Palladium Books® – Weekly Update – January 6, 2022

One game system – every genre – countless worlds – endless adventure

By Kevin Siembieda

Before I forget, you have less than 2 weeks left to order a Palladium Surprise Package – physical books at PDF prices – and signed by me and available staff if you want ‘em.

Are they awesome? Yes, but don’t take my word for it, ask anyone who has gotten one. The Surprise Package Fan Comments right after my Closing Thoughts offer more insight about them and the fun to be had within the Palladium Megaverse®. This offer will not be extended again and soon it will be GONE until next Christmas season.

A Surprise Package is a wonderful way to start the New Year. Use it to treat yourself, try new settings, get ideas for new campaigns, replace lost or worn out books, fill holes in your collection, or as a gift for the gamer in your life. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and any gift-giving occasion. And please spread the word so other gamers, especially newcomers, can discover the magic of Palladium Books.

Where we’ve been and where we are going

I’m not one to reminisce a lot about the past. My head is usually in the present and looking toward the future, so I’m already looking forward.

2021 and 2020 were, of course, very notable for Palladium. Not just because of the pandemic, though it has had a profound impact on all of our lives, but for the transformation that has been taking place behind the scenes. Life can be hard. A war of attrition that wears you down. I bet a lot of you are feeling a bit worn out right now, but please don’t give up. Find life’s little pleasures and beauty, stay positive and game on. There was a time, not too long ago, when I felt worn out, beaten up, and knocked down. Worse, it seemed every time I tried to get up, I was kicked in the teeth. It is hard to be creative or do anything when you feel like that. It is difficult not to just give up and call it quits. Only, I don’t quit. I think, find hope, plan and heal, and get back up. Enough was enough. It was time to pick myself up, make Palladium strong again, and ...

... then the pandemic struck.

Distributors went MIA and fear and uncertainty swept the whole world. Everything changed, yet, somehow, the unprecedented challenges we faced awakened something inside of me. It was a renewed sense of purpose and energy that manifested as a powerful driving force filled with ideas. It strengthened my resolve and I actually felt excited and hopeful. That awakened force helped me face the challenges with a sharp mind and I found ways to adapt and thrive. It made me hungry to triumph against a parade of unknown forces. I found myself motivated to be resourceful and think outside the box. Not only that, it was time to double-down on the work to rebuild and grow Palladium Books. (By the way, one of my super-powers seems to be figuring out ways to pivot and survive against impossible odds.)

I was disappointed when someone close to me asked if I really thought Palladium could survive this. It was clear he did not believe we could. That shocked and saddened me deeply, but it also magnified my determination and sent the problem-solving part of my imagination into overdrive.

Every new challenge sparked excitement and ideas on how to overcome it. Instead of falling into despair, I felt alive and driven to succeed. I saw and seized upon new opportunities to grow when others seemed to see barriers or defeat. When I realized others around me were afraid, sad, and struggling, I tried to be a voice of calm, positivity, and encouragement here at the office and in these Weekly Updates. Much of 2020 I was here at the office, alone, but I think that quiet and solitude helped me galvanize my ideas and keep me forming plans and moving forward.

If 2020 was a year of pivoting, resolve, and creative business strategies, 2021 was a year of manifest destiny. We quickly reached out to new printers to build an alternating supply chain long before most other companies. I listened to you and trusted you and my gut to take a number of calculated risks. The hardcover editions of our core rule books were one of them. Exploring other alternative shipping and printing options were two others. Each success energized me and reminded me of who I was, what I had accomplished over the years, and all I still want to achieve. Not just for me, but for you. To help keep you – our customers, friends, and extended family – hopeful, creative, and going strong. That only seemed fair since all of your positive feedback feeds my own heart and mind to keep me positive and creative.

On one hand, 2021 was full of hard work and long hours. On the other, it was a year of magic and hope. One thing after another seemed to fall into place at the most opportune times like the pieces of a puzzle. There were many occasions when it felt as if the hand of Fate or God or Guardian Angels (Erick? Mom? Dad?) were answering my prayers and/or showing me the way. I know that probably sounds corny or melodramatic, but that’s how it felt. Still does. As I continued to put my plans into place to rebuild and grow Palladium Books, things large and small seemed to manifest to move those plans forward. It was profound and magical. Some were small risks and little triumphs, others were huge. All of them exhilarating and beneficial. That includes my being approached and accepted into an elite business program, hiring Crystal Willard to take over Palladium’s warehouse operations, and Sean Owen Roberson accepting my offer to join Palladium Books as my Creative Director and business partner. I have to tell you I don’t know if I have ever felt so driven, busy, exhausted, and exhilarated on a daily basis in my entire life. That is especially true of the last half of 2021. But it has all been so worthwhile and will pay dividends for years to come.

What Sean brings to Palladium is another brilliant lunatic who thinks big, shares my love and vision for Palladium’s I.P.s (intellectual properties), and is right here with me reaching for the stars. When I present an idea, it is never too big or too wild for Sean. He doesn’t say, “Okay, that sounds good,” or “that sounds crazy,” or “I don’t get it.” No, he embraces the possibilities, thinks about it, and starts asking questions and offering suggestions on how make it happen and how to make it better, bigger, or more thrilling for you. I’m happy to say, I do the same for him with his ideas. We are a pair of dynamos working toward the same goals. We both want to see Palladium reach new heights and to wow you every step of the way. And no, we do not have any desire to sell out to a larger company. We don’t need to when we have tens of thousands of you behind us. You put the wind in our sails and support our efforts, so keep talking Palladium up, enjoy our games, and support the bold new products headed your way.

There is this pervasive sense of wonder, excitement, and a new beginning fueled by a belief that we can accomplish anything when we put our heads to it. And there is so much we want to accomplish. So much we want to wow you with.

I have not experienced this magnitude of creative synergy and collaboration since my days working with Erick Wujcik. In that relationship, Erick and I fed each other’s ideas and supported, challenged, and empowered each other to be bold, think big, and go where no one had gone before. We understood each other on an unparalleled level that no one else could touch. I am now twice blessed, because that’s what I have again with Sean Owen Roberson, and that’s a two-way street. Our creativity is off the chart. Add Wayne, Alex, Julius, Kathy, Crystal, Rex, and a host of Palladium freelance writers and artists into the mix, and we are feeling unstoppable.

Big ideas and realistic expectations. For you, that means the release of many of the books you have been waiting for, and maybe a few surprises, throughout the year. Though our focus will be on books and the creative, we will also be continuing to rebuild Palladium’s foundation and move forward from behind the scenes. Not to mention a Palladium Open House in April and a return to Gen Con.

We have your back, just as we know you have ours. You probably do not realize how much knowing you are there for us inspires and drives our creativity. Thank you for your love and support. We’ll get through these crazy pandemic years together and be better, stronger people (and company) for it.

So, Happy New Year! Stand strong. Be proud. Be hopeful and positive. Uncork those imaginations and find unity and joy through gaming. Don’t ever forget gamers are among the most creative and imaginative people in the world. Our brains are wired to see the infinite possibilities. Choose the good and encouraging ones. The fun-filled possibilities to emotionally thrive. Remember too that we are a “family of millions,” so never feel alone. At Palladium Books we love and care about you, just as you care about us. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. That’s really powerful. You are powerful. We are powerful. Please keep those magnificent imaginations and vibrant spirits burning bright and we’ll do the same here. You’ll be seeing what I’m talking about soon. For some reason I feel like closing my New Year salutation by saying “May the Force be with you,” “Live long and prosper,” or “Cowabunga!” Geez, I’m such a nerd, but you already know that.

- Kevin “The Goof Ball” Siembieda and the hopeful Palladium Crew

And now back to our regularly scheduled Weekly Update:

Christmas Grab Bags

Time is running out on the best deal in gaming – the Palladium Surprise Package offer
Get yours before it is too late – less than 2 weeks left to order

There is no better way to start the New Year than with a Palladium Surprise Package. But it is ending soon and will not be back until next Christmas season, so do not delay.

Is this extension of Palladium’s Christmas Surprise Package a Christmas miracle? A mistake? Utter madness?

Nah, it has become tradition to extend the Christmas Surprise Package Offer through the end of December and into the New Year! Yes, this means you can still snag one or two if you act quickly. The sale ENDS January 17, 2022, and will NOT be extended further. Oh, and you can ship via the less expensive method of Media Mail because you do not need it for a deadline.

A Surprise Package is a nice way to start the New Year, and is a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, and any gift-giving occasion. Or start the New Year with a stack of RPGs or sourcebooks you have been meaning to try, or books you need to fill holes in your collection, or to replace battered well-loved books. FYI: Now that it is back in stock you can put the beloved “Original” Rifts® RPG 30th Anniversary Commemorative Hardcover on your Wish List and be considered to receive one. The book is truly fun and special and completely compatible with all Rifts® titles. HOWEVER, for the Surprise Package offer it carries a $60 dollar value. Remember, this special edition of original Rifts® includes a bonus 32 page color section containing the history of Rifts®, a gallery of all Rifts® covers to date (160+), concept drawings and more. (Note: Can also be purchased separately – 288 pages – $49.99 – Cat. No. 800HC30.)

We extend the offer for those of you who have been so busy spending your time and money on your family and friends, that you have not had the opportunity or funds to treat yourself to a well-deserved Christmas Surprise Package.

We also extend it for those of you who cannot get enough of Palladium’s games and want to start the New Year off with a setting or source material to launch a new campaign. And for those of you who can use a Surprise Package as the perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion coming up in January or February. (Valentine’s Day?)

And we extend the Surprise Packages for you Johnny Come-Latelies who were meaning to get one, but how time flies during the holidays even during a pandemic. And because so many states are hot spots and with the new Omicron variant spreading, I have made the extended period longer than usual. (I could have sworn “Omicron” was a Transformer.) It just feels like it is more important than ever to spread the joy of gaming into the New Year. So please, spread the word about the extended Surprise Package sale period, and travel the Megaverse® from the safety of your home.

What is a Christmas Surprise Package?

A smile and a hug that comes in a box filled with signed game books from available Palladium staff and freelancers. And God knows this year continues to be so crazy, we need something fun like the Christmas Surprise Package to ring in the New Year and provide a little joy and laughter. With so many people suffering from the fallout of the pandemic, depression, frustration, and in some cases, money issues, they need to escape into realms of role-playing adventures and this is a fun way to do so. Not to mention the huge savings and autographs available via a Palladium Christmas Surprise Package.

A Surprise Package is your way to get physical books (and autographs if you want them) for PDF prices! $95-$100+ worth of Palladium products for only $55 (plus shipping and handling)! That can nab you four or more items when these days one core rule book can cost you that alone.

These Surprise Packages are our way of saying thank you for your support and showing you our love and appreciation. It’s a surprise because you never know exactly what you’re going to get or who will sign your books, because we pick from your Wish List and may surprise you with stuff you are not expecting. Extra items may include other RPGs, sourcebooks, issues of the Rifter®, novels, miniatures, prints, art books, greeting cards, T-shirts, negatives, and other items. Some books may be slightly damaged (scuffs, scratches, dings, a crunched corner, etc.) so we can send you more.

Truly the best deal in gaming, Palladium’s 24th Annual Christmas Surprise Package gets you $95-$105, sometimes MORE, worth of product for ONLY $55 (plus shipping and handling), as gifts for others or for yourself. That’s like getting physical books at PDF prices. And if you want them signed we will sign each and every one of them.

The Surprise Packages can be that special gift for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any special occasion coming in the weeks ahead. It is also a great way to fill the winter months ahead with a pile of games on the cheap. And you can get a bunch of autographs (if you want ‘em). Or as a means to treat yourself (you deserve it), fill holes in your collection, replace worn out books, or try new settings. And who doesn’t like getting a “surprise” anytime of the year?

Have you wondered about settings like Palladium Fantasy®, Heroes Unlimited, Dead Reign®, Chaos Earth®, Nightbane®, Systems Failure, Mechanoid Invasion®, Rifts®, After the Bomb®, etc. – ask for it in your Wish List and maybe you’ll get it.

Your “Wish List” is vital – the Palladium Surprise Packages are designed to simulate the joy and surprise of the Christmas Season of Giving. To do this, you submit a list of 12-15 Palladium products (or more) FOR EACH Surprise Package you order. This list of 12-15 items for EACH Grab Bag is critical, because you will not know which items we will select to send you. That makes it just like a Christmas gift because it really is a surprise. Surrogate Santa Kevin personally hand-picks every item for every Grab Bag, and may toss in something extra like a limited edition print, or a negative, or similar collector’s item, or an issue of The Rifter®, or something else he thinks you’ll enjoy.

Autographed books. For those of you who want them (which are most people), Kevin and available members of the Palladium staff, and any freelancers we can lasso at the time, are happy to autograph each and every book in your Surprise Package. This is the only way many fans across the country and overseas can ever get signed books.

Send us your brief comments. There is a special form and format to fill out for Christmas Surprise Packages. It includes a place where you can offer your brief comments, suggestions, greetings and salutations.

First-timers are always nervous until they see the great value in their first Surprise Package. A typical Grab Bag has $95-$105 worth of product, sometimes more! Yes, sometimes more, for only $55 plus shipping and handling. Many people order 2-3. Some order 4-6, and some maniacs order even more! It makes sense, because it is a great way to fill holes in your own collection, treat yourself, get autographs, try new games and settings, rebuild your collection, replace worn out books, and get your gaming pals gifts you know they will love. PLEASE spread the word about this great offer.

To those of you outside the USA, the X-Mas Surprise Package is a way to get books and circumvent the damn high cost of shipping from the United States, since you are getting $95-$105 (often more) worth of product and only paying $55 plus a small handling charge. Shipping via Priority Mail International (required for packages weighing 4 or more pounds) to most locations in Europe, Canada, Australia, and many other countries is around $50-$60 US dollars. HOWEVER, because the cost of the product is so low, that’s the equivalent of paying retail for the products and only $0-$30 for shipping. A very good deal. Plus you get autographs if you want them! X-Mas Surprise Packages are the way to go for those of you outside the USA. Please take advantage of it to get all those products you’ve wished you could get except the shipping was too prohibitive. We feel your pain. Game on!

Please spread the word. The Christmas Surprise Package is only publicized by word of mouth, on Palladium's website, and social media, so please tell everyone you know. Buy one for every gamer you know. They make astonishing gifts for every occasion. This sale ENDS SOON – January 17, 2022.

Christmas Surprise Package at palladium-store.com

Rifts Ley Line Scene Print

NEW! Art Print – Rifts® Ley Line Scene – Available now

The classic, fan favorite illustration of adventurers heading toward a ley line in the distance. Art by Kevin Long.

  • Artist Kevin Long. Originally appeared in the Rifts® RPG.
  • 17 inches wide/long by 11 inches tall – 16 x 10 image area.
  • $15.00 – Cat. No. PR830 – mailed rolled in a tube – available now only from Palladium Books.

Rifts Antarctica Cover Print

NEW! Art Print – Rifts® Antarctica Cover – available now

The dynamic and evocative cover to the upcoming Rifts® Antarctica World Book. This art inspired Kevin Siembieda to add a place of power, alien creatures, monsters, and mysteries that will shock and delight gamers. One of those mysteries is, what could be there that scares the Splugorth? You’ll find out soon enough, but can get the print now.

  • Artist John Zeleznik. The cover to the upcoming Rifts® Antarctica World Book.
  • 8½ inches wide by 11 inches tall – 7½ x 10 image area.
  • $10.00 retail – Cat. No. PR831 – mailed flat – available now.

Phase World Sourcebook Cover Print

NEW! Art Print – Phase World® Sourcebook Cover – available now

A favorite of Kevin Siembieda, Sean Owen Roberson, and countless gamers, it depicts a CCW fleet and a power armored escort. Art by Kevin Long.

  • Artist Kevin Long. The cover to the Rifts® Phase World® Sourcebook.
  • 8½ inches wide by 11 inches tall – 7½ x 10 image area.
  • $10.00 retail – Cat. No. PR832 – mailed flat – available now.

Enjoy all of Palladium’s prints

There is a growing selection of color and black and white art prints available in the Palladium Online store. Adorn your gaming area and home with these quality art prints. Also take a look at other visually stunning products such as the poker decks, bookmarks, greeting cards, and art books.

Rifts Ultimate Softcover Edition

Rifts® Ultimate Edition “Softcover” – available now

This is the Rifts® Ultimate Edition you know and love made available as a softcover edition for those of you who prefer “softcover” books. The softcover is also allowed in correctional institutions that do not normally allow hardcovers. Folks are loving it.

The usual ...

  • 30+ player characters to choose from; tech, magic, and psychic.
  • Cyborgs, robot and power armor pilots, scouts, assassins, and more.
  • Weapons, armor, vehicles, and equipment.
  • 140+ magic spells for magic characters like Ley Line Walkers, Mystics, Techno-Wizards, Shifters, and others.
  • 90 psionic powers and psychic characters.
  • World overview, the Coalition States, and more.
  • Sourcebooks offer hundreds of different aliens, supernatural beings, creatures of magic, and locations for adventure.
  • There has never been another RPG quite like Rifts®.
  • 376 pages – 3 color sections, 24 pages total. The softcover book is identical to the hardcover edition.
  • $34.99 retail – Cat. No. 800SE – available now. May be requested for the Surprise Package.

Rifts Ultimate Softcover Edition

Original Rifts RPG 30th Anniversary Commemorative Hardcover

BACK IN PRINT – “Original” Rifts® RPG 30th Anniversary Commemorative hardcover – available now – still only $50 despite rising paper and printing costs – Cat. No. 800HC30 – and it looks absolutely gorgeous. This popular title sold out in only four months and has been out of print since early September. Well, it is back in stock and it is gorgeous. This collector’s item sports the original Keith Parkinson cover and offers the original 1990s RPG plus an additional 32 page color section, the history of Rifts®, unpublished concept art, a gallery of all Rifts® covers through 2021, and more. Can be used with ALL existing Rifts® supplements. 288 pages – a steal at $49.99 – Cat. No. 800HC30 – Available now! Note: The limited edition is already a coveted collector’s item. May be requested for the Surprise Package.

Original Rifts RPG 30th Anniversary Commemorative Hardcover

Rifts Black Market

BACK IN PRINT – Rifts® Black Market™ (softcover) – available now – 5 Black Market factions including Bandito Arms – 10 Black Market O.C.C.s, new weapons, armor, vehicles, robots, robot animals, the Shadow Boy and TW Ironmage Glitter Boy variants, and more. I am so glad people are discovering this sourcebook because it is truly epic and jam-packed with useful and fun material for players and G.M.s alike. 192 pages – $26.99 – Cat. No. 886 – available now.

Rifts Black Market

Rifts Sourcebook One

BACK IN PRINT – Rifts® Sourcebook One (softcover) – available now – featuring the first appearance of Archie Three, Triax Robots, a full Archie adventure, the first appearance of the Republicans (NEMA survivors in stasis), robot creation rules and other fun, groundbreaking material. The perfect companion to go with the “Original” Rifts RPG Commemorative Hardcover, Shemarrian Nation™, and the upcoming Titan Robotics™. 160 pages – $22.99 – Cat. No. 801 – Available now.

Rifts Sourcebook One

UPDATED List of RPG Hardcovers Available now

DriveThruRPG.com – Discover the Palladium Megaverse® at PDF prices – 300+ titles

- Rifts® titles. Rifts® is the ultimate setting in which you can combine any number of genres and play any style of gaming you may desire: science fiction, fantasy, supernatural horror, heroic adventure, dimensional travel, modern knights, cyborgs, giant robots, dinosaur taming, sleuthing, magic, monsters, heroes and legends. Or combine them all. There has never been a game quite like Rifts®.

- Rifts® Chaos Earth® titles. Live through the Great Cataclysm and the Coming of the Rifts. Rifts® Chaos Earth® RPG, Creatures of Chaos™, Rise of Magic™, and Chaos Earth® Resurrection™ are all available.

- The Rifter® #1-84. Each issue is a wealth of source material and ideas for Rifts® and 3-5 other Palladium game settings. Most are easily adapted to ANY Palladium game setting. Each issue is a gem. 8,500 pages of source material and ideas for heroes, villains, monsters, magic, gear, and adventure. Many issues are sold out and only available in digital form.

- Palladium Fantasy RPG® titles. This is a rich, original setting in which you can play humans or any number of nonhuman species of people in a world of magic, heroes and wonder. A world with 100,000 years of history. Some of it quite dark. All of it epic.

- Dead Reign® RPG and sourcebooks. The Zombie Apocalypse unleashed. Play ordinary people or post-apocalyptic O.C.C.s or Masked Lunatic heroes. A great introductory RPG that is surprisingly uplifting, fun, fast, and easy to learn.

- Heroes Unlimited™ RPG Second Edition titles. Create any type of superhuman you can imagine to build your own super-hero universe or those of your favorite comic books. Heroes Unlimited™ RPG first edition rule book and sourcebooks too.

- After the Bomb® RPG and sourcebooks. Create and play anthropomorphic, intelligent, mutant animals in a comic book world of crime-fighting mutants and super-heroes, or in a crumbling post-apocalyptic Earth where humans teeter on the edge of extinction and mutant animals are becoming the noble survivors to inherit our world.

- Ninjas & Superspies™ RPG and the Mystic China™ sourcebook by Erick Wujcik. Think James Bond meets Enter the Dragon. 41 types of martial arts, ninjas, and super-spies with gadgets, gizmos and advanced weapons.

- Nightbane® RPG and sourcebooks. You are the monsters ... and the heroes. Embark on a quest of self-discovery and empowerment while locked in a secret war against the Nightlords and their demonic and human minions. Monsters only you, the Nightbane, can see, but only when you transform into your inhuman Morphus. A supernatural and monstrous alter-ego that can see the invading monsters and possesses the power to destroy them. That’s why the Night Princes have been assigned to hunt down and either turn or destroy every last one of the Nightbane. Trust no one. Even your parents, teachers, or friends might be wicked Dopplegangers in league with the Nightlords.

- Beyond the Supernatural™ RPG and sourcebooks. Your first step into the realm of modern horror. The RPG provides 14 character classes and 42 occupations for “ordinary people,” 100+ psychic abilities, 16 monsters, the Lazlo Agency, world setting and rules.

- The Mechanoid Invasion® Trilogy RPG is a long time, cult favorite with a fatalistic worldview of humans vs aliens with superior technology.

- Splicers® RPG is like Iron Man meets Game of Thrones with elements of Terminator – except this army of Iron Men are clad in living body armor and wield living, organic weapons and devices. Created in 2004 by writer and game designer Carmen Bellaire, Splicers® was nominated for an Inquest Gamer Magazine Fan Awards Game of the Year, and has since developed a rabid fan base. Science fiction and horror where humans are forced to use genetically engineered, living weapons and organic war machines to battle an insane Artificial Intelligence and her robot legions. Unlike anything you have ever played before!

- Systems Failure RPG. A one-shot post-apocalyptic setting where humans fight and hide from enslaving alien invaders known as “The Bugs.”

- The Palladium Ancient Weapons Series of real world weapons, armor and castles throughout history. Designed for use with ANY game system.

- RECON® Deluxe & Revised – by Erick Wujcik and others. Vietnam era RPG and more.

- Erick Wujcik’s “Lost first RPG” Sector 57. It is Erick Wujcik’s very first RPG (1980, self-published) – a tournament game, actually. I played it way back when with Erick and it was fun. I think you will enjoy it, and it is a fun piece of history. ALL proceeds go directly to the Wujcik estate and probably toward the education of Erick’s beloved grandchild, Tristan. As most of you know, Erick would go on to write the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness RPG, Ninjas & Superspies RPG, Amber Diceless, and contribute to a number of other RPGs and sourcebooks.

- 300+ Palladium titles in all, plus G.M. kits, paper miniatures and more. Palladium Books has settings for every genre: Fantasy RPG, science fiction (Rifts®, Splicers®, and The Mechanoids®), super-heroes (Heroes Unlimited and After the Bomb), superhero horror (Nightbane®), modern horror (Dead Reign® and Beyond the Supernatural), plus The Rifter® sourcebook series (by fans like you), novels, paper minis, and more. And more to come in the weeks ahead.

Palladium Collectibles, one-of-a-kind Negatives, original artwork, other collectibles and toys are always available in Kevin’s Online Toy & Collectibles eBay Store along with other good things

My eBay store is one of the few places where you can find original artwork by me (Kevin Siembieda), Kevin Long, Charles Walton, and others, as well as one-of-a-kind negatives from classic Rifts® and other Palladium RPG books (they look awesome framed!), rare Palladium collector hardcovers, signed books, one-of-a-kind proofreader copies, other Palladium memorabilia, as well as toys and other collectibles from my personal collection. Yeah, I used to be a crazy toy and art collector. Alex and I will try to post new items on a regular basis, so check in every few weeks to see what’s new.

Other one-of-a-kind original artwork available by me (Kevin Siembieda), Kevin Long, Charles Walton II and other artists, as well as collectible negatives, prints, limited edition hardcovers, proofreader copies, out of print items, Star Wars toys, Marvel toys and many other toys and collectibles from my personal collection. Alex and I will keep adding items as our busy schedules allow, but we have a lot of fun collectibles available now and coming soon. Hundreds of items. Take a look every weekend for new additions.

Available now: One-of-a-kind book negatives. Negatives are always very popular items at the Palladium Open House and Gen Con. Truly unique, attractive, and fun.

Negatives are unique and attractive, one-of-a-kind (on rare occasions two-of-a-kind if a page or section of pages were replaced or a second edition was made) works of art that resemble woodcut art and are very dynamic conversation pieces. Before digital printing, pages of a book were laid out by hand on a board, and each page was photographed. The plastic film negatives were then “ganged” on a massive sheet of Mylar 16 pages per big sheet, and the printing plates were made from the negatives – everything white, printing black.

When our printer, McNaughton and Gunn was going to discard them, Palladium acquired many (not all) of the old negatives. I am only keeping a few books for myself and make majority of the rest available to you. I sign each negative in silver and each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The negative comes on a white board inside a plastic magazine bag and looks fabulous framed! Fits in an 8x10 inch matt opening in a frame (each neg is roughly 8½ x 11 inches). But don’t miss the other collectibles as well.

http://stores.ebay.com/kevinstoys-artandcollectibles

Heroes Unlimited™ Podcast by Real Play Games

These are the folks who have been bringing you the fun After the Bomb® adventure podcasts that so many have been enjoying. This time they present four episodes from a Heroes Unlimited™ 2nd Edition campaign. These folks are gamers and Palladium fans just like you, following a dream to tell and share their own stories from the Palladium Megaverse®. Cool, right? We thank them for doing this and encourage you to give them a listen.

You can also listen to the After the Bomb®: Purrsuit Season 1. Season Two coming spring 2022 after a venture into the realm of Beyond the Supernatural later this winter.

Learn more and listen to the Heroes Unlimited™ Holiday Special (4 episodes described below) and After the Bomb®: Purrsuit of Knowledge Season One adventures by using the links below. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

NEW! Heroes Unlimited™: Hostage for the Holidays: Episode 1 – Superhuman Trafficking!

T'was a day in El Paso fit for a king,
when super-villain Railgun did a questionable thing!
Through Santana's window, he came with a crash
while downstairs two rival gangs started to clash!
What could possibly happen? Where could they go?
Find out when you hear this podcast, ho-ho!
Release Date: December 3, 2021
Content Warnings: Adult Language, Gore, Violence.

NEW! Heroes Unlimited™: Hostage for the Holidays: Episode 2 – A Small Change of Plans

In Ciudad Juarez, our protagonists stop
to take care of themselves and avoid the cops.
While Railgun's mind dreams of riches to squander
a mysterious force urges Santana to wander.
While out in the desert, some undead embarrassments
subject the duo to uncomfortable harassment.
Hopefully the two can put them to quick ends
with a little woo-woo, and a couple of friends.
Release Date: December 10, 2021
Content Warnings: Adult Language, Gore, Extreme Violence and Vampire Microaggressions.

NEW! Heroes Unlimited™: Hostage for the Holidays: Episode 3 – Conservation of Ninjutsu

While en-route to Zurich, our indomitable two
do their best to lay low after terrible news.
But Railgun's captive Santana is too attractive a target
for the world's criminal syndicates to just up and forget.
Wakizashis, katanas, and shuriken, oh my!
The Kagemusha Chujiin sure want Railgun to die!
Surviving until Zurich would be really neat,
let's see if they can do it at 35,000 feet!
Release Date: December 17, 2021
Content Warnings: Adult Language and Violence.

NEW! Heroes Unlimited™: Hostage for the Holidays: Episode 4 (Finale) – The Santa-ening

Their adventure's concluding, destinies unveiled,
in Switzerland, it's time that our heroes have bailed,
headed up north with a quick-paced flight,
but soon they find themselves a terrible fight.
Pitted against the world's richest man,
the two hope to save the holiday if they can!
So sit back, relax! It's a Hell of a fight.
Besides, it's not like there's much happening tonight!
The story ends here, folks! We've done all the edits!
And if you'd be so kind, please stay through the credits!
Release Date: December 24, 2021
Content Warnings: Adult Language, Gore, and Violence.

And coming over the next 12-18 months ...

  • Beyond the Supernatural 2E – Cozy Caverns Mysteries
  • After the Bomb®: Purrsuit Season 2
  • Palladium Megaversal system – Baby, I Shrunk these F*$#ing People!
  • Nightbane®
  • Rifts®
  • Still available, After the Bomb®: Pursuit Season 1

Please continue to support and spread the word about Real Play Games and their RPG Podcast: After the Bomb®: Purrsuit of Knowledge™.

Closing Thoughts

I see a lot of people feeling increasingly sad, depressed, and/or angry about the new, fast spreading Omicron Covid virus and all the issues that come with it. Please don’t lose hope. Stand strong and cling to your fighting spirit. Maybe check out that Heroes Unlimited podcast described above. This fun podcast is the handiwork of talented Palladium fans sharing their experiences with the world. We appreciate their efforts and all our fans who take this sort of initiative.

I have said it before, but you might consider fighting “the bugs” in the Systems Failure RPG for a visceral, if imaginary, release of your frustration. This post-apocalyptic setting lets you beat up on human-sized, alien bug monsters that have invaded the Earth, stolen our electricity, and are turning humans into mind-controlled slaves. Use this game to get rid of some of your frustration and anxiety. Squash the bugs! Squash the bugs!

Seriously, use any RPG as a way to find some fun and escape from the gloom and doom of the Covid pandemic and dark thoughts. We will try to give you more adventure options with the upcoming The Rifter® #85 Annual, Rifts® CS Manhunters, BTS Creature Feature, Rifts® Bestiary Volume 2, and Rifts® Antarctica, plus more to follow in the months ahead. Not to mention the “Original” Palladium Fantasy RPG® 1st Edition Rules Hardcover and Splicers® Hardcover, as soon as they come back from our much delayed hardcover printer.

Use the final days of the Palladium Surprise Package offer to fuel your imaginations with new RPG books and new settings to buoy your spirits and spark new ideas for adventures and campaigns. Here at Palladium we are feeling bold, creative, and positive, and we want you to feel the same. Hang tough and start the New Year by gaming with friends and family, and reaching out to your gaming pals across the Internet to rekindle friendships and have some fun. Don’t let fear and uncertainty impede you. Things will get better.

Happy New Year! May it be calmer, more fun, and less crazy than the last couple of them, eh?

- Kevin Siembieda, Publisher, writer, friend, and surrogate Santa Claus for only another week or so

Surprise Package comments from fans like you

Every year there is a section where our Surprise Package customers can offer comments and suggestions with their order. We do so because we want to know what you think, and what you want, and we appreciate your suggestions and insights. The idea to do hardcover editions of core books came from fan comments in the Grab Bags.

Every year, in acknowledgment of our fans, and because they are fun to read, we offer a sampling of these comments in the Weekly Updates. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have stuck with Palladium through thick and thin and now these new strange times. Please use our games to find escape from the pandemic and other worries. Use them to bring a little joy, laughter, and adventure to the holiday season.

I want you to know that your comments and support mean the world to all of us. Everyone at Palladium enjoys reading your brief comments and they always brighten our day. Thank you for making us smile and feel useful. As always, I have tried to write a short response [in brackets] to each comment. Happy holidays. – Kevin Siembieda, that Publisher guy.

Christmas Surprise Package at palladium-store.com

R.D. in Jermyn, Pennsylvania, writes: Ordered one for Christmas, now I thought I’d treat myself to another for my birthday!

[Sounds like a good plan to me, R.D. Happy Birthday. – Kevin]

L.C. in Sarasota, Florida, writes: Palladium Fantasy® went from a game I knew nothing about to a game I love in less than a year. What an incredible setting. Excellent stuff.

[Sounds like you love it as much as I do, L.C. Palladium Fantasy® launched my company and remains my favorite RPG. So many amazing memories and friendships. Of course, I love all of our games, but Fantasy will always hold a magical place in my heart. – Kevin]

S.C. in Hopedale, Massachusetts, writes: It’s always a treat when I get one of these. The Surprise Packages are worthy of the hype! It saves money AND gives you one Hell of a treat.

[I couldn’t agree more, S.C. Those of you who haven’t ordered one yet, time is running out. Enjoy. – Kevin]

M.R. in Gilbert, Arizona, writes: I just started playing in a Phase World® game a few months ago, so I’m excited to explore all the lore in this setting.

[Welcome to the Three Galaxies, M.R. You will not be disappointed. – Kevin]

M.C. in Cross Plains, Tennessee, writes (in part): ... Love y’all for 30 years and counting. Funny how things change. I used to love the gear as a teenager. Then the weaker O.C.C.s in my 20s (Arkansas Ley Line Walker and Rogue Scholars were my jam). Now I like reading all the imaginative world building.

[Thanks for the years of support, M.C., and continue to enjoy our games. – Kevin]

T.B. in Bellevue, Ohio, writes (in part): There isn’t much you guys have produced that I don’t like. I started with Rifts®, moved to Nightbane®, and finally ended up on Palladium Fantasy. I really enjoy them all. Even when I don’t get to play, I still enjoy reading these books.

[Awesome, T.B. Keep your imagination burning bright and happy New Year. – Kevin]

D.W. in Rio Communities, New Mexico, writes: Always glad to pick up a couple of these [Grab Bags] during the winter. Helps with rebuilding my collection.

[Build away, D.W., build away. – Kevin]

K.T. in Windsor, Colorado, writes: Favorites: After the Bomb® and Rifts®. You all are truly amazing with the Surprise Packages. I already got two and they exceeded my expectations. I am eager to see what happens with my third one. Between it and the art prints sale, I have so much more of what I need. Thank you.

[That third Grab Bag was designed to blow your mind, K.T. I have to agree with you, the people behind Palladium are amazing. There is still time for one more Surprise Package. A great way to start the New Year. Hint, hint. – Kevin]

C.M. in El Paso, Texas, writes: I’m very excited the Surprise Package offer was extended. Thank you. I had just pulled out my Palladium Fantasy 9th printing from 1991 off the bookshelf and was going to order the Second Edition when I saw the X-Mas Surprise extension. Great work and keep it up.

[Glad to see you still excited about Palladium Fantasy, C.M., it is one of my personal favorites to write and play. I think you’ll be pleased with what is coming for that game in the future. Game on! – Kevin]

J.W. in Lansing, Michigan, writes: [I would like] to see more Heroes Unlimited and Ninjas & Superspies. Absolutely love all the autographs I can get!

[We want to see more HU and N&S too, J.W., so who knows what the future may hold. As for getting autographs, you must come to the Palladium Open House April 21-24, 2022. Artist Ramon Perez and the largest gathering of Palladium creators/writers/artists anywhere will be there waiting to sign your books. – Kevin]

S.G. in Milton, Vermont, writes: My favorite Palladium game is Rifts®, though a large part of that is because my players and I can pull stuff from not only Rifts® but all other Palladium games. You guys are awesome for offering the Christmas Surprise Packages. I’ve been using them to help me collect as many books as I can, and I have quite the collection. Thank you all for your hard work to make such a great Megaverse of fun!

[Our pleasure, S.G. Keep pushing the envelope and keep that imagination burning bright. – Kevin]

M.M.P. in Virginia Beach, Virginia, writes: Love this deal!

[Glad to hear it M.M.P., that’s the whole idea. Enjoy and game on. – Kevin]

A.S. in Brooklyn, New York, writes: Favorites: Just Rifts®. I really enjoy the setting.

[You and a lot of other people love Rifts®, A.S. So do we. Though I am thrilled to see so much interest in Palladium Fantasy, Heroes Unlimited, Nightbane®, Dead Reign®, Beyond the Supernatural, and based on this holiday season, it seems a lot of folks are rediscovering After the Bomb® (intelligent mutant animal heroes) and Ninjas & Superspies. I love both of those Erick Wujcik classics. Grab Bag season is a great time to try new settings. – Kevin]

Z.B. in Melbourne, Florida, writes: Favorites: Rifts® and Palladium Fantasy. Hey Kevin, thanks for everything. One day when I get some free time, I’ll definitely come up to the Palladium Open House. I’ve been a huge fan of your books for years.

[Hey Z.B., you are very welcome. I love creating new RPGs and sourcebooks for all of you. You will love what’s coming in 2022. As for coming to the POH some day, we’re all getting older, so you better do it sooner than later. Just saying. – Kevin]

M.K.H. in Hillsboro, Kentucky, writes (in part): This is a gift for my Dad ... He loved the autographs in the books he got last time. Thank you all for continuing to do this!

[Our pleasure M.K.H., I tried to make this one extra special. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. – Kevin]

D.N. in Northwood, North Dakota, writes: So looking forward to the Palladium Open House! Hope things continue to improve so that nothing will stop us from getting together this year! Also hope you can get back to the Rifts® Bestiary Volume 2, soon. It has been over one and a half years since that crowdfunding. I’m not upset, but I’m just a little worried about others that might become upset over the slow progress. I want Palladium to succeed. Have a Merry Christmas!

[Thank you for your kind words and concern, D.N. First, though Covid-19 variants are spreading across the country, we are hoping Michigan has seen the worst of it, and will have low case counts by the spring. Moreover, everyone is praying the POH will happen this April, us included. I think we all need a fun event like the POH, so we are still planning to host it in April 21-24, 2022. Hopefully nothing changes that. Second, as for Rifts® Bestiary Vol. 2, yeah, the pandemic played havoc with production in 2020 and 2021, but Sean and I are hell bent on getting it and other titles people have been waiting for released throughout 2022. The Rifter® #85 Annual, BTS Creature Feature, Rifts® CS Manhunters, Titan Robotics, and Rifts® Bestiary 2 are all at the top of that list. Barring the unexpected, 2022 should be the start of an illustrious and productive new beginning for Palladium. I have spent much of the last two years laying the groundwork to make Palladium strong and productive again. – Kevin]

J.A. in Eagle Point, Oregon, writes: TMNT® has been a recent favorite and I want to expand that with the After the Bomb® books. My love for Palladium extends back into the 1980s with Robotech® and TMNT®.

[Your years of support are much appreciated, J.A. I think you will enjoy After the Bomb® as it is filled with intelligent mutant animals you can use in superhero settings and many others. Long live Doctor Feral. – Kevin]

S.R. in Poison, Montana, writes (in part): Happy Holidays and awesome New Year to all of you fine folks at Palladium Books.

[Thank you, S.R. Happy New Year to you and yours as well. – Kevin]

© 2022 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.

Rifts®, The Rifter®, RECON®, Splicers®, Powers Unlimited®, Palladium Books®, The Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game®, Phase World®, Nightbane®, Megaverse®, The Mechanoids®, The Mechanoid Invasion®, Coalition Wars®, Chaos Earth®, Dead Reign®, and After the Bomb® are Registered Trademarks of Palladium Books Inc.; Beyond the Supernatural, Coalition States, Garden of the Gods, Heroes Unlimited, Ninjas & Superspies, Minion War, Mysteries of Magic, Psychic Scream, SAMAS, Thundercloud Galaxy, Three Galaxies, Vampire Kingdoms, and other published book titles, names, slogans and likenesses are trademarks of Palladium Books Inc., and Kevin Siembieda.

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Rifts®, The Rifter®, RECON®, Splicers®, Powers Unlimited®, Palladium Books®, The Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game®, Phase World®, Nightbane®, Megaverse®, The Mechanoids®, The Mechanoid Invasion®, Coalition Wars®, Chaos Earth®, Dead Reign®, and After the Bomb® are Registered Trademarks of Palladium Books Inc. RPG Tactics™, Beyond the Supernatural, Coalition States, Heroes Unlimited, Ninjas & Superspies, Minion War, Mysteries of Magic, SAMAS, Thundercloud Galaxy, Three Galaxies, Vampire Kingdoms, and other published book titles, names, slogans and likenesses are trademarks of Palladium Books Inc., and Kevin Siembieda.

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