INTRODUCTION

     I have seen numerous letters and even E-mail on what does this do, how can that be, why so much stuff, and my personal favorite I argue with my GM a lot about how the game is played, what he/she is doing, and why things work. Well, he/she can't answer me because he/she says the information needed is not in the books. My favorite excuse for getting away with murder is, "it's not in the books". All of the players in my campaign use this and our GM can not say a word, because he knows we are right. I write this letter to you to help explain how and why all of this exists.
     Well, this netbook is for all of those who need more than just a general over view. I realize that your GM is not going to have all of the answers, but he/she shouldn't have to defend every decision he/she makes. We, the writers, knew several years ago that this day would come. We hope that this new updated book will help you the Players/GMs. We also apologize for the delay.
The Rifts world expanded so fast and so quickly, that Palladium had to stop and catch their breath. We decided to make a revision book in order to help the game play flow a lot smoother, this book is just an introduction into the Coalition society and how it works, the other republics and specific areas will be discussed in future books by Palladium. Just remember that this is only a game and it was created for those people who have that "over active imagination." Hopefully, in several years or so, you'll be sitting around the fire reliving the experiences of the game, with old friends bonded through the numerous adventures you shared. Some say the strongest friendships are that were the two share a danger. Putting their lives in each other's hands.
     I realize that there are a lot of discrepancies and material that needs more explanation. We also understand that the GM isn't going to have all of the answers, but with what we are doing he/she will have most of them. These games are also designed to where you have to read each book thoroughly, and even resort to researching in a library.
     Let me, the writer, have the headaches of creating this mess. You the players/ GMs enjoy the adventures that you may never experience in real life. Thanks to your imagination you'll be able to take some wild adventures and even gain some experience playing in someone else shoes. Role Playing is like acting, but without the cameras, lights, glamour, and of course those high salaries. Later on you'll be able to talk about those wild adventures, and share the good times. All of this doesn't just apply to this game, but to all of the games you may play now and for the ones you may be playing in the future. All of the material will be in the books (HOPEFULLY!), enjoy the game.
      Now to update you on what is going on, this book is a deeper look inside the Coalition. We, the writers, tried to make this coincide with the other books already out, we tried not to out do the other books. The writers realize that this was a growing trend, and was not particularly pleasing to a lot of the Palladium fans, GM's, and especially it's players. The writers apologize for this on be half of Palladium.
     There is a method to our madness, this book is the foundation for most if not all the other books in this particular game. Now you may ask why didn't Palladium just do this in the first place. Well, how can prepare for that which you yourself do not understand. Hey look we know its frustrating at times, but this game is so broad that we decided to narrow the band width a little. Just to give all of you, including Palladium, an idea of what the game is really like, or can be. All role playing games start with one's imagination.
Well, you need references in order for everyone's imaginations to function collectively. There is material purposely left out and others that were not meant to be left out. What ever the reason we have decided to expand the knowledge of you the players and GMs. We know this book won't answer all of your questions, but just remember that's the way it is. Well, without further ado, on with the game.
     Oh! one more thing, Thanks to all of the Palladium/Rifts fans for whom without, none of Palladium Books games would exist. Also thank to all of the staff, friends, family, etc. over the years for the support and encouragement. It's time to look into the future.


Copyright 1996 Palladium Books Inc. Rifts®, Megaverse®, and Palladium Books® are registered trademarks owned by Palladium Books and Kevin Siembieda. The Coalition States, Erin Tarn, Emperor Prosek, SAMAS, and other names and characters are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc.
© 1983, 1987, 1988, 1990 Kevin Siembieda; © 1995 Palladium Books, All rights reserved world wide. No part of this work may be reproduced in part or whole, in any form or by any means, without permission from the publisher. All incidents, situations, institutions, governments and people are fictional and any similarity to characters or persons living or dead is strictly coincidental."
This entirely MY alternate vision of the Rifts® world and is NOT officially approved or sanctioned by Palladium Books Inc.