Runners
You know, in Night City… you’re either somebody, or you fizzle out into nothing. And I mean nobody. And that’s it. It’s not about how you start. It’s about how you finish.-Jackie Welles
Runners of the Infinite Frontiers: Forging Legends Among the Stars
Runners are more than just mercenaries or hackers—they’re the ones who defy the status quo and take on jobs no one else dares to touch. Whether they’re seen as heroes, villains, or something in between, each Runner has earned their place through bold decisions and raw perseverance. They live by their own rules, navigating a world of shifting allegiances and high-stakes missions to forge unforgettable legacies.The Essence of a Runner: Masters of Their Destiny
Defying the Ordinary
In a universe teeming with life yet often mired in conformity and control, Runners stand as symbols of defiance. They reject the notion of fading into obscurity, choosing instead to etch their names into the annals of history. For them, it's not about where you begin but the legacy you create. They understand that making a name for yourself demands more than ambition—it requires action, courage, and the willingness to face the unknown.The Catalyst for Greatness
Every Runner's journey is sparked by a pivotal moment—a realization that the ordinary path is insufficient. Whether it's escaping the drudgery of a predestined life, responding to a profound injustice, or seizing an unexpected opportunity, this catalyst propels them into a life of adventure. They make the conscious choice to take risks, understanding that only those who dare can achieve greatness.Heroes and Villains: The Dual Nature of Legends
Mercenaries: The Calculated Daredevils
As mercenaries, Runners accept the most perilous contracts, not just for the rewards but for the challenge and the chance to make a statement. They infiltrate impenetrable fortresses, negotiate with alien warlords, and navigate treacherous political landscapes. Their reputations are built on daring moves that others wouldn't contemplate, cementing their status as legends in the making.Hackers: The Invisible Architects
The hackers among them manipulate the digital fabric of the universe. They penetrate secure networks, expose hidden truths, and can alter the course of entire civilizations with a few keystrokes. Their bold choices often come with high stakes—one misstep could mean erasure or worse—but the impact of their successes reverberates across star systems.Robin Hood Do-Gooders: Champions of Change
Embodying the spirit of Robin Hood, these Runners fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. They topple corrupt regimes, redistribute wealth from tyrants to the oppressed, and ignite movements that challenge the status quo. Their perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds inspires others to join their cause, amplifying their impact and solidifying their place in history.The Antiheroes: Marks Left for Better or Worse
Not all Runners are paragons of virtue. Some walk the line between hero and villain, their actions leaving marks that are both creative and destructive. These antiheroes make choices that benefit some while harming others, embodying the complexity of morality in the Infinite Frontiers. Their legacies are indelible, shaping the universe in profound ways, for better or worse.Life as a Runner in the Infinite Frontiers
The Call of the Streets
Every Runner's journey begins on the streets. Whether born in the bustling heart of a megacity like Neo Babylon or on a remote outpost on the fringes of known space such as Kryos-9, the call is the same. It's the allure of freedom, the thrill of the unknown, and the promise of a life less ordinary. The streets teach a Runner the first lessons: trust no one completely, always have an exit strategy, and know your worth.Missions and Contracts
Runners thrive on contracts. These can range from simple courier missions, delivering packages or messages across the city, to complex heists that involve breaking into high-security zones. Some Runners specialize in information brokerage, trading secrets in the shadows, while others might be hired for protection or even assassination. The nature of the job can vary, but the rule is simple: complete the mission, get paid.Navigating the Neon Jungle
The megacities are a Runner's playground and battleground. With their intricate transit systems, hidden alleyways, and high-tech security, every mission is a game of cat and mouse. Runners need to be adept at using technology, from hacking into systems to utilizing advanced gear, but they also rely on their instincts, street smarts, and sometimes sheer luck.The Vastness of Space
While many Runners operate within the confines of megacities, others are drawn to the vastness of space. These Runners might pilot their own ships, taking on contracts that span star systems. They face unique challenges, from navigating asteroid belts to dealing with space pirates. But the rewards, both in terms of credits and the sheer thrill of space exploration, are unparalleled.Alliances and Lone Wolves
Some Runners prefer to operate solo, relying on their skills and instincts. Others form alliances or join Runner crews, pooling their resources and expertise. These alliances can be temporary, formed for a specific mission, or long-lasting. In the world of Runners, reputation is everything, and while alliances offer strength in numbers, trust is a commodity that's hard to come by.The Ethical Dilemma
Not all contracts are black and white. Runners often find themselves in situations where they must make moral choices. Do they deliver a package without knowing its contents? Do they take on a hit job? Every decision has consequences, and often, Runners must grapple with their own sense of right and wrong.Living on the Edge
To be a Runner is to live on the edge. The risks are high, but so are the rewards. It's a life of adrenaline rushes, close calls, and the satisfaction of a job well done. But beyond the missions and credits, it's also a life of freedom, of choosing one's path, and of writing one's own story in the vast narrative of the Infinite Frontiers.Tools of the Trade
Cybernetic Enhancements: Beyond Human Limits
To survive and excel, many Runners augment their bodies with cybernetic enhancements. These range from neural interfaces that accelerate thought processes to biomechanical limbs granting superhuman strength. Ocular implants might provide multi-spectrum vision, while subdermal armor offers protection without sacrificing agility. Each modification is a calculated choice, balancing the benefits against the loss of original humanity.Cutting-Edge Technology and Gadgets
Their arsenal includes the latest in technological innovation—quantum decryptors that can bypass the most advanced encryption, grappling hooks with adaptive materials for scaling impossible heights, and personal cloaking devices that render them invisible to the naked eye and sensors alike. Holo-projectors allow them to create convincing illusions, while nanotech medical kits can heal wounds in moments.Mastery of Combat and Strategy
Beyond gadgets, Runners are masters of various combat disciplines. Some specialize in martial arts, combining agility and strength to overpower opponents. Others are experts in tactical warfare, orchestrating complex plans that outmaneuver enemies. Their strategic thinking extends to social engineering, manipulating situations and people to achieve their objectives.Career
Qualifications
Runners in the Infinite Frontiers do not adhere to traditional career paths. Instead, they rely on a unique set of skills and experience, often honed through high-risk situations and sheer survival instincts. While formal education is not required, certain qualifications and skills can give an aspiring Runner a competitive edge.
Street Education and Survival Skills
Most Runners start with basic street-level education. They learn to navigate complex urban landscapes, handle dangerous encounters, and develop a strong sense of self-preservation.Specialized Training
Some Runners come from backgrounds such as military, law enforcement, or technical fields, bringing expertise in areas like hand-to-hand combat, marksmanship, or cyber warfare. Formal training in these areas is highly beneficial for more complex contracts.Tech and Cybernetic Proficiency
Proficiency in technology is crucial for Runners. Knowledge of hacking, drone operations, and the use of advanced gadgets is a major asset. Understanding the impact of cybernetic enhancements on both physical and mental capabilities is also key.Adaptability and Ingenuity
Successful Runners are quick thinkers and highly adaptable. They can respond to rapidly changing situations, solve problems on the fly, and come up with creative solutions to overcome obstacles.Reputation and Networking
Formal credentials are less important than a solid reputation and strong connections. Building trust in the underworld network, maintaining a record of completed contracts, and forging alliances are the true indicators of a successful Runner. While not everyone can become a Runner, those who possess the right combination of skills, courage, and connections can thrive and carve out their own path in the Infinite Frontiers.Career Progression
The career path of a Runner is not a linear progression but a series of defining moments, risks, and achievements. Runners advance by building their reputation, completing high-profile contracts, and mastering their unique set of skills. There are no formal ranks, but Runners are often categorized based on their experience and renown:
Initiate
New Runners, or Initiates, are often given low-risk contracts such as basic courier missions or surveillance tasks. This stage is all about gaining experience, building connections, and earning trust.Experienced Operative
After proving themselves, Runners are trusted with more complex jobs like infiltration, hacking, or high-stakes extractions. They begin to develop a unique style and set of specialties that set them apart from the competition.Veteran Runner
Veterans have built a solid reputation and are known for their reliability and skill. They are often sought after for high-profile contracts and have the connections to call in favors when needed. Veteran Runners may start forming their own crews or mentoring new Runners.Legendary Runner
Few Runners reach this level. Legendary Runners are the stuff of myths—operatives who have pulled off impossible missions, survived against overwhelming odds, and left a lasting impact on the Infinite Frontiers. They command the highest fees, wield significant influence, and often shape the course of entire star systems. Runners advance not through a structured hierarchy but by the stories they create and the legacy they leave behind.Payment & Reimbursement
Runners are paid according to the risk, complexity, and sensitivity of each contract. Compensation can vary widely, ranging from modest sums for basic deliveries to astronomical fees for high-risk missions involving espionage or assassination. Payments are typically made in Alliance credits or valuable commodities, such as rare materials or technological artifacts.
High-profile Runners may also receive non-monetary rewards like access to restricted technology, favors from powerful factions, or information that can be leveraged for future contracts. Reputation often plays a role—more renowned Runners command higher fees.
Runners are usually responsible for covering their own operational expenses, such as acquiring gear or bribing informants. However, in certain cases, clients may offer reimbursement for mission-critical expenses or provide specialized equipment required for the job.
Regardless of the contract, payment terms are negotiated upfront, with a portion of the fee often paid as a retainer and the remainder upon successful completion. The most elite Runners can afford to be selective, taking only contracts that align with their interests and offering the highest payouts.
Other Benefits
Beyond financial compensation, Runners gain several unique benefits that make their profession highly appealing:
Social Cred and Reputation
Completing high-risk contracts and building a solid track record earns Runners respect and prestige within the underworld and even among certain factions. A good reputation can lead to more lucrative contracts, exclusive opportunities, and invitations to join elite Runner crews.Access to Rare Resources and Technology
Top-tier Runners often gain access to advanced tech, cybernetic enhancements, or rare equipment unavailable to the general populace. Some clients might provide these as part of a payment or as rewards for particularly challenging missions.Favors and Influence
Powerful clients may offer non-monetary benefits, such as political favors, legal immunity, or influence within certain sectors. These intangible assets can open doors, reduce threats, or provide protection in times of need.Personal Freedom and Autonomy
Runners enjoy a level of independence that few others can claim. They choose their own contracts, set their terms, and live by their own rules, free from the constraints of a traditional career path. While the risks are high, the benefits of being a successful Runner extend far beyond credits, offering power, influence, and a chance to leave a lasting legacy.Perception
Purpose
Runners play a crucial role in the complex societies of the Infinite Frontiers. They operate as intermediaries between factions, corporations, and the underworld, executing tasks that others cannot or will not undertake. Their profession bridges the gap between legality and necessity, making them essential for maintaining the flow of information, resources, and covert operations.
Whether it’s smuggling, espionage, or sabotage, Runners fulfill the need for skilled operatives who can navigate the gray areas of society, where conventional means fall short.
Social Status
The perception of Runners varies widely across the Infinite Frontiers, reflecting the complexity of their role in society. To some, they are seen as daring heroes, champions of freedom and individuality who defy the control of megacorporations and oppressive regimes. In these circles, becoming a Runner is a sought-after path, symbolizing courage and defiance.
Conversely, in more regulated and corporate-dominated sectors, Runners are viewed as little more than opportunistic criminals or mercenaries. Here, their profession is considered low-status, with Runners seen as disruptors and pawns in dangerous games of power.
Ultimately, a Runner’s social status is determined by their reputation, influence, and the nature of their contracts. While some Runners rise to legendary status and command respect across the galaxy, others remain in the shadows, forever labeled as outcasts and pariahs.
Demographics
Runners make up a small but influential fraction of the overall population. Estimates suggest that less than 0.000001% of the population across the Infinite Frontiers are engaged in Runner activities, whether full-time or on a contract basis. This percentage varies depending on the region—urban megacities and fringe worlds see a higher concentration of Runners due to the abundance of high-risk opportunities, while more regulated and stable sectors of space have fewer active Runners.
Despite their small numbers, Runners hold significant sway in both the underworld economy and larger factional dynamics, making them highly influential relative to their population size.
History
The profession of Runners emerged during the chaotic expansion era of the Infinite Frontiers. As the Terran Alliance and various factions vied for control over new territories, traditional methods of communication, trade, and enforcement proved insufficient. This created a demand for individuals who could operate independently, taking on high-risk contracts without the constraints of bureaucracy.
Initially, Runners were seen as desperate outlaws and mercenaries. However, as factions began to leverage their skills for covert operations and information brokerage, the profession evolved. Runners became respected—if unpredictable—operatives who could navigate the complex web of factional politics and clandestine warfare.
Over the years, technological advancements, such as cybernetic enhancements and AI-driven tools, further transformed the role of the Runner. What started as a profession defined by brute force and agility became one characterized by technological prowess, strategy, and a deep understanding of digital warfare.
Today, Runners are both celebrated and feared. They operate in the gray areas between legality and necessity, making them indispensable for tasks that require discretion, speed, and skill. The rise of megacorporations, along with the continuous expansion into unexplored star systems, ensures that the demand for Runners remains as strong as ever.
Operations
Tools
Runners don’t start out with a standard kit of high-tech gear. At the beginning, all they need is the ability to get the job done and not get caught. They often rely on ingenuity, basic equipment, and their wits to navigate the complexities of their contracts.
Advanced Gear and Specialization
More experienced and veteran Runners tend to acquire a wider variety of tools based on how they choose to specialize. These might include high-tech gadgets like hacking devices, cloaking systems, or weaponry tailored to their preferred style. Each piece of equipment is selected to complement their skills, whether it's for stealth, combat, or technical operations.Ships and Logistics
Access to a ship is considered highly advantageous for a Runner. Many Runners travel in groups, taking contracts based on the ship’s destination. Those who amass enough credits may purchase their own ships, extending their reach and capabilities. These independent Runners often bring other Runners aboard to help shoulder travel costs, manage logistics, and provide mutual protection. While a new Runner might start with little more than a good pair of boots and a sharp mind, the best Runners build a personal arsenal of gear and allies to ensure they are ready for whatever the Infinite Frontiers throws at them.Materials
Runners require a range of supplies to sustain their operations, depending on the nature of their missions. While newcomers often start with minimal gear, experienced Runners keep their inventory well-stocked to ensure they are prepared for any situation.
Food Rations and Water: Essential for long missions or space travel, where access to resources may be limited.
Energy Cells: Power sources for handheld devices, tools, or weapons.
Medkits and Stims: Medical supplies to treat injuries and enhance physical capabilities during missions.
Hacking Chips and Encryption Keys: Used to bypass digital security or unlock secured systems.
Weapon Maintenance Kits: Components and tools for repairing or modifying weapons and equipment.
Tech Salvage and Parts: Spare parts collected from broken or discarded technology, useful for building or repairing advanced gadgets.
Runners who specialize in more high-tech operations often invest in rare or expensive materials, but at the core, every Runner ensures they have the basics to sustain themselves and their equipment.
Basic Supplies
Specialized Materials
Workplace
Runner’s workplace is as varied as the missions they undertake. They operate in all sorts of environments, from neon-lit megacity alleyways to derelict space stations and sprawling corporate complexes. Their “office” could be a dark, secluded corner of a back-alley café, the cramped cockpit of a spaceship, or a hidden safehouse filled with makeshift tech.
Each location carries its own unique atmosphere:
Smells: The scent of coolant from malfunctioning tech, burnt ozone from energy weapons, or the pungent aroma of street food in urban areas.
Sounds: The hum of industrial machinery, the faint buzz of neon signs, or the steady thrum of a ship’s engines.
Runners adapt to their surroundings, whether it’s the chaotic noise of a bustling city or the eerie silence of deep space. Their workspace is defined more by utility than aesthetics, with scattered gear, unfinished projects, and data pads strewn about.
Provided Services
Runners are versatile operatives offering a broad range of services, adapting to the needs of their clients. Below is an extensive list of possible services they provide:
High-Security Delivery: Transporting sensitive documents, data drives, or rare items under heavy surveillance or through dangerous territory.
Smuggling and Contraband Transport: Moving illegal goods or restricted items through checkpoints or between systems, avoiding detection.
Passenger Extraction and Relocation: Safely transporting individuals, such as defectors or witnesses, to secure locations.
Surveillance and Observation: Monitoring individuals, facilities, or areas to gather intelligence without being detected.
Infiltration and Data Theft: Penetrating secure locations to retrieve sensitive data or prototype technologies.
Disinformation Campaigns: Planting false information, hacking media networks, or manipulating data streams to mislead targets.
Assassination and Neutralization: Eliminating high-value targets or rivals with precision and discretion.
Private Security and Bodyguarding: Providing close-protection services for VIPs, convoys, or installations.
Asset Protection and Defense: Guarding valuable goods or locations from theft, sabotage, or enemy incursions.
Hostage Rescue: Recovering kidnapped or captured individuals from hostile environments.
Asset Retrieval: Recovering lost or stolen property, including ships, equipment, or valuable artifacts.
Emergency Evacuation: Rapidly extracting personnel or resources from dangerous situations like collapsing buildings or active war zones.
Infrastructure Sabotage: Disabling power grids, security systems, or communications networks to disrupt operations.
Corporate Espionage and Sabotage: Undermining a rival corporation’s assets, projects, or personnel.
Saboteur Insertion: Infiltrating teams into enemy installations to set charges or disrupt key systems.
Data Retrieval and Analysis: Collecting and decrypting data to expose secrets or analyze trends.
Information Brokerage: Trading valuable information between parties or selling intel on the black market.
Digital Footprint Erasure: Eliminating all traces of a person’s or organization’s digital activity to ensure anonymity.
Supply Chain Disruption or Support: Interfering with or bolstering supply lines for factions or corporations.
Resource Acquisition and Procurement: Locating and acquiring rare materials, equipment, or supplies.
Transportation Logistics and Fleet Support: Coordinating or assisting in the movement of goods, vehicles, or personnel.
Social Manipulation and Infiltration: Using charisma, disguises, or false identities to influence targets or extract information.
Diplomatic Negotiation and Mediation: Acting as intermediaries in sensitive negotiations or disputes.
Blackmail and Coercion Operations: Gathering compromising information to manipulate or control targets.
Runners offer tailored services based on their skills, specialization, and the client’s needs, making them highly versatile operatives capable of tackling a wide range of objectives.
Courier and Transport
Espionage and Reconnaissance
Combat and Security Services
Extraction and Rescue Operations
Covert and Sabotage Missions
Information Services
Logistics and Support
Social Engineering and Influence
Dangers & Hazards
The Runner profession is fraught with inherent dangers, making it one of the riskiest jobs in the Infinite Frontiers. Each contract carries its own set of hazards, and even routine missions can turn deadly in an instant. Some of the most common risks include:
Lethal Combat Situations: Runners often face armed opponents, security drones, and automated defense systems. Injury or death is a constant risk.
Extreme Environments: Missions in hostile planetary conditions, such as toxic atmospheres or freezing temperatures, require specialized gear and preparation.
Cyber Warfare and Digital Threats: Hacking attempts can backfire, leading to data corruption, exposure, or counter-hacking by advanced AI.
Malfunctioning Equipment: High-tech gadgets and implants are prone to malfunctions, which can cripple a Runner at critical moments.
Criminal Prosecution: Runners often operate outside the law. Getting caught by law enforcement or factional security can result in imprisonment or execution.
Bounty Hunters and Rival Runners: High-profile Runners may become targets themselves, hunted by bounty hunters or rival Runners seeking to eliminate competition.
Moral Dilemmas and Guilt: The ethically ambiguous nature of many contracts can weigh heavily on Runners, leading to psychological trauma.
Constant Paranoia: The constant threat of betrayal, exposure, or ambush fosters a state of paranoia, making it difficult to trust others or even relax.
Being a Runner is not for the faint-hearted. Only those who can handle the constant pressure and life-threatening challenges thrive in this high-risk profession.
Physical Dangers
Technological Risks
Legal and Societal Repercussions
Psychological and Emotional Strain
Runners: The Role and Function in the Game
Runners are the heart of the Infinite Frontiers, representing the player characters who undertake daring missions, navigate complex politics, and shape their own destinies. Whether they’re infiltrating a secure facility, extracting critical data, or taking down a high-value target, Runners are the operatives that get things done. In the game, Runners are versatile agents that players embody, driving the story forward through their actions, choices, and interactions. Their role is central to gameplay, providing the party with the means to explore the world, engage in dynamic scenarios, and shape the course of events.Key Functions in Gameplay
- Mission Executors: Runners are the boots-on-the-ground operatives who carry out the tasks set before them. Their skills and tactics determine the success or failure of each mission, allowing the GM to craft challenging and rewarding experiences.
- Roleplay and Character Development: Through their characters, players can explore personal story arcs, relationships, and moral dilemmas. Runners’ backgrounds, motivations, and personalities are what give depth to the game and create memorable narratives.
- Problem Solvers and Strategists: Each Runner has a unique set of abilities and specialties, making them invaluable for overcoming specific challenges. Whether it’s a combat-heavy mission or a delicate infiltration, Runners provide the creative solutions needed to adapt and succeed.
- Influencers of the World: The actions of Runners ripple outward, affecting factions, politics, and power dynamics. They can build alliances, make enemies, and leave lasting impacts that influence the world around them.
Why Play a Runner?
Runners offer players the chance to craft their own legend within the Infinite Frontiers. Whether you want to be a cold-blooded assassin, a brilliant hacker, or a charismatic diplomat, playing a Runner lets you explore a wide range of personas and specialties. The freedom to choose how to approach each mission—whether through stealth, combat, or diplomacy—makes the role dynamic and engaging. Additionally, Runners are never static. Players have the opportunity to grow, evolve, and redefine their characters through skills, gear, and reputation as they navigate the world’s challenges and build their own legacy.Relationship with Fixers
Runners depend on Fixers for contracts, information, and logistical support. While Runners are the operatives who take action, Fixers are the facilitators who make those actions possible. A good relationship with a Fixer can mean the difference between life and death, while crossing a Fixer can lead to a ruined reputation and closed doors. The interplay between Runners and Fixers is essential, as both roles complement each other. Fixers set the stage, and Runners perform on it.Building a Runner Character
When building a Runner, players have a wealth of choices to define their abilities and backgrounds:- Skills and Specializations: From combat prowess to hacking expertise, players can tailor their Runners to fill specific roles within the party.
- Background and Motivations: A Runner’s history shapes how they view the world and what drives them. Are they seeking redemption, revenge, or simply a payday?
- Gear and Augmentations: Players can equip their Runners with advanced weaponry, cybernetic enhancements, and tech that enhance their performance and open up new strategic options.
In-Game Utility
Runners are more than just characters—they are the players’ avatars within the world. As they progress, they uncover hidden stories, make critical choices, and influence the game world in ways that reflect the players’ decisions. The success of a mission often hinges on the synergy between Runners and their ability to leverage their unique strengths. Playing a Runner is about shaping your own story, making tough choices, and leaving your mark on the Infinite Frontiers.
Alternative Names
Freelancers, Street Mercs, Neon Ghosts, Pawns
Demand
The demand for Runners is ever-present across the Infinite Frontiers. From the bustling megacities to the most remote star systems, Runners are essential players in the underworld economy and beyond.
Legality
The legality of the Runner profession varies widely depending on the region, factional control, and the nature of the contract. While some Runner activities are considered legal in certain parts of the Infinite Frontiers, such as courier work or information gathering, many other services like smuggling, espionage, and assassination are outright illegal in most territories.
Core Systems: Most Runner activities are heavily regulated or banned, and operating without official sanction can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment or execution.
Fringe Worlds and Frontier Sectors: Law enforcement is weaker in these areas, and Runners often operate with more freedom. Certain factions may even sanction or employ Runners for covert operations.
Corporate-Owned Systems: Corporations frequently hire Runners for activities that are legal within their territories but would be considered criminal elsewhere. They often provide legal protection for Runners working on their behalf.
Legal Status by Region
Gray Areas and Loopholes
Runners frequently exploit legal loopholes, using aliases, fake credentials, and encrypted communication networks to evade detection. Some contracts fall into legal gray areas, where laws are ambiguous or unenforced, allowing Runners to operate without drawing attention. Ultimately, while some Runner operations may be permissible in specific contexts, the profession as a whole is seen as a dangerous and often criminal occupation, forcing Runners to constantly navigate shifting legal boundaries.
Other Associated professions
Ranks & Titles
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