We leave North America and head East in the Rifts World Book # 17: Warlords of Russia. When the great cataclysm changed
the face of the planet, the land of Russia was one of the hardest hit areas on the face of the planet. Volcanic eruptions redefined the area around Saint Petersburg. Already used to extreme winter, the country was unprepared for the Eighty Years of Winter. Furthermore, Moscow was obliterated, leaving only a ninety mile crater to mark its location. Lastly, demons and
supernatural creatures (many from Russia’s mythological past) returned to the magical rich planet.
There was an almost 70% population loss due to the coming of the rifts in Russia. Once a proud technological power, the society was reduced (or de-evolved) into a society very much like its past (circa the 13th century). Many Russians have returned to their roots of peasantry, eking out their existence in small farming
communities, avoiding the weather and supernatural activity around them. One aspect of civilization is the culture of the Warlords, seven powerful warriors who have carved up Russia for themselves. These War Camps patrol their territories, fight amongst each other, loot the land of its technological past, and serve to protect (and exploit) the peasantry in its territory.
This book really tries to adapt aspects of Russian Mythology into the Rifts Role Playing Game system, and is quite enjoyable. One Player Character, available to new players, is the Bogatyr, a Hero Knight of Russia patterned after the questing heroes of folklore. Unlike many other “knight” characters, the Bogatyr accepts people (and other dimensional beings) into their ranks. They travel around Russia, serving as a buffer between the downtrodden and the Warlords, and serving their communities during times of supernatural crises. Other cultural adventurers that make an appearance in this book are the Cossack (who has adapted his horsemanship skill to the many varieties of monstrous “mounts” that have traveled to Earth through the rifts). Other features of this book is a complete selection of Russian Pre-Rifts Bionics, as well as vehicles and equipment one encounters in Russia.