Death of Splicers

slappy · Unread post by **slappy** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 5:08 pm

So I noticed that the Splicers sourcebook is delayed indefinitely. What the hell? Anyone heard any rumors besides the catalog?

demos606 · Unread post by **demos606** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 5:19 pm

As much as I love Splicers, given the financial difficulties facing Palladium lately, I can well understand delaying sourcebooks for 'less popular' settings. Plus, iirc, Carmen has been very busy on other projects and we know how thin Kevin is spread these days.

Who knows, we may get some of the material as Rifter articles even.

Alpha 11 · Unread post by **Alpha 11** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:32 pm

Just give it a little time. I am sure they will come out with some more stuff in the next year or so.

demos606 · Unread post by **demos606** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 12:25 am

Splicers needs a sourcebook to make the setting complete - BtS2 needs the books to make it playable. There are some things that would be nice to have but nothing was missing from the core book to make the setting unplayable.

Todd Yoho · Unread post by **Todd Yoho** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 1:51 am

Last year I turned in about 50 pages of Splicers material about a fully fleshed Hindu themed Noble House called House Shiva. They are engaged in an insane perpetual Blood War against all other humans, and keep up the fight against the Machine.

The manuscript features a detailed history of the Shivs, a couple of new O.C.C.s, some bio-weapons and equipment, and new War Mounts.

Go bug Wayne to see it get printed in the Rifter.

slappy · Unread post by **slappy** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 2:14 am

I wonder if they'll even print Splicers in the Rifter. They don't seem to be too popular among regular Rifter readers. I would love to see someone elses material (especially Todd).

Todd Yoho · Unread post by **Todd Yoho** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 2:33 am

slappy wrote:I wonder if they'll even print Splicers in the Rifter. They don't seem to be too popular among regular Rifter readers. I would love to see someone elses material (especially Todd).

To be fair to Wayne, he did say last month that he could probably use it in an upcoming Rifter in 2007. So, there's no reason to bomb his inbox, but if he hears from a few Splicers' fans, it might help to grease the wheel.

abtex · Unread post by **abtex** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:04 am

Todd Yoho wrote:Last year I turned in about 50 pages of Splicers material about a fully fleshed Hindu themed Noble House called House Shiva. They are engaged in an insane perpetual Blood War against all other humans, and keep up the fight against the Machine.

The manuscript features a detailed history of the Shivs, a couple of new O.C.C.s, some bio-weapons and equipment, and new War Mounts.

Does it have any dinos in it?:-D
Just so they can be used in other settings, that may have been written by you.

Todd Yoho wrote:Go bug Wayne to see it get printed in the Rifter.

Will do that.

Todd Yoho · Unread post by **Todd Yoho** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 11:21 am

abtex wrote:Does it have any dinos in it?:-D
Just so they can be used in other settings, that may have been written by you.

No, no dinos as such, but there is a genetic-punk prehistoric feel to some of the War Mounts.

I dug out the manuscript this morning and figured I'd share some of the ideas. It might help people say yea or nay before they go bug Wayne. :wink:

House Shiva is an example of what happens when a House Librarian goes insane, takes control, institutes a radical purge and restructuring of the House's society, and then begins a genocidal war on all other humans. I am become Shiva, destroyer of worlds. Oh, and the Kali Machine personality had a hand in making it happen all for her amusement.

The two classes are called the Pariah and the Naga Dancer. The Pariah is an assassin dedicated to killing other Splicers. They get special pheromone boosts when fighting humans and war mounts in close combat. The Naga Dancer is a variation on the Packmaster; they are courtesan/seductive/infiltration specialists who share a special bond with bio-engineered serpents.

The War Mounts section features the Agni Plasma-Bird (a close artillery support peacock), the Ganesh Personnel Carrier (a giant, heavily armed and armored elephant), the Jhapattanaga air assault beast (a giant, jet powered flying cobra), the Naga Serpents (hyper-intelligent snakes bonded to Naga Dancers), and the Nihilist Suicide Beast (a rock encrusted self-destructing mollusk).

I'm fairly fond of House Shiva, and I think Splicers' fans would get a lot of milage out of a House that hates humans and the Machine with equal fury.

demos606 · Unread post by **demos606** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 12:09 pm

The House conflicts are one of the angles that needed more coverage in the book, you can really only do so much with the info on 1 House and Slappy's rather inspired works. Would be cool to see another perspective on the Houses and insane Librarians.

slappy · Unread post by **slappy** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 6:27 pm

I think one of the best ideas for Splicers Carmen came up with was wanting each Great House to be written by a different author. What Todd came up with is so different than my stuff and just as cool I'm sure (although mine is pretty damn cool

). I would love to at least see some of it in the Rifter.

I wonder how many Splicers RPG's sold in comparison to other Rifts titles. I assume the sourcebook was scrapped for financial reasons, but I can't believe it sold that poorly. It's a great setting that needs support.

demos606 · Unread post by **demos606** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 7:16 pm

Yeah, I gotta say I like the idea behind having Houses written by different people so we get as many perspectives as possible. Think I'm gonna have to try to put some of the ideas we came up with for our House together for a Rifter as well.

Alpha 11 · Unread post by **Alpha 11** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:22 pm

I hope some of this info does get used in the future.

The Baron of chaos · Tue Sep 19, 2006 4:53 pm

Personally I think that is the Machine that need to be fleshed out better for a really jumpstart of the setting. So far we got just mindless metallic targets , and this is too little considering they are main villain. I attempted to add some of my ideas in a previous old thread. But i wished for some official info. Too bad I doubt we are going to see anything new for Splicer in this year. (thankfully there is HU , oh and of course Rifts, I cannot beleive myself but Madhaven make me wish putting my old Rifts character out of storage ...is GREAT sourcebook)

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Tue Sep 19, 2006 10:51 pm

Hopefully if there is enough interest in it, the future supplements will roll out. Maybe someone could have an article in the Rifter on some of the things they have in their campaign. :ok:

slappy · Unread post by **slappy** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:49 pm

Latest press release says that Palladium is going to support all its product lines in 2007 except Splicers (and Systems Failure if you want to get technical). Bummer.

RockJock · Unread post by **RockJock** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 12:23 am

The biggest single problem Splicers has is it is seperated from the rest of the Megaverse. I started as a Robotech player, but eventually migrated to Rifts and HU. I fell in love with Nightbane, but only found it a few years ago. I played PF just because there was an active group, and it was a fun diversion. I've picked up System Failures, Phase World, Mechanoids, AtB, TMNT, Chaos Earth, and Rifters specifically to feed my addiction to Rifts and HU. Even all the PF books in my collection tend to be used as bits and pieces for HU or Rifts. I love Splicers and have played two short campaigns with it, but I've made more use of it in HU and Rifts/Phase World campaigns. My point is being a little more connected would bring more casual buyers from the other games, and let the sales improve.

All that being said, the machines, and a few houses being fleshed out would help the setting. As it stands right now Splicers is sort of like Manhunter, part of the Megaverse, but seperate from it.

sHaka · Unread post by **sHaka** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 4:16 am

I wonder whether Kev's just waiting for a hot manuscript? (**hint hint Carmen, slappy, anybody!**)

RockJock · Unread post by **RockJock** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 3:21 pm

If the main book didn't sell well, which is the impression that I"ve gotten a source book doesn't make sense for a cash strapped company. A Minion War crossover could help get people into Splicers, but if the market isn't there, neither willl the books.

The Baron of chaos · Sat Sep 23, 2006 6:54 pm

I'm with rockjock here. Splicer never sold too much. In some way it is like Manhunter(who remeber it? I t was very similar to Splicer in concept), Or System Failure. Sure it got more fans then them, but that's it. It is not the best seller of Palladium. I'm sorry but is the truth. Figure it that I bought splicer main book, two years ago because was discounted becase at each end of year the retailer enptied the stocks, they neede space. 5 euros. For wha ti know i'm the only on in Italy to hav ebought this book, figure it .
Sure A crossover with Minion war could help, tying it with the rest of megaverse, but is uneasy, being the setting so antimaigca, antipsionic, antisuperpowers, anti everything, and yet an MDC setting(hmm explain me how MDC flesh remain MDC wihtout magic at all?)

Nekira Sudacne · Thu Oct 12, 2006 1:21 pm

The Baron of chaos wrote:I'm with rockjock here. Splicer never sold too much. In some way it is like Manhunter(who remeber it? I t was very similar to Splicer in concept), Or System Failure. Sure it got more fans then them, but that's it.

The only similartie that Splicers and Manhunter shares is rouge AI robots going around trying to kill people. which is hardly unique to either.

I don't think it can really be said that they're similar at all.

RockJock · Unread post by **RockJock** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:05 pm

I was refering to the similarities between Splicers and Manhunter in the sense that they are both a step outside the normal Megaverse. They aren't meant to wholely cross over. I didn't mean the man killer robots.

Spinachcat · Unread post by **Spinachcat** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:45 pm

I agree that a stronger Rifts / Splicers / Phase World crossover would greatly benefit Splicers.

Maybe the Splicers planet has a cosmic PPE dampener, either natural or alien device that neither the bots nor the humans know about. This dampener could begin to fail and the Splicers world could undergo the same disasters as Chaos Earth...so much so that you then could buy the Chaos Earth monster and magic book and translate them to Splicers.

Yes, this would change the core world, but imagine if the nano-plague could spread via Rifts or bare minimum if the Machines from Splicers suddenly started travelling to points beyond.

So...what happens when the Lilith Persona starts flirting with Archie? What happens when our friends in Atlantis get a look at the Resistance host armors?

All it would take would be a Rifts / Splicers supplement that initiated the crossover.

Todd Yoho · Unread post by **Todd Yoho** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:53 am

Per the latest press release, House Shiva is slated for Rifter #37 coming out in January.

RockJock · Unread post by **RockJock** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 3:29 am

Thanks for the heads up Todd. Any little thing helps.

TechnoGothic · Unread post by **TechnoGothic** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:08 am

Splicers should be merged with the other Dimension books really.

Heck, in the Phase World setting it fits right in no problem.
Why is the Splicer world a Magical Dead world ??

Maybe its the seedling sucking up the energies ??

RockJock · Unread post by **RockJock** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:13 am

I said something similar in the Splicers=System Failure thread. Make some sort of PPE sponge on the Splicer's planet that keeps ambient energy in short supply. It would also help to hide the planet from the rest of the Megaverse, or 3Gs, depending on where you place it.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 12:06 am

That is a good observation! I agree with both of you! It could work if you set it up like that.

Marrowlight · Unread post by **Marrowlight** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 10:31 pm

Todd Yoho wrote:Per the latest press release, House Shiva is slated for Rifter #37 coming out in January.

Y'know, I'm starting to wonder if the Rifter would do well/continue to do well (I am assuiming it sells just fine but I really don't know) if it was a bi-monthly project. It really never seems like they're hurting for publishable material, as long as stuff stays on the shelf.

abtex · Unread post by **abtex** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:58 am

Marrowlight wrote:
Todd Yoho wrote:Per the latest press release, House Shiva is slated for Rifter #37 coming out in January.

Y'know, I'm starting to wonder if the Rifter would do well/continue to do well (I am assuiming it sells just fine but I really don't know) if it was a bi-monthly project. It really never seems like they're hurting for publishable material, as long as stuff stays on the shelf.

And with the pdf files going on sale soon. That is hope for Splicers as well.

Marrowlight · Unread post by **Marrowlight** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:16 pm

abtex wrote:
Marrowlight wrote:
Todd Yoho wrote:Per the latest press release, House Shiva is slated for Rifter #37 coming out in January.

Y'know, I'm starting to wonder if the Rifter would do well/continue to do well (I am assuiming it sells just fine but I really don't know) if it was a bi-monthly project. It really never seems like they're hurting for publishable material, as long as stuff stays on the shelf.

And with the pdf files going on sale soon. That is hope for Splicers as well.

Ah yes, good alternative to bi monthly rifters. Forgot about the PDF's.

Princedarkstorm · Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:47 pm

I hope this year or in the RIFTER for news on SPLICERS.

abtex · Unread post by **abtex** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 4:40 am

Marrowlight wrote:
abtex wrote:And with the pdf files going on sale soon. That is hope for Splicers as well.

Ah yes, good alternative to bi monthly rifters. Forgot about the PDF's.

There is no reason that the Rifter cannot be done bi monthly in a PDF form as well.

Princedarkstorm · Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:21 am

I agree with Abtex that it can still live.

Princedarkstorm · Sat Jan 20, 2007 12:15 pm

I hope so.

TechnoGothic · Unread post by **TechnoGothic** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:09 am

I could write several books on my ideas for a House that uses Biotic and more powerful Biotic varients instead of Host Armors.

Instead of being about a single house, it would be about multiple ways this could be done and for what reasons. With several examples given to help someone build there own house in a like manner.

1. Insane House run by former rebel biotics.

2. A Sane house, who sees Biotic Augementation as a better method of making soldiers always ready for combat 24/7. No mental problems or mind-wipes. They seek to become one with their bio-technology. Via Warlords of Russia's Cyborg Warlords camps, but with Biotics instead. More detailed and several alternative biotic versions that fill the place of Host Armors. Feral Biotics (criminals - normal Biotics), Standard Biotics (not mind-wiped volenteers), Juggernauts (Biotic Dreadguard class), Beastmasters (Biotic Pack Master class, various animal types used also), Leatherheads (Biotic roughneck class. Better than standard biotic process.)

Standard Biotics are like Private First Class types. Entry Level Soldiers.
Leatherheads are an Upgrade of the Standard Biotics. Given more combat readiness.
Beast Masters are an Upgrade of Standard Biotics too. Those who wish to work with War-mounts in some fashion. Packs of Gorehounds to Dracos riders.
Juggernauts are pure Power. They are picked from Leatherheads who show great honor and nobility of spirit. They are re-engineered to be even more powerful.

The Power differance in the Class is simplelly their background as a former class. Everyone starts at Standard Biotics. Its assumed the extra Bio-E is simplly the prior Classes + New upgrades for each of them.

---------
--------

A Sourcebook for RIFTS should be done at some point. Allowing and not nerfing mixing the two games together in some fashion. And adding at least a Single SPLICER House to RIFTS Earth as cannon...

Florida ? Under the Swamps fighting Spluggies Slave barages and Dinos.
Carribean ? Pirate Splicers Arrrh.
Hawai ? (actually this would be cool)
Antartica ? Cold sure, but a cool place for a seedling and a house.
North Pole ? In the Ice or well below the ice and at the bottom of the ocean floor.
Rifts INDIA ?

Splicer Terroritory anyone

Madagassar ? (Africa) Might be a cool Island/landmass to place a House in fact. Its isolated enough...

The Baron of chaos · Sun Jan 21, 2007 1:25 pm

Ya know this thread make me post this reply. Mostly because i've had many ideas about Splicer, and some were opsted earlier on this board, like the Heretic or the Alchemist, sadly I don't have anymore the time i ha din past to focus on Splicer. I simply got buys in many other things, included some other palladium books games, and so. But i think is waste not share the ideas I got, perhaps letting someone else develope them if they want to. So here my input hope could be helpful to futre Rifter writer:
New Biotic models: your ideas is the same I got. Why not more type of biotics other than the base one? Here some ideas - Flying Biotics aka Raptor Biotics, differe form the standard biotic in being much lightweight, having hollow bones and less MDC but being incredibly agile in flight, more than anyone else ther eis stealth variant, the essentially is the flying verison of skinjob, bombing targets unseen, Road runner , the fastest biotic alive, have a very streamlined light built, being re-made for high speed, often the head/skull is too reshaped into an oval or flat rocked shape for more aerodynamics, They normally run faster than most 20th century vehicles but can few times per day accomplsih a burst of super speed . Cannoner - these heayv biotic is built to do one and one things only. Carry as much long range weapon as he can, forearms are bigger than ususal and mount additional bio-weapon insider usually shooting from a mouth like opening in the palm of the hand(rang eand damage for these weapon are greater than usual), the chest is larger too and hold FOUR Omega Blaster!, the shoulder and back are filled with bio-weapons,mini missiles, casting guns, anmd so on, the tail mouth a cluster of 3 super light blasters, MDC is greater than usual and eyes are modified to have higher resistance to laser and energy blast, usual modification include an additional set of arms and hands to handle additional weapons. Reaper - the hand to hand specialist. relatively light buid has a prehensile combat tail, claws , spikes,horns fangs , acid blood and chitinous hard skin are part of the package but is the internal modification that is more interesting reflex, agility and strenght are boosted way beyond human limits, the brain undergo extrem modification changing the structure of callous part, creating new neural and synapstic sturctures, the reptilian brain being evolved into somethign different. In few words their brain work much more like a biological super advanced combat computer. Intelligenc erolls are easy no matter what, spotting opponents weakness is natural as breathing, the brain control most biological function like sleep, hunger , pain and thirst and can enter in sort of controlled homicidal frenzy. complete the design reinforced vital organs like spine, brain and heart, covered by an elastic but super strong net of carbonioum microfiber. Fakers - These biotic look completely NORMAL human, at first glance no one would ever guess them being somethign more than human. That's their strenght. They are like the base biotic, albeit their MDC is less than usual and also their BIo-E is reduced, also they can't choose some eugenic features, tha towudl make them obvious, But their strenght is that they are incospicuous. come standard with fire breath and retractable claws.
Hecate master plan for the improvement of Humankind: Hecate decided, all alone, that humankind is not that bad, that they are not vermins, vermins would not be able to create such magnificent artificial beings like her. Yet Humankind is too illogical, a bug that had to be corrected for their own good. The death fot he excess was good but not is time to work on improving them. Making them into more logical being. More similar to their top creation. N.E.X.U.S. The project "Homo-mechanicus" based on the studies she is runnign on type 1.0 "Techno-jackers", the first ones having responded in the right way to the nanomachines she spread in air proceed slowly. Afurther success she accomplished in the creation of type 2.0 or what human called "techno-Freak", Now mechanicla systems grow naturally inot them, like their own organs, limbs and skin. Still The change while greater than the 1.0 is still limited to the bio hardware sphere, while the software keep on suffering by that annoying bug called "emotions" . with the 2.5 type "Vampire" from their resemblance of old human myth seem more promising, but there is the side effect of the need for release all the suppressed emotions that are generally hold back, once each 15 days in wild psychotic rage, and the need for feeding of electrical energy like that produced by bio-electrical field of humans(bio-energy), or by the power system of unprotected droids. This last unwanted feature could be avoided in future 3.0 version with a built in super solar engine, replacing the skin with it. If the other A.I. has somthign to say about her paeronsla project they have to just try to stop her. Ishtar could have the tactical genius, but she is the one that build the troops. She woudl be surprised to find in the bios of each soldiers the "H Directive" that forbid to all her creation to ever try to harm Hecate factoriers and give priority ot Hecate's order above any other N.E.X.U.S personality.