The Fixer Role in Infinite Frontiers

10.1 Introduction to the Fixer

The Fixer is a unique and pivotal role in Infinite Frontiers, operating as the behind-the-scenes facilitator who connects the player team to missions, provides essential support, and influences the game's narrative. Unlike other player characters, the Fixer does not have a physical presence on the game board. Instead, they interact with the team remotely through secure communication channels, leveraging their network and resources to orchestrate missions and support the team's success.

Key Functions of the Fixer:

Job Facilitation: Offering a variety of missions and tailoring them to the team's needs.
Resource Management: Supplying special equipment, hiring additional personnel, and arranging mission support.
Influence and Progression: Using credits to expand capabilities, unlock better opportunities, and grow reputation.

The Fixer's progression is directly tied to the team's success and their ability to manage Credits, the primary resource driving their capabilities.

10.2 Core Mechanics of the Fixer

10.2.1 Job Facilitation

The Fixer determines the types of missions available to the team, negotiates payments, and aligns jobs with the team's goals.

Mission Tiers: Categorize missions by difficulty and reward potential.
Negotiation: Influence financial rewards and mission parameters.
Unlocking Missions: Invest Credits to access higher-tier missions and opportunities.

10.2.2 Special Equipment Provision

The Fixer supplies the team with specialized gear necessary for mission success.

Equipment Tiers: Provide gear ranging from standard to advanced technology.
Purchasing vs. Renting: Decide whether to buy equipment outright or rent it for specific missions.
Negotiating Discounts: Leverage relationships with suppliers to reduce costs.

10.2.3 Resource Commitment to Missions

The Fixer allocates resources before, during, and after missions to support the team.

Hiring Personnel: Provide additional support through mercenaries, technicians, or medics.
Mission Preparations: Invest in intelligence gathering or pre-mission sabotage.
In-Mission Support: Arrange live support services like drone assistance or emergency extraction.
Post-Mission Support: Cover medical treatments and debriefings.

10.3 Credits as the Primary Resource

Credits are the lifeblood of the Fixer's operations. All actions, growth, and support capabilities are tied to how the Fixer manages and allocates Credits.

Income Sources: Primarily from mission commissions and investments.
Expenses: Include mission investments, operational costs, and personal expenditures.
Progression: The Fixer's effectiveness and access to better resources improve with wise Credit management.

10.4 Detailed Mechanics

10.4.1 Job Facilitation Mechanics

Mission Tiers and Unlocking Mechanisms

Table 10.1: Mission Tiers

Tier	Description	Access Requirements	Examples
Tier 1	Low-risk, introductory missions	Automatically available	Courier tasks, simple escorts
Tier 2	Moderate risk and reward	Complete Tier 1 missions or invest 5,000 Credits	Asset recovery, minor sabotage
Tier 3	High-risk, high-reward missions	Invest 15,000 Credits, positive faction reputation	Secure facility infiltration, high-stakes heists
Tier 4	Critical missions with significant impact	Invest 30,000 Credits, top-tier reputation, prerequisites	Disrupt major operations, political assassinations

Job Generation Mechanics

Mission Deck: Create a deck categorized by Tiers.
Drawing Missions:
- Standard Draw: At the start of planning, draw three missions of the appropriate Tier.
- Enhanced Draw: Spend 2,000 Credits to draw additional missions.

Negotiation Mechanics

Negotiation Check: Roll 1d20 + Negotiation Talent Level against the mission's Difficulty Rating (DR).
Success: Increase payout by 10-25% or secure additional benefits.
Failure: No change or potential decrease due to offended clients.

Example Negotiation Roll:

Negotiation Talent Level: 6
DR for Tier 2 Mission: 15
Roll: 1d20 + 6
Outcome: If total exceeds 15, negotiation succeeds.

10.4.2 Special Equipment Provision Mechanics

Equipment Tiers and Access

Table 10.2: Equipment Tiers

Equipment Tier	Description	Access Requirements
Tier 1	Standard gear	Readily available
Tier 2	Specialized items	Invest 5,000 Credits in supplier relationships
Tier 3	Advanced technology	Higher investments, better reputation
Tier 4	Prototype or illegal tech	Significant investment, top-tier reputation

Purchasing and Renting Equipment

Permanent Purchase:
- Cost: Full price.
- Ownership: Equipment remains with the team.
Rental/Lease:
- Cost: 20-40% of purchase price.
- Duration: One mission, extendable with additional fees.

Equipment Discounts

Bulk Purchases:
- Discount: 10-20% off when buying multiple items.
Supplier Loyalty:
- Investment: Spend Credits to improve relations.
- Benefit: Better terms and potential exclusive deals.

10.5 Additional Mechanics

10.5.1 Reputation Management

Faction Reputation Levels

Table 10.9: Reputation Levels

Reputation Level	Point Range	Status	Effects
Allied	+1 to +50	Friendly	Exclusive missions, discounts, support services
Neutral	0	Neutral	Standard interactions
Hostile	-1 to -50	Unfriendly	Limited access, higher prices, possible attacks

Influencing Reputation

Positive Actions:
- Completing missions favorably.
- Investing in faction projects.
- Assisting faction members.
Negative Actions:
- Failing missions.
- Betraying faction trust.
- Aiding rival factions.

Mechanics for Reputation Changes

Reputation Points: Earned or lost per action. Specific thresholds correspond to reputation levels.
Investments: Spend Credits to improve reputation (e.g., donations, sponsorships).

10.6 Fixer Progression and Growth

Unlocking Better Opportunities

Reputation-Based Access:
- High reputation unlocks elite missions and contacts.
- Allied factions offer special privileges.
Expanding the Network:
- Contact Acquisition: Cost varies based on contact's influence; benefits include unique services and mission opportunities.
- Improving Relationships: Invest in gifts or favors for enhanced benefits from stronger ties.

10.7 Integrating Mechanics with Gameplay

Collaboration with the Team

Mission Briefings: Present mission options and resource plans; encourage team input on decisions.
Negotiating Terms: Adjust commission rates to motivate the team; open discussions on resource allocation.

Story Arc Facilitation

Custom Missions: Invest Credits to create missions aligned with team goals and influence the narrative for enhanced player engagement.

10.8 Balancing Resources and Risks

Expense Management

Operating Costs: Regular expenses include facility maintenance and staff salaries; plan budgets to avoid financial issues.
Contingency Funds: Reserve Credits for emergencies or mission failures; financial planning is crucial for sustainability.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Analyzing Investments: Evaluate potential returns against costs; diversify investments to minimize risks.
Consequences of Failure: Financial losses and reputation damage; use insurance and backup plans to mitigate effects.

10.9 Simplifying Mechanics for Playability

User-Friendly Systems

Centralized Tracking: Use a Fixer's Ledger to record all financial transactions and resources.
Clear Reference Materials: Provide tables and charts with costs and benefits for quick reference.

Streamlined Decision-Making

Standardized Rolls: Consistent mechanics for negotiations and risk assessments.
Predefined Options: Offer set investment choices to reduce complexity.

10.10 Fixer Character Creation

Character Creation Process

Concept and Background: Define your Fixer's history, motivations, and role.
Determine Attributes: Allocate 16 points among four attributes (minimum 2, maximum 6):
- Intellect
- Charisma
- Networking
- Resourcefulness
Allocate Talents: Distribute 18 points among the following talents (levels 1-6):
- Negotiation
- Information Gathering
- Contact Management
- Strategic Planning
- Resource Allocation
- Story Facilitation
Select Abilities: Choose abilities that enhance your role.
Establish Contacts and Network: List initial contacts and their relationship levels.
Set Starting Credits: Determine initial Credits based on game rules.
Equipment and Tools: Select core and additional equipment.
Reputation: Set starting reputation with various factions.
Personal Goals: Define short-term and long-term goals.
Finalize Character Details: Complete any remaining character information.

10.11 Fixer Character Sheet

A detailed character sheet template is provided to record all aspects of your Fixer character, including attributes, talents, abilities, contacts, resources, reputation, goals, and progression. Refer to Appendix A: Fixer Character Sheet Template

10.12 Conclusion

The Fixer role in Infinite Frontiers offers a rich and engaging experience that adds depth to the game. By mastering the mechanics outlined in this chapter, you can:

Strategize Effectively: Make informed decisions on resource allocation and mission support.
Collaborate Successfully: Enhance teamwork through open communication and shared goals.
Influence the Narrative: Shape the game's story by aligning missions with team objectives.
Manage Risks: Protect investments and reputation through careful planning and risk mitigation.

Embrace the role of the Fixer, navigate the intricate web of resources and relationships, and guide your team to triumph in the vast expanse of the cosmos!

Appendix A: Fixer Character Sheet Template [anchor=#fixer-character-sheet-template]Fixer Character Sheet Template Details[/anchor]

Rulebook