Developing Dual Role Functionality for the Fixer

10.1.1 Dual Role Functionality

Overview

The Fixer in Infinite Frontiers embodies a unique dual role:

Player Character (PC): The Fixer is an active member of the player group, participating in missions, making decisions, and contributing to the team's success.
Facilitator: Simultaneously, the Fixer guides the narrative, introduces missions, manages Non-Player Characters (NPCs), and shapes the game world.

Implementing this dual role effectively requires solid mechanics that balance both responsibilities without overwhelming the player or diminishing the experience for others. The goal is to ensure the Fixer enhances the game by providing depth and opportunities while maintaining fairness and engagement.

Implementing Dual Role Mechanics

To solidify the Fixer's dual role functionality, we introduce a structured system that clearly defines the Fixer's responsibilities, mechanics, and guidelines. This system focuses on three key areas:

Role Separation Mechanisms
Facilitator Tools and Mechanics
In-Game Mechanics for Fixer Actions

1. Role Separation Mechanisms

To maintain clarity between the Fixer's roles as a PC and a facilitator, we establish mechanisms that help the player differentiate between in-character actions and facilitator duties.

1.1 The Fixer's Journal

Purpose: A dedicated notebook or digital document where the Fixer records facilitator notes, NPC details, plot ideas, and world events separate from character information. Implementation:

Character Sheet: Contains only the Fixer's PC information—attributes, talents, equipment, personal goals.
Facilitator Notes: Kept in the Fixer's Journal, not accessible to other players, and used solely for managing the game's narrative and mechanics.

1.2 Session Structure

Game Phases: Divide sessions into distinct phases to help the Fixer switch between roles.

Mission Briefing Phase: The Fixer primarily acts as the facilitator, presenting mission options and world information.
Mission Execution Phase: The Fixer transitions into their PC role, participating equally with other players.
Debriefing Phase: Return to the facilitator role to handle mission outcomes, NPC reactions, and world changes.

1.3 Clear Communication

Meta-Communication Signals: Use verbal cues or gestures to indicate when the Fixer is speaking as the facilitator versus as their character. Examples:

"As the facilitator, I can tell you that..."

"Nova (Fixer PC) says..."

Player Agreements: Establish group norms during a session zero, agreeing on how the Fixer will manage dual roles and how players can provide feedback.

2. Facilitator Tools and Mechanics

Providing the Fixer with structured tools aids in managing facilitator responsibilities without overwhelming complexity.

2.1 Mission Generation Mechanics

Mission Deck: A set of cards or tables with mission templates, objectives, complications, and rewards.
Mission Parameters: Difficulty Level, Objectives, and Complications that are scaled based on the team's capabilities.

2.2 NPC Management System

NPC Profiles: Standardized brief profiles with key information—name, role, motivations, and notable traits.
Motivation Matrix: A tool that helps the Fixer determine NPC reactions based on player actions and NPC agendas.

2.3 Influence and Reputation Mechanics

Influence Points (IP): Gained through missions, networking, and significant actions; used to acquire favors or resources.
Reputation System: A scale that reflects the Fixer's standing with various factions, impacting mission quality and NPC interactions.

3. In-Game Mechanics for Fixer Actions

Ensuring that the Fixer's in-character actions are governed by the same rules as other PCs maintains fairness and consistency.

3.1 Attribute and Talent Usage

The Fixer's actions utilize the core dice pool system (Attribute + Talent) for checks and challenges. Examples:

Negotiation: Spirit + Negotiation to persuade NPCs.
Information Gathering: Mind + Perception to uncover clues or intel.
Combat: Body + Combat talents when engaged in fighting.

3.2 Limiting Facilitator Knowledge in PC Actions

Mechanic: Knowledge Checks - The Fixer must roll appropriate checks to access information, even if the player knows it as the facilitator.

3.3 Balancing Fixer's Abilities

No Overpowered Advantages: The Fixer's talents and equipment should be on par with other PCs.
Team Support Role: The Fixer's abilities can be geared towards providing buffs or strategic insights.

Guidelines for Maintaining Balance and Fairness

Avoid meta-knowledge exploitation and ensure equal opportunity for all players.

Regular feedback check-ins to address any concerns regarding the Fixer's dual role.

Simplifying for Ease of Understanding

Clear documentation, practical examples, and gradual introduction of the Fixer's mechanics enhance understanding.

Ensuring Fun and Engagement

Emphasize collaboration, promote player agency, and leverage dynamic storytelling.

Conclusion

By solidifying the mechanics of the Fixer's dual role functionality, we create a system that is engaging, fair, accessible, and integrated with Infinite Frontiers.

Next Steps

Playtesting: Apply these mechanics in game sessions to gather feedback and make adjustments.
Rulebook Inclusion: Incorporate the detailed Fixer mechanics into the official rulebook.
Community Engagement: Share the Fixer system with the player community for additional insights and improvements.

Rulebook

Developing Dual Role Functionality for the Fixer