About
This is a fan blog for a campaign set in the Rifts RPG by Palladium Books. Based on rules, characters, settings, concepts, and Megaverse® created by Kevin Siembieda. Inspired by ideas from the writings of Kevin Siembieda, Todd Yoho, Matthew Clements, Josh Sinsapaugh, and others.
The Republic of Ishpeming & Northern Gun
What is Ishpeming?"King and country? Try 'nation and corporation'." The name "Ishpeming" refers to two things: an independent industrial nation situated in Upper Michigan, and the capital city of said nation. One of the largest, richest, and most influential post-apocalyptic nations in North America, the Republic of Ishpeming is a bustling center of industry and trade, as well as a stronghold of humanity. The predominately human nation is home to over one million people and also serves as the base of operations for corporate powerhouse Northern Gun. Unlike most of North America, Upper Michigan survived the Great Cataclysm comparatively unscathed due to a lack of ley lines in the region. This meant that industrial centers and infrastructure were somewhat preserved. As such, Ishpeming and Northern Gun were able to build weapons, armor and vehicles to defend themselves from bandits and creatures from the rifts. While other communities were destroyed in the chaos of the Dark Age, Ishpeming (due to Northern Gun's equipment) was able to persevere and prosper. Thanks to the presence of Northern Gun, Ishpeming has always been a popular destination for mercenaries. The nation, and especially its capital city, has an economy that caters to soldiers-of-fortune. Tens of thousands of mercs come to Ishpeming every year to buy supplies, look for work, or try their hand at joining the Ishpeming Military Contract Network (IMCN). Human augment-tation is very commonplace, and a large percentage of the populace is physically enhanced in some way. Ishpeming has a non-aggression pact with the Coalition States (CS), and part of this agreement requires that the Republic reject both magic and D-Bees. Officially, the two powers are allies. However in reality, Ishpeming only did this to improve Northern Gun's sales to the CS and to protect itself from any future wrath on the Coalition's part. Though the authorities in Ishpeming persecute mages and non-humans, this is more theater than real policy, all designed to keep the CS happy. In truth, the nation still regularly sells to, and trades with, all manner of D-Bees and sorcerers - often using the Black Market and other third parties as intermediaries. Ishpeming's critics often argue that the Republic is nothing more than a figurehead nation ruled by the executives at Northern Gun; a claim that bears mostly true. It's a reality that nearly everyone is aware of, even if no one speaks it aloud. Ishpeming is less a nation with corporate backing, and more of a corporation with territorial holdings and a military. |
What is Northern Gun?"Durable, dependable, deadly." ----Northern Gun's slogan Northern Gun (NG) is the largest independent manufacturer of weapons, armor and vehicles in North America. It is a massive corporation that survived the Great Cataclysm, and now serves as the economic lifeblood of North America. Outside of the Coalition States, it could be argued that Northern Gun is one of the most influential forces on the continent. Virtually everyone in North America, from mercenaries to magic-users, has heard of Northern Gun and has used its products. No other company in North America comes close to matching NG in manufacturing, reputation, and number of customers, and the corporation enjoys decided dominance in North America's free market. Though famous for its armaments, Northern Gun also makes and sells basic goods like generators, tools, building materials, farming equipment, wilderness gear, civilian vehicles, and other supplies that make survival possible in the seemingly endless frontier that is the post-apocalyptic world. Furthermore, NG takes great pains to have sales outlets in even the most isolated areas, which means that NG is often the only major manufacturer one can find in some areas. No other company can compare to Northern Gun's sheer range of products or availability. Northern Gun's products have a reputation for being tough, rugged, and dependable; the company's weapons could be thought of as the AK-47s of Rifts Earth. Their products are practical and tend to be very affordable for adventurers. Officially, the company ranks number two in tech level among humans, roughly thirty years behind the Coalition States. Some believe that Northern Gun is capable of faster technical development, but purposely restricts the level of its technology in order to prevent the CS from feeling threatened. The company is headquartered in the City of Ishpeming, capital of the Republic of Ishpeming. The Chief Councilor (a position equivalent to CEO) is Jacob Wyman. |