The Galaxy Round

Infinite Frontiers Rulebook

Chapter 11: The Galaxy Round

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Table of Contents

• 11.1 Introduction to the Galaxy Round
• 11.2 Overview of Galaxy Round Stages
• 11.3 Detailed Breakdown of Each Stage
  • 11.3.1 Stage 1: Mission Selection
  • 11.3.2 Stage 2: Preparation Phase
  • 11.3.3 Stage 3: Mission Execution
  • 11.3.4 Stage 4: Downtime Activities
  • 11.3.5 Stage 5: Crew Advancement
  • 11.3.6 Stage 6: Event Resolution and Upkeep
  • 11.3.7 Stage 7: Travel and Faction Reset
  • 11.3.8 Stage 8: Planning for Next Mission
• 11.4 Recommendations for Engaging Gameplay
• 11.5 Conclusion

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11.1 Introduction to the Galaxy Round

The Galaxy Round represents a complete cycle of gameplay in Infinite Frontiers, encompassing mission selection, preparation, execution, downtime activities, crew advancement, event resolution, travel, and planning for the next mission. It provides structure to the game, ensuring that players always have clear objectives and understand what actions they can take at any given time.
This chapter expands upon the initial outline by introducing new mechanics such as the Rival system, integrating reputation management during upkeep, and adding a Travel stage. These additions aim to provide solid mechanics tied to crew actions during downtime and between missions, ensuring players always know what they can or should do next.

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11.2 Overview of Galaxy Round Stages

Each Galaxy Round consists of the following stages:

1. Mission Selection
2. Preparation Phase
3. Mission Execution
4. Downtime Activities
5. Crew Advancement
6. Event Resolution and Upkeep
7. Travel and Faction Reset
8. Planning for Next Mission

These stages are interconnected, with each one influencing the next. The following sections provide a comprehensive breakdown of each stage, including mechanics, player actions, and recommendations for engaging gameplay.

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11.3 Detailed Breakdown of Each Stage

11.3.1 Stage 1: Mission Selection

Stage 1: Mission Selection

Players review available missions and decide which to undertake. Missions are selected based on factors like faction alignment, rewards, and crew strengths. The selection sets the stage for the entire Galaxy Round.

11.3.2 Stage 2: Preparation Phase

Stage 2: Preparation Phase

During this phase, players gather necessary resources, equip gear, and finalize strategies. Preparation impacts mission success and may involve acquiring intelligence, securing alliances, or training the crew.

11.3.3 Stage 3: Mission Execution

Stage 3: Mission Execution

Players engage directly with the mission's objectives, navigating challenges and adversaries. Tactical decisions, skill checks, and combat determine the mission’s outcome. Successful completion yields rewards and reputation changes.

11.3.4 Stage 4: Downtime Activities

Stage 4: Downtime Activities

After completing a mission, the crew can rest, repair equipment, or engage in personal pursuits. Downtime offers opportunities for training, crafting, or building relationships, all of which influence future missions.

11.3.5 Stage 5: Crew Advancement

Stage 5: Crew Advancement

Crew members gain experience, level up skills, and unlock new abilities based on their mission performance and downtime activities. This phase also allows for role specialization and customization.

11.3.6 Stage 6: Event Resolution and Upkeep

Purpose:

• Introduce dynamic elements that affect the game world.
• Resolve any pending events or consequences from previous actions.
• Account for reputation changes and manage upkeep, including potential rival encounters.

Mechanics:

1. Reputation Accounting:
   • Adjust Reputation: Update both the Fixer’s and the Crew’s reputation with factions based on recent mission outcomes, actions, and events. Apply any reputation benefits or consequences.
   • Reputation Effects: Low reputation with a faction may trigger the Rival mechanic. High reputation may unlock new opportunities or benefits.


2. Rival Mechanic:
   • Trigger Conditions: When the Crew's reputation with a faction drops below a certain threshold (e.g., -25), they gain a Rival from that faction.
   • Rival Actions: Missions may start with additional enemy forces, higher chances of reinforcements, sabotage, or bounties.
   • Resolving Rivalry: Options include improving reputation, confrontation, or using the Travel stage to escape.


3. Event Generation: New events are generated, incorporating factors like rival actions, previous decisions, and faction standings.
4. Event Impact: Events may influence plans, resources, or reputation. Rival actions can escalate if not addressed.
5. Event Response: The Crew and Fixer decide how to respond, including addressing Rival threats or focusing on resource management.

Recommendations:

• Integrate Rival Mechanics Seamlessly
• Balance Rival Challenges
• Provide Opportunities to Address Rivals

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11.3.7 Stage 7: Travel and Faction Reset

Purpose:

• Allow the Crew to change their location within the galaxy.
• Reset or reduce negative reputations with local factions.
• Provide a mechanism for escaping difficult situations caused by low reputation or Rival pressures.

Mechanics:

1. Initiating Travel: The Crew decides to travel to a new sector or system. Travel can be initiated during the Travel stage, after Event Resolution.
2. Travel Costs: Deduct credits for expenses and account for time passage.
3. Random Encounter Rolls: Determine if any events occur during travel, such as space hazards, encounters, or Rival interference.
4. Faction Reputation Reset: Upon arrival, the Crew's reputation resets to Neutral with local factions unless influenced by prior actions.
5. Establishing in a New Location: Crew can explore the area, establish contacts, and unlock new missions.

Recommendations:

• Provide Fresh Opportunities
• Balance Reset Mechanics
• Incorporate Travel into the Narrative

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11.3.8 Stage 8: Planning for Next Mission

Stage 8: Planning for Next Mission

Players review available resources, assess upcoming missions, and develop strategies for their next objective. Adjustments are made based on the current location, faction relations, and rival threats.

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11.4 Recommendations for Engaging Gameplay

• Clear Integration of New Mechanics
• Dynamic Reputation System
• Flexible Narrative Options
• Meaningful Consequences
• Player Agency in Travel Decisions

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11.5 Conclusion

By expanding the Galaxy Round to include the Event Resolution and Upkeep stage with integrated Rival mechanics and adding the Travel and Faction Reset stage, Infinite Frontiers provides players with comprehensive and engaging gameplay. These additions ensure that:

• Reputation is Actively Managed: Players see the immediate impact of their actions on faction relationships.
• Challenges are Dynamic: The Rival mechanic introduces consequences that require strategic responses.
• Players Have Control Over Their Destiny: The Travel stage offers a means to reset and explore new opportunities, preventing players from feeling trapped by past decisions.

Encourage players to immerse themselves in their roles, collaborate effectively, and make decisions that shape their journey through the infinite frontiers of space.

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Appendices

Appendix A: Downtime Activities Reference

Appendix A: Downtime Activities Reference

Detailed reference of available downtime activities, such as crafting, training, and preparing for rivals or travel.

Appendix B: Event and Rival Tables

Tables for generating random events and Rival actions, categorized by type and impact level, to be used during Event Resolution and Upkeep.

Appendix C: Travel Event Table

Potential events during Travel, such as:

• Encounter with Pirates
• Asteroid Field Navigation
• Engine Malfunction
• Friendly Ship Encounter
• Rival Pursuit

Appendix D: Rival Mechanics Details

Guidelines for creating and managing Rivals, including:

• Rival Profile Template
• Rival Resources and Capabilities
• Escalation Levels
• Resolving Rivalries

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End of Chapter 11: The Galaxy Round