Adapting Fixer Mechanics for Adventure Mode in Infinite Frontiers

Introduction

In Infinite Frontiers, both Roleplaying Mode and Adventure Mode offer immersive experiences but differ in gameplay focus and structure. The Fixer mechanics developed for Roleplaying Mode are rich and detailed, emphasizing collaborative storytelling and character depth. However, Adventure Mode is designed for 1 to 4 players engaging in structured missions with a focus on strategic decision-making and cooperative play, often without a dedicated Game Master. To integrate the Fixer mechanics into Adventure Mode effectively, we need to adapt them to fit the mode's framework while maintaining their core essence. This involves identifying how each mechanic functions differently between the two modes and adjusting them to enhance gameplay without adding unnecessary complexity.

Overview of Differences Between Roleplaying Mode and Adventure Mode

Roleplaying Mode:

Narrative Focus: Emphasizes storytelling, character development, and roleplaying.
Game Master (Fixer): Acts as both a player character and facilitator, guiding the narrative.
Flexible Structure: Allows for improvisation and dynamic world-building.
Mechanics: Deep mechanics for character interactions, progression, and influence.

Adventure Mode:

Structured Gameplay: Follows a predefined cycle (Galaxy Round) with specific stages and turns.
No Dedicated Game Master: Can be played without a GM, using predefined scenarios and mechanics.
Objective-Oriented: Focus on completing missions, managing resources, and team strategy.
Mechanics: Streamlined mechanics for tasks, mission execution, and resource management.

Adapting Fixer Mechanics to Adventure Mode

1. Dual Role Functionality (10.1.1)

Roleplaying Mode Implementation:

The Fixer acts as both a player character and the facilitator (similar to a Game Master).
Manages narrative elements, NPCs, and world events while participating in missions.
Uses separate in-character and facilitator knowledge.

Adventure Mode Adaptation:

No Dedicated Game Master: Adventure Mode lacks a facilitator role; all players are equal participants.
Structured Turns and Stages: Gameplay follows a specific sequence, reducing the need for a facilitator to guide narrative flow.

Adapted Implementation:

Shared Fixer Role: Instead of one player being the Fixer, the role can be shared among all players or represented through game mechanics.
NPC Interaction via Cards: NPCs and missions are managed using cards or tables, removing the need for a player to control them.
Automated Events: World events, mission offerings, and NPC actions are determined by dice rolls or predefined mechanics.

Mechanics Integration:

Crew Leader Role: Designate a rotating Crew Leader each Galaxy Round who takes on limited Fixer responsibilities, such as rolling for world conditions or presenting mission options.
Collaborative Decision-Making: All players contribute to decisions typically made by the Fixer, promoting teamwork.

Summary: In Adventure Mode, the Fixer's dual role is decentralized. The facilitator aspect is integrated into the game's mechanics, with all players sharing responsibilities typically handled by the Fixer in Roleplaying Mode.

2. Network and Contacts (10.1.2)

Roleplaying Mode Implementation:

The Fixer maintains a network of Contacts, each with profiles and relationship levels.
Uses Influence Points (IP) to interact with Contacts, gather information, and obtain resources.
Manages reputation with various factions.

Adventure Mode Adaptation:

Simplified Interaction: Adventure Mode focuses on streamlined mechanics, with less emphasis on deep character relationships.
Limited Roleplaying Opportunities: Less time is spent on individual character development and interactions with NPCs.

Adapted Implementation:

Abstracted Contacts System: Contacts can be represented as resource cards or tokens that players can acquire and spend.
Simplified Mechanics: Use a simplified Influence system where players collectively earn and spend Influence Points to access benefits.
Crew Contacts Pool: The crew has a pool of Contacts that any player can utilize during the appropriate stage of the Galaxy Round.

Mechanics Integration:

Earning IP: Players earn IP collectively by completing missions, performing Crew Tasks like Networking, or through world conditions.
Spending IP: During the Crew Tasks stage, players can spend IP to gain advantages such as better equipment prices, mission intel, or favors.

Summary: In Adventure Mode, the Network and Contacts mechanic is simplified and shared among players. Contacts become resources that provide strategic advantages, with less focus on individual relationships and more on team benefits.

3. Resource Management (10.1.3)

Roleplaying Mode Implementation:

The Fixer manages job offers, information flow, and negotiations.
Uses Influence Points and negotiation skills to secure better missions and rewards.
Controls the dissemination of information to the team.

Adventure Mode Adaptation:

Predefined Mission Structure: Missions and events are determined by game mechanics, not a player's discretion.
Equal Information Access: All players receive the same information, promoting fairness and cooperation.

Adapted Implementation:

Mission Generation Mechanics: Use dice rolls or cards during the Determine Job Offers stage to generate available missions.
Collective Resource Management: Players decide together which missions to accept and how to prepare.
Crew Tasks Enhancements: Players can perform actions like Trading or Gathering Intel to manage resources and gain advantages.

Summary: In Adventure Mode, Resource Management is a collective effort integrated into the game's structure. Players work together during specific stages to manage resources, with mechanics facilitating mission selection and preparation.

4. Progression and Growth (10.1.4)

Roleplaying Mode Implementation:

The Fixer gains Experience Points (XP) through actions, leveling up to improve Attributes, Talents, and unlock special abilities.
Progression includes expanding the network, increasing influence, and pursuing personal goals and story arcs.

Adventure Mode Adaptation:

Simplified Character Advancement: Adventure Mode uses streamlined progression systems, focusing on team development over individual arcs.
Mission-Centric Growth: Progression is tied closely to mission outcomes and collective achievements.

Adapted Implementation:

Crew XP: The crew earns XP collectively by completing missions, which can be allocated to improve individual characters.
Level Thresholds: Set clear XP thresholds for leveling up, with predefined benefits.
Skill Checks: Players use their characters' Talents during missions and Crew Tasks to influence outcomes.

Summary: In Adventure Mode, Progression and Growth are streamlined and team-focused. Character advancement is tied to mission success and shared experiences, with simplified mechanics for leveling up and improving abilities.

Summary of Differences and Adaptations

Mechanic	Roleplaying Mode	Adventure Mode
Dual Role Functionality	Fixer acts as both player character and facilitator, guiding narrative and controlling NPCs.	Fixer role is decentralized; responsibilities are shared or managed through game mechanics. No single player acts as facilitator.
Network and Contacts	Fixer maintains detailed Contacts with relationship levels, using IP to interact and gain advantages.	Contacts are abstracted as shared resources. Players collectively use IP or similar resources to interact with Contacts during specific game stages.
Resource Management	Fixer manages job offers, information flow, and negotiations, influencing mission parameters and rewards.	Resource management is a collective effort. Missions are generated through game mechanics, and players make shared decisions during structured stages (e.g., Crew Tasks).
Progression and Growth	Fixer gains XP, levels up, advances Attributes and Talents, expands network, and pursues personal story arcs.	Progression is streamlined and shared. Characters level up based on mission outcomes, with simplified advancement options. Reputation and influence are crew-focused.

Conclusion

Integrating the Fixer mechanics into Adventure Mode requires adapting them to fit the mode's structured and collaborative nature. The key is to simplify and share responsibilities among players, using game mechanics to facilitate elements previously managed by the Fixer alone. By focusing on team-based progression, collective resource management, and streamlined mechanics, we ensure that Adventure Mode remains engaging and accessible while incorporating the essence of the Fixer mechanics. This approach maintains the core gameplay experience of Infinite Frontiers and allows players to enjoy rich, strategic adventures without the need for a dedicated Game Master.

Next Steps:

Game Materials: Develop cards, tables, and other game materials to support the adapted mechanics in Adventure Mode.
Rulebook Updates: Include clear guidelines and examples in the Adventure Mode section of the rulebook to help players understand and implement these mechanics.
Playtesting: Conduct playtesting sessions to refine the adapted mechanics, ensuring they enhance gameplay and are easy to understand.

By thoughtfully adapting the Fixer mechanics, Infinite Frontiers continues to offer versatile and immersive gameplay experiences across its different modes, catering to various playstyles and group preferences.

Rulebook

Adapting Fixer Mechanics for Adventure Mode in Infinite Frontiers