Rifts RPG is a post-apocalyptic world where magic and technology coexist. It is a setting where dragons soar through the sky, cyborgs roam the wastelands, and mages wield spells alongside high-tech weaponry. Understanding how to blend magic and technology in this world is essential so neither takes precedence. This article will explore the key elements of the Rifts RPG universe, the mechanics of combining magic and technology, and tips for creating a character that can navigate this dynamic and unpredictable environment with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in the Rifts RPG world.
Introduction to the World of Rifts RPG
Rifts RPG is a tabletop role-playing game that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where magic and technology coexist and clash. It’s a world where humans, mutants, cyborgs, and aliens struggle to survive and thrive amidst the ruins of a world that has been torn apart by cataclysmic events. In this world, technology and magic are two powerful forces that shape the landscape, the creatures, and the societies that inhabit it.
Understanding the Role of Magic and Technology
Defining the Key Attributes of Magic and Technology
Magic and technology have distinct attributes that define their capabilities and limitations. Magic is a mystical force that draws its power from the energy of the ley lines, the natural pathways of energy that crisscross the world of Rifts. It enables its wielders to manipulate reality, summon creatures, cast spells, and ward off dangers.
Technology, on the other hand, is a product of human ingenuity and innovation, rooted in the principles of science and engineering. It encompasses a wide range of devices, gadgets, weapons, vehicles, and structures, each with its unique features, functions, and drawbacks.
Exploring the Relationship Between Magic and Technology
Magic and technology are not mutually exclusive in the world of Rifts. Instead, they coexist and interact in complex ways, sometimes synergistically, and sometimes antagonistically. Magic can enhance technology, imbuing it with extra power and versatility, while technology can refine magic, making it more efficient, reliable, and accessible.
However, magic and technology can also clash, leading to disastrous consequences. For example, some advanced technologies can disrupt ley lines, causing magical storms and anomalies, while some potent spells can interfere with electronic devices, causing malfunctions and explosions.
Navigating the Post-Apocalyptic Setting
Overview of the World of Rifts RPG
The world of Rifts RPG is a dark and dangerous place, where the remnants of humanity struggle to survive amidst the ruins of once-great civilizations. The world has been devastated by multiple apocalyptic events, including the coming of the Rifts, supernatural portals that unleashed demons, monsters, and aliens into the world, and the cataclysmic wars that followed.
As a result, the world is a patchwork of domes, fortresses, and settlements, each with its unique culture, laws, and challenges. Some areas are ruled by powerful techno-wizardry guilds that wield immense magical and technological power, while others are inhabited by savage tribes, mutated beasts, and rogue machines.
Challenges of the Post-Apocalyptic Setting
Due to the nature of post-apocalyptic settings, day-to-day survival is of utmost focus, threats abound and resources are scarce(or refined ones anyway). Surviving often requires one to look out primarily for oneself, especially in cities. In the wilds relying on others for mutual defense and survival is required. Navigating both the wild frontiers of monsters, aliens, and city life of gangs, cultures, etc. is key to survival.
To thrive in this world, players must learn to adapt to their environments, use their skills and abilities to their fullest, and forge alliances with other characters who share their goals and values.
Mastering the Mechanics of Magic and Technology Integration
Understanding the rules for magic and technology is essential to use them to their best effect. Not every class has access to magic, while many have access to technology. Many magic classes use everyday technology and have backup weapons and armor as standard equipment. The rules can confuse players and GMs alike to the point that they just allow tech classes to dominate magic. A few guidelines here can help balance things to increase the enjoyment of all involved.
Know your game style
One of the first games I started playing when I returned to Rifts RPG was a Juicer game. None of the juicers are magic classes. Even the Dragon Juicer only uses magic to create a superhuman Juicer. Some Juicers have psionics, which you could view as mind magic, but their forte is technology.
With that in mind when we ran into magic classes we had to roll to see if we knew anything about the class/magic involved. If your class is tech-based they should know a lot about other tech classes but not magic classes and vice versa.
Your game style can be a mix of tech, magic, and psionics. The mix you go with is up to the GM and group. If you have a mix then typically the tech guy will probably deal with the tech opponents, the casters will deal with other casters, and so on. That is an ideal situation when your group leans heavily in one area then they have to innovate, experiment, etc. to overcome the challenges (which can partly be done with skills).
Know your class
Your class will typically excel at one area, be it magic, tech, psionics, or skills. Utilizing your character’s strengths is the best way to work with your group. When nobody excels in an area this is where your group must come together and find solutions.
With a large number of skills available in the game, it’s often best to specialize your character to some sort of theme within the class. If you are an Operator for example you can pick between working on robots or power armor and it’s best to select skills at the start that prioritize one over the other to maximize your effectiveness at what you do.
This not only makes you really good at what you do but also gives other players a similar specialty in their own right. Everyone can come together and contribute rather than each player being a jack of all things. When groups are small then it gets harder to cover many bases, which is OK.
Game masters are encouraged to remove the idea that players need to have a specific roll, skill, spell, etc. to progress things in Rifts. Rifts is an adventure game, meaning it is more designed to progress stories forward than to get caught up on minutia-like combat (though that often happens).
Check our philosophy guide here for more on how to roleplay better.
Play your class and race accordingly
The class you pick determines a vast amount of what your character is capable of doing. That said, race can help add a lot to your character’s capabilities. One of my favorite races to go with for many magic classes is the True Atlantean from the Atlantis book, or the new rework in Secrets of the Atlanteans.
There are many other race options available but Atlanteans for example allow you to have psionics, magic tattoos, augmented physical strength, bonuses to several stats, and some other benefits. With this race choice, you can add a handful of extra options to your skills and abilities list.
This makes your character more specialized, or well-rounded based on the character group you are with. Most of the time I try to cover more skill sets when in a small group. Having a sense magic psionic, read object, and others like this can really help out.
Preparing as a mage
Preparation doesn’t have to take forever. You can get technowizard armor that has 1-4 magical abilities that cast together. For my Shifter I generally select spells that allow him to act in melee combat because I played him as a tank with Gargoyle minions to back him up. For my ley line walkers I generally pick spells that compliment defense or ranged combat.
Examples for each:
Common Shifter prepared spells on armor usually were a choice between: fleet feet, armor of ithan, vulnerability, shadow meld and cloak of darkness, and superhuman strength.
Ley line walker I usually liked to take immunity to fire(especially if I had firequake so I could walk through flames), invisibility, fly like an eagle, magic armor of some form, charismatic aura and power aura, and deflect.
You can also have wands, scrolls, and talismans that have prepared spells on them. If you aren’t familiar with these then check out the spell descriptions of Talisman, and prepare scrolls in the Rifts Ultimate edition. Wands are described more in a Rifter.
Understanding the Rules for Magic and Technology Use
In Rifts RPG, technology is a bit more straightforward, as the only rules you need with it are the combat rules. Magic requires you to understand how to cast spells, know ranges, spell descriptions, and more. Magic generally speaking requires preparation but allows for a lot of versatility and technology is just ready to go.
What this does in gameplay terms is mean that tech classes like Juicers are going to have far more attacks per melee than casters. In a head-to-head fight a Juicer will woop a mage that isn’t prepared. With some preparation though, the Juicer will get nowhere near the mage, or may not even know he’s there.
Combining Magic and Technology in Combat Situations
One of the most exciting aspects of Rifts RPG is the ability to combine magic and technology in combat situations. For example, you can use a magic spell to create a distraction while your teammate uses advanced technology to sneak up and take out the enemy. You can also use technology to amplify the power of your spells or protect yourself against magical attacks.
Tips for Successful Gameplay in Rifts RPG
To truly excel in the world of Rifts RPG, you need to work well with others and adapt to a constantly changing environment. Collaboration with other players, as well as adapting to the dynamic nature of the game, are essential.
Collaborating with Other Players to Optimize Magic and Technology Use
Roleplaying games are team games, and you need to work closely with your teammates to succeed especially as adventurers in Rifts RPG. Collaborating with others to optimize magic and technology use can lead to some truly epic moments. For example, you might use your magic abilities to create a portal to travel long distances, then your tech teammates shoot up the monsters around you as you cast it.
Exploring the Boundless Possibilities in a World of Magic and Technology
One of the best things about Rifts RPG is the boundless possibilities it presents. With magic and technology both in play, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Discovering new magic and technology combinations and unlocking the potential for innovation and advancement are key elements that make Rifts RPG such a compelling game.
Players and game masters alike are encouraged to play multiple character types they are interested in. You can come up with some truly bizarre and intriguing race and character combinations. The Rifts ultimate edition is just the start of all the really fun options available. When you combine them with the Phase World Race builder and the Megaverse Builders dimension builder you can go anywhere and play anything. Have fun with them and create your own unique races and locations.
FAQ
What is Rifts RPG?
Rifts RPG is a role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world where magic and technology coexist in a unique blend. It was created by Kevin Siembieda and first published by Palladium Books in 1990.
Do I need to be familiar with the Rifts RPG universe to benefit from this article?
No, this article is designed to be accessible to both new and experienced players. It provides an introduction to the key elements of the Rifts RPG universe, as well as tips and strategies for mastering the mechanics of magic and technological integration.
What character classes are best for blending magic and technology?
There are several character classes in Rifts RPG that are well-suited for blending magic and technology, including the Techno-Wizard, the Cyber-Knight(Psionics is mind magic right? LOL), and the Ley Line Walker. Each class has its own unique strengths and abilities, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your preferred playstyle.
How do I get started playing Rifts RPG?
To start playing Rifts RPG, you’ll need a copy of the core rulebook, available from Palladium Books or your local game store. You’ll also need a set of polyhedral dice, a character sheet, and a group of friends to play with. Once you have these basic supplies, you can create a character, explore the world of Rifts RPG, and embark on thrilling adventures.