Rifts World Book #18: Mystic Russia continues to explore the fictionalized future of Russia, as presented in the Rifts Role
Playing Game. The Russians, a people with deep rooted mystical beliefs, were not entirely surprised when the opening of the rifts brought forth waves of demons and other supernatural forces. This text focuses on how those “magically gifted” folk survived the apocalypse.
Interesting enough, before the subject of magic arises in this text, the first main idea that is addressed is that of the normal peasant. This section outlines for the gamer what the life of a peasant is, the remoteness, the loneliness and the
danger of life in the wilderness. It is truly a danger, as noted in the second section, due to the repopulation of Russian demons and fairy folk, who romp through the untamed Russian forest.
For those
player characters interested in playing a character seeped in magic, then there are eleven new magical player character classes to choose from, all of which are based on Russian archetypes. Also, there are two new forms of magic: Russian Necromancy and Living Fire Magic. One unusual magical character class is that of the Kuznya, or magic weaponsmith (one of the most unique player character classes offered so far).
Also enjoyable was the fleshing out of the Rifts Gypsy culture. In the future, thanks to the collapse of the organized political structures of every country, Gypsy society flourished. One must remember that the basic tenet, the core belief of the Gypsy is personal freedom. The Gypsy clans had already banded together for their mutual protection against the modern world. When the Rifts scoured the world clean, these clans were able to adapt quicker than most other people. Today’s Gypsy is still the rogue, and is like to do business with whoever (or whatever) will bring good fortune to the clan. It is important to note that the elders of many Gypsy clans know of a certain stable rift between Rifts Russia and Rifts North America, thus serving as a major plot device for any Game Masters who wish his or her Players to visit Mother Russia.