What Books To Buy

[runebeo]

Skip Japan and England, get Coalition War Campaign, Source book one revised, psyscape and Federation of Magic. You could run a long long campaign with theses books and Dark Conversions.

[Lord_Dalgard]

Chello!

Nice to hear that you're going for it! Assuming that you have the RUE already, I'd say you should buy Source Book 1 and the Adventure Guide first. Then, Coalition War Machine, Book of Magic, and D-Bees of North America.

that should be enough to get you started. For region books, your best bet is to read "Which Rifts Books Do You Need?" on pg. 370 of the RUE. Then read the synopses that go through pg. 374. Only the most recent stuff is not on that list. It should give you a feel of where you want to go next.

Of course, I could be wrong...

[johnkretzer]

Where are you planning on running the game? Or atleast start it?

[Lord_Dalgard]

Chello!

As to why CWC...well, it's a good gear book but also has a lot of fluff and info about the state of the CS and how things operate. It's not just the military but goes into the role of the ISS as well. Of course, I was hemming and hawing about including it in my lost. If you're not looking at NA specifically it can slide.

I also forgot to mention that I got the Adventure Guide 2 years ago. I've been gaming since 1981 and it gave me points on how to run a game and set up a campaign that I'd not considered before.

[TechnoGothic]

Psycape
Federation of Magic
Mystic Russia
China 2
Spirit West
SoT 4 Cyberknights

for the techies
Warlords of Russia
Japan
Traix and the NGR
Coalition War Campaign
New West
Lonestar
Juicer Uprising
Mindwerkz

Both settings & magic/tech fun
South America 1
South America 2
Underseas

[Dustin Fireblade]

Merc Town - the best setting in North America
Merc Ops - for gear, bounties, more on running a merc unit
Mercenaries - Creating a merc unit, gear, notable merc units w/adventure idea's, stand-alone adventure in the back of the book

[runebeo]

Coalition War Machine is a must have since it has the CS new army with the high command, few awesome monsters, lots of adventures, Details on most of N.A., top vehicles & giant robots. The Super Samas, Warhawk & Wind Jammer Sky Cycle are alone are worth the price of the book. As for England it way outdated with a lamb plot and it don't mess well with the rest of the Asia and S.A. Japan is a little less outdated but compared to the China, Japan has a few Onis, ninjas, low detail on the cities and some nice Tech, China has a few dozen demons and Yema Kings.

[keir451]

I reccommend the Original RIFTS RPG book (has NPC bandit and Creature creation rules in the very back along w/other stuff dropped from RUE) the original SB1 as well as Revised SB 1, the original SB1 has some extra gear as well as robot creation rules (in case anyone wants a 'bot as a character or some such thing). Many of the other books mentioned help flesh out the world, but depending on your style may not be needed.
Look for a place that sells seconhand books and the like and you might be able to get the books you want for less than the traditional cover price.

[Jorel]

You can use each and every book created by Palladium to cross over into Rifts. They are all worth owning. Each one has a little of everything. Whether it is tech/toys/magic/psi or story. Don't forget if you love the fantasy angle, buy the Palladium system books and Conversion Book 1 Revised. All the Sourcebooks and Conversion books are worth owning.
CWC is great for creating opposition and if you are in North America there is a good chance they you will have some dealings with them. You don't need it as there are plenty of bad guy types in every book. They do make for good underlying plots anywhere in any type of campaign. Same with Atlantis.
2 a month is a good rate. That way you'll have time to read them without having to skim them. Then again bulk lots on Ebay are a good way to save money, then read them at your leisure, and then spend top dollar on the ones you might still need. Right now (while the economy sucks) is the best time to buy non-necessities on Ebay. Best of luck on your quest to becoming a seasoned GM.

[The Galactus Kid]

I recommend Triax and Triax 2.

[johnkretzer]

I would suggest all the Rifts books could be useful in giving you ideas. One of the things Rifts does well is provide freat flavor...and all the books has it. But start with the books that interest you the most first.

I think you would like the D-Bees of North America. That is probably one of the better ones...hopefuly they will do D-Bees of Europe one of these days also...and a Gypsy Soucebook...sorry I'll get back on topic this is not a "What books I would like to see" thread.

Anyway start out slow...one of things you going have to do is get a handle on the Sci-Fi aspect of the world. I know you have said that it hold little interest to you...but you are going have players that will gravitate to it...you are going have to learn about it. I would suggest picking up the GM's Guide as it has a list of all the weapons, armors, etc from the Rifts books that came out before the book was released. It also has some other things you might find useful. Also the Book of Magic might be helpful as well.

[johnkretzer]

I recommend Triax and Triax 2.

Have you no shame? Pushing the book you wrote...don't you know you should let others do that for you.

Triax and Triax 2 are great books to have.

[Jorel]

I recommend Triax and Triax 2.

Have you no shame? Pushing the book you wrote...don't you know you should let others do that for you.

Triax and Triax 2 are great books to have.

Agreed, but if she is already sick of the Coalition, that could be seen as more of the same, just in Europe. All the books do have good back-story to go with their respective goods. Even CWC, Lonestar, The Navy book and the Siege on Tolkien series have tons to offer non-Coalition groups.
I didn't see anyone bring up Canada & Free Quebec, the Dino Swamp books or Madhaven which are all good books also. I love the Demons in the Minion War series. They make great opposition anywhere. As a GM I like new and different ways to confront my players. The Coalition just happens to be an easy fall back for most GMs because that is how they are portrayed.

[Lord_Dalgard]

chello!

One of players (and the other DM) suggested (and I must say "Dur!" to myself), Dino Swamp since Disney is in that rough area.

Tony

EDIT TO ADD: I went and checked my copy of DS, and there are a couple of pages devoted to the "Jungle Castle", the ruins of a pre-cataclysm amusement park.

[Jorel]

Yeah, like he said...Dinosaur Swamp.

[Armorlord]

Whats on my list to purchase so far is, Atlantis, England, Japan, Dark Conversions, that main Magic Book, updated versions of books containing Dragons, Faeries, etc...

I am looking for ideas, thoughts, recommendations, etc..

I start collecting next week...hoping 2 books at a time, depending on price, availability, etc...

Well, priorities should probably be on where you want the players to go and work your way out. For instance, Japan is awesome, but if your campaign is going to be largely in England battling Splugorth slavers going after faeries, England and Atlantis would be more important.
As for books to recommend, the Rifts Game Master Guide, the Bionics Sourcebook, and the Rifts Book of Magic will cover just about all the bases starting out. The GMG will give page numbers to any OCC/RCC/PCC published before it, skill list, and basic stats on just about every piece of equipment on Rifts Earth. Amusingly, while it is 'Game Master' book, it is among the safest to let players look in, outside of letting them know something might exist somewhere it doesn't have any 'spoilers'. Bionics Sourcebook and Book of Magic cover their respective areas well, so between the three you've got a fair amount covered and can spread out into books you need for world information.

As for dragons, Dragons & Gods has you covered, and Monters & Animals will bring you some of their cousins along with a large listing of faeries, pixies, etc. England and Atlantis give you a bit more on how they fit into Rifts Earth.

From there it's more a matter of where the PCs are, and what is coming to the PCs , followed by what books you want to read whether the players are dealing with it or not (at least yet).

[Jorel]

Aftermath (as suggested on a different thread).

[TechnoGothic]

Would it be some what too much for me to ask for a bit of a blurb on each of these books?... ... . I think the only ones I have read on this list are 'Juicer Uprising' and 'Underseas'.

SURE.

Psycape
New PSYCHIC Powers, a whole Psychic City/Nation. Third Eye Training bonuses for Psychics.
New Psychic OCCs, a new Dragon "Crystal Dragon", which is pretty cool and a favorite of mine.
Federation of Magic
() New Magic OCCs, and details in the Federation of Magic. Great book btw.
The Magus OCCs are unique and very useful. Watch out for the Mystic Knights. Muchkins love them for their Energy Immunity ability.
Mystic Russia
() Details the Magic side of Russia. Cool new Mystic OCCs. The Mystic Smiths are GREAT.. Lots of russian demons and monsters too.
China 2
() Lots and Lots of Rifts Martial Arts. Pretty well done. The new OCCs should be allowed outside of China however.
Spirit West
() Native Americans in detail. Traditional Indians to Modern Indians. The Traditional OCCs are neat and cool.
SoT 4 Cyberknights
() You want to know about the Cyber-Knights. This is the book to get. Includes all the info on them, how they operate, sample NPCs, and Cyber-Knight Body Armors.


for the techies
Warlords of Russia
The Tech Side of Russia. Their Cyborg Armies and how they operate as Warcamps.
Very Good book. The added Cyborg material was much needed.
Japan
Has both Mystics and Techies. Focuses more on the Techies however. Its pretty good. The added cyborg items are cool. The new Dragons are very cool. The Cloud Dragon is a favorite of mine.
Traix and the NGR
Germany Tech feast. Nuff said. LOL.
Coalition War Campaign
CS Tech Feast, nuff said. LOL
New West
Spegetti Western Central. Awesome book actually. I could see this happening all over the US states and not just the West.
Lonestar
Not a favorote of Mine. Loads of detail on the CS State of Lonestar and the Dogboys and Mutant Animals produced by the CS. Only usefull to me for the equipment section. Specially the HOVERBIKES and Rocketcycles.
Juicer Uprising
New Juicers types. New equipment for them. Good story to play out.
Mindwerkz
CRAZIES. New type of M.O.M. Implants to useon people. NOt very good in itself really. But could be useful if used with Traix and the NGR books. New Equipment and setting deatils for Poland.

Both settings & magic/tech fun
South America 1
Where to begin. This book is just awesome. Robot dinos, Catpeople RCC, Mutant Cats, Were-Jaguars. Anti-Monster TW Cyborgs. and much much more. Aliens, etc...
South America 2
Another Awesome book. More on the Tech aspects this time around. New Glitterboy model GB-7, a Raptor PA, Blood-Lizard Riders and their Bloodlizards, The Megaversal Legions who rebeled against their Alien masters and freed themselves. Alien Invaders. Ican Gods and their followers and OCCs (btw GREAT stuff), and my Favorite Power Armors, the TW Nazca PA, Solar Combat PA. The Ican "Armor of the Sun" a Mystic Golem/PA.
Underseas
Sea Titans. New NGR gear. A Good book but alittle dull in places. Worth checking out.

[runebeo]

Aftermath is the only Rifts book I never bought as I quickly skimmed it and didn't think much of it. Can anyone tell me if it worth getting?

[Jorel]

I regularly use it as a reference for where the world is at in 109 PA.

[Jorel]

Try the internet. I regularly see these things for sale in Australia. A cheap auction can offset the price of shipping.

[Jorel]

Thank you Jorel,
I often have access to Conversion Book 1...Our general RIFTS GM for the other game doesn't really use it, so I have managed to access it often, I like it a lot...Is it still actually in print?

Make sure you get the Revised Conversion Book 1, which is currently in print. It has a greater selection of Palladium Fantasy material. It is one of the few books I don't have, because I have the 1st edition.

[runebeo]

Coalition War Machine is a must have since it has the CS new army with the high command, few awesome monsters, lots of adventures, Details on most of N.A., top vehicles & giant robots. The Super Samas, Warhawk & Wind Jammer Sky Cycle are alone are worth the price of the book. As for England it way outdated with a lamb plot and it don't mess well with the rest of the Asia and S.A. Japan is a little less outdated but compared to the China, Japan has a few Onis, ninjas, low detail on the cities and some nice Tech, China has a few dozen demons and Yema Kings.

I'm more interested in a variety of things in the England book....the plot I can jazz up and alter to make more interesting...

Thats true but I'd bet if Kevin could go back he'd do it way different. I did have a few nice adventures there in the 90's. I'd would mix the NGR & Triax into the mix since England lacked bots to defend them and Mystic Russia would gel well.

[Jorel]

Rifter #50 has (Elven) Zodiac Magic which is cool. Fleets of the 3 Galaxies has Space Magic. Dimensional Outbreak has Demon Magic. To name a few additions that aren't in Book of Magic.

[Jorel]

I recommend Triax and Triax 2.

Have you no shame? Pushing the book you wrote...don't you know you should let others do that for you.
LOL...
Triax and Triax 2 are great books to have.

Agreed, but if she is already sick of the Coalition, that could be seen as more of the same, just in Europe. All the books do have good back-story to go with their respective goods. Even CWC, Lonestar, The Navy book and the Siege on Tolkien series have tons to offer non-Coalition groups.
I have been reading Rat_Bastards post on 'Triax 2'....both Triax 1 & 2 are something I would like to be able to take a closer look at before I consider buying....just seemed a lot of mention of armors, guns, vehicles from what I understood of Rat_Bastards post, though I would like to know more about the fluff as I am thinking more and more about campaign running in Europe and I know nil about Europe, but have some familiarity America
I didn't see anyone bring up Canada & Free Quebec, the Dino Swamp books or Madhaven which are all good books also. I love the Demons in the Minion War series. They make great opposition anywhere.
I have since discovered the Canada book, I had been unaware of its existence until someone here was kind enough to direct me to the list in RUE and now am very interested in taking a look at that book...I have been thinking and am liking the idea more and more of starting my group in the Tundra, my imagination is firing on that one.
As a GM I like new and different ways to confront my players.
Exactly...
The Coalition just happens to be an easy fall back for most GMs because that is how they are portrayed.

Sasquatches.

[rat_bastard]

I have decided if I am going to start a RIFTS game for our D&D players...I'm going to need to stop relying so much on our current RIFTS game GM's books.

I am not particularly into a huge array of weaponry, armors, vehicles, etc...Thats all big boys toys ....Me, I like settings, environments, the unusual, whimsical, creative, etc...toys that I call interesting ....Though I certainly want a selection of MDC armor and weapons, etc... on offer also.

Whats on my list to purchase so far is, Atlantis, England, Japan, Dark Conversions, that main Magic Book, updated versions of books containing Dragons, Faeries, etc...

I am looking for ideas, thoughts, recommendations, etc..

I start collecting next week...hoping 2 books at a time, depending on price, availability, etc...

go to e-bay and run a search for "Rifts Book Lot", you can easily get dozens of books for a relatively small amount of money.

[johnkretzer]

Come December you might be able to pick up alot of books via the X-Mas Surprise packages.

[Jorel]

Come December you might be able to pick up alot of books via the X-Mas Surprise packages.

Great suggestion!

[Shark_Force]

I often have access to Conversion Book 1...Our general RIFTS GM for the other game doesn't really use it, so I have managed to access it often, I like it a lot...Is it still actually in print?

yes and no. there is a conversion book 1 in print. it is not the same as the original conversion book 1. the original was much more useful as a stand alone product, as it included such things as an assortment of demons, elementals, spirits of light, entities, adult dragons, etc.

it has since been revised, and has lost many of those creatures (i think a few others may have been added). dark conversions includes many of the creatures that were removed, as well as some new ones.

[mobuttu]

Rifts has lots of "subsettings" in it. You should first wonder "what Rifts do you want to play?". Once this question answered go to the books. An acquittance of mine once asked me the same question "Which books do I need to play Rifts?". Well, I answered him in this post. Hope it helps.

[CyCo]

I reccommend the Original RIFTS RPG book (has NPC bandit and Creature creation rules in the very back along w/other stuff dropped from RUE) the original SB1 as well as Revised SB 1, the original SB1 has some extra gear as well as robot creation rules (in case anyone wants a 'bot as a character or some such thing). Many of the other books mentioned help flesh out the world, but depending on your style may not be needed.
Look for a place that sells seconhand books and the like and you might be able to get the books you want for less than the traditional cover price.

Living in Australia, from what I understand buying 2nd hand RIFTS here can be difficult....I tried to get my local gaming shop to stock RIFTS, they hadn't even heard of it and won't get it in for me because they are unable to order singular books of one title at a time...As far as I'm aware, the only book store that does stock RIFTS in Perth (West Australia) doesn't deal in 2nd hand....but though its a downer...such is life...new it is I guess.

Other than eBay, and wanted to try and remain local, don't forget MilSims. If it wasn't for them, my collection probably would be closer to half or a third the size it is now. They were a godsend before the Internet.

[Jorel]

I often have access to Conversion Book 1...Our general RIFTS GM for the other game doesn't really use it, so I have managed to access it often, I like it a lot...Is it still actually in print?

yes and no. there is a conversion book 1 in print. it is not the same as the original conversion book 1. the original was much more useful as a stand alone product, as it included such things as an assortment of demons, elementals, spirits of light, entities, adult dragons, etc.

it has since been revised, and has lost many of those creatures (i think a few others may have been added). dark conversions includes many of the creatures that were removed, as well as some new ones.

In other words, buy Conversion Book 1 Revised and Dark Conversions to get more stuff than was in the original.

[Shark_Force]

I often have access to Conversion Book 1...Our general RIFTS GM for the other game doesn't really use it, so I have managed to access it often, I like it a lot...Is it still actually in print?

yes and no. there is a conversion book 1 in print. it is not the same as the original conversion book 1. the original was much more useful as a stand alone product, as it included such things as an assortment of demons, elementals, spirits of light, entities, adult dragons, etc.

it has since been revised, and has lost many of those creatures (i think a few others may have been added). dark conversions includes many of the creatures that were removed, as well as some new ones.

In other words, buy Conversion Book 1 Revised and Dark Conversions to get more stuff than was in the original.

provided you can find dark conversions, yes. unfortunately, it is back ordered last i checked, and the FLGS here couldn't get a copy from any of their distributers

[mobuttu]

The Tundra....I had a chat with the players and they took a vote...I gave them the choice of America or Europe...all voted Europe...so Europe it is.

The Tundra + Europe screams of "Warlords of Russia" and "Mystic Russia"; also Canada could be of help.

[CyCo]

I reccommend the Original RIFTS RPG book (has NPC bandit and Creature creation rules in the very back along w/other stuff dropped from RUE) the original SB1 as well as Revised SB 1, the original SB1 has some extra gear as well as robot creation rules (in case anyone wants a 'bot as a character or some such thing). Many of the other books mentioned help flesh out the world, but depending on your style may not be needed.
Look for a place that sells seconhand books and the like and you might be able to get the books you want for less than the traditional cover price.

Living in Australia, from what I understand buying 2nd hand RIFTS here can be difficult....I tried to get my local gaming shop to stock RIFTS, they hadn't even heard of it and won't get it in for me because they are unable to order singular books of one title at a time...As far as I'm aware, the only book store that does stock RIFTS in Perth (West Australia) doesn't deal in 2nd hand....but though its a downer...such is life...new it is I guess.

Other than eBay, and wanted to try and remain local, don't forget MilSims. If it wasn't for them, my collection probably would be closer to half or a third the size it is now. They were a godsend before the Internet.

Thank you CyCo...I have had a look now, got befuddled... ....am SO not puter savvy.. ...but will get my daughter to go over it for me....Thank you.

No probs. Here's the link to their Palladium Books section. I didn't check it last night, but looking now, it seems most of the Rifts books are out of stock.

That said, I understand there has been a shift in the Force Down Under. By that, I mean the usual distributors have changed, so that's seems to have upset the applecart. Hopefully that will settle down soon.

[TechnoGothic]

www.Nobleknight.com

sells books much cheaper than that.

[CyCo]

Wow!!...I have been ripped off, 'Canada' cost me $50 (Australian)....And I know 'Book of Magic' was also $50....I am not impressed with the book store I went to....those are Australian prices on that web site aren't they?

Yup, Oz dollars. MilSims is an Australian company, think they're based in Melbourne.

[CyCo]

http://www.Nobleknight.com

sells books much cheaper than that.

Is that the American or Australian dollar?

Nobleknight is American, so American Dollars.

[Jorel]

Just curious, what is the exchange rate of US to Australian dollars?

[Danger]

Just curious, what is the exchange rate of US to Australian dollars?

http://www.xe.com/

[Jorel]

Just curious, what is the exchange rate of US to Australian dollars?

http://www.xe.com/

The exchange rate is good for Aussies at the moment....but just bear in mind that the price of the book doesn't take international postage and handling into account.

Thanks for that, it puts it in perspective.

[CyCo]

Just curious, what is the exchange rate of US to Australian dollars?

http://www.xe.com/

The exchange rate is good for Aussies at the moment....but just bear in mind that the price of the book doesn't take international postage and handling into account.

Thanks for that, it puts it in perspective.

It's one thing that all us Aussies have to keep in mind when buying things over the internet, and that's the cost of shipping, on top of the exchange rate. Everything not made here, had to be brought from overseas, and that tends to be expensive.

[TechnoGothic]

True CyCo. So true.
I keep forgeting so many people on the boards actually live Down Under, and Over the Rainbow...

Yes we need Australia II and III. ASAP.
I have been wanting to run a game their for YEARS, but without the Magics and stuff i just refuse.
So right now I use the Info for US Cities like for most Mega-cities, and the Wilderness areas mixed with NewWest, SpiritWest.

[CyCo]

It's not totally bad. As one example, I recently bought 4 t-shirts from Canada. With the exchange rate, including shipping from Canada, it only cost me about $60. Which here would probably only get you two t-shirts. But admittedly I made a mistake and didn't change the default shipping. So It got sent to me via 'ground' shipping. I didn't think about it until several days later, when I suddenly had a horrible thought. I checked the printout I had of the order page, and sure enough, ground shipping. Which is of course, the cheapest/slowest option. Was 1-2 weeks Northern America, or 4-12 weeks internationally. I got the package about 9 weeks later. Had I ordered with shipping at a quicker rate, that cost could have gone up to about $80 or so.

However, books weigh more than t-shirts. If you're ordering something over the internet, it's usually worth buying more than less.

[Shorty Lickens]

Shorty's Opinion:
To start, you really only NEED the Rifts Ultimate Edition. And if you are smart and innovative you can have buttloads of fun with just that book.

2nd most important volume in the whole darn series: GM's adventure guide. With that you can make and run whole worlds and universes and everything else. Without it? Challenges. Perhaps more than the average GM or player is willing to deal with.

Everything else is optional. Even the Sourcebook. You can get by without it. In fact trying to do so will encourage your role-playing and world-building skills.

[runebeo]

I found on E-Bay a lot of 30 Rifts book today, for 100 and another 100 shipping.

I want to get the collection but funds are short so I hope its still available on pay day. What do you think?

Titles include:

1. Rifts: Role Playing Game

2. Rifts 10: Juicer Uprising

3. Rifts 11: Coalition Water Campaign

4. Rifts 13: Lone Star

5. Rifts 14: New West

6. Rifts 15: Spirit West

7. Rifts 17: Warlords of Russia

8. Rifts Magic and Psionics Screen

9. Rifts Game Master Reference Screen

10. Rifts Adventure Book: Hook, Line and Sinker

11. Rifts Underseas

12. Rifts Mercenaries

13. Rifts Conversion Book

14. Rifts Index Vol. One

15. Rifts Word Book One: Vampire Kingdoms

16. Rifts World Book Two: Atlantis

17. Rifts World Book Three: England

18. Rifts World Book Four: Africa

19. Rifts World Book Five: Triax & the NGR

20. Rifts World Book Six: South America

21. Rifts World Book 8: Japan

22. Rifst World Book 9: South America 2

23. Rifts World 18: Mystic Russia

24. Rifts Dimension Book One: Wormwood

25. Rifts Dimension Book Two: Phase World

26. Rifts Dimension Book Three: Phase World Sourcebook

27. Rifts Sourcebook Number One

28. Rifts Sourcebook two: The Mechanoids

29. Rifts Sourcebook Three: Mindwerks

30. Rifts Sourcebook 4: Coalition Navy

[Puroresu]

If you're into gods for your RIFTS campaign, you might want to purchase Pantheons of the Megaverse. This book has gods and goddesses from Greek/Roman mythology as well as Aztec, Indian, Persian, Norse, etc. Rifter #6 has the Russian Gods. Rifts World Book: England has the Celtic gods. Rifts World Book: Africa has the Egyptian gods. Rifts World Books South America 1 and 2 has Inca/Mayan gods in them. Rifts Spirit West has the Native American gods. Rifts Australia has the Aboriginal gods. I think you get the idea.