From the perspective of what looks welcoming vs intimidating to a new player, and breaking the current reputation Discovery has for it's long and complicated rules, I propose a visually condensed format + subtitles..
For example:
General Conduct
1. Keep it Friendly:
- Play nice; it's a game, and let's keep it enjoyable for everyone.
- No tolerance for behavior that goes against the spirit, even if technically allowed.
2. Language and Roleplay:
- English only in-game and roleplaying forums.
- Roleplay appropriately within Discovery Freelancer's setting.
3. Fair Play:
- No cheating or exploiting game mechanics allowed.
ID and Combat Rules
1. ID Guidelines:
- Equip one ID per ship, playing according to its role.
- Some IDs have a 'Zone of Influence' (ZOI) for extra actions.
2. Roleplay Before Attack:
- Provide at least two roleplay messages and a 10-second delay before attacking.
3. Post-Encounter Etiquette:
- If killed or docked during combat, wait an hour before re-entering or attacking.
- Trade Ships docking during combat aren't considered "killed."
4. ID Actions:
- All IDs can attack Alien ships and defend Allies.
- Within their ZOI, attack any ship to defend Allies.
- In Uncharted Systems, act as if in their ZOI and demand specific materials from non-Allies.
5. ID Terms:
- "Allies" - Ships of the same group, faction, or ID, those listed as allies in your faction rep sheet, or ships currently in your group.
- "Combat Ship" - Fighters, Bombers, Bustards, Capital Ships; also Freighters or Transports used for offensive combat.
- "Contract" - An agreement for a service, like combat or escort, in exchange for payment.
- "Alien Materials" - Artifacts, Sorted Artifacts, Xeno Artifacts, Nomad Power Cells, Nomad Remains, and Azurite Gas.
- "Piracy" - A reasonable demand issued to a ship, allowing it to be attacked if not followed. This can involve requests for credits, cargo, or a roleplay requirement.
- "Trade Ship" - Freighters and transports, excluding those used as Combat Ships.
Player Owned Base Rules
1. General Guidelines:
- Follow base construction guides.
- Base construction aligns with builder's ID roleplay.
- Only attack bases after a valid Siege Declaration.
2. Siege Declaration Details:
- Declarations last two weeks, with a four-week cooldown.
- Bases in House Space are subject to House laws and fees.
- POB location and affiliation are permanent, with alterations considered case-by-case.
3. Base Upgrades:
- Attack Core 1 bases if your ID has a ZOI.
- Core 2 bases require additional roleplay documentation.
- Apply for Core 4 upgrade after 2 months at Core 3 with productive roleplay.
- Official Factions can seek Core 5 after 3 months at Core 4 with demonstrated roleplay.
- Only one Core 5 base per Official Faction; downgrade to Core 4 if the status is lost.
