FAQ

General Questions

What is the Star Wars Combine?

The Star Wars Combine is an interactive online Star Wars simulation. People play the sim from diverse nations around the globe. The Star Wars Combine is 100% free of charge, and is a non-profit game.

In the Combine you will be allowed to create a character of your own with several different races to choose from. Upon character creation, you will have the option to join a group from a hefty list of candidates. Life in the Combine galaxy is just like stepping into George Lucas's epic Star Wars universe with the primary difference being that, in the Combine, there are none of the original Star Wars characters. No Luke Skywalker, no Leia Organa, no Mon Mothma, etc. However, the setting and general plot are the same, there is an ongoing war between the Galactic Empire and New Republic as well as plenty of other player-driven conflicts.

What time period is the game set in?

Though it is difficult to assess the time in comparison to the movies (since events and people are different between the two), it has been generally agreed upon that this game is set within the area of Episode IV: A New Hope and Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. However, with the new movies and new ideas, we will be incorporating ships and systems from them as well.

What would make me choose to play this game?

The Star Wars Combine provides a unique gaming experience compared to other games in this modern era. Being that it is primarily a role playing (RP) game, much of the in-game history is written and dictated by the actions of our players. With just a few thousand active players, our community is relatively small but it provides ample opportunities for interaction and fun among players.

What are CPs (Combine Points)?

The Combine Points are given to you by the admins for out of character (OOC) efforts you do to support and help the Star Wars Combine. Additionally, CPs are awarded each day that you log into SWC. You can exchange them for ships, vehicles and other inventory items (as they come available), some of which are only available through the CP exchange system.

What does NPC mean?

NPC = Non-Playing Characters. You can hire them to work for you, build ships, fight alongside you, etc.

Can I kill another character?

Right now there are very few options to kill a character. A character can be executed, if they have had an arrest warrant issued on them and are currently under arrest. You can also kill yourself by flying into a sun, which also kills any other passengers located on that ship.

Why are the prices of the ships higher than those shown in the rules area?

The prices shown in the rules area are the prices of production. The real prices depend on the traders and the in-game demand for ships.

Can I have more than one character?

No, you are only allowed to have one character in the Combine. If your character dies you may create a new one after a period of time. Even if you leave your character for long periods of time, it is still best to try and log back in as that character or check with one of the administrators to see if your old character still exists before creating a new one.

Can more than one player use the same computer?

Yes, but you must link the accounts via the Multi Self-Registration system. For more information check out http://rules.swcombine.com/?Character_Creation

How can I remake my character?

Once a character is made in the Combine, it cannot be altered. The only ways a new character can be made is if your character dies or if you "drop" your character (you can find a link to "drop" your character by clicking the "Character" link on the side of the page). If stats are your concern, you are allowed a single re-roll prior to hitting level 3. Additionally, your skills may be upgraded as you progress in the game.

Why must I wait a period of time to create a new character?

This delay was set in order to keep Combine players from creating, killing, and then recreating characters in hopes of getting a Force-sensitive one.

Who developed/is developing the Combine?

The current and former staff of Combine can be found on the Contacts page under the link "The SWC Team".

Is the Combine affiliated with LucasArts/Disney?

The Combine is an independent game created by a group of people that love Star Wars. They are not part of LucasArts/Disney.

What are White Scenarios?

White scenarios are in-character (IC) role-playing scenarios that have members of the combine performing actions through the forums. GM's monitor the scenarios and perform actions with NPC's. In White Scenarios there are no repercussions for being involved. If you die in one, you will still be alive in the Combine. Depending on how well you role-play in the scenarios you will be given experience points (XPs). You can find scenarios through the community links RPG Centre under Portals.

What Messaging System do most members use?

Most members use either the Combine messaging system (often referred to as "Darkness Message"), Discord, or SWC's IRC server. Currently, a directory of active Discord channels is maintained in the "General Talk" forum.

What is IRC?

IRC is a instant messaging server. Some combine players use IRC as a primary form of communication to their factions.

How do I register on IRC and what does it do?

Registering on IRC secures your user name to help make sure no one else can use it. To register you will need to type /msg NickServ REGISTER password e-mail (change e-mail and password to what you would like for them both [example /msg NickServ REGISTER 123456 example@hotmail.com) After this you’ll receive a conformation e-mail and every time you log in you will need to type in /msg NickServ IDENTIFY password

What server do I go to on IRC?

irc.swc-irc.com

How can I be in more than one IRC channel at once?

You will need to download an IRC chat client (e.g., mIRC from http://www.mirc.com ). Download and install this and you can be in as many channels as you want! It also has other handy features to make chatting easier.

Can I also create a city?

Anyone can create a city, yes. However, there are some requirements to construct a city. The terrain square you selected must be non-volcanic. Also, either you or your faction must posses the required amount of credits to build a city. It costs a minimum of 1,500,000 credits to build a city.

I must travel to a system but I don't know where it is.

If you want to find out where a system, sector, planet or city you have to travel to is then you can look at the galaxy map. It is easy to navigate and can be found here: http://www.swcombine.com/rules/?Galaxy_Map

How do I increase my skill points?

Every time you level, you receive a new skill point to use. These skill points can be allocated to your skills via the Character link on your right menu. However, such increases cannot be undone, and the definitions for skills which are not yet implemented may change in the future.

How long does my character stay in combine if I am not active anymore?

Characters with XP Level 1 are wiped after 9 months of inactivity, all characters above Level 1 are retrievable at any time. Dead characters, however, can never be retrieved.

This stat doesn't seem to do anything yet, why is it there?

Not all of the stats in the game have a use yet, but when the game is fully operational they will all have a use. You can view what your stats will be used for by reading through the various rules in the technical section.

How much experience do I need to raise up my Experience Level?

The needed experience is not the same for every level. To achieve level 2 you need 1000 experience, for level 3 - 3000. For level n you will need 1000 x (n-1) x n / 2. You can find a table with the experience points needed up to level 9 in the rules section.

Can I create a new faction?

Yes you can. To do so you will need to satisfy the conditions found on the Faction Creation rules.

Technical Questions

What do I need to play the Combine in the terms of hardware, software, etc?

A computer or smartphone capable of connecting to the Internet and a web browser.

Do I have to download any software to play?

No, all that you need is a browser.

Rules Questions

Where can I find SWC's rules?

You can find them and other information about the SWC at: http://rules.swcombine.com/

What happens if I die?

You lose all of your characters experience points, inventory and money. You will keep only your Combine Points and in three weeks you will be able to create a new character.

Is theft allowed in the Combine?

Theft occurs in the Combine. How your character reacts or performs it is up to you.

Why can I not change the details (like ownership) of a ship owned by a faction?

You can only change a ship's information if you own it. Ships given by a faction for your use are a privilege, and being such are not owned by you. This action was implemented in order to prevent theft of a faction's property

Is the Combine played in real time?

The Combine is played in delayed real time. For more information read http://rules.swcombine.com/general/timeframe/

What is spying and is it allowed?

Spying is when you infiltrate a faction in order to gain information for another faction or person. Currently it is permitted under the rules. Full details on what you may and may not do in regards to spying can be found at http://www.swcombine.com/rules/?Spying .

What are raw materials?

Raw materials are the materials required to produce a certain piece of technology (ship, vehicle, weapon, etc.).

How can I die?

Currently, there are only a few ways to die: running a ship into a sun, aborting hyper travel and crashing into a celestial body, or getting your faction, or someone else, to execute you. Players may also "drop" their character to start a new one (the three week respawn timer still applies).

How do I get raw materials?

Raw materials can be mined or recovered via recycling. For mining, prospecting vehicles must be used to scan planets for deposits, and then a mining faction must construct a mine at the deposit location in order to mine the deposit for materials. For recycling, specific recycling entities must be used to break apart entities or wrecks into their basic materials.

Getting Started Questions

Can I be a jedi?

Every race has its own force probability, giving you a chance to be born force sensitive. But if you are not, then you can still become one later by gaining experience and levels.

Why is the handle I selected declined?

1: It has to sound like a word (Ex: "bgfive" or "imlame" would not be accepted, while "John doe" would be)

2: It can not be the name of an star wars character, although using the first or last names is allowed (Ex: "Luke skywalker is not a legal handle, but "Luke deacon" or "Mike skywalker" would be)

3: No titles in your handle are allowed (Ex: no "Sir" "Darth" "Princess" "Dr." etc...)

4: All handles must have a capital for the first letter of the name (Ex: "john doe" is not legit, but "John doe" is)

5: No special chars in it other then spaces, -, or ` (Ex: "John5 doe" would be illegal, but "John'ell doe" would work)

Each handle is unique; if it's too close to the name of another character it will be declined. (Ex: if you try to set your handle as "Jennifer Dreighton" it will automatically fail, since there already is a "Jennifer Dreighton"). You may have the same last name as another character, but you require their permission first. (Ex: There is a "Wilhelm von Ismay" and a "Victor von Ismay", but Wilhelm got Victor's permission before setting his last name to that).

How do I log in? It keeps refreshing the page.

First, use Lost Password to request a new password and log in with that. Be sure to paste or type it in exactly, as it is case sensitive.

If that fails, check to ensure that you are using the up to date version of your web browser. Clear your cache and make sure cookies are enabled.

If you are still having no luck, consider temporarily trying an alternate browser such as Opera (www.opera.com) or Mozilla (www.mozilla.org).

How can I earn credits?

1. You can join a faction that pays its members a salary and/or bonuses.

2. You can buy items and sell it for more.

3. You can collect CPs and exchange them for entities that can be sold for credits.

For more information, see the article on Credits.

How can I get a ship or vehicle?

In the beginning of your character's life, the easiest way of getting a ship or vehicle is by joining a faction and be assigned one. Later on when you have enough money you can buy one for yourself. Another possibility is to exchange your CPs for some of the available ships and vehicles in the CP exchange.

Which faction should I join?

That depends on who you want your character to be - a rebel or an empire supporter, a bounty hunter, a trader, a pirate, a researcher, etc. If you want to fly an X-Wing or a Mon Calamari cruiser, then you should join the New Republic or one of its allies. If you prefer the Tie Fighters and the Star Destroyers then you should definitely join the Galactic Empire. Of course you can join any other faction as well, depending on your interests. And who says you have to join any at all?

How do I get more Credits?

The easiest way is to join a faction and receive a salary. You can also exchange CPs for entities that can be sold for credits. Alternately, you can start your own business like transporting ships and passengers for credits. Another possibility is to get a loan from a Bank faction or from another player, if you find somebody willing to loan you money.

How can I get off my starting planet?

1. Join a faction, most offer transport to the planet you'll be working on, or supply a ship to fly around in. 2. Buy a ride from another player or a transport faction, or rent a ship from another player/faction. 3. Save up CPs and exchange them for a ship. 4. Purchase a ship and have it moved to your location, to do this you'll need to earn some money first.

How to change my location (travel)?

If you want to move from one position to another you have to go to position => travel => city => you can enter some coordinates. If you give coordinates from (0,0) to (21,21) when you are on foot (walking), you will travel only inside the city. If you want to go to another city, first move to the edge of your current city in the direction you would like to go. Then go to position => travel => cross terrain => then you can pick a position to where you want to go to.

I just created my character and assigned skill points. Where do I go and what do I do?

It's up to you. You can work alone and be a freelancer or you can join a faction. While being an independent freelancer may sound fun, it doesn't provide the benefits a faction does such as paychecks every month, a neat duty like piloting a ship or vehicle, and a place to call home. Visit http://www.swcombine.com/community/factions.php for more details on the various factions. If you are interested in a faction, it would not be a bad idea to check out that faction’s website, as well as contacting a member from the faction's recruiting office to get more information on that faction’s services and benefits.

How to Questions

How can I gain CPs?

The easiest way is to simply log in and play! You are awarded CPs every day that you log in. Suggesting planet descriptions, reporting bugs and typos, working on admin assignments or other ways of helping the development of the Combine can also be awarded. You can also buy CPs with exchange rate of 1000 CPs for every 1 Dollar/Euro you donate.

How can I improve my skills?

For every Experience Level you achieve, 1 skill point is added to your skill pool, which you can use to improve your skills, using the Character link on your right menu. However, skill increases cannot be undone, and it is possible that skill definitions for features not yet implemented may be changed in the future.

How can I get more experience?

Experience points can be gained in many ways. Flying ships or piloting vehicles is a common method, it is also possible to gain them by mining or prospecting. Constructing buildings or stations gains an amount of experience. Small amounts are also awarded for certain achievements such as sending your first message or joining your first faction. Other ways may be added as the game develops.

How can I send a message to another player?

Click on the Send message link in your menu (it looks like an envelope) then Send Message. Enter the handle of the recipient and enter the message itself.

How can I send credits to another player?

Click on the display of your current credits total in the right hand menu. This should bring up the Transfer Credits screen. Enter the handle of the character or the name of the faction to receive the credits, then enter the amount and add a comment if you want. Finally click Transfer.

How do I join a faction?

Click the Faction link on the right hand menu and then on Join Faction. Select the one you would want to join, add a message if you want, click submit and await further instructions. Generally allow up to 24-48 hours for a reply from the faction to see if you have been accepted or not.

How do I launch a missile, fire my blaster or beat up a Wookiee?

Full-scale Player vs. Player (PvP) Combat is not yet implemented. It is possible to brawl with Brawler NPCs for experience points and factions have the ability to arrest and execute. Ground combat is currently in beta - there are a couple systems that allow PvP ground combat while Player vs. Environment (PvE) is implemented in every system - while space combat is in alpha - one may find space bandits hiding in asteroid fields in deep space.

How do I report a bug?

If you encounter a bug, click on the "Report Bug" link at the bottom of the right side menu. Please browse though the list of bugs to make sure that the bug you are reporting is a new one. If you find that your bug is already listed, add a comment to it stating your problem as well.

How can I support the Combine?

There are many ways to support the Combine. SWC accepts donations to offset the cost of running servers. You can join one of the many volunteer teams (Art, Descriptions, Development, QA) to help improve the game. You can report bugs and typos.

How do I buy weapons/droids/items?

A few minor items can already be bought in Shop and Commerce Centre facilities. Shops can be found in most starting cities and are NPC-owned, while Commerce Centres are faction/player owned.

Otherwise, the majority of weapons, droids, and items can be purchased from the faction that produces them, which is displayed on the rules page for the item in question, or from players who already own them.

As an example, let's demonstrate a trade between two players. The person who buys the ship (Luke) has to contact the person who sells the ship (Han). Next, Luke has to pay for the ship by clicking on transaction sheet/credits transaction/transfer credits. Afterward, Luke must write the name of receiver, amount and communication and then choose the receiver type. When all this has been done, Luke solidifies the credit transfer by clicking on the "transfer" button. To give Luke his ship after receiving payment, Han has to click on "ships" in his personal inventory and choose who he wants to give the ship to (faction or person). Han must then select the ship Luke paid for and click on "Make Over."

Be warned that there are no guarantees for trading in the Combine and theft is an ever-present factor in the game.

How do I enter a ship or vehicle?

First, you have to be assigned to the crewlist or set as owner/commander/pilot of the ship or vehicle to be able to board it. Once that is taken care of, click on "Position", then "Enter". If the above parameters are met, you should be able to see the ship. Click "Board".

How do I pilot a ship or vehicle?

After you have entered the ship or vehicle there will be a room map representing the layout of the entity in which you now reside. Find your way to the cockpit and a new button will appear on the side of the screen titled "Ship Controls" (or "Vehicle Controls"). Click that button and you will be taken to a new screen that will allow you to pilot your ship/vehicle.

How do I travel in a ship?

To move around within a ship, your status in the Control panel must be set to Position (as opposed to Cockpit -- see below).

To operate a ship, you first travel from the entrance room to the cockpit room. Once in the cockpit room, click "Ship Controls" (this option will only appear if you have been assigned as the pilot of the ship).

To lift off, hit the Travel button then Ascend. It takes an hour to reach (upper) atmosphere.

Once in the upper atmosphere, you need to reach orbit; this takes another hour. You do this from the Travel section by hitting Travel, then Orbit.

Once in orbit, you have to escape the gravity well of the planet you're orbiting; this is the section shaded in red on the display under Travel. Hit the Sublight button and click on some square that is not in the red. This should take roughly half an hour of travel.

Once out of the gravity well, you're free to go Hyper. Hit the Hyper button, then select from the menu of sectors (or choose a sector from the map of the galaxy), then select the desired system and Go.

NOTE: Don't try to abort once in Hyper. You can lose the ship and be killed that way, should you come out near a celestial body.

Upon entering a system, you'll be still a bit out from your destination planet; you'll have to hit Sublight and indicate which planet you want to go to.

Upon arrival at the planet, you're in orbit. You can, at that point, change over to any other ship also in orbit for which you are listed as a Crewmember. To do this, Travel to that room in the ship which has the exit, hit Board, and select from among ships to which you have entree.

To land a ship on the ground, you must reverse the lift-off procedure: First hit Travel, then Descend (and you can select your destination square on the planet); that takes an hour to put you in atmosphere. Once in atmosphere, you land by hitting Descend in the Travel section (and you can select your destination square in the city). Once landed, you can leave the ship by travelling to an exit room and hitting Board.

NOTE: Some planets are protected by shields and will require access to descend to the ground.

When you have been assigned as Pilot to a ship, you can then manage the crewlist. You do this with the Crewlist button on the bottom of the panel.

Summary:

Travel: Board Control: Position: Travel to cockpit room Control: Enter Cockpit

Travel: Ascend to atmosphere Travel: Ascend to orbit Travel: Sublight out of gravity well Travel: Hyper to new system Travel: Sublight to planet Travel: Descend to atmosphere Travel: Descend to ground

Control: Position: Travel to exit room Travel: Board