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Crunchy goodness.

In other words, I think you'll like it.

As one of the athors, I think you'll like it. If you have any question, let me know and I'll try to answer as best I can. Taylor white frequents the board too so I'm sure he can do the same. Also, I recommend Rifter#36 which has some additional OFFICIAL Madhaven Material.

You can expect awesome. My only downer was size, but I suppose when it's gold on ever page, you can't spread that out too thin.

The work of Siembidia and White does allot to overshadow the vapid crayon scribblings of Aten, its when it seems to be a good well written book you can be sure the Hand of White and Siembidia holding the tin, when the pages appear to be smeared with juice and crushed cheerios then you have ventured into the fever dreams of the diseased mind of Aten.

And I have used the rifter 36 material more than madhaven.

rat_bastard wrote:The work of Siembidia and White does allot to overshadow the vapid crayon scribblings of Aten, its when it seems to be a good well written book you can be sure the Hand of White and Siembidia holding the tin, when the pages appear to be smeared with juice and crushed cheerios then you have ventured into the fever dreams of the diseased mind of Aten.

funny. i would think fever dreams of a diseased mind would produce *good* material for a book called "madhaven"

Shark_Force wrote:

rat_bastard wrote:The work of Siembidia and White does allot to overshadow the vapid crayon scribblings of Aten, its when it seems to be a good well written book you can be sure the Hand of White and Siembidia holding the tin, when the pages appear to be smeared with juice and crushed cheerios then you have ventured into the fever dreams of the diseased mind of Aten.

funny. i would think fever dreams of a diseased mind would produce *good* material for a book called "madhaven"

Well played. Oh, and Tom...I'm watching you sleep

The book is great, a lot of good crunch and some fun fluff as well. The art on the other hand...well we won't talk about the art.

Ale Golem wrote:The book is great, a lot of good crunch and some fun fluff as well. The art on the other hand...well we won't talk about the art.

I love the art. Most of it is done by nick Bradshaw and his style fits madhaven to a t.

You'll never look at New Yorkers the same way again....

AR - It is one of the BEST world book reads you will ever buy. PERIOD.

Madhaven is one of the best rifts books ever made. It captures the gritty dystopic feel of the RMB wqhile managing to also have a completely distinct vibe and feel. Its a place that will kill your cosmo knight and your vagabond equally because you can't fight your way out of it. Its the anti-munchkin book. All the treats are supernatural and force the players to think and prepare. Also the art is distinct. The monsters all stand out as do all the mutants. It also dovetails nicely with revised SB1 and the Shemarrian nation book.

rat_bastard wrote:And I have used the rifter 36 material more than madhaven.

Yeah, the omission of the treasure tables was kind of a, err, critical error?

In almost every case when I get a role-playing book (Palladium or otherwise) I kind of skim it over, hit a few of the highlights, let it sit for a few days, hit a few more highlights, then file it away on the bookshelf.

Madhaven is the only book since Juicer Uprising that I've read cover to cover. I guess that says something. I'm in agreement that it captures the original feel of Rifts in a very refreshing way, and with a level of writing quality and attention to detail that is much appreciated.

Brent

What can you expect?...MADNESSS....

Seriously it is a good book....though the art...is meh(especialy the mutants and some of the creatures).

The Galactus Kid wrote:

Ale Golem wrote:The book is great, a lot of good crunch and some fun fluff as well. The art on the other hand...well we won't talk about the art.

Most of it is done by nick Bradshaw...

And therein lies the problem, I've never liked Bradshaw's style. It actually ruined Dead Reign for me. Although as I stated earlier the actual writing is great, I bought the book after moving to Staten Island and starting a game for my roommates. My favorite is "The Curtain" covering Central Park. I wound up running a short game with my roommates playing a good version of a Corrupt, power granted by Isis, and an Air/Earth Elemental Fusionist.

Who did Rifter#36's cover?

abtex wrote:Who did Rifter#36's cover?

Unless someone beats me to it, I'll have to tell you when I get home.

you can expect craziness and horror.

and I absolutely suggest that you get Rifter #36 for the official material. Madhaven is like a Happy Meal, but Rifter #36 is the free toy.

RoadWarriorFWaNK wrote:you can expect craziness and horror.

and I absolutely suggest that you get Rifter #36 for the official material. Madhaven is like a Happy Meal, but Rifter #36 is the free toy.

lol.

The Galactus Kid wrote:

abtex wrote:Who did Rifter#36's cover?

Unless someone beats me to it, I'll have to tell you when I get home.

Ask for the wrong thing, Who did Madhaven's cover?
The front vehicle is the dump truck in the Rifter, but what is the vehicle behind it. Always wanted a better view of it.

abtex wrote:

The Galactus Kid wrote:

abtex wrote:Who did Rifter#36's cover?

Unless someone beats me to it, I'll have to tell you when I get home.

Ask for the wrong thing, Who did Madhaven's cover?
The front vehicle is the dump truck in the Rifter, but what is the vehicle behind it. Always wanted a better view of it.

Madhaven cover was Mark Evans, if I remember correctly.

Expect Mutants, Ghosts and creepyness.
......
Oh yeash also craziness like no acid trip can cause!

Like I said. Crunchy goodness.

Mechanurgist wrote:

rat_bastard wrote:And I have used the rifter 36 material more than madhaven.

Yeah, the omission of the treasure tables was kind of a, err, critical error?

I believe I am not entirely alone when I blame Brandon Aten 100%.

Thanks for the links to the pictures. Too tired and lazy to do it my self.

rat_bastard wrote:

Mechanurgist wrote:

rat_bastard wrote:And I have used the rifter 36 material more than madhaven.

Yeah, the omission of the treasure tables was kind of a, err, critical error?

I believe I am not entirely alone when I blame Brandon Aten 100%.

I'm pretty certain you are. Honestly, I would have loved for all of the material in Rifter #36 to have remained in the book. The Excavator, the Reconciler, and the treasure tables are just awesome.

rat_bastard wrote:

Mechanurgist wrote:

rat_bastard wrote:And I have used the rifter 36 material more than madhaven.

Yeah, the omission of the treasure tables was kind of a, err, critical error?

I believe I am not entirely alone when I blame Brandon Aten 100%.

you're not alone. the truth is, brandon got mad when he turned in the manuscript and kevin's response was like "this stuff that taylor wrote is pretty good, but why are these pages covered in drawings of knights done by a 4-year old? and why are they done in poo?"
brandon then proceeded to make new writing implements on kevin's desk.

RoadWarriorFWaNK wrote:

rat_bastard wrote:

Mechanurgist wrote:

rat_bastard wrote:And I have used the rifter 36 material more than madhaven.

Yeah, the omission of the treasure tables was kind of a, err, critical error?

I believe I am not entirely alone when I blame Brandon Aten 100%.

you're not alone. the truth is, brandon got mad when he turned in the manuscript and kevin's response was like "this stuff that taylor wrote is pretty good, but why are these pages covered in drawings of knights done by a 4-year old? and why are they done in poo?"
brandon then proceeded to make new writing implements on kevin's desk.

No comment.

RoadWarriorFWaNK wrote:

rat_bastard wrote:

Mechanurgist wrote:

rat_bastard wrote:And I have used the rifter 36 material more than madhaven.

Yeah, the omission of the treasure tables was kind of a, err, critical error?

I believe I am not entirely alone when I blame Brandon Aten 100%.

you're not alone. the truth is, brandon got mad when he turned in the manuscript and kevin's response was like "this stuff that taylor wrote is pretty good, but why are these pages covered in drawings of knights done by a 4-year old? and why are they done in poo?"
brandon then proceeded to make new writing implements on kevin's desk.

Atomic Ray wrote:I thought there was another one the first one? by Larry Macdougall, an artist whom I like quite a bit.

Yes, Larry McDougall did the first Black Faerie, and the others are homages to his work. Along with Perez and Long he's my favorite Rifts artist. The stuff he did for Mutants in Avalon was great. You can find him on Deviantart here:

http://bridge-troll.deviantart.com/gallery/

The Galactus Kid wrote:No comment.

What do you mean 'No comment'?! Is this why my 'printer's proof' of the book stinks so bad?!

UN-frickin'-COOL man!

/Sub

Subjugator wrote:

The Galactus Kid wrote:No comment.

What do you mean 'No comment'?! Is this why my 'printer's proof' of the book stinks so bad?!

UN-frickin'-COOL man!

/Sub

hahaha. No refunds.

Mechanurgist wrote:

Atomic Ray wrote:I thought there was another one the first one? by Larry Macdougall, an artist whom I like quite a bit.

Yes, Larry McDougall did the first Black Faerie, and the others are homages to his work. Along with Perez and Long he's my favorite Rifts artist. The stuff he did for Mutants in Avalon was great. You can find him on Deviantart here:

http://bridge-troll.deviantart.com/gallery/

Ha-ha, I have two rifts Tattoos, one from Macdougall and the other from Perez. I'd love to see more Macdougall art for rifts. His RMB art really helped evoke such a dark and griity feel, but also one of wonder and potential. He would have been perfect for Madhaven.

>He would have been perfect for Madhaven.

I agree. Don't know why Palladium doesn't use his art anymore, it's perfect for the setting.

Two tattoos, eh? Wow, that's hardcore. Which ones, btw?

Bood Samel wrote:

Mechanurgist wrote:

Atomic Ray wrote:I thought there was another one the first one? by Larry Macdougall, an artist whom I like quite a bit.

Yes, Larry McDougall did the first Black Faerie, and the others are homages to his work. Along with Perez and Long he's my favorite Rifts artist. The stuff he did for Mutants in Avalon was great. You can find him on Deviantart here:

http://bridge-troll.deviantart.com/gallery/

Ha-ha, I have two rifts Tattoos, one from Macdougall and the other from Perez. I'd love to see more Macdougall art for rifts. His RMB art really helped evoke such a dark and griity feel, but also one of wonder and potential. He would have been perfect for Madhaven.

I'd love to see pics of your ifts tattoos. Which images are they? I have a Ryan Beres Glitterboy from Free Quebec on my leg.

I recommend picking it up a great sourcebook imo. The only thing I really disliked and still do is the psychic death imprint that drives anyone who visits insane. Not so much the effects as what created it. What makes Madhaven so unique that it and only it as an area has that special imprint. If anything other major cites in the US would have suffered the same things as Madhaven and imo on a worse scale. If you read the description of what caused their should be places like that all over the world. I can stomach the psychic imprint. The onion shaped farmer d-bees of doom with the caterpillar D-bee with cowboy boots If I ever put those into any game I would be laughed away from the gaming table and rightfully so.

Atomic Ray wrote:I am filling my RIFTs collection when I can and I found a small collection for sale that includes a copy of Madhaven.

I had read the reviews I could find and I am familiar with the cover, which I like very much...a nearly perfect image of post apocalyptic joy for me.

But beyond these casual notes of interest, there seems to be limited talk and data floating about dealing with this book.

I noted that the psionic types are more susceptible to the insanity that comes with being in Madhaven...I could see that scaring away some of the power gamer types that love to load up their characters to be an army of one and many of the OCCs allow/incorporate psionics and thus many players take them...is this a detractor for the setting?

Any input is welcome...I have high hopes at this point for a good addition to the collection.

Thanks in advance!

Raymond

What can you expect from Madhaven? A shattered city where the psychic residue of all who died there left a psychic scar that drives anyone except the inexplicable mutants and renegade Mystic Knights (in the, also inexplicable, protected Central park region)that live there insane and to eventually kill themselves. I honestly rather regret buying it, the images on the cover were what sold me, but they had no bearing on the setting . I found that after reading it and suggesting it to my players that no one wanted to send their characters to a place where they'd be driven insane and then die due to said insanities. "Waste of time." was what they said and they'd rather fight the hordes of Vampires in Mexico than deal w/ Madhaven.

Sureshot wrote:I recommend picking it up a great sourcebook imo. The only thing I really disliked and still do is the psychic death imprint that drives anyone who visits insane. Not so much the effects as what created it. What makes Madhaven so unique that it and only it as an area has that special imprint. If anything other major cites in the US would have suffered the same things as Madhaven and imo on a worse scale. If you read the description of what caused their should be places like that all over the world. I can stomach the psychic imprint. The onion shaped farmer d-bees of doom with the caterpillar D-bee with cowboy boots If I ever put those into any game I would be laughed away from the gaming table and rightfully so.

Not quite true SS> Manhattan/New York City area may have had hte most devastation and loss of life in such a small area on the planet.

Chicago had plentyof survivors. Detroit too at first. By all counts the New York City area essentially got wiped out almost instantly. Not to mentiont eh fact it is the most populated density in the US as I recall. ALl can be explainations as to why it is there and no where else in teh US. Then agintere are plenty of places not detailed so it may occur on a much smaller scale all over.We just havent had it detailed yet.

jaymz wrote:

Sureshot wrote:I recommend picking it up a great sourcebook imo. The only thing I really disliked and still do is the psychic death imprint that drives anyone who visits insane. Not so much the effects as what created it. What makes Madhaven so unique that it and only it as an area has that special imprint. If anything other major cites in the US would have suffered the same things as Madhaven and imo on a worse scale. If you read the description of what caused their should be places like that all over the world. I can stomach the psychic imprint. The onion shaped farmer d-bees of doom with the caterpillar D-bee with cowboy boots If I ever put those into any game I would be laughed away from the gaming table and rightfully so.

Not quite true SS> Manhattan/New York City area may have had hte most devastation and loss of life in such a small area on the planet.

Chicago had plentyof survivors. Detroit too at first. By all counts the New York City area essentially got wiped out almost instantly. Not to mentiont eh fact it is the most populated density in the US as I recall. ALl can be explainations as to why it is there and no where else in teh US. Then agintere are plenty of places not detailed so it may occur on a much smaller scale all over.We just havent had it detailed yet.

Gods I hope not, then I'd really stop buying Palladium products because there'd be no point in playing the game.

keir451 wrote:

jaymz wrote:

Sureshot wrote:I recommend picking it up a great sourcebook imo. The only thing I really disliked and still do is the psychic death imprint that drives anyone who visits insane. Not so much the effects as what created it. What makes Madhaven so unique that it and only it as an area has that special imprint. If anything other major cites in the US would have suffered the same things as Madhaven and imo on a worse scale. If you read the description of what caused their should be places like that all over the world. I can stomach the psychic imprint. The onion shaped farmer d-bees of doom with the caterpillar D-bee with cowboy boots If I ever put those into any game I would be laughed away from the gaming table and rightfully so.

Not quite true SS> Manhattan/New York City area may have had hte most devastation and loss of life in such a small area on the planet.

Chicago had plentyof survivors. Detroit too at first. By all counts the New York City area essentially got wiped out almost instantly. Not to mentiont eh fact it is the most populated density in the US as I recall. ALl can be explainations as to why it is there and no where else in teh US. Then agintere are plenty of places not detailed so it may occur on a much smaller scale all over.We just havent had it detailed yet.

Gods I hope not, then I'd really stop buying Palladium products because there'd be no point in playing the game.

Wll I just meant there could be small pockets akin to Madhaven in say Detroi or Los Angeles etc. More likely to survive it as you can get away quicker etc.

Atomic Ray wrote:Hey good news! I got my little box of books from the book store I bought the collection from...I knew something was up when I saw noticed the name was wrong...I opened it to find:

D20 Modern
D20 Midnight
Eberron

Ok...where are my:

Madhaven
RIFTs Bionics
Phase World SB2
RIFTs GMG
RIFTs BoM

*****

Book dealer, on the phone says "oh crap" "I guess I sent your box to Joe in Florida" "sorry"...I get an email that Joe got the books and is going to keep them...dealer is willing to let me keep the books and refund the difference...really?

I got the CC company to reverse the charges and that is that.

..yay for me...

So once the money is back in I guess I will just buy the Madhaven directly...I didn't do that the first time having never seen the guts before...I do tend to collect books for the art as much as the resource value...so sight unseen I was looking to pay less just in case...sigh.

Well on teh brightside there may be a new fan of PB out there...

Onteh suckass side you didn;t get your books. HOwevr buy Madhaven. Based on this thread alone I htink you an see it gets high praises

Atomic Ray wrote:...Joe got the books and is going to keep them...

Haha, that's hilarious. Maybe more comic shop dealers should "accidentally" switch their customers' orders to get them to try new stuff.

"Feng Shui & FATAL?!? What the heck are those? Where's my Monster Manual 2? Oh well, while I'm waiting maybe I'll try these ones out..."

Atomic Ray wrote:Hey good news! I got my little box of books from the book store I bought the collection from...I knew something was up when I saw noticed the name was wrong...I opened it to find:

D20 Modern
D20 Midnight
Eberron

Ok...where are my:

Madhaven
RIFTs Bionics
Phase World SB2
RIFTs GMG
RIFTs BoM

*****

Book dealer, on the phone says "oh crap" "I guess I sent your box to Joe in Florida" "sorry"...I get an email that Joe got the books and is going to keep them...dealer is willing to let me keep the books and refund the difference...really?

I got the CC company to reverse the charges and that is that.

..yay for me...

So once the money is back in I guess I will just buy the Madhaven directly...I didn't do that the first time having never seen the guts before...I do tend to collect books for the art as much as the resource value...so sight unseen I was looking to pay less just in case...sigh.

Welcome to the wonderful world of trying to purchase Palladium products, either the store doesn't carry them or the books aren't in stock or they screw up the order. Out of the ones you got I'd keep Eberron as the others are (IMO) useless.

keir451 wrote: I found that after reading it and suggesting it to my players that no one wanted to send their characters to a place where they'd be driven insane and then die due to said insanities. "Waste of time." was what they said and they'd rather fight the hordes of Vampires in Mexico than deal w/ Madhaven.

yeah, the rewards were all removed during editing. they were eventually included in Rifter 36, as well as some other official material.

RoadWarriorFWaNK wrote:

keir451 wrote: I found that after reading it and suggesting it to my players that no one wanted to send their characters to a place where they'd be driven insane and then die due to said insanities. "Waste of time." was what they said and they'd rather fight the hordes of Vampires in Mexico than deal w/ Madhaven.

yeah, the rewards were all removed during editing. they were eventually included in Rifter 36, as well as some other official material.

Psh, rewards? Find ways to MAKE them get in there! Who said they where going to get something for going into what ranks among the most dangerous places known to human kind?

Atomic Ray wrote:An old school vagabond, a psi stalker, and a mage walk into Madhaven...who goes insane first? Who pops last?

Does psi and magic ability make is worse or faster?

Psi Stalker first, coin toss between the others. Psi ability, particularly sensitive psi ability increases your vulnerability. Rote magical studies might actually increase your resistance depending on your training regime and what spells you use to protect yourself.

Atomic Ray wrote:I am glad my misfortune is so entertaining

I have sold the books already.



So back to the subject at hand...how soon until the characters go insane in the membrane? You know, totally insane got no brain...

An old school vagabond, a psi stalker, and a mage walk into Madhaven...who goes insane first? Who pops last?

Does psi and magic ability make is worse or faster?

What can I say, humans love to make light of others misfortune. Glad you were able to get some kind of return off of the books.
As for who goes insane in the mebrane, that depends upon your ME; "Every M.E. point above 10 represents the number of days a character can go before the psychic imprint begins to overwhelm him." "Major and Minor Physical Psychics are unaffected for double the amount of time per each M.E. point above 10."
Basically the only two classes immune to the effects of Madhaven are the Nega Psychic and Psi-Nullifier, not even Power Armor can save you (talk about violating one of the fundamental rules of the game; immunity to psychic atack if inside a Robot or PA).
The Psi-Nullifier can protect those near him, but he cannot use any other psychic abilities.
Other psychics can use mind block to protect themselves, but they can't keep it up in their sleep.
@RoadWarriorFwank; Rewards!? There are no rewards great enough to be worth entering Madhaven.
@jaymz; I really hope there aren't more places like Madhaven, even on a smaller scale that would be something I wouldn't want to deal with.
"Special Forces soldier upon being told he's to go into Madhaven: "Sir! Permission to chew off my right arm. Sir!', Officer In Charge, 'Permission Denied!" after a moments thought asks 'Why?', SF Soldier, "Sir! Because i'd rather chew off my arm and be alive than go into Madhaven and become insane and dead. Sir!"
OIC, ' You WILL do as you're ordered soldier!!" SF Soldier pulls out energy pistol and shoots officer in head, officer falls down dead 'ooops, sniper got 'im.'

Perhaps I misunderstood Atomic Ray's post but he said the store owner refunded him, so where's the misfortune? I assume the store owner will deliver the books to you later at no delivery cost because of the screwup, right? Seems you're ahead, not behind.

>talk about violating one of the fundamental rules of the game; immunity to psychic atack if inside a Robot or PA

I'm curious, could you tell me where this rule is stated? Thanks.

@RoadWarriorFwank; Rewards!? There are no rewards great enough to be worth entering Madhaven

sure there are. The priceless treasures of a lost civilization are buried there, just waiting to be dug up. Private collectors, museums, and the black market will all pay handsomely for pre-rifts artifacts. And that doesn't count all the really good **** you can find, like the gold in the Federal Reserve Vault.
And imagine what bringing that treasure out of Madhaven will do for a character's reputation. He'd be famous, in some circles.
If you're a scientific-type, Madhaven is a curiosity to be studied. the "psychic imprint" and the presence of hundreds of thousands of ghosts in a small section of geography is more or less unheard of in the rest of the world. The mutants of Madhaven are totally unique to the region. There are mysteries in the nature of psychic energy and ley line radiation that are begging to be unraveled.
And if you're lucky, you can make some new friends in the Knights of the White Rose.

plus there's good old-fashioned GM rail-roading. "The villain is in Madhaven so that's where you're going. Have fun with that, suckers!!"