An Overdue Update - RC Builder, TotalCon 40, etc.

Hello! It has been a while since my last post, but I’m still actively working on stuff!

Topics:

  • Rifts Character Builder Update

  • Online Indexes

  • TotalCon 40

  • TMNT Kickstarter

Rifts Character Builder Update

Since my last update (August 2025), I’ve made the following enhancements to the Rifts Character Builder:

New Download option: Static PDF

I now have two options for downloading your character’s PDF.

There is a fillable PDF that consists of populated fields. This enables you to easily change values directly in the PDF. The drawback is that the fields are fixed. There are, say, 40 fillable fields for skills (I forget the actual number). That looks great until you have more than 40 skills, in which case they no longer fit. Same with spells, psionic abilities, etc. So this PDF may not be optimal for high-level characters.

Then there is the static PDF. The values are filled in the non-fillable fields. But it’s dynamic. If you have more skills than skill fields available, it will do math and calculate how many more lines it needs, ensuring that all information is provided on your sheet, even if it needs to overflow onto another page.

Fillable Attribute Values

One comment I’ve received is the ability to quickly set an Attribute value rather than rolling or clicking the up/down arrow repeatedly. Now, you can click on the number and enter the value you want. The number you enter is assumed to be inclusive of O.C.C. and racial bonuses.

Gender selection

You can specify your character’s gender: Male, Female or Non-Binary for humans, and backstory generator will honor that selection. Some races, such as Atlanteans, have stat adjustments depending on whether the character is male or female. For these situations, non-binary is not an option. I’m open to exploring alternatives to this. Please let me know your thoughts!

Imperial and metric values provided

Palladium always includes the metric value with the imperial units. The app now includes metric conversion.

Imperial and Metric units

Many visual improvements…

… especially to Skill selection, Equipment/Ammo/Currency, Armor, Weapons, and Tattoo selection.

  • Character display now shows character vulnerabilities, resistances, and immunities.

I was playing D&D using D&D Beyond. I noticed they have a handy section that summarizes your character’s vulnerabilities, resistances, and immunities. I did something similar for this app. O.C.C.s and Races that have a native resistance will have that resistance listed on the character display. This only applies to native resistances/immunities, not resistances/immunities granted as the result of a Saving Throw, Attribute Bonus, or some sort of item.

Search for O.C.C. by book or type

If you want to select an O.C.C., the dropdown lists dozens to choose from. You can now filter the O.C.C. selection by book or O.C.C. type (Men at Arms, Practitioners of Magic, etc.)

Group by book

  • Many OCCs now auto-add default armor and weapons to character inventory.

If the O.C.C. comes with a weapon by default, such as a Vibro-Blade, it will be auto-included in the character’s weapons/armor inventory. If the O.C.C. says “Select a suit of light M.D.C. armor,” that instruction will be provided on the screen.

  • Power Armor and Robot Suit stats are now available on the Display Page and downloadable PDFs.

Once you select a Power Armor or Robot Suit, you have the option to equip it. If you do, it will show your character’s stats while wearing the Power Armor/Robot Suit on a separate page on your character sheet. I wasn’t sure how else to reflect Power Armor/Robot Suit stats on the screen or sheet. I’m open to suggestions!

Online Indexes

I have two online indexes that I have recently polished:

  • Rifts Index: a searchable index of Rifts O.C.C.s, races, weapons, armor, vehicles, etc. Search for what you’re looking for, and it will provide you with the book(s), page number(s) of where the information can be found. It will also provide links to purchase the PDF or the physical copy of the book.

  • The Rifter Index: An index of all issues of The Rifter. Search for a keyword, such as “occ” or “spell,” and it will show you a list of The Rifter issues where the information can be found, including the article title and page number.

TotalCon 40

TotalCon 40 is coming up fast! As usual, I will be running three events:

  • Dead Reign: A Stop At the Pharmacy: Dive into the world of Palladium Books' "Dead Reign," in this high-tension survival horror one-shot. Your mission: infiltrate the "Red Zone" to retrieve life-saving medicine before your colony leader dies. With only four hours on the clock, you must navigate a highway blocked by dozens of dormant zombies, scavenge a trap-filled pharmacy, and fight your way back alive. Resources are scarce, the dead are everywhere, and a single mistake unleashes the horde. Pre-generated characters provided; no experience necessary.

  • TMNT: The Great Ice Cream Caper (running this one twice): Boston is boiling! A record heatwave has gripped the city, and the only relief is vanishing. A mysterious "Big Chill Bandit" is stealing industrial freezers and ice cream across the city, threatening a total summer meltdown. It’s up to your team of mutant animals to investigate the crime scene, chase down high-speed culprits, and save the city’s supply of frozen treats. Join this light-hearted, action-packed adventure to crack the case before dessert is ruined forever!

I took advantage of KS’s Christmas Grab Bag to get a bunch of Dead Reign core books that I’ll give away as a gift to players at my Dead Reign event.

TMNT Kickstarter

Folks are getting their Kickstarters! I’m getting a bit concerned, however. It’s December 13th, and I feel like the only person who hasn’t received their Kickstarter yet. I know PB said that some of the “larger” Kickstarter purchases are shipping towards the end, but I’m starting to lose faith. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated that people who didn’t participate in the Kickstarter can buy their books now, whereas I paid for mine two years ago and am still waiting.

Wrapping it up…

That’s all for now, folks! Have a great holiday, a Merry Christmas, a joyous holiday of your choosing, and a Happy New Year!

RPG, RiftsBrandenriftsComment