Developing Progression and Growth for the Fixer

10.1.4 Progression and Growth

Overview

Progression and Growth are essential elements of the Fixer's role in Infinite Frontiers, reflecting their development both as a player character and as a facilitator within the game world. As the Fixer engages in missions, manages their network, and navigates the complexities of the universe, they gain experience and resources that enhance their abilities and influence.

Implementing a solidified mechanic for Progression and Growth ensures that the Fixer's development is meaningful, balanced, and integrated seamlessly into the existing game systems. The mechanics should be intuitive, rewarding, and provide a sense of achievement without overshadowing the progression of other player characters.

Implementing Progression and Growth Mechanics

To develop an effective Progression and Growth system for the Fixer, we focus on four key components:

Experience Points (XP) and Leveling
Advancement of Attributes and Talents
Network Expansion and Influence Growth
Personal Goals and Story Arcs

1. Experience Points (XP) and Leveling

1.1 Earning Experience Points

The Fixer earns Experience Points (XP) through various activities, mirroring the ways other player characters gain experience:

Mission Participation: Completing missions successfully contributes to XP gain.
Networking Actions: Expanding contacts and successfully utilizing the network.
Roleplaying: Engaging in meaningful interactions, negotiations, and decision-making.
Facilitator Achievements: Successfully managing facilitator responsibilities can grant additional XP, rewarding the dual role.

1.2 XP Allocation

XP is accumulated and tracked on the Fixer's character sheet. Once sufficient XP is earned, the Fixer can level up, representing a significant step in their development.

Level Thresholds: Define XP thresholds required to reach each level (e.g., Level 2 at 100 XP, Level 3 at 250 XP).
Balanced Progression: Ensure that the rate of XP gain and leveling is consistent with other player characters to maintain balance.

1.3 Leveling Up

Upon reaching a new level, the Fixer gains specific benefits:

Attribute Points: Allocate points to increase Attributes (Mind, Body, Spirit).
Talent Points: Invest in existing Talents or learn new ones.
Influence Points (IP): Receive additional IP to enhance networking capabilities.
Special Abilities: Unlock unique abilities or perks exclusive to the Fixer role.

2. Advancement of Attributes and Talents

2.1 Attribute Advancement

Attributes represent the Fixer's core capabilities:

Mind: Intelligence, perception, and analytical skills.
Body: Physical strength, endurance, and agility.
Spirit: Willpower, charisma, and social influence.

Mechanics for Advancement:

Attribute Points: Earned upon leveling up, usually 1 point per level.
Allocation Limits: Maximum Attribute values to prevent over-specialization (e.g., cap at 10).

2.2 Talent Advancement

Talents are specific skills or proficiencies that enhance the Fixer's effectiveness:

Key Talents: Negotiation, Networking, Investigation, Hacking, etc.
Talent Points: Earned upon leveling up, allowing the Fixer to improve Talents or acquire new ones.

Mechanics for Advancement:

Talent Levels: Each Talent can be increased incrementally, enhancing proficiency.
Prerequisites: Some advanced Talents may require specific Attribute levels or other Talents.

2.3 Special Abilities and Perks

At certain levels, the Fixer can unlock unique abilities that reflect their growing influence and expertise:

Master Negotiator: Gain a bonus die on all Negotiation checks.
Expanded Network: Increase the maximum number of Contacts.
Influence Broker: Reduce IP costs for Network Actions.

Mechanics:

Level Requirements: Special abilities become available at specific levels.
Choice Options: Provide multiple options to allow customization based on the Fixer's playstyle.

3. Network Expansion and Influence Growth

3.1 Expanding the Network

As the Fixer progresses, they can grow their network of Contacts:

Increased Contact Capacity: Higher levels allow the Fixer to maintain relationships with more Contacts.
Access to Elite Contacts: Unlock the ability to connect with high-profile or powerful individuals.

Mechanics:

Contact Slots: Each level grants additional slots for new Contacts.
Network Actions: Use XP or IP to establish relationships with elite Contacts.

3.2 Enhancing Influence and Reputation

The Fixer's influence within the game world expands as they progress:

Influence Points (IP): Higher levels may grant bonus IP or increase IP regeneration rates.
Reputation Growth: Successful missions and actions enhance the Fixer's standing with factions.

Mechanics:

Influence Thresholds: Certain levels unlock new tiers of influence, affecting the Fixer's capabilities.
Reputation Mechanics: Track reputation gains, providing tangible benefits like access to exclusive missions.

4. Personal Goals and Story Arcs

4.1 Establishing Personal Goals

The Fixer's progression is not only mechanical but also narrative:

Goal Setting: Define personal objectives that align with the Fixer's background and motivations.
Goal Categories:

Professional: Becoming the most renowned Fixer in a region.
Personal: Seeking revenge against a rival.
Altruistic: Aiming to dismantle corrupt organizations.

Mechanics:

Goal Completion Rewards: Achieving personal goals grants XP, special abilities, or narrative benefits.
Progress Tracking: Use milestones to mark progress toward goals.

4.2 Developing Story Arcs

The Fixer's story evolves through interactions and choices:

Narrative Integration: Personal goals influence mission choices and interactions.
Dynamic Relationships: Relationships with Contacts and factions evolve, reflecting the Fixer's actions.

Mechanics:

Story Arcs as XP Sources: Engaging in personal story arcs provides additional opportunities for XP gain.
Collaborative Storytelling: Involve the team in the Fixer's story, enhancing group engagement.

Integrating Progression and Growth with Existing Mechanics

Consistency with Core Mechanics: Unified progression system, using the same XP and leveling system as other player characters.
Attribute and Talent Mechanics: Follows established rules for advancement.
Ease of Understanding: Clear leveling paths, simplified tracking, and player resources to record XP, Attribute/Talent points, and special abilities.
Engagement and Fun: Meaningful progression with each level-up offering significant enhancements.

Ensuring Balance and Engagement

Maintaining Balance with Other Players: Align XP gain and leveling with other characters.
Avoiding Overemphasis on the Fixer: Maintain shared story focus, ensuring the Fixer's progression benefits the team.
Transparent Mechanics: Communicate progression mechanics and encourage player feedback.

Simplifying for Ease of Understanding

Visual Aids and Level Charts: Use tables to outline level benefits and XP requirements.
Examples in Rulebook: Provide illustrative scenarios for leveling up and growth.
Step-by-Step Guides: Offer clear instructions for allocating points and selecting abilities.

Conclusion

By solidifying the mechanics of Progression and Growth for the Fixer, we create a system that is:

Engaging: Offers rewarding development reflecting the Fixer's efforts and achievements.
Intuitive: Aligns with existing progression systems, making it easy for players to understand and utilize.
Balanced: Enhances team dynamics without overshadowing other characters.
Integrated: Seamlessly fits into the world of Infinite Frontiers, reflecting the game's themes of personal advancement and influence.

This system empowers the Fixer to evolve meaningfully throughout the game, contributing to the team's success and the unfolding narrative. It adds depth to the character, creating opportunities for rich storytelling and collaborative play.

Next Steps

Playtesting: Implement the Progression and Growth mechanics in game sessions to gather feedback and refine.
Rulebook Inclusion: Incorporate detailed explanations, level charts, and examples into the Infinite Frontiers rulebook.
Player Resources: Provide updated character sheets and tools to assist with tracking XP, Attribute/Talent points, and special abilities.

Rulebook

Developing Progression and Growth for the Fixer