[quote=@McFazzer]
So interested! Some questions though

How strong will characters need start out as initially? Is there any minimum time our character needs to have been active for in the world? How "traditional" do the roles need to be on crews and bases (e.g. a tailor or florist or some such nonsense [in a good way, I'm no parade rainer])?
[/quote]

As for both factions I'm going to say 6-12 months prior to the starting day of the story. That doesn't have to be exact though close. 

On a strength scale. Think Alabasta arc. Strong though not strong enough for the rest of the Grand Line.  

As for tradition. To hell with tradition! Simple as that. Do as you please.