When the Rifts came, there was chaos. The internet stopped working, businesses failed, and a lot of strange stuff came pouring out of the Rifts. While the Coalition States were being built, the people of once was the Western states of America romanticized the Old West.
And in the New West, rides a posse righting wrongs and fighting the good fight.
This is a SAVAGE RIFTS campaign. Meaning, we are using Savage Worlds Rifts for the campaign.
* Savage Worlds: Adventure Edition (also called SWADE)
* Savage Worlds: Rifts Player's Guide
* Palladium Books Rifts World Book 13: Lone Star
* Palladium Books Rifts World Book 14: New West
* Palladium Books Rifts World Book 15: Spirit West
* Coalition Wars IV: Cyber-Knights
* Palladium Books Rifts Conversion Book 1 (revised or not)
And you know what's recommended?
DEADLANDS (SWADE)
Setting: The old State of Utah, specifically the town of Manti.
Races: You may choose any race from Savage Worlds:Rifts Player's Guide or the Adventure Edition. Although if there is a race from some other Rifts world book you really want to TRY (like a Pythonan or Were-dragon) -- contact me about it. Dog boys can be written up as a race, given the information in Lone Star (or if you want to be really strange, TMNT and Other Strangeness can be a source too).
Character Types: will ideally be gleaned from New West, Spirit West, Lone Star and Deadlands (if you have Deadlands). The player characters are like an old west posse, going after bandits (an O.C.C. in New West).
Edges: Edges may be chosen from the Rifts player's book or Savage Worlds: Adventure Edition. If you need a custom edge that helps your PC's concept, we'll talk about it.
Hindrances: same place.
Inspiration: Watch classic Westerns for inspiration for your character. This includes Spaghetti Westerns like The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. The New West culture is romanticizing the Old West. Go to this wiki I made up for this campaign. It's a work in progress, but choose a town to be from.
We will be using the forums for this Play-by-Post campaign. So there are a few House Rules:
Initiative: Obviously, with initiative handled with cards, that presents a problem. Initiative defaults to a block initiative: That is, if two or more PC’s are next up in the initiative order, any of them can go regardless of the actual order. That’s to keep delays to a minimum. However, if someone uses a group buff later in the block (but before any NPCs go), I’ll consider the buff to have occurred before the actions of the other characters in the block. Initiative defaults to an Agility roll. Highest Agility Roll goes first.
Players are expected to post everyday during the week, and at least once during the weekends. This is aspirational though, as I understand real life happens.
Even if your character has no particular action to perform or you’re waiting for another player, you should post your character’s thoughts or actions, just to keep the story moving and let everyone know you’re alive!
Be colorful with your posts, but keep the cursing to a minimum. Do this especially in combat.
Characters should talk to and about each other, not just voice their own character’s observations on the immediate situation.
The party or posse will be exactly five players.
A complete application to the game will include stats, backstory and description. Backstory does not need to be long - a paragraph will be fine. Please include a reason you’d want to risk your life in the New West.
Recruitment will be open until May 1st.
The GM doesn’t like dark or gloomy builds. He wants to play all the bad guys. :-)
The GM pays attention to your avatar. If I have to look at it for a very long time, I don’t want it to weird me out.
Pay attention to your social skills. The Posse might need a face.
The GM likes role-players.
The GM likes generalists, not one-trick ponies.
Dotting... thinking about a preacher of some sort.
Definitely interested! I'm confused about the character build - it comes from either Palladium RIFTS books or Deadlands, but not SWADE RIFTS? Since RIFTS PC's are so much very more powerful than regular SWADE PC's, a Deadlands build will be *way* weaker.
I guess it comes down to : are our opponents that we battle going to be RIFTS-level, or Deadlands-level?
Also, how would we convert the Palladium RIFTS PC's into SWADE in a fair and balanced manner (which in RIFTS is extremely difficult)? If we're playing in the Savage Worlds system, it would be best to use the SWADE RIFTS book for PC's, they've tweaked the archetypes from the previous edition so they're much more evenly-balanced between each other.
If it's Deadlands PC's, I have a Blessed I built but never got to run. Or I might pick something else.
Not knowing what's in the Palladium books (see below), I have a SWADE RIFTS Cyber-Knight PC that I built that has not seen a lot of play. Since you listed a Cyber-Knight book, would that be acceptable?
Just FYI, I've played in games where the GM has a physical deck of cards at home, and we trust him to deal them fairly. With Agility determining initiative, you lose the benefits of getting the Joker, and several act-quicker Edges become useless.
Just how essential is it that we have *all* the Palladium books you listed? I, like probably many others, am on a tight budget.
Looking forward to playing!
Definitely interested! I'm confused about the character build - it comes from either Palladium RIFTS books or Deadlands, but not SWADE RIFTS? Since RIFTS PC's are so much very more powerful than regular SWADE PC's, a Deadlands build will be *way* weaker.
It comes from SWADE Rifts. But SWADE Rifts don't have all the character types in the Rifts library. So you are going to have to get creative. Use the Rifts books as a guide.
I guess it comes down to : are our opponents that we battle going to be RIFTS-level, or Deadlands-level?
SWADE Rifts level.
Also, how would we convert the Palladium RIFTS PC's into SWADE in a fair and balanced manner (which in RIFTS is extremely difficult)? If we're playing in the Savage Worlds system, it would be best to use the SWADE RIFTS book for PC's, they've tweaked the archetypes from the previous edition so they're much more evenly-balanced between each other.
Yes, they did. There is a free download from Pinnacle on Drivethru that you can download, available here, that will help you with converting your ideas from PALLADIUM Rifts to SWADE Rifts.
If it's Deadlands PC's, I have a Blessed I built but never got to run. Or I might pick something else.
It's still SWADE Rifts.
Not knowing what's in the Palladium books (see below), I have a SWADE RIFTS Cyber-Knight PC that I built that has not seen a lot of play. Since you listed a Cyber-Knight book, would that be acceptable?
Just FYI, I've played in games where the GM has a physical deck of cards at home, and we trust him to deal them fairly. With Agility determining initiative, you lose the benefits of getting the Joker, and several act-quicker Edges become useless.
I know. As an alternative, we can play on roll20. They have a cards system.
Just how essential is it that we have *all* the Palladium books you listed? I, like probably many others, am on a tight budget.
I understand how tight your budget can be. You just need Lone Star, New West, and Spirit West to enjoy the setting. The Cyber-knight book is suggested in case you want to play a particular cyber-knight (like, I don't know, an evil one?). If money's tight, then just get Rifts New West. Available here for a low price.
Looking forward to playing!
Me too!
I am very interested in playing some savage rifts. and have always liked the New West.
As a side Note the Savage_Rifts_Empires_of_Humanity_(SWADE_Edition) has a section on the New West and even a couple MARS (Cowboy and Gun Slinger) it also contains the only Iconic Frame work I have ever disallowed, There are some of the other New West OCC's converted to Framworks in the other books as well.
My default for RIFTS is Juicer/Cyber Knight (Super Soldier) but given this is the New West I'd likely go with a D-bee cowboy.
I am very interested in playing some savage rifts. and have always liked the New West.
As a side Note the Savage_Rifts_Empires_of_Humanity_(SWADE_Edition) has a section on the New West and even a couple MARS (Cowboy and Gun Slinger) it also contains the only Iconic Frame work I have ever disallowed, There are some of the other New West OCC's converted to Framworks in the other books as well.
My default for RIFTS is Juicer/Cyber Knight (Super Soldier) but given this is the New West I'd likely go with a D-bee cowboy.
I just purchased Empires of Humanity today.
Savage_Rifts_Arcana_and_Mysticism_(SWADE_Edition) has a Sprit West section as well.
Savage_Rifts_Arcana_and_Mysticism_(SWADE_Edition) has a Sprit West section as well.
I purchased that also.
I'll work on putting together a Dino Riding Simvan cowboy. Silverado is my goto western
Hmmm...a gunslinger eh? I will have to look into stuff more later <3
I'll work on putting together a Dino Riding Simvan cowboy. Silverado is my goto western
Neat. Good show. Cannot wait to see your character.
Hmmm...a gunslinger eh? I will have to look into stuff more later <3
Awesome.
EltonJ - thanks for all the feedback, I will look into it tomorrow.
Does the Palladium Cyber-Knight book *not* have the standard Cyber-Knight archetype that's in SWADE RIFTS? I guess what I'm asking is, is there any reason I can't play the SWADE RIFTS Cyber-Knight?
EltonJ - thanks for all the feedback, I will look into it tomorrow.
Does the Palladium Cyber-Knight book *not* have the standard Cyber-Knight archetype that's in SWADE RIFTS? I guess what I'm asking is, is there any reason I can't play the SWADE RIFTS Cyber-Knight?
No reason. You can play the SWADE Rifts Cyber-knight.
SWADE Rifts Mystic (Preacher) in development.
So all Swade Rifts is okay? So I can play a MARS robot armor jock then.
Most probably. Although remember, you're part of a New West posse.
SWADE Rifts Mystic (Preacher) in development.
Neat!
Here's my Cyber-Knight. I created her for another game, so all the options that are die-rolled were rolled there.
Here's my Cyber-Knight. I created her for another game, so all the options that are die-rolled were rolled there.
Okay, I think it'll work. Lyn-Syral are mostly found in the Grand Canyon, but could be further north.
Hmm. I was expecting more people to sign up. I guess I was wrong.
We've got till May 1st. I think more will trickle in. I know I haven't been in a hurry to finish my character cause I've got plenty of time.
I am still very interested, and I have a solid concept, just need to work out a background and motivation.
EltonJ - in the Palladium West books, are Lyn-Srial pacifists? They basically are in SWADE RIFTS, so to justify her being a fighter I made my PC a recent arrival on Earth thru a rift to the Lyn-Srial home planet (because *some* of them had to be fighters there).
If her being a fighter is not an issue, I'm ok with her being born on Earth.
EltonJ - in the Palladium West books, are Lyn-Srial pacifists? They basically are in SWADE RIFTS, so to justify her being a fighter I made my PC a recent arrival on Earth thru a rift to the Lyn-Srial home planet (because *some* of them had to be fighters there).
If her being a fighter is not an issue, I'm ok with her being born on Earth.
According to New West(TM), it says their peace-loving. Did not say they were pacifists. Although that could be one interpretation of "peace loving."
Originally, the Lyn-Srial were a peace-loving race of magic
users who lived in a separate dimension known as the Skylands.
They could be like Rome. Lovers of peace, but fierce fighters when provoked.
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Here's my RoboJock. By shear coincidence, made for the same game as ZenFox's Knight.
The thing I most like about this character is how versatile he is. Not only can he hold his own in combat, but there are skills in Notice, Repair, and even Healing.
I think a New West scenario would fit this character quite well.
Randomness
Vigorous and Tough
Animal Magnetism
Spiritual and Determined
Here's my RoboJock. By shear coincidence, made for the same game as ZenFox's Knight.
The thing I most like about this character is how versatile he is. Not only can he hold his own in combat, but there are skills in Notice, Repair, and even Healing.
I think a New West scenario would fit this character quite well.
I see. so he came through a rift, and did not know it until later.
Randomness
[Dice=Fortune and Glory]1d20 Vigorous and Tough
[Dice=Fortune and Glory]1d20 Animal Magnetism
[Dice=Cybernetics]1d20
[Dice=Training]1d20
[Dice=Ranged Weapons]1d20[Dice=Fortune and Glory 'reroll']1d20 Spiritual and Determined
Cool. But remember, the rolls are to kickstart something or to provide something for your background.
bump.
Still here, just waiting for the May 1 deadline...
I had just about finished my character, and the Character generator I was used crashed, and I lost all my work. It was a "Ran out of memory error" or something like that. If I have the energy I'll try to replicate this weekend... but would like to make sure we're going to have enough players to proceed before I go through all that work again.
Yeah, I think we are going to have enough players to proceed.
I just noticed this now. I am a long-time rifts player with all the books in question. I have very minor experience storytelling SW rifts. I don't have a character in mind and won't be able to make the May 1 deadline.
I just wanted to drop a line saying If you need another player in the future feel free to drop a line my way if you want to.
Alrighty.
Looks like we couldn't get enough players. So I'm extending the deadline until May 20th.
I saw someone above was floating around Gunslinger? Did they descide to go with that? What characters types are already being worked on?
I noticed Gauis Marcus Arvitus was a Robot Jock with a Titan
and Ami Swiftblade is a Lyn-Srial cyber-knight.
Did I miss anyone?
The reason I ask is I was contemplaiting a Psi-Ghost, Psi-Slinger. A&M pgs 26 & 20. I don't want to Step on any toes though if the other person was working on a similar concept.
I'm pretty sure someone was thinking of a gunslinger, just that nothing came of it.
OK welp if it is ok with you I will snag it. I will also work on a back up just in case the other person comes back.
Nice.
Cool. But remember, the rolls are to kickstart something or to provide something for your background.Randomness
[Dice=Fortune and Glory]1d20 Vigorous and Tough
[Dice=Fortune and Glory]1d20 Animal Magnetism
[Dice=Cybernetics]1d20
[Dice=Training]1d20
[Dice=Ranged Weapons]1d20[Dice=Fortune and Glory 'reroll']1d20 Spiritual and Determined
-Are we supposed to roll here for the Hero's Journey? I am confused by the above. sorry.
I believe that yes, you can roll for the Journey here. I think the GM's comments were just because the aforementioned rolls were tossed up without any mention of a backstory.
Ok Thank you.
Psi-Ghost/Gunslinger
Live,Die,Live again
A way to get around
Choose=Rapid Recharge
Larceny
Combat borg
Concealable upgrade
Luck (Elan)
Uhm, I said a posse of five. Two more people can apply.
Scranford and MrStr4ng3 said they were interested, maybe they forgot the May 1 deadline since it was so far away at the time. Would it be worth sending them a PM to see if they're still interested?
I have weathered the april rigors and I am back. I need a little time to iron out a backstory. I suspect he came west fleeing A.R.C.H.I.E.
He is a cowboy, are there Any specific ranches in the area, he is likely a drifter and could be between jobs.
I have weathered the april rigors and I am back. I need a little time to iron out a backstory. I suspect he came west fleeing A.R.C.H.I.E.
He is a cowboy, are there Any specific ranches in the area, he is likely a drifter and could be between jobs.
Sure. We can make one up for you. But as for real ranches, the Copper Cloud Ranch in Big Water could use a cowboy or two.
EltonJ - would you be willing to play with 4 players instead of 5?