I played FL for 1000's of hours back in the day. I'm fresh back since yesterday. And, I'm enjoying the mod...
A couple questions:
1. Is there an image map of all the systems?
2. I've earned 30 mil and mostly neutral faction rep. I would like to now just like to explore the mod. So, what's a cheap but fast ship for exploring as a Freelancer, and where to purchase?
1. https://space.discoverygc.com/navmap/#q=
2. Depends. Usually a light fighter will be enough to do the job.
3. In-game VC isn't possible, but many of the discord servers have people who frequently use VC.
You can explore on any ship you want, but ideally, you may want some speed, so a freighter or light fighter cruises faster than a very heavy fighter. Freighters are more sturdy than light fighters.
People do have their own group discords, sometimes there are people in voice chat, sometimes not.
1. Is there a listing of available ships anywhere?
2. Can I fly any faction ship as a Freelancer?
You can but assume the consequences that will come. Ex: if you use a Corsair ship and you are a freelancer, we will question you and else dead. (I generalize here)