Nova is a software produced by Anodyne, built specifically for role playing and simming. A wide variety of game styles are possible with Nova, and it is fairly easy to learn. Anodyne originally developed the Simm Management System (SMS) for Star Trek role playing simulations in 2005. The first release of Nova was in 2010 with Nova 1. The current version available for release via the Anodyne website is Nova 2.4, with Nova NextGen currently in production. However, most of the simulations in the Alliance use version 2.3.2-AZ1 (which was modified by Webmistress Azmaria).

Like the original SMS, Nova takes the clutter that form-based simulations often generate and eliminates it. Where before a story topic became unwieldy with unwanted interruptions, stories can now be told in compact “joint posts” in which only the writers who have been added as authors are able to write. There is, of course, a trade off in that Nova sends you emails every time a post is updated (but you can turn that off if you want).

There are two ways to join a Nova simulation: from the main page and from the personnel manifest. If joining from the main page, look for a link on the side that says “Join.” It may be on either side of the page, depending on the simulation's installed theme. On the Citadel, our example shown here, the link is on the left.

To join from the personnel manifest, click that tab on the top of the page that says “Personnel.” The page that opens will show you who is currently assigned to the simulation. To see the open positions, look for the line that says “Show” and then click “Open Positions.” From there you can pick a position to apply for.

Both of these options will take you to the “Joining Disclaimer” page. Read whatever the game managers have written there and click “Agree.” Please note that by clicking the “Agree” button, you are agreeing to all of the rules listed on the disclaimer page as well as the rules posted elsewhere. Make yourself familiar with them before joining because you'll be expected to follow them whether you've read them or not.

Regardless of which option you choose for registration, both will bring you to the application form. The only difference is if you go through the manifest, the position will be filled in for you. We have already detailed how to fill out the biography form on the Character Creation page. Please note that your name and your character name should generally not be the same, in the interest of internet safety.