# Hack + bodyguard missions (idea capture)

**Status:** brainstorm only—so the concept is not lost. Not a spec; no commitment to ship, sizing, or tech.

## Pitch

Certain **instances / dungeons / group quests** split party pressure across two layers at once:

1. **Runners / hackers** — progress an objective through **non-combat skills** (intrusion, decryption, keeping a channel open, etc.). This lane is **skill**-based ([skills.md](../skills.md)), not gig-based.
2. **Bodyguards** — hold space against **physical security** (drones, guards, automated defenses). This lane is **gig**-based combat ([gigs.md](../gigs.md)).

Both need to succeed for the run to work. The fantasy: **corporate extraction**, **data heist**, **sabotage op**—cyberpunk bread and butter.

## Cross-lane play (examples)

Ideas to make the two halves **talk to each other** (fun > realism until balance says otherwise):

- **Hackers → combat:** take down **security comms** or **sensor nets** so **attack waves slow**, telegraphs get sloppy, or patrol routes blind.
- **Bodyguards → hack:** **physical breach** of an IT closet / NOC floor so the **defense stack** against the hack weakens (fewer counter-intrusion ticks, shorter firewall phases, etc.).

Other directions **open:** power budget for the site, timers, optional side objectives, failure states (wipe vs partial success).

## Design intent

- Reinforces the **skills vs gigs** split in **one** memorable content type.
- Gives **non-combat specialists** a spotlight **inside** group content that still has combat teeth.
- **Open:** minimum / maximum group size, solo scaling, whether one player can straddle both roles, how this ties to **zones** and **factions**, and encounter templates ([overview](../overview.md) — encounters stub).

## Related docs

| Topic | Where |
|--------|--------|
| Gig roster, party language | [gigs.md](../gigs.md) |
| Skills, seams with combat gear/crafting | [skills.md](../skills.md) |
| Zone / instance tone | [zones.md](../zones.md) |
| Enemy/security archetypes later | [overview](../overview.md) planned **Encounters** |
