NationStates Jolt Archive

I apologise now if I've posted this in the wrong place or I'm missing something blatently obvious.
I'm keen to learn to RP here, and I've had a good look at some of the guides you've got here, but I'm still not very clear on some things, mostly basics.
For example, should I post to introduce my country or just leap in and post IC straight away?
I'm not entirely clear on the army issue. I've read some very complicated-sounding things about buying military equipment and making up new tanks, aircraft, etc. Do you have to do this, or can you just make up your own, within reason?
I'm also not sure if you can choose to be Futuristic, Modern, Medieval, etc. or if you have to be a veteran to move up through the tech tree.
And, come to think about it, are there strict rules about where you are on the made and who borders on whom? How does that work?
Would I need to be added to these threads with leaders, capitals, etc.?
If there's anything else you think I should know, I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me.

It's so good to see some newbs for a change, rather than n00bs (fyi, newb is new person, n00b is annoying new person).

You don't have to make an introductory post, although it would be cool if you did. You can choose any tech level straight away, this is free-form RP, but don't expect people of a different level to RP with you. Modern-tech people get most RPs, followed by future-tech.
You can make up your own military equipment, but a lot of people don't. If you decide to, and you aren't an expert, put it up for review on the forums first. There are plenty of helpful people out there.
You don't have to post on the capitals thread, a lot of people don't. There are no strict rules about borders, unless you join one of the "Earth V" or similar RPs.

Other general stuff:

Before you invade ANYONE, it might be a good idea to read the posts marked STICKY at the top of the forum display. These should give you an idea of how to RP well.
Afterwards, read some RPs by well-respected RPers: Automagfreek, Iuthia, etc. Plagiarise shamelessly, but don't make it too obvious.
If you get really stuck, try telegraming someone known as being a good RPer, and asking for their advice. While they might not have time to help out, they could give you some tips.
Finally, don't start declaring war straight away, because some superpower is going to take offence and ram your small country down your throat. Believe me, it has happened before. Get a little more well known (and a little bigger) before you try anything like that. Maybe join in other people's RPs, or stick to peaceful ones for the time being.

I hope I have been of help.

One last note:
There should be a post called "Poll: An RP for beginners" somewhere. If you can't find it, telegram Cam III, and ask him for the link. This is an RP for beginners to learn in: however, not everyone turned up. I'm sure he would love to have some extra people.

Taldaan

Thanks, that's a great help.

OOC:

As a rule of thumb, the best way to get yourself known out in this big bad world is to get involved in a few conferences first, make a name for yourself doing something other than declaring outright war on the world or the UN, because that's just getting old now. Another good way would be to write an introductory post. I never did for this nation, but wrote one for my future tech nation. It gets people interested in your nation's history, and really makes you stand out from other newbies and n00bs.

With respect to the military, it obviously depends on what tech level you choose, but try and keep things reasonable. Keep numbers low, I may be wrong here, but I've always gone with 5% of your population being in your armed forces as being an upper limit. Some people use more, some people use less. To be honest, as long as you keep everything polite and reasonable, you'll go a long way, and it wont be long before some big nations start realising you are a decent RPer, ad might step in to defend you if you need it.

One final tip, if you aren't sure about how to get involved in a war, either start or get involved in a war games thread. You sometimes get a few bored veterans (like me) involved, and its a good way of getting experience of RPing without someone destroying your nation.

Anyway, hope it helps, and most importantly, its a game.... have fun.


Mc.