Fixers

Fixers: The Lifeline of Every Runner

In the labyrinthine alleys of neon-drenched cities and the uncharted territories of the Infinite Frontiers, Fixers operate as the unseen forces that shape destinies. They are the silent conductors of chaos and order, the linchpins that hold the volatile world of Runners together. To the unacquainted, Fixers might appear as mere intermediaries, but for those who dance on the edge of danger, they are the lifeblood that sustains their very existence.

Who They Are: The Pulse Beneath the Surface

Fixers are the unsung maestros of the underworld—a blend of sharp intellect, unbreakable resolve, and unparalleled savvy. Many have journeyed through the perilous paths of Runners themselves, emerging with scars and stories that grant them profound wisdom. Others have navigated the intricate webs of the underworld, mastering the art of influence and negotiation. What unites them is an intimate understanding of the game's nuances, the unspoken rules, and the shifting tides that govern this clandestine realm.
Their names are seldom spoken aloud, yet they resonate powerfully in whispered conversations and encrypted messages. A Fixer's reputation is their most valuable currency, built on a foundation of trust, efficiency, and an unflinching adherence to their code. They command a respect that transcends fear—a recognition of their essential role in a world where every alliance could mean survival or oblivion.

What They Do: The Weavers of Fate

At first glance, Fixers might be seen as connectors—linking those who need things done with those capable of doing them. But their role is far more profound:

• Strategists: They anticipate moves in the ever-changing landscape of the underworld, positioning their Runners where they'll have the greatest impact.
• Protectors: Ensuring the safety of their Runners isn't just good business; it's a matter of personal honor. They provide safehouses, emergency extraction plans, and even medical assistance when missions go awry.
• Mentors: For many Runners, especially those new to the game, Fixers offer guidance, sharing hard-earned lessons to navigate the treacherous terrain.
• Diplomats: They negotiate not just contracts, but also peace between rival factions, preventing unnecessary bloodshed that could disrupt the balance.

If betrayal rears its head, Fixers don't hesitate to act. They leverage their networks to enforce consequences, making it clear that deceit carries a heavy price. Their interventions can range from orchestrating a counter-mission to dismantle a treacherous client's operations to subtly manipulating market forces to ruin them financially.

The Fixer's Network: An Empire Without Borders

A Fixer's true power stems from their vast and intricate network—a mosaic of alliances and relationships that spans the visible and invisible worlds:

• Tech Savants: Hackers and engineers who can infiltrate secure systems, disable surveillance, or forge credentials.
• Information Whispers: Individuals who trade in secrets, providing insights that can turn the tide of any operation.
• Supply Chain Ghosts: Those who can procure rare materials, experimental tech, or weaponry without leaving a trace.
• Influential Shadows: Figures embedded in corporations, governments, or syndicates who can alter records, grant access, or divert attention.

This network isn't static; it's a living entity that grows and adapts. Fixers cultivate these connections with care, understanding that every relationship is a thread that, when woven together, creates a safety net—or a snare for their adversaries.

Code of Conduct: The Unspoken Creed

In a realm where written laws hold little sway, Fixers abide by a code more binding than any legal contract:

• Integrity Above All: A Fixer's word is unbreakable. Once they commit, they see it through.
• Trust Is Sacred: Betrayal isn't just a professional failing; it's a personal affront that tarnishes one's very essence.
• Discretion Is Paramount: Secrets are the lifeblood of the underworld. Loose talk isn't just frowned upon; it's dangerous.
• Respect the Balance: Fixers understand that the underworld is a delicate ecosystem. Their actions aim to maintain equilibrium, avoiding unnecessary chaos.
• Protect the Network: They shield their contacts and Runners alike, recognizing that their strength lies in collective security.

Violating this code isn't just a misstep—it's an unforgivable transgression that can lead to exile or worse. Stories circulate of those who broke the creed, only to vanish without a trace, becoming cautionary tales whispered among the cautious.

Benefits of Working with a Fixer: The Catalyst for Success

For Runners, aligning with a Fixer isn't just advantageous; it's transformative:

• Access to Premier Contracts: Fixers connect Runners with high-profile clients and missions that align with their skills, maximizing their potential and earnings.
• Reputation Building: A Fixer's endorsement can catapult a Runner's status, opening doors that were previously sealed shut.
• Resource Provisioning: From cutting-edge tech to vital intel, Fixers ensure their Runners are equipped to handle any challenge.
• Crisis Management: In dire situations, a Fixer's ability to mobilize support swiftly can mean the difference between life and death.
• Professional Growth: Through mentorship and exposure to diverse missions, Runners hone their abilities and expand their horizons.

Fixer Ranks & Reputation: The Hierarchy of Shadows

The world of Fixers is as stratified as it is complex, with each tier representing a different level of influence and capability:

• Initiates: Newcomers who handle minor tasks, building their networks from the ground up.
• Operators: Seasoned Fixers with reliable contacts and a portfolio of successful missions.
• Architects: High-level Fixers who design and oversee multifaceted operations, often involving multiple teams of Runners.
• Maestros: Legendary figures whose influence shapes the very fabric of the underworld. Their decisions can alter power dynamics on a grand scale.

Advancement isn't merely a matter of time or success; it's about the depth of one's network, the strength of one's reputation, and the ability to navigate the complexities of the underworld with finesse and integrity.

Finding a Fixer: The Initiation into the Underworld

For aspiring Runners, connecting with a reputable Fixer is a rite of passage:

• Earning Trust: Demonstrating reliability through smaller, independent jobs can catch a Fixer's attention.
• Networking: Frequenting known Runner haunts, participating in underground forums, and making oneself visible in the right circles.
• Referrals: A recommendation from an established Runner can open doors that are otherwise sealed.
• Showcasing Skills: Sometimes, a bold move—like successfully completing a high-risk job solo—can make waves that reach a Fixer's ears.

The path isn't easy, and missteps can be costly. But for those who persevere, the rewards are immeasurable.

The Fixer-Runner Bond: A Partnership Forged in the Shadows

The relationship between a Fixer and a Runner is a delicate dance of mutual reliance:

• Symbiotic Trust: Both parties depend on each other's success. A failed mission affects the Fixer's reputation as much as the Runner's.
• Open Communication: Transparency about capabilities and limitations ensures missions are assigned appropriately, reducing unnecessary risks.
• Shared Objectives: Aligning on goals—be it wealth accumulation, influence, or destabilizing a common enemy—strengthens the partnership.
• Loyalty and Respect: Upholding agreements, respecting boundaries, and valuing each other's contributions fortify the bond.

This connection often transcends mere business, evolving into mentorships or alliances that last lifetimes.

Career

Qualifications

Becoming a Fixer requires more than just knowledge or skills—it’s about experience, trust, and connections. While there’s no formal education for this role, most Fixers have backgrounds that provide them with a deep understanding of the underworld and its players:

• Experience as a Runner: Many Fixers start out as Runners themselves, giving them firsthand knowledge of the challenges and risks involved in each mission.
• Strong Network of Contacts: A Fixer’s true power lies in their network. Building relationships with Runners, clients, and other underworld figures is crucial.
• Negotiation and Diplomacy Skills: Fixers must be able to mediate conflicts, broker deals, and maintain their reputation as reliable intermediaries.
• Intelligence and Insight: Understanding faction dynamics, market trends, and geopolitical shifts helps Fixers position their Runners and clients effectively.
• Reputation for Integrity: A Fixer’s word is their bond. Maintaining an unblemished record of trust and reliability is essential for success in this role.

These qualifications are not learned overnight. They are forged through experience, trial, and sometimes, costly mistakes.

Career Progression

Career Progression

The path to becoming a prominent Fixer is marked by subtle influence, expanding networks, and a strategic approach to the underworld. Each rank reflects the depth of their control and how deeply their influence permeates the unseen world:

• Handler: Handlers are entry-level Fixers, managing small jobs and focusing on building initial relationships. They connect low-profile clients with new Runners, gaining experience and trust.


• Broker: Brokers handle mid-level jobs and start building a broader network of clients and Runners. They act as intermediaries for more complex contracts and refine their negotiation skills.


• Coordinator: Coordinators excel at orchestrating complex missions that span multiple sectors or involve sensitive objectives. Their influence stretches across various networks, allowing them to take on high-risk, high-reward contracts.


• Influencer: Influencers have a substantial presence in the underworld, capable of steering the direction of entire factions or organizations. They are trusted with shaping power dynamics and advising high-profile clients on strategic decisions.


• Director: Directors are influential Fixers who operate at the highest level of the underworld. They handle the most sensitive and high-stakes contracts, shaping the dynamics of entire factions with their decisions.


• Architect: Architects are legendary Fixers whose influence is woven into the fabric of the underworld itself. They design large-scale operations, dictate the flow of power, and are responsible for orchestrating moves that can reshape entire territories.

Each step up the hierarchy requires not just skill, but also an unassailable reputation, a keen understanding of the shifting landscape, and the ability to wield influence without drawing unwanted attention.

Payment & Reimbursement

Fixers are rewarded handsomely for their role as intermediaries and strategists. Their compensation varies depending on the complexity and risk of the contracts they handle:

• Commission Fees: Fixers typically take a commission ranging from 10% to 30% of a Runner’s contract payment. The exact percentage depends on the nature of the job and the level of Fixer involvement.


• Retainer Agreements: High-profile clients often place Fixers on retainer, providing steady income in exchange for priority access and ongoing consultation.


• Performance Bonuses: For contracts that exceed expectations or involve extraordinary success, Fixers may receive additional bonuses or incentives.


• Non-Monetary Rewards: Occasionally, Fixers are compensated with rare information, access to exclusive networks, or resources that enhance their influence and standing within the underworld.

The best Fixers can command top-tier fees and negotiate unique compensation packages, making their work both lucrative and essential for sustaining their expansive networks.

Perception

Purpose

Fixers serve as the backbone of the Runner network, acting as intermediaries who ensure that operations run smoothly and everyone involved gets what they’re owed. They provide structure and stability in a world that thrives on chaos and uncertainty.
Their primary role is to connect clients who need discreet jobs done with Runners who can execute them. By vetting contracts, negotiating terms, and ensuring the safety of their operatives, Fixers maintain the delicate balance of trust and professionalism that keeps the underworld functioning.
In broader society, Fixers are shadowy influencers who can shift power dynamics, disrupt or reinforce factional control, and ensure that the right (or wrong) people have access to critical resources and information. Their ability to manipulate the flow of power and resources allows them to impact events in ways that go far beyond the scope of any single contract.

Social Status

The perception of Fixers varies widely depending on who you ask. Within the Runner community and the underworld, Fixers are seen as indispensable power brokers. They are respected and often feared, known for their ability to make or break careers and shape the flow of events.
In mainstream society, however, Fixers are considered shadowy figures, akin to crime lords or manipulators who operate outside the bounds of legality and morality. They are viewed with suspicion and distrust, seen as enablers of illicit activities and unrest.
Despite this duality, the role of a Fixer is highly sought after in the criminal underworld, where their influence and connections are invaluable assets. Their status as behind-the-scenes orchestrators makes them both revered and reviled, depending on which side of the law one stands.

History

The profession of Fixers emerged in response to the growing need for coordination and stability within the chaotic underworld. Initially, they were simply middlemen—ex-Runners, gang leaders, or corporate dropouts—who facilitated contracts between clients and operatives. Over time, their role evolved as they began to wield greater influence, using their networks to broker power and establish themselves as essential players in the shadows.
As the Infinite Frontiers expanded and more factions rose to power, the demand for Fixers grew. Their ability to navigate shifting political landscapes, maintain confidentiality, and provide reliable services made them indispensable. Fixers became power brokers capable of shaping events on a macro scale, their influence extending far beyond mere contract facilitation.
Throughout history, several legendary Fixers emerged, redefining the profession. They introduced standards, developed intricate networks, and set the code of conduct that governs the profession to this day. In modern times, Fixers are no longer just intermediaries; they are the architects of the underworld’s future, influencing factional dynamics and ensuring that the delicate balance of power is maintained.

Operations

Tools

Fixers rely on a diverse set of tools and equipment to maintain their networks and carry out their operations effectively. While they don’t typically engage in direct action like Runners, they use a variety of specialized devices for communication, information management, and logistics. Some standard tools include:

• Encrypted Comms Devices: Secure communication devices that allow Fixers to relay information without fear of interception.
• Data Vaults: Portable, highly secure storage units for keeping sensitive information and contract details safe.
• Surveillance and Monitoring Systems: Equipment to track, record, and observe targets remotely. These systems often include drones, cameras, and audio bugs.
• Advanced Holo-Displays: Devices used to project interactive maps, mission details, or tactical data during planning sessions.
• Contact Management Software: Complex software to track networks of contacts, mission details, and resource availability.
• Black Market Access Terminals: Devices that allow Fixers to access restricted marketplaces for acquiring specialized gear, technology, or information discreetly.
• Disguise Kits and Voice Modulators: Useful for maintaining anonymity during face-to-face interactions or when direct involvement is unavoidable.

These tools enable Fixers to coordinate operations, safeguard sensitive data, and manage their extensive networks with precision and efficiency.

Materials

Fixers require a variety of supplies to support their daily operations. While they may not need traditional raw materials, their profession relies on access to specialized resources:

• Encryption Keys and Secure Channels: To maintain the security of their communications and data exchanges.
• Data Caches and Storage Drives: Used to store sensitive information and contract details securely.
• Surveillance Components: Micro-cameras, audio bugs, and tracking devices for remote monitoring.
• Black Market Access Tokens: Special tokens or codes required to access restricted networks and acquire unique goods or information.
• Anonymity Supplies: Masks, voice modulators, and holographic disguises to ensure their identity remains hidden during meetings.
• Specialized Software Licenses: Programs for hacking, data analysis, or managing networks, which are crucial for Fixer operations.

These materials ensure that Fixers can maintain their operations with efficiency and secrecy, giving them the tools needed to manage their network and maintain their influence.

Workplace

A Fixer’s workspace can vary greatly depending on their status and personal style. While some operate from high-tech, hidden offices equipped with cutting-edge security systems, others prefer mobile setups that can be moved or concealed at a moment’s notice.
Common features of a Fixer’s workplace include:

• Command Centers: Spaces filled with holo-displays, communication arrays, and secure data terminals for managing operations.
• Safehouses: Hidden or inconspicuous locations that offer anonymity, stocked with essential supplies and emergency gear.
• Ambient Tech Noise: The hum of servers, the flicker of monitors, and the soft ping of encrypted messages are constant background sounds.
• Personal Memorabilia: Objects like old mission tokens, gifts from loyal Runners, or symbols of past victories, adding a personal touch to their otherwise sterile environments.

Whether it’s a luxurious penthouse or a dingy backroom, a Fixer’s workplace reflects their style and the level of influence they wield within the underworld.

Provided Services

Provided Services

Fixers offer a wide array of services that cater to both Runners and clients, acting as the critical intermediaries who ensure operations run smoothly. Their services include:

• Contract Brokerage: Connecting clients with Runners based on specific skill sets and mission requirements.
• Mission Coordination: Planning and overseeing complex operations that involve multiple Runners or resources.
• Intelligence Gathering and Analysis: Providing vital information about targets, locations, or mission parameters to ensure success.
• Conflict Mediation: Negotiating between factions or individuals to resolve disputes and prevent unnecessary hostilities.
• Logistics and Resource Management: Sourcing equipment, safehouses, and transportation for mission-critical needs.
• Emergency Extraction and Recovery: Coordinating the extraction of Runners or assets from compromised situations.
• Reputation Management: Building and maintaining the reputation of their network by ensuring professional conduct and successful outcomes.

These services make Fixers indispensable, providing structure and reliability in an otherwise chaotic underworld.

Dangers & Hazards

The life of a Fixer is fraught with dangers, despite the fact that they operate behind the scenes. Some of the inherent risks include:

• Betrayal and Double-Crosses: Fixers are prime targets for betrayal by clients, Runners, or rival Fixers seeking to undermine their influence.
• Assassination Attempts: High-profile Fixers can become targets for those looking to destabilize the underworld or settle personal vendettas.
• Legal Repercussions: Fixers frequently operate outside the law, making them vulnerable to law enforcement crackdowns or factional retribution.
• Data Breaches and Hacking: Compromised communications or data leaks can expose a Fixer’s network, leading to catastrophic consequences.
• Reputation Damage: A single failed operation or unethical move can ruin a Fixer’s reputation, causing them to lose influence and trust.

These hazards make it essential for Fixers to remain vigilant, build reliable networks, and always have contingency plans in place.

Infinite Frontiers    Player Occupations      Fixers

Alternative Names

Middles, Dealers, Puppeteers

Legality

The legality of the Fixer profession varies greatly depending on the region and the governing faction. In most cases, the activities carried out by Fixers are considered illegal or operate in a gray area of the law:

• Core Systems: Fixers are classified as criminal facilitators, and any association with them can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment or execution.
• Fringe Worlds and Unregulated Sectors: Law enforcement is often minimal or corrupt, allowing Fixers to operate more freely. Some factions even recognize them as unofficial mediators or brokers.
• Corporate-Controlled Territories: Fixers may operate with tacit approval or even under corporate employment, as long as their actions benefit the corporation’s interests.

Despite operating outside the law, Fixers are often tolerated—if not outright protected—by those who benefit from their services. However, the threat of legal repercussions is always present, forcing Fixers to remain cautious and maintain plausible deniability.

Other Associated professions

• Runners

Fixers: The Role and Function in the Game

In the world of Infinite Frontiers, the Fixer serves as a versatile and powerful narrative tool for the Game Master (GM). More than just a mission provider, the Fixer embodies an in-world persona that seamlessly connects players to new opportunities and story developments. This role allows GMs to naturally guide players when they feel lost or unsure about what to do next and provides a way to bail them out of tough situations—without breaking character or the immersion of the game world.

Key Functions in Gameplay

• Mission Provider and Story Catalyst: The Fixer assigns jobs, delivers key intel, and introduces new NPCs and factions, setting the stage for player adventures. Through this role, the GM can weave complex narratives and set up branching storylines that tie into the larger world.


• Narrative Guide and Mentor: When players aren’t sure what to do next, the Fixer can drop subtle hints, provide additional context, or offer side missions that lead them back to the main plotline. This allows the GM to guide the party without overtly steering them, keeping the experience feeling organic and player-driven.


• Bailout Mechanism: If players get in over their heads, the Fixer can offer an emergency extraction, deploy resources, or send backup to help turn the tide. This allows the GM to prevent total party wipeouts or dead ends, maintaining tension and stakes without outright saving the players or breaking immersion.


• Source of Consequences and Morality Checks: The Fixer can serve as an evaluator of the players’ actions, rewarding them for sticking to contracts and punishing them for reckless behavior. This keeps players grounded and adds layers to the consequences of their choices.

Game Master’s Voice in the World

Through the Fixer, GMs can introduce plot complications, new job offers, or additional challenges that dynamically influence the party’s journey. Whether it’s redirecting them to a different objective or dropping crucial information at just the right moment, the Fixer allows GMs to shape the story without ever stepping out of character.
In essence, the Fixer is the GM’s most versatile tool, bridging the gap between story control and player agency. It ensures that the game remains engaging, immersive, and adaptable to any scenario the players encounter.