Anyone who is familiar with the Palladium Fantasy setting will recognize most of the elements of this world. ( If you are not familiar with it, check it out at here.) Those of you who know nothing of Palladium can think of it as being similar to the "Middle Earth" of D&D. The biggest catch is the element of Rifts, which interconnects dozens of other, alien worlds to this setting.
There will be Rifts elements (here) as well, although in the beginning the world will predominantly be recognizable as a mod of the fantasy realm of Palladium itself. I don't want to spoil anything, but the larger ramifications of the Rifts components will come in later.
The old Palladium map will be useless to you, as I have created an entirely new map (see above). And while everything that is on the original still exists somewhere, it is not where you think it is. This is where the skills you choose (among other factors) can make a difference; some of you will have more knowledge of history and geography than others, although all of you should have some idea of the following:
Western Empire:
The oldest and most powerful political state run predominantly by humans (i.e. always a human emperor). Decadent, rich, powerful, and militaristic, many consider it to be the New "Old" Kingdom. Any race that engages in commerce does so because this is where you make your money. There are many cults, and much corruption in the government.
Old Kingdom:
In the center of all land trade routes ( and geographically centrally located ) is the oldest state. Originally the home of the Elven and Dwarven Empires, this once lush land is but a shadow of its former self. Since the fall of those empires at the end of the Great War, this land has become a dangerous haven for all manner of monster races who have taken up residence in the ancient mountains, valleys and ruins of this land.
Although there are still some ancient Elven cities in this area, all of them have been badly damaged and reveal little of the glory of their former empire.
Ellendel;
Tucked away in the far western corner of the Western Empire exists an ancient Elven kingdom. Somehow these particular subset of the Elven empire managed to remain removed enough from the conflict of the Great War to survive largely intact. The architectural styles, customs, rituals, and dress of the Ellendel Elves is markedly different from their brethren in the Old Kingdom.
Eastern Territories;
Also known as the "Land of Man", this collection of city-states is one of the new emerging super-powers of the world. Rich in resources and armed with a vast fleet, this federation has the ppower to help shape the future of the world.
Great Northern Wilderness:
The home of the Wolfen Empire, this remote state poses a significant threat to the Eastern Territories because they dispute much of the land claims and see routes of man's new federation.
Byzantium:
A powerful seafaring nation with close political ties to the Western Empire, they represent a hopeful diplomatic bridge between humans and wolfen because, unlike the states of the Eastern Territoires, there are no land disputes between the wolfen and the kingdom of Byzantium.
Uarnesium:
Little is known about the native lands of these seafaring relatives of the elves. Their ships are known the world around as the finest and fastest anywhere, and all of the most lucrative trade routes are run by Uarnesium ships. Over the years, there have been many conflicts between Uarnesium and Byzantium. That Byzantium has been able to even hold its own against the fleets of Uarnesium is testament only to their numbers, since the Uarnesia ships are of such superior quality. Outside of their troubles with Byzantium, Uarnesium makes great effort to remain diplomatically neutral the world over so as to remain the shipwrights and sailors of all the wealthiest nations.
Timiro:
This is a scattered and loose city-state in the south, mostly dominated it is believed by pirates and bandits, although this may be vicious rumor floated by their rivals, the members Eastern Territories. In reality, it is a frontierland for the hardy risk-takers of the world; a place where a man can make his own fortune without the redtape of the more paternalistic nations.
Yin Sloth:
The mythological birthplace of the race of man, this dense jungle territory is one of the least explored in Palladium history, outside of the Land of the Damned, of course. Even during the period of the High Elven Empire, little exploration was successfully undertaken of this region. The Western Empire claims to have a settlement along the northern shores of this vast jungle and a great deal of wealth is generated throught the trade of unusual items that are native to this area.
Vatnaland:
Also known as the land of a thousand islands, this swampy, marshy inland passageway connects the sea routes of the Eastern Territories to the sea routes of the western world. It is the region through which the greatest amount of goods and wealth travels, and because of this, it is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The people of Vatnaland are sworn to be neutral in all conflict between nations.
Baalgor:
Once the Eden of the Elven empire, it was laid waste by the unleashing of some terrible force of bio-wizardy near the end of the Great War. This is now a twisted badlands inhabited by monster and lingering forces of darkest evil. Many believe that the giant races have made city here from which to plot the destruction of the smaller races.
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