As a member of the Zoners Consortium, I can tell you that our faction is constantly trying to do something new and refreshing with Zoners while staying close to their historical background.
One element we try to explore is their neutrality, which allows us to participate in large events with as many factions as possible. For example, our last event involved the following player factions:
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True enough that Zoners left the Houses for remote parts of space to be more free if you will. Freedom came at a price though as they had many factions, some who hated each other, trying to force their will upon them. Offering the Freeport was a way to where anyone could rest regardless of affiliation made even those who distrusted a Zoner greatful to have around, especially when there was no where else to go or even get some basic supplies.
I RP a Zoner as I generally like to keep to myself. I'm much the same way in RL so it's easy for me to RP. As with RL, I don't care who you are, who you are affiliated with and what you do for a living. One who shows me respect will get it back without condition.
Zoners also prefer diplomacy to fighting but will fight if pushed hard enough. I've seen a few Zoner escort pilots prove that.
I may have deviated from the thread topic but it's just my perspective.
go powertrade and tell pirates you are neutral and can't be pirated.
No seriously, from reading through this it seems half of the people missed the initial question. "What can I do as one?" and NOT "What are Zoners?"
Well, haven't played one myself yet but I think most of the time you can RP or trade. or both...
their different caps might offer quite a variety of roleplay depending on the ship you are flying, but I guess fun depends a lot on the people you are going to meet. (as usual)
' Wrote:Go play the game, within the given limitations. That is how role play games are played. Not by trying to work around those limitations or whining about them.
I bumble around just... watching, talking to people, or else escort trade ships that are in the same faction as my Zoner. My only Zoner character flies an Eagle.