Rifts World Book 33 Northern Gun 1 is one of my top five Rifts world books and I’m glad to be finally reviewing it. I am a big fan of robots and power armor, having played games like Mechwarrior and other similar games growing up.
This book brings to us 27 Robots of all sizes. It also has 6 Northern Gun OCCs, lots of robot weapons, and more information about the arms dealer Northern Gun.
Rifts® Northern Gun™ One is the biggest ‘tech-filled World Book Palladium has ever produced. In addition to world information, background, and O.C.C.s for the Northern Gun corporation and Ishpeming, there are 27 robots, 70+ weapons, and all kinds of dynamic information and gaming resources. Courtesy of the largest arms dealer and independent manufacturer on the continent: Northern Gun™.
Northern Gun™ is the most famous arms manufacturer in North America. Outside of the Coalition States, one could argue, no other kingdom is as powerful or influential, at least when it comes to technology and weapons. The manufacture and sale of Northern Gun weapons and vehicles have given virtually every kingdom, town, a colony of settlers, and adventurer group a chance to survive and prosper. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, NG has been the premier outfitter of mercenaries, adventurers, and upstart kingdoms for generations. Now, for the first time ever, learn Northern Gun’s history, goals, and plans for the future. Of course, that means new weapons, robots, power armor, vehicles, and gear.
Gm Material in Rifts World Book 33
Northern Gun 1 and Northern Gun 2 both are set at year 109 PA. This is very fortunate because it coincides with where many other books have brought us up to, especially Megaverse in Flames and the Minion War. Gms can use this book to really outfit mercenary groups going around helping or hindering players.
Some of the OCCs in the book remind me of Naruni Enterprises from the Three Galaxies, specifically the Loss Prevention Officer. It’s not a robot, but it has a similar role in recovering stolen property. Ya ya, the Rep-bot is sent to recover from those that didn’t pay, pipedownwillya.
Player Material Rifts Northern Gun 1
There are a few books that I looked forward to more than this one. The robots in this book are really fun to look at and plan to purchase, steal, and even destroy in-game. Some of the robots are reprints or revisited but still, they are freakin awesome!
This book is also great for players because it goes into even further detail about weapons for robots. Most other books list weapons that a robot has, but this one also lists other weapons that are options any robot can use.
Story material in Rifts World Book 33 Northern Gun 1
For the most part, this book is really just a list of equipment. Most of the story within the book is related to Northern Guns’ history and company operations. For example things like “If they find this out, then they’ll do this”. Other things story-wise are related to Ishpeming and the operation of the city.
The originality of World Book 33 Northern Gun 1
Putting this much detail into a Rifts Earth arms manufacturer tells me that they are super important to the well-being of Rifts Earth. With the minion war coming up their arms and equipment are going to be crucial to the success of many throughout North America. The book itself even states how they are the number one supplier of equipment to adventurers and residents of Rifts North America.
It also says that without their weapons and vehicles humanity’s grip on North America would be significantly reduced. With even the Coalition purchasing products from them en mass. If something brought them down it would be a huge blow to the entire continent.
Is World Book 33 game breaking
Nothing is game-breaking within the book. most Robots within are just going to be a variation of what already exists: big tall high MDC structures with weapons.
How good are World Book 33 OCCs
The occs are all support level classes in my opinion. They are OK for players, and great for GMs when they need to generate a list of Northern Gun NPCs.
Northern guns info doesn’t stop here, check out Rifts World Book 34 Northern Gun 2 Review.
How well does Rifts World Book 33 mix with the core book
Oh, this book is fantastic to use with the Ultimate Edition. Some may not want to use it because their game is set prior to 109 PA but that doesn’t mean everything needs to be left out. Pick it up and look through the fantastic options for yourself.