Human Merchant Start Guide
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#### 1. Introduction to the Human Merchant

Starting as a Human Merchant in "Space Rangers HD: A War Apart" offers a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. Merchants specialize in trading, economic management, and avoiding conflict through diplomacy and cunning. As a Human, you'll benefit from balanced attributes and access to versatile ships and equipment.

#### 2. Character Creation

##### Choosing the Human Race

- **Attributes**: Humans have balanced attributes, making them versatile. They excel in diplomacy and adaptability, which are crucial for a merchant.
- **Starting Bonuses**: Humans have no significant penalties, making them a solid choice for beginners and experienced players alike.

##### Customizing Your Appearance

While appearance is mostly cosmetic, choose a look that you enjoy as you'll be spending a lot of time with your character.

##### Allocating Starting Skills

As a merchant, focus on the following skills:

- **Trading**: Maximizes profit margins and reduces costs when buying goods.
- **Navigation**: Helps with efficient travel between trade routes, saving time and fuel.
- **Repair**: Reduces the cost and time needed to repair your ship, essential for minimizing downtime.

##### Selecting Your Starting Ship

Choose a ship with ample cargo space and decent speed. Initially, you might opt for:

- **Freighter**: High cargo capacity but lower speed and maneuverability.
- **Courier**: Balanced cargo capacity and speed, ideal for beginners.

#### 3. Early Game Strategies

##### Initial Setup

1. **Familiarize Yourself with the Interface**: Understand the main screen, mini-map, and inventory management.
2. **Check Your Starting Resources**: Note your initial credits, cargo, and equipment.
3. **Plan Your First Trade Route**: Identify nearby star systems and planets with profitable trade opportunities.

##### Building Early Wealth

1. **Trading Basics**:
- **Buy Low, Sell High**: Always look for goods that are cheap at your current location and can be sold for a profit elsewhere.
- **Supply and Demand**: Pay attention to the supply and demand indicators on planets and stations.

2. **Starting Trade Goods**:
- **Basic Commodities**: Food, medicine, and consumer goods are safe bets.
- **Luxury Items**: High-risk, high-reward; ensure you have enough capital and safe trade routes.

##### Navigating Safely

1. **Avoid Conflict**: As a merchant, your goal is to avoid battles. Use diplomacy and pay off pirates if necessary.
2. **Utilize Wormholes**: For faster travel between distant star systems, but be cautious of the risks.

##### Building Relationships

1. **Factions and Reputation**:
- Build positive relationships with major factions for better trading opportunities and protection.
- Take on minor delivery or escort missions to improve your standing.

2. **Trade Licenses**:
- Acquire trade licenses for access to exclusive goods and better trade prices.

#### 4. Mid-Game Progression

##### Expanding Your Trade Empire

1. **Advanced Trading**:
- **Trade Routes**: Establish and optimize regular trade routes between multiple systems.
- **Bulk Trading**: Invest in bulk purchases to maximize profits on each trip.

2. **Diversifying Investments**:
- **Planetside Businesses**: Invest in businesses on stable planets for a steady income.
- **Research and Development**: Fund research to gain access to advanced technology and goods.

##### Upgrading Your Ship

1. **Cargo Enhancements**: Increase your cargo hold to carry more goods.
2. **Speed and Maneuverability**: Improve your ship’s engines and thrusters for quicker travel.
3. **Defensive Upgrades**: Equip better shields and countermeasures to avoid and survive pirate attacks.

##### Navigating Politics

1. **Diplomatic Missions**: Take on missions that improve your reputation with key factions.
2. **Influence and Power**: Use your wealth to influence political decisions and protect your trade interests.

#### 5. Advanced Strategies

##### High-Risk, High-Reward Trading

1. **Rare Goods**: Seek out rare and high-value items such as advanced technology, artifacts, and luxury goods.
2. **Black Market Trading**: Engage in black market trading for huge profits, but be prepared for the risks.

##### Combat and Defense

1. **Hiring Escorts**: Hire mercenaries or faction fleets to protect your trade routes.
2. **Combat Training**: Occasionally engage in combat to improve your skills and ship’s capabilities.

##### Exploiting Economic Events

1. **Market Crashes and Booms**: Take advantage of economic events to buy cheap and sell high.
2. **Resource Scarcity**: Monitor galactic news for resource shortages to exploit.

##### Final Goals

1. **Economic Dominance**: Aim to control significant portions of the galaxy’s trade.
2. **Fleet Ownership**: Build a fleet of trading vessels to maximize your trading network.
3. **Political Influence**: Use your wealth to shape the galaxy’s future through politics and alliances.

#### 6. Troubleshooting and Optimization

##### Common Issues

1. **Pirate Attacks**: Invest in better defenses and consider bribing pirates.
2. **Economic Downturns**: Diversify your investments to weather economic storms.

##### Performance Tips

1. **Optimize Game Settings**: Adjust graphics and performance settings for smoother gameplay.
2. **Efficient Travel**: Plan routes to minimize fuel consumption and travel time.

##### FAQs

1. **How to Increase Cargo Space?**
- Upgrade your ship or purchase a larger vessel.

2. **Best Trade Goods?**
- This varies; always check current market conditions for the best options.

3. **How to Avoid Pirates?**
- Use stealth modules, pay bribes, or hire escorts for protection.

#### 7. Conclusion

Starting as a Human Merchant in "Space Rangers HD: A War Apart" is both challenging and rewarding. By mastering trade routes, optimizing your ship, and navigating the political landscape, you can build a thriving trade empire. Remember, patience and strategic thinking are your greatest allies.

With this guide, you should have a strong foundation to embark on your journey as a merchant. Happy trading, and may your profits soar.