Welcome PoJo92. I'll answer what I can and let the wiser heads answer the rest.[/size]
1) How do I "get coordinated" so that I am playing with other Dynaverse players as opposed to just playing against the AI? I am assuming I can just cruise around the board and play missions within the bounds of the SG server rules (which I have read). Am I mistaken in this? Even if true, I obviously would like to get some PvP interaction. How do I do so? I have read about being drafted into missions---How does this Happen? Can one volunteer? Is there a schedule of missions or maybe a forum I can go to to find out if there are missions out there in which I may participate? Basically, I am just wondering how to make this more of an interactive, participatory experience than I would get by merely playing a single player campaign on my own system. I would also assume there is some sort of "High Command" for the Klinks and the Coalition who makes mission and/ or ship assignments. How do I get involved with this?
The best way to get marching orders is to PM WillWeasel or LordKrueg. Will will give you access to the coalition officers club. That is where all the assignments come from. Krueg is our ARM. As far as fighting human players, I would recommend that you get together on Ventrilo and fly wing for an experienced pilot. It will help keep you from losing a lot of ships. (Trust me. I am!)
2) The server clearly functions in real time (although in a speeded up real time) so that events are unfolding in the Dynaverse even when I am not playing. What happens to my character and ships when I am not online? PArticularly, what if my sector gets taken while I am in it and offline?
As far as I know, nothing, but I'll let one of the better minds answer that.
3) It looks like I can just "fly what I buy". Correct?
No, not actually. If it has a lower case 's' or 'c' in front of it, that vessel is a restricted class vessel. Those are reserved for certain pilots. The dreadnaughts currently don't have that designation, but they, too, are restricted. Avoid flying those.
4) I can only fly one ship at a time, correct?
Actually, that is what you are supposed to do, but if you buy a new ship, and start a mission without selling/trading the other, you will get a wingman. This is a no-no. Fly only one ship. If you own two, sell one.
5) What happens if that one ship dies? Is that character done for the duration of the server (I presume yes?)
No. If your ship gets destroyed, you will get a new one assigned by the server instantly. Otherwise, we'd be down to two or three pilots in a day.
Hope all this helps. Look forward to seeing you online