The official Dimension Book 9 thread...

Braden Campbell · Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:49 am

This week, as I looked at my list of active topics, I took note that there were no less then four separate threads that asked the question of what Dimension Book #9 was or is supposed to be, and what has happened or is happening with it. This thread will answer your questions, because obviously, people are very concerned with the current hole in the Dimension book line.

Dimension Book #9 was supposed to be a supplement for the Phase World setting called the United Worlds of Warlock. It would have outlined and described in detail the third most influential power bloc in the Three Galaxies, but for various reasons the initial version of the project failed to materialize. Time passed. Then, about a year ago, after having written a few projects for Palladium Books, I was asked whether or not I might like to try and write a new version of it.

At first, I was unsure that a book dedicated to a single power bloc was even needed. After all, there's no Consortium of Civilized Worlds or Transgalatic Empire books. However, once I started taking a close look at all the established UWW material, I came up with an entirely new general concept, and once pitched to Kevin, it was approved. Work is only just now beginning on United Worlds because even as I submitted my proposal, I was mired deeply in Thundercloud Galaxy (which is going to kick butt, BTW) with a smattering of Wormwood Addenda on the side (a four-part expansion to Dimension Book #1 appearing this year throughout the Rifter).

I have already talked about my overall idea for United Worlds on both of the Palladium-oriented podcasts, Echoes from the Rifts, and Gateway to the Megaverse, so I don't believe it would be any violation of my non-disclosure agreement to repeat it here.

The United Worlds of Warlock occupies 20% of the Anvil Galaxy, and is a mixed species society which uses the power of magic preeminently. That is to say, it is a collection of supernatural beings, and powerful mages in a space opera setting... which at first glance makes no sense. This is addressed in the book's introductory argument where I lay down the following, provable, premise: that everyone in the Three Galaxies believes in magic, but differs in how they justify that belief. For example, to highly technological and scientific societies, "magic" is simply a childish name for the cosmological constant; the unobservable, all-pervasive energy that binds the universe together. They know it exists, but are unable to harness it (unlike other intrinsic forces like light or gravity). Mystic cultures, of course, believe in magic as is normal for any "man of magic" OCC... however, thanks to the influence of the United Worlds, magic, or "quintessence", is thought to be the fifth of five elements that make up the universe.

Finally, there is a minority of people who try to bridge these two schools of thought. They practice the so-called Articulus Theorem; that magic can be channeled through machinery but only with the power of belief/thought. These are the techno-wizards and techno-smithies of the game setting.

I feel that it’s important to establish this right off the bat, because it affects how the other powers in the three Galaxies see the United Worlds. To anyone on the outside looking in, the UWW seems to have the highest technical capability around, for they have somehow learned how to harness the cosmological constant and put it to work. Theirs is a civilization where distance doesn’t really have any meaning anymore, because thanks to the Celestial Skein (an elaborate system of rifts and pyramids) they can teleport instantly across light-years with no more thought to the act than you or I would to taking a subway downtown. Their space fleet, while much smaller than either the CCW or the TGE, can use the tangents (giant, orbital pyramids) to leap form one star system to another in a few minutes, always able to be exactly when and where it is needed most. They have instantaneous communication over galactic distances (again, thanks to the harnessing of rifts), unsurpassed medical care, and even limited forms of time travel. It would appear that the United Worlds are the pinnacle of civilization and achievement.

But there is a little-known downside to this utopia. As established in Rifts World Book 2: Atlantis, every time a rift opens or closes, ripples are sent throughout the megaverse which attract supernatural being like flies to honey. With 400 billion people using rifts on a daily basis…well, that’s a lot of unwanted attention. The result (the environmental consequence, one might say) is that the UWW is at war. Special Forces teams fight constantly to keep the monsters and horrors attracted to the United Worlds in check and most importantly, out of public eye. For you see, if everyone knew how damaging the overuse of rifts is, then the union would quickly fall apart (and be easy prey for any one the UWW’s enemies). The people working unaccredited in shadows to preserve the status quo are the Player Characters.

The book will be relatively short since there are already more than 50 pages of printed material concerning the United Worlds spread throughout the various Phase World books. It will however include a few new races, new monsters, and a UWW ten most wanted list.

I hope that answers some questions and allays some fears.

Klaus027 · Unread post by **Klaus027** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 10:48 am

Your description looks fantastic. I really look forward to this book.

Keep up the good work.

Todd Yoho · Unread post by **Todd Yoho** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:17 am

Win.

taalismn · Unread post by **taalismn** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:57 am

Wow...that re-ignites my interst in this book!

DhAkael · Unread post by **DhAkael** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:47 am

I'll have to see the book to make a judgement call.
Honestly, I preffer how I've been forced to establish the UWW CCW and TGE as a GM on my own.
Who knows, this book ever sees print, you might be able to persuade me to change my mind and ret-con

Carl Gleba · Unread post by **Carl Gleba** » Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:08 pm

taalismn wrote:Wow...that re-ignites my interst in this book!

You should hear him tell it on the podcasts. Two :ok:

Carl

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:20 am

It really does sound very cool. I know it is on my purchase list. :ok:

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:02 am

Hopefully we get to some of these on the official list again soon!

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 2:58 am

He's got a plan. A very good plan. OVer on the pod cast he has conver some of those plans. You should listen to them. Here is a link to those pod cast. http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=50867&cmd=tc They are worth listening too!

Grandil · Unread post by **Grandil** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 6:06 pm

A list of Space-spells would be kewl! with what ya'll said too!

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 6:11 pm

We've been waiting for that for awhile now. You'd have do that yourself until someone does it officially or unofficially.

Grandil · Unread post by **Grandil** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 6:35 pm

Aramanthus wrote:We've been waiting for that for awhile now. You'd have do that yourself until someone does it officially or unofficially.

Of course, theres Rifter 10.............

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 4:56 am

Well yeah! You're right. Although someday well get more of them!

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:32 am

I know a lot of people want this book. I know I do too. Hopefully it's on Braden's too do list.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Thu May 21, 2009 2:20 am

I know. But we'll suffer together until that missing book is eventually in our hands.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Fri May 22, 2009 1:43 am

I'm sure that there is a group for that sort of therapy. I think Duck-foot runs it. So you might have to become a minion of his.

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Tue May 26, 2009 6:52 pm

I hope they make it one day.

Maybe give a number of Planets that are in the UWW.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Thu May 28, 2009 3:56 am

I actually thought Braden was working on it. It'll just be a number of years or months until he gets it finished. Because I thought he was working on the other two galaxies books too.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Fri May 29, 2009 2:35 am

Cool! It was a new one I wasn't familiar with! Glad to hear it!

The Galactus Kid · Fri Jun 26, 2009 4:50 pm

I totally forgot Braden was working on this book. I've never played a phase world game, only used stuff from it in my Rifts game, but Fleets, Thundercloud, UWW are all on my most wanted list. Maybe then I'll convince my group to play.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:02 am

It's a heck of a lot of fun! It's one of my favorite settings. I'm always happy to see any new product for Phase World.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:33 am

Well we have quite a list of them over on the RCC thread.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 1:00 am

That's not too shabby. I think there'd be enough for a book for them.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:09 am

They won't sticky the thread? WOW! I'm surprised and shocked. Maybe if it had more activity. I'm still using it as source material.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:58 am

The stuff were doing over there is for an RCCs of the Three Galaxies. If they choose to use it than very cool. Actually Braden is going to work on the UWW book after the other Galaxies book is out.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 3:02 am

I know. All people have to do is to read the other post to confirm that he said that. I'm looking forward to that one too.

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 4:17 am

I know. I'm looking forward to it too!

Aramanthus · Unread post by **Aramanthus** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:51 pm

The fact that it'll be something that everyone will want to have it a given.

Greyaxe · Unread post by **Greyaxe** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 2:22 pm

Ninjabunny wrote:
Aramanthus wrote:I know. All people have to do is to read the other post to confirm that he said that. I'm looking forward to that one too.

I got a list of whats up and only a few things are in the way of D-book nine, Given his speed and love of the setting I give it a year maybe two.

I expect the manuscript will be done before Christams 09. When will it be published????????? anyones guess. Although given the Minion war, UWW may be fast tracked.

Greyaxe · Unread post by **Greyaxe** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:34 pm

Ninjabunny wrote:
Greyaxe wrote:
Ninjabunny wrote:
Aramanthus wrote:I know. All people have to do is to read the other post to confirm that he said that. I'm looking forward to that one too.

I got a list of whats up and only a few things are in the way of D-book nine, Given his speed and love of the setting I give it a year maybe two.

I expect the manuscript will be done before Christams 09. When will it be published????????? anyones guess. Although given the Minion war, UWW may be fast tracked.

I would hope it would get fast tracked.

Given recent news about Palladium releases, looks like next year at best, and after Dimensional outbreak.

Greyaxe · Unread post by **Greyaxe** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 3:46 pm

Daniel2112 wrote:I said before and I'll say again, I will be very much surprised if we ever see this book.

I expect Bray to have it written by December.

You will be surprised, and pleased.

Braden Campbell · Sun Oct 18, 2009 11:05 pm

This book will also try to resolve the fact that the Space Minotaurs fight selflessly for the common good, yet are still Selfish or Evil by alignment.

It's basically a battle Nature versus Nurture....

Saitou Hajime · Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:01 am

Sounds like an interesting Plan!

drewkitty ~..~ · Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:54 pm

the thing is as I see it is that PB has things to do on it's plate and then they get excited about a project adding it to the Top of the plate instead the side or bottom.

So things like the minion war books, which were to have been done originally spring of last year (my best memory), still aren't done.

Jorel · Unread post by **Jorel** » Tue May 04, 2010 12:31 pm

WB 12 = Awesome. Next up Thundercloud Galaxy, then UWW I believe. Check the press releases for dates.

runebeo · Unread post by **runebeo** » Wed Jun 23, 2010 8:38 am

Any updates as to when this book will come along? Next year?

Nadrakas · Unread post by **Nadrakas** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:04 pm

Ninjabunny wrote:Well it's kind of dumb to have a list go books1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,_,10,11 Ect. I HATE That gap in my collection *throws fit like baby* I am really waiting for D-book 9.

You and me too pal. :badbad:

(Begin Paluka act from an Olde Bugs Bunny Cartoon...not knowing what a Ninja is...but knowing that Bunnies are soft and cudly...and harmless)
(Grabs Ninjabunny) Oooo...Bunny. This is my Friend George. I'll love him and hug him and pet him...and squeeze him...

~ N

jarlaxle · Unread post by **jarlaxle** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:01 pm

Yeah im hoping for suits mages can cast through, Also quick magic question in a suit is the mage still able to cast spells affecting him self? ie breathe with out air sustain.

Braden Campbell · Tue Mar 15, 2011 7:02 pm

Just to let you know, UWW is NOT dead. In fact, I'll begin playtesting it when I get back from the creator's conference.

jarlaxle · Unread post by **jarlaxle** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 7:52 pm

I know its not dead but hey if its not done maybe it will produce (a wish list lol but hey dont make it any later on my account. or they'll all hate me

a mage's space suit.

Or aliens with high PPE that can choose magic occ.

p.s. did i mention i would like to see a suit a mage can cast through? lol UWW is the only ones i see making it.
I'm sure UWW will blow us away and you are right they are unique enough to warrent a book.

Keep up the good work.

Hot Rod · Unread post by **Hot Rod** » Fri May 20, 2011 12:03 pm

Braden Campbell wrote:The book will be relatively short since there are already more than 50 pages of printed material concerning the United Worlds spread throughout the various Phase World books. It will however include a few new races, new monsters, and a UWW ten most wanted list.

New classes? Definitely need an updated Pyramid master/transport mage and UWW classes that the non-humans of UWW can take since they make up a good portion of the population.
Perhaps an explorer/scholar that seeks out new magic to bring back to UWW. (ties in with Thundercloud)

Mage EBA - definitely (include options for non-humanoids as well)
Updated crystal power armor (perhaps rules for adapting PA to non humanoids?)
At least a small table for creating UWW ships (include suggested prices!).

Alternately, they might make decent Rifter articles.

glitterboy2098 · Sun Aug 14, 2011 2:35 pm

Braden Campbell wrote:This is addressed in the book's introductory argument where I lay down the following, provable, premise: that everyone in the Three Galaxies believes in magic, but differs in how they justify that belief. For example, to highly technological and scientific societies, "magic" is simply a childish name for the cosmological constant; the unobservable, all-pervasive energy that binds the universe together. They know it exists, but are unable to harness it (unlike other intrinsic forces like light or gravity).

i love the idea that PPE = zero point energy aka vacuum energy aka the cosmological constant aka dark energy...
great example of how 'magic' is just a term for any insufficently understood science..

it also opens up the options for "magictech", or technoloy using PPE instead of electricity. why couldn't you build a computer for example, that uses varying currents of PPE to calculate instead of currents of electrons? :wink:

mike19k · Unread post by **mike19k** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 5:08 am

Is there any update on this?

SpiritInterface · Sat Jan 14, 2012 2:53 am

What I would dearly love is better information on things like Magic Armors and Enchanted Robes that are mentioned in DB6 Three Galaxies page 84.

Braden Campbell · Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:40 am

Fleets of the Three Galaxies has "guidlines" for making up your own ships.

I say guidlines, because hard and fast rules both suck, andwere totally incompatable with the Phase World setting.

KLM · Unread post by **KLM** » Wed Jan 18, 2012 9:38 am

anapuna wrote:
zedjagder wrote:I want to see some rules for constructing starships, everything from fighters all the way up to the largest ships in the three galaxies.

YES, YES, YES. HOW COME IT HAS NOT BEEN DONE? IT IS FRICKIN PALLADIUM 101 TO HAVE ONE OF THESE. IT WAS DONE FOR THE RARELY USED ALIENS UNLIMITED NEAR 10 YEARS AGO. HUH??? !!!!!!!!

viewtopic.php?p=2470000#p2470000

Check "sagajr"'s post on the 17th of January.

Adios
KLM

ScottBernard · Unread post by **ScottBernard** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 7:32 pm

So where are we at now, because Kevin just announced another Dead Reign book as next.

Braden Campbell · Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:37 am

I'm not sure, to be honest.

I haven't heard that this project has been picked up by, or passed to, another writer. currently however, I am working for Games Workshop's Black Library division, and not only do they pay in me pound sterling, but have also offered to let me write a novel for them begining this very Spring.

I hope you can see why that's taken priority so far.

--Remi Diel-- · Fri Nov 30, 2012 5:44 am

So, I take it this project is now completely dead?

MADMANMIKE · Unread post by **MADMANMIKE** » Thu Dec 20, 2012 10:59 pm

darkbane79 wrote:Lol its already december... so i just we are hoping for a 2013 release? *Fingers Crosses*

As Braden posted two above you (back in March), he's working for another company and nobody has picked this project up...