Rifts Secrets of the Atlanteans is a sourcebook for the Rifts roleplaying game that expands the Atlantis setting, introduces new character options, and enriches campaign world-building. This evergreen explainer outlines what the book covers, how it integrates with Rifts rules, and the practical ways to obtain a legitimate digital or physical copy. Whether you are new to Rifts or an experienced gamemaster, you will find actionable details to start using the material responsibly.
What Is Rifts Secrets of the Atlanteans
Rifts Secrets of the Atlanteans is a tabletop roleplaying supplement designed for the Rifts Fantasy RPG by Palladium Books. It deepens the Atlantis setting first introduced in earlier Rifts titles and provides gamemasters with tools to run campaigns focused on the lost continent. The book emphasizes narrative background, faction conflict, and adventure hooks tied to Atlantean lore. It is intended for use as a campaign guide or setting expansion rather than a standalone system.
Scope and Purpose
The book is framed as a setting guide that enriches existing Rifts campaigns by adding history, geography, and sociopolitical detail. It is not a complete game replacement or a rules overhaul; instead, it assumes familiarity with the core Rifts rulebook. This makes it a modular resource that advanced tables can drop into ongoing games or use to inspire one-shot adventures.
Key Contents and Features
- Expanded Atlantis background, including history, factions, and cosmology within the Rifts setting.
- New character options such as skills, powers, and gear specific to Atlantean themes.
- Guidelines for converting or adapting other Rifts source material to fit the Atlantis campaign context.
- Narrative tools for gamemasters, including plots, NPCs, and location templates.
Game System and Mechanics
Secrets of the Atlanteans uses the core Rifts ruleset, including the Megaversal Alignment system and standard character progression. New abilities are presented using existing Palladium mechanics, which helps keep the book compatible with other Rifts supplements. Because it relies on the base game rules, the sourcebook is best used by groups already comfortable with Rifts resolution mechanics.
Compatibility and Integration
Designed to integrate with other Rifts material, the book references other sourcebooks and dimensional timelines. Gamemasters should note that some homebrew or third-party adaptations may require additional vetting to ensure consistency with the specific version of Rifts you play.
How to Download Rifts Secrets of the Atlanteans
Because Rifts Secrets of the Atlanteans is a print-era sourcebook, official digital editions are not produced by the publisher. You can acquire the content through several practical paths:
- Purchase a used print copy from reputable third-party sellers, using catalog numbers or ISBNs to verify the exact edition.
- Read the book in a brick-and-mortar game store or library, then take notes to build your own reference sheet.
- Check if your local game store or organized play program has event copies available for in-store use.
- Use a digital tabletop platform that hosts official or community-submitted Rifts content, ensuring that the content is licensed appropriately.
Digital Alternatives and Verification
When searching online, distinguish between official listings and fan-made summaries. If a file claims to be a downloadable PDF of the book, confirm the source and licensing status before use. Unauthorized copies may infringe on copyright and deprive the creators of deserved compensation.
Cataloging details can help you verify you are targeting the correct product:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Product Code | 1152 | Publisher Catalog |
| ISBN-10 | 1885318791 | Retail Listing |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1885318792 | Retail Listing |
| Page Count | 128 | Publisher Data |
| Year Released | 1998 | Publication History |
Practical Tips for Use at the Table
To get the most from Rifts Secrets of the Atlanteans, start by outlining your campaign premise and identifying which Atlantean factions or themes interest your group. Use the lore and NPC templates to create compelling story arcs, and adapt the new options to fit your party composition. Track rulings and house rules in a shared document to maintain consistency across sessions.
Campaign Integration Examples
- Introduce an Atlantean ambassador as a recurring NPC who offers missions tied to ancient technology.
- Create a dimensional rift storm that periodically draws the party into underwater ruins.
- Design a political conflict between Atlantean nobles and surface-world powers to drive long-term plotlines.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Respect intellectual property by supporting the publisher through legitimate purchases or authorized digital services. If you reference or adapt content from the book in homebrew material, keep attribution clear and avoid redistributing proprietary text or artwork. These practices help sustain future Rifts products and community tools.
Final Verdict
Rifts Secrets of the Atlanteans is a well-regarded setting sourcebook that adds depth to Rifts campaigns through rich world-building and usable content. It is best obtained as a physical book or through officially licensed digital services. When used with an experienced table, it can provide years of engaging, ocean-spanning adventures.