How to Start Roleplaying on Star Army (stararmy.com)

Updated

You can start roleplaying on Star Army by registering a forum account, reading the New Player Guide, and then either joining an open thread or creating a character for an existing plot. The fastest route in is the Open Roleplaying forum, which the site describes as "fast and loose" — it requires no prior approval for plots or characters, and its threads are open to everyone without asking. If you want a structured, ongoing story instead, you'll go through character creation and join a plot.

Step 1: Register a forum account

Everything on Star Army runs through the forum, so this is your first move.

  1. Use the Register link in the site menu to create an account.
  2. If you don't receive the verification email, the site notes this can happen when the server hits its hourly email limit. In that case, email Wes at the address listed in the forum notice, or reach him on Discord.
  3. Once registered, you can post threads, reply to existing ones, and send private messages.

Expected result: you can log in, see the full forum list, and post.

Common snag: the verification email. Don't keep re-registering — contact Wes directly or ask in the Discord chat (Discord.gg/stararmy).

Step 2: Read the starter resources

Before posting, skim the two resources the site points new players to:

  • New Player Guide — orientation to how the community and roleplay work.
  • Creating a Character — the process for building a character in the Star Army setting.

There's also a Wiki with a Recent Changes and Random Page feature, plus setting material like Star Army of Yamatai. You don't need a wiki account to read it.

Step 3: Choose your entry point

Star Army offers two very different ways in. Pick based on how much setup you want.

Open Roleplaying & Special Events Roleplaying Forums (plots)
Approval needed None for plots or characters Character/plot approval expected
Who can join Anyone, without asking Depends on the plot and its GM
Commitment One-off or casual threads Ongoing storyline
Best for Testing the waters, quick scenes Long-term character development

The Open Roleplaying section is explicitly designed so you can jump into a thread without asking permission. If you'd rather commit to a continuing story, browse the Roleplaying Forums and the plot listings to find one with open slots.

Step 4: Find a thread or plot to join

  • Open Roleplaying: browse the current threads and post in one that's open. The section is built for exactly this.
  • Existing plots: read the plot's threads and recruitment info, then contact the GM.
  • Not sure where you fit? Use RP Discussion & Planning to ask what's recruiting or pitch your own idea.
  • In-character messaging: the Transmissions & Communications forum is for in-character messages rather than out-of-character coordination.

Step 5: Get a wiki account (optional)

Reading the wiki needs no account. To edit it, the site says to send Wes a forum DM to request a wiki account. Note that wiki login now uses your forum account, so register on the forum first.

Practical tips

  • Enable JavaScript — the site warns that some features won't work properly without it, and an outdated browser may also cause display problems.
  • Check News & Updates and Community Announcements for site changes that affect new players.
  • Lurk a thread before posting so your first post matches the scene's tone and timeline.

The short version: register, read the New Player Guide, then either drop into an Open Roleplaying thread today or build a character and join a plot. The open section exists precisely so you can start without waiting for approval.