To Add:
To start getting Vanguard Merits from defeating Rikti (such as when you participate in a Mothership Raid), you need to do Levantera's first and short introductory arc.
The P2W Vendor is also in Pocket D, along with a Merit Vendor.
There is no level lock on creating a base. Go to AP City Hall and register a base. Prestige is shut off on Homecoming, so, everything and anything in your base is free.
Put up portals to all possible zones.
Put in a trainer, Icon employee, Merit Vendor, Enhancement Store, Inspiration vendor, and a rezzer (rez to base).
Mission computer (tips) and Ouroboros crystal (flashback missions)
For crafting, add a craft table, and storage units for salvage and enhancements.
Add in power booster crafting table (the highest level of the arcane and tech varieties for the most recipes).
You'll be able to do as much crafting as you can there, then pop into Pocket D to open up the AE (/ah) for sales and purchases and to use the P2W as needed. Then Pocket D's base teleporter back to base.
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