About to run my first Rifts campaign

[cyberdon]

It's going to be online, via SKYPE, with two players so far.

I picked up the Ultimate book, GM guide, and Adventure book.

I may use the Russia world book, or Quebec/Canada to start.

At first glance, I'm hoping I don't have to roll up a billion npcs, etc. myself throughout this game.

More to follow...

[cyberdon]

P.S. Any help or advice as I go along through this process would be greatly appreciated.

[Killer Cyborg]

Read the Adventure book thoroughly.
Also pick up Sourcebook 1.

[cyberdon]

Oh right -got the sourcebook.

[cyberdon]

Gonna try a Canada-based campaign, either in Alberta, or Ontario -to then lead into a Free Quebec adventure.

[cyberdon]

First step -aside from reading- is to get some detailed maps online of the geography of the areas.

[cyberdon]

Hey guys:

I have a question about an adventure hook in the Adventure Guide, but would prefer if someone PM me the answer just in case my players are peeking at this thread. :/

In adventure hook 21, a spell of lore is listed. I can't seem to find the stats for this spell in any of the books I have. Anyone have the stats for this, or know where I can find it?

Thanks

[Killer Cyborg]

Don't have my book handy, so I can't help you on that right now.

[Gamer]

Hmm, the Adventure Guide adventure 21: Sanctuaryville doesn't have 'spell of lore' in it, it does however say 'spell of legend' referring to a certain legendary spell -it's name is listed.

[jaymz]

PM sent with where to find the spell from that adventure hook.

[cyberdon]

Thanks for the PM jaymz!

[cyberdon]

K -I just finished rolling up a shanty town from the Adventure Guide (which is turning out to be a pretty cool book), and am about to roll up some monsters, etc. to encounter.

I'm calling the town 'Red Ear' -these guys will be the decendants of the actual population of the city Red Deer, in Alberta, Canada.

I live close by in real life.

According to the books I have, the rift in Calgary -just south of Red Deer- is pouring out hordes of demons from Russia.

I own that book from way back, so yeehaw.

Also, Psi Stalker patrols can be found in that region of Canada, as well as Simvan Beast Riders, dinosaurs, and etcetera.

The two players I have so far are rolling up a dragon hatchling R.C.C, and a Vagabond O.C.C., so I'm expecting to be on my toes in terms of challenging them.

[cyberdon]

Oh by the gods. I take it I have to roll up each psi-stalker, dog pack member, and etcetera individually.

[dragonfett]

Oh by the gods. I take it I have to roll up each psi-stalker, dog pack member, and etcetera individually.

I don't see why you would have to. Just create the vital information (i.e. stats that will affect combat, skills, level, HP/SDC, etc.) for a typical member of the each group, or if you want some variety, each role in combat, such as Psi-Stalker Scout, Psi-Stalker Warrior, Dog Boy Heavy Weapons Expert, Dog Pack Leader, etc. And the beauty of the roles is that you can start off making a generic enemy that you can go back and alter to fit the different roles.

[Killer Cyborg]

Oh by the gods. I take it I have to roll up each psi-stalker, dog pack member, and etcetera individually.

I don't see why you would have to. Just create the vital information (i.e. stats that will affect combat, skills, level, HP/SDC, etc.) for a typical member of the each group, or if you want some variety, each role in combat, such as Psi-Stalker Scout, Psi-Stalker Warrior, Dog Boy Heavy Weapons Expert, Dog Pack Leader, etc. And the beauty of the roles is that you can start off making a generic enemy that you can go back and alter to fit the different roles.

The nice thing is that, other than armor, damage capacity and Hit Points aren't likely to matter, so no need to roll. If it comes up, you can guestimate.

No real problem with rolling up ONE psi-stalker, and ONE Dog Boy, and just having them represent the "Typical" member of that group. Skip secondary skills and other stuff if you like.
Psychic powers might be an exception, but it depends on how fleshed-out you need things to be.

[cyberdon]

K -sounds like a plan.

I'll do up 'bare bones'.

[cyberdon]

Good advice man.

Does anyone have an example of a rough npc sketch that a gm might make, so I could get an idea as to what's workable?

Say... a Psi Stalker or something?

[cyberdon]

1/2 way through creating a Psi-Stalker. Every skill affects attributes, S.D.C, etc.

Not sure how I should go about getting around this.

[cyberdon]

Perhaps as I get more versed in the system.

[jaymz]

Perhaps as I get more versed in the system.

I think what they guys meant is that you don't have to really have completely "book legal" NPC's per se.

Give them X HP/SDC, Y attacks and combat bonuses and Z powers.

As long as it looks plausible and will fit the bill, book legal isn't necessary.

[cyberdon]

Sounds like sound advice to not get bogged down.

That said though, I feel I'm too new to the system to eyeball things, so it looks like I'll have to trudge through the creation a bit.

[jaymz]

Sounds like sound advice to not get bogged down.

That said though, I feel I'm too new to the system to eyeball things, so it looks like I'll have to trudge through the creation a bit.

Then when in doubt use an NPC from an already published book