Independent

An independent (or indie) is a player who uses an NPC faction's ID and IFF, but does not belong to the corresponding player faction. Though many independents display good roleplay and abide by the server rules, others have earned independents a bad name by their poor conduct. The road of an independent is paved with roadblocks, pitfalls and antagonism. However patience, persistence, a healthy respect for the Server Rules will serve you well in your path as an independent. Being an "independent" isn't a bad thing!!, and there are benefits and drawbacks to being an independent, just as there are for being part of a player faction.

Independent and Faction membership comparisons

Even if you are an independent there is an expectation that you will roleplay in the role of your chosen character. (e.g. an LPI pilot will not act like a pirate, but feel free to play as a corrupt cop or whatever else fits a "police" role. Everything is not "Black and White" so use your imagination to spice up your character. Choosing to be an independent or to join a faction is dependent on your personality type, time and goals while playing on the server. There is not right or wrong, and you will find that many faction players have independent characters in other factions. The differences produce a different gameplay style. There is no right or wrong.
Independent	Faction
Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination Satisfaction of making it "on your own" Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination Be your own "boss". But do be sensible in your play. Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination You need to develop your ingame and inforum relationships by yourself. This can be time consuming and difficult. Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination It can be frustrating gameplay when you have no support when things go bad. Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination It can be lonely at times. Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination It is easy to be misunderstood, labelled and stereotyped. Good behaviour and setting an example of good roleplay can help break people out of the negative (and false) "oh he's an indy" mindset.	Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination Instant access to a group of people that will usually support and help you. Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination Can receive roleplay training, and financial support Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination You have a boss, a leader, and player hierarchy.

Notable factions without indies are the SCRA, Colonial Remnant, Nomads, The Phantom Empire, Aoi Iseijin, Das Wilde, Harvesters. If you do want to play in one of these factions you will need to go through the recruitment process, as they require a certain level of roleplay and responsibility. Most other NPC Factions are "open" - meaning you can play a character independently without joining the Player Faction. Attempts to play a character of the "closed" factions listed below, without permission of the faction, can result in action taken against your character. Please respect this and either apply properly, or don't play an independent character of these factions. Approval is at the factions discretion, and Correct Application is no guarantee that you will be accepted.

SCRA

• SCRA Faction Status Post
• SCRA Advice
• Coalition Recruitment

Colonial Remnant

• Colonial Remnant Faction Status Post
• Application for Membership

Nomads

• Nomad Trial Application Thread
• Aoi_Iseijin recruitment information
• Das Wilde is similar, but I'm unable to find the recruitment thread. The information about Das wilde being "Closed" might be incorrect. Do your research. ~Chovynz~ ^{(Blabs • Ego) (Wiki Admin)} 15:04, 17 October 2009 (MDT)

The Phantom Empire

• The Phantoms Faction Status Post
• The Phantoms Recruitment process