ideals always come into play when recruiting.

Some people will pick inherently 'good' factions like the (long dead) Galaxy Rangers because they are playing on a server and want to help the community there. On the other hand, just as many want to join the 'evil' factions such as the Borg Collective* because it provides more PvP, an aspect of the game which many people enjoy. Others, the vast majority, will just pick a faction that's recruiting and stick with it because it's the first one they chose.

So you have a good forum thread and are gaining members. Is that it?

NO.

As you grow, you may attract attention for better or for worse. If your faction likes PvP, it will be fun for them. If they don't, make sure everything is docked and try coordinating with other factions to take out the threat, or you could ensure your abilities by building ships designed soley as warships, like many of the factions on the forums.

Case study, my own entrance to the factions scene. DFN, brand new faction, gaining lots of members. A few factions with more experience than us saw us as a threat. One day at about 4:00 in the morning, I get news of an attack on our homebase. Everyone died and everything is smoldering. We had 0 defenses, nithing was docked, and our warships were inadequate compared to the ones built for actual faction wars, not clearing out Isanths. So this trend continued for a week or two, and it was eventually resolved (sorta. Been at war with them on and off ever since, though relations do seem to be improving.)

After that, we realized we were sorely lagging behind in terms of firepower. Moral of the story, don't get caught with your pants down. Suspect everything and everyone that isn't green on the nav.



Other than that, remember to enjoy yourself! Take part in competitions, war games, and the like as it's a sandbox game and you can do whatever you very well please.

Thank you, after seeing that it seems that most factions are set on this "Elwyn Eternity" I am gonna go and try it out and see how much glorious ping I get. If it under 500 I will take it. :p

Vegeta, what does the scouter say about his ping level?
IT'S OVER 3,000!!!!!!!!

Starmade: *Crash.*