This was so helpful, Thanks for posting so much information for newbies like me. The trades don't seem scary anymore but I'm still afraid to join a FS because I have nothing to offer yet except a visit each day. I am still looking for information on FS's and what all they do and require from newbies. I'd be heartbroken if I got booted for not complying with basic tasks that might be unknown to me. Any details listed in the forum about the FS's? Thanks for any info.
Most average fellowship would be happy to have an active player who does visits and sometimes that is enough to make you a valuable member of that fellowship...
The benefits of joining a fellowship
1) Up to 24 other players to trade with other then your neighbors (unless you fellowship consist of mostly neighbors)
2) No trader fee when trading with your fellowship members (No matter how far away they are on your map)
3) Fellowship chat where you can ask questions and get help or just chat
4) Tournaments
5) Fellowship Adventures
6) Increased goods and gold from visiting and other members visiting you back
7) Ancient Wonder donation programs
8) I am pretty sure I might have forgotten a few more benefits
Most average fellowships do not have many rules other then a set amount of visits a week and fair trades or better.. More competitive fellowships will have more rules.. Some fellowships might not have any rules at all.. Just need to look around and read some fellowship overview pages to find one that is best suited to how you want to play..
Welcome to Elvenar and I hope you enjoy your journey
EDIT: Oh, if you happen to get booted from a fellowship for something, it might sting a little at first but no worries, there are a plethora of other fellowships that would be happy to have you