Palladium Books® – Weekly Update – January 19, 2023

Update Opening Graphic

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

By Kevin Siembieda & Sean Owen Roberson

NEW! Due to popular demand, the Original Beyond the Supernatural RPG Commemorative “Bonus” Hardcover (first edition rules) is now ready to ship, and it looks beautiful. I forgot how much I love this book. See the complete details, below.

1st Edition Beyond the Supernatural Foil Hardcover at palladium-store.com

 

BACK in Print: The hugely popular Original Palladium Fantasy RPG® Commemorative Bonus Hardcover (first edition rules) is also back in print. A run on purchases around Thanksgiving by gamers and distributors caused it to temporarily sell out, but it’s back in print and available now. See the descriptions for the Original Fantasy RPG and Original Beyond the Supernatural hardcovers, below.

Original Palladium Fantasy 1st Edition Foil Hardcover

 

NEWS! About WOTC, D&D, and the OGL. Wow, what a mess. Sean addresses some of our feelings about it in Closing Thoughts. I addressed it indirectly in the Closing Thoughts of the January 12 Weekly Update. Let me say, I don’t think we’ve seen the end of this controversy. If you are looking for a company that creates quality games and epic world settings, and actually cares about its fans and treats its customer base as its extended family, it is Palladium Books. You already know that, but now is the time to spread the word and point others in the gaming community to our games. Thanks.

 

NEWS! Gen Con Game Events Needed! There is a ton of advance planning that goes into Gen Con. Not just for those of us in attendance and exhibitors, but for the hardworking Gen Con organizers. As a result, they are already requesting Game Event commitments and game descriptions now, so they can begin work on the Gen Con 2023 schedule.

Palladium Books is looking for quality Game Masters to help us have a strong presence and help gamers realize there are fun alternatives to D&D. You can help us by running RPG events based on Palladium’s game settings (past and present). If you are thinking about running Palladium game events (it’s fun and a way to get free admission with a GM badge!), please decide soon and let us know. See more details below.

 

NEWS! Sean steps into the Weekly Update. We want you to get to know Sean Owen Roberson better, so you’ll be seeing him contribute to Weekly Updates on a more frequent basis. That starts with the Closing Thoughts for this Update written by Sean.

For those of you who may not have yet heard, Sean joined Palladium in September 2021 as Creative Director and business partner. Without rehashing Sean’s many skills and accomplishments, allow me to offer some highlights: Sean thoroughly knows and loves most of Palladium’s RPGs and has been playing them since he was a kid! He is an outstanding writer and game designer, has loads of experience in many areas, he has been managing the Rifts® Savage Worlds game line, he singlehandedly put together and ran the successful Rifts® Titan Robotics Kickstarter, and he and I are a phenomenal team. You can learn more about Sean in The Rifter® #85, on the Staff page of the Palladium website, and in any number of interviews. I think you’ll enjoy Sean’s Closing Thoughts and you can expect to see him writing some Weekly Updates from now on. Enjoy. – Kevin Siembieda

 

Gen Con 2023 Game Event Coordination

Please help gamers discover Palladium’s RPG worlds by running game events at Gen Con. Palladium is on the move and we want to have a lot of game events at Gen Con for our many different settings: Rifts®, Chaos Earth®, Palladium Fantasy RPG®, Heroes Unlimited, Ninjas & Superspies, After the Bomb®, Nightbane®, Dead Reign®, and all the rest, past and present (yes, that includes Robotech® and Rifts® Savage Worlds). Please reach out to us and coordinate with NMI (Jeff Ruiz) at the email address below, to have your games listed at Gen Con as part of the Palladium group.

nmi {at} thedeificnmi.com

You can request Gen Con game event submission forms and send event descriptions to the email address above.

Advantages of coordination through Palladium as a group with ONE point of contact: Your games will be assigned to the same room location reserved for all Palladium games. That makes Palladium events easy to find for players and convenient for you. Participating Game Masters running 3 or more games at Gen Con get a free admission badge and other perks. Palladium Books provides the G.M. and players reward coupons for redemption at Palladium’s booth for substantial discounts on books to show our appreciation (G.M. coupon, Best Player coupon, and Gamer Participation coupons).

NMI, aka Jeff Ruiz, is Palladium Books’ experienced event coordinator (nmi {at} thedeificnmi.com). He will create a spreadsheet and submit your games and descriptions on your behalf. Palladium freelance writer Glen Evans will provide Game Master badges, information, coupons, etc., on site at Gen Con.

Gen Con Game Event Deadlines: Submit your game descriptions as soon as possible to guarantee they are listed both online and in the program book! The more eyeballs that see your game event listing and description, the more likely you are to SELL OUT the event tickets, and enjoy full participation at your event.

  • Early Event Submissions: January 8th – February 12th – do it for best results!
  • Standard Event Submissions: February 12th – March 11th, but the SOONER the better to guarantee full game attendance! Thanks.

 

We appreciate you working with us to help gamers experience the magic of Palladium Books and our many RPG worlds. The line up for Palladium creators at the Gen Con booth includes Kevin Siembieda (writer/game designer), Sean Owen Roberson (writer/game designer), Wayne Smith (editor/The Rifter®), Crystal Ward (sales), Glen Evans (writer), and a range of freelancers such as Mark Oberle, Mike Leonard, and others. Let’s make this Gen Con a great one that’s fun for everyone.

 

Original Beyond the Supernatural RPG 1st Edition Foil Hardcover

NEW! “Original” Beyond the Supernatural™ RPG “Bonus” Edition Commemorative Hardcover, 1st Edition Rules – available now

Due to popular demand, we present the deluxe, commemorative, crimson foil hardcover of the Original Beyond the Supernatural RPG (1988); back in print for the first time in 25 years.

  • Modern horror and adventure.
  • Dynamic red foil on a black faux leatherette hardcover.
  • The original, 1st Edition BTS rule book exactly as first published, except now as a deluxe hardcover.
  • 28 monsters, most of which can be converted to BTS-2 with some work.
  • Quick roll villain tables.
  • Random Encounter Tables.
  • Random Creature Creation Tables.
  • Weapons and equipment section.
  • 4 adventures, 2 adventure outlines, and countless adventure ideas.
  • Erick Wujcik’s “Victim Characters,” alternative rules for playing classic movie horror and splatter film horror.
  • Erick Wujcik’s Game Master Guide to Beyond the Supernatural and adventures.
  • 32 page “Bonus” adventure by Hendrik Härterich; Operation Minotaur from the pages of the The Rifter®.
  • The Arcanist and magic spells. Please note, the magic and spells presented in BTS-1 are very different than how magic (and psionics) work in BTS-2, but offer background and are a fun read.
  • 9 O.C.C.s and psionic abilities. These characters and psionic abilities are different than BTS 2nd Edition and are not suitable for use with it unless severe modifications are made to them.
  • Note #1: BTS-1 is a very different book than BTS 2nd Edition, which makes it interesting in its own right. This is the book that introduced the concept of ley lines, nexus points, places of magic, stone megaliths, doorways to other worlds and the supernatural. The concepts for magic in BTS-1 would become the foundation of magic in Rifts® and across most of the Palladium Megaverse®. It also provides a glimpse of what is to come in the Beyond Arcanum BTS-2 sourcebook.
  • Note #2: With some conversion, the BTS-1 monsters, characters, and much of the other material can be adapted for use with Beyond the Supernatural, 2nd Edition, but it is NOT directly compatible and should NOT be considered official canon for Second Edition. Still, BTS-1 is jam-packed with ideas, horror, dynamic artwork, frightful monsters, alternative rules, and adventure ideas galore. Not to mention excellent tips for playing horror games and the notorious “victim characters” alternative game play.
  • Note #3: The adventures and adventure ideas are just as suitable for BTS-2 as they are for any modern horror game.
  • 288 pages of terrifying fun – $55.00 retail – Cat. No. 699HC – Available now.

1st Edition Beyond the Supernatural Foil Hardcover at palladium-store.com

 

Creature Feature

Creature Feature™ – A Beyond the Supernatural™ sourcebook – available now

Creature Feature has been selling like crazy. It’s epic and much more than a monster book. It is filled with adventure, G.M. and player tips, anecdotes, rules clarifications, and more.

  • 15 supernatural creatures described in depth. Some are new. Some were pulled from the pages of The Rifter® but updated and expanded (many completely rewritten). All of them are dynamic, scary, and offer different horror adventure experiences.
  • Each creature offers adventure hooks and ideas for more.
  • The art of making and running monsters.
  • Creature encounter table and tips on making unique creatures.
  • Player paranormal investigator background table.
  • Game Master source material and tips for running modern horror.
  • More world setting and monster hunting lore.
  • Rules clarifications and errata.
  • A full adventure and numerous adventure suggestions.
  • Paranormal encounter ideas, tips, advice, NPCs, and more.
  • Written by Steven Dawes, Kevin Siembieda, and others.
  • Art by Steven Cummings, Nick Bradshaw, and others.
  • 192 pages – $26.99 retail – Cat. No. 704 – Available now.

Creature Feature in the Palladium Online Store

 

Original Palladium Fantasy 1st Edition Foil Hardcover

BACK in STOCK! “Original” Palladium Fantasy RPG® “Bonus” Edition Commemorative Hardcover, 1st Edition – Available now

This deluxe, foil stamped edition presents the original, First Edition fantasy rules, expanded with the inclusion of the long out of print Arms of Nargash-Tor adventure sourcebook. The Original Fantasy 1st Edition includes Erick Wujcik’s popular Tombs of Gersidi adventure left out of the 2nd Edition rule book, all of the original illustrations, and the first Fantasy sourcebook. The cover is a recreation of the original, famous red and black cover of the original RPG. Many people have fond memories of this book, hence it selling out on a regular basis.

  • The complete, original RPG – the game that started Palladium Books.
  • First Edition rules are easily adaptable to current Fantasy titles.
  • Includes The Tombs of Gersidi adventure and setting (ancient vampires and dark magic) written by Erick Wujcik. Maps by Erick Wujcik. Easily adapted to current rules.
  • Depictions of Eastern, Western, Northern, and Old Kingdom coins.
  • Fan favorite artwork by Kevin Siembieda and Michael Kucharski.
  • The Arms of Nargash-Tor adventure sourcebook included as “bonus” material back in print for the first time in 35 years. Art by Kevin Siembieda.
  • Deluxe hardcover edition. Probably limited to fewer than 1,000 copies.
  • An artful recreation of the original cover with red foil stamping into a black faux leatherette hardcover.
  • 320 pages total with “bonus” material – $55 retail – Cat. No. 449HC – available now!

Original Palladium Fantasy 1st Edition Foil Hardcover

 

List of Palladium Books® RPG Hardcovers Available Now

 

Recent and Notable Palladium Products – a Megaverse® of adventure awaits you

  • NEW! “Original” Beyond the Supernatural™ RPG Commemorative “Bonus” Foil Hardcover (1st Edition rules) – described above.
  • Beyond the Supernatural™ RPG, 2nd Edition – A plausible modern horror setting unlike any other. One that makes sense and will challenge your role-playing skills. 14 Psychic Character Classes. 42 occupations for “ordinary” people, 100+ psychic abilities, including Fire Walker abilities, creatures of darkness, the Lazlo Agency, and more. All of these unlikely heroes stand against supernatural evil in a world of disbelievers who brand them as practitioners of fringe science and lunatics. Only your characters know the truth: supernatural evil is real and dangerous. Are you ready to join the battle? 256 pages – Cat. No. 700. Also available as a hardcover edition.
  • Creature Feature™, a Beyond the Supernatural™, 2nd Edition Sourcebook – 15 new creatures, rules clarifications, player and Game Master tips, adventure and more – 192 pages – $26.99 retail – Cat. No. 704 – available now.
  • Rifts® Coalition Manhunters™ Sourcebook – 224 pages of Coalition data to blow your mind. 80+ new psionic abilities, 9 Manhunter psychic assassins, Psi-Ops thought police, Dog Boys, Kill Hounds, Coalition secrets, and more – 224 pages – Cat. No. 894.
  • The Rifter® #85 Annual – Rifts®, Fantasy, and many RPG settings – Cat. No. 185 – Also available as a bookmarked PDF book on DriveThruRPG where it has made the Top 10 Best Sellers List.
  • European Castles – 40+ real world castles from across Europe and their actual floor plans whenever available – for use with ANY game system – 48 pages – $10.99 – Cat. No. 410 – available now.
  • Exotic Weapons – 100+ strange and exotic weapons from around the globe – for use with ANY game system – 48 pages – $10.99 – Cat. No. 409 – available now.
  • The Compendium of Modern Weapons – 450+ real world weapons from around the globe – for use with ANY game system – 176 pages – Cat. No. 415.
  • Palladium Fantasy RPG®, 2nd Edition – A fantasy setting like no other, rich in history and inviting adventure. Not only are you able to play iconic fantasy heroes, but also characters such as the Mind Mage, Druid, Diabolist, Summoner and an array of nonhuman characters from Elves and Dwarves to Wolfen, Changelings, Kobolds, Orcs, Ogres, and many others. 25+ Occupational Character Classes (O.C.C.s), 14+ inhuman player races (more in sourcebooks), 300+ magic spells, 60 magical wards, 50 magic circles, 70+ psychic powers, dozens of magic items and potions, and so much more. 336 pages – Cat. No. 450. Also available as a hardcover edition. More than a dozen sourcebooks support this game line.
  • Lopan™ (Fantasy) Raw Preview – Cat. No. 476-RAW.
  • Land of the South Winds™ (Fantasy) Raw Preview – Cat. No. 477-RAW.
  • Heroes Unlimited™ RPG, 2nd Edition – A hit super-hero RPG for 30+ years. Why? Because it enables you to create any type of comic book hero you can imagine. 101 super abilities plus a multitude of sub-powers within them, bonuses and special combat capabilities. 72 psychic powers and 100+ magic spells, plus enchanted weapons and objects that turn a person into a superhuman. Psychics, super-powered aliens, mutants, super soldiers, Mega-Heroes, mages, immortals, cyborgs, robots, power armor, weapon masters, and more. Plus a dozen sourcebooks provide you with hundreds of additional super abilities, hero categories, bad guys, and adventures. 352 pages for a complete RPG – Cat. No. 500. Also available as a hardcover edition.
  • After the Bomb® RPG – Erick Wujcik’s mutant magnum opus. Create any mutant animal from a turtle to an elephant, animal psionics, animal powers, chimeras, and more. Use the mutants as modern world heroes, or play within the AtB post-apocalypse setting, Rifts®, or just about any setting. 224 pages – Cat. No. 503. Also available as a hardcover edition.
  • Ninjas & Superspies™ RPG – 40+ styles of martial arts, mystic abilities, spies, gadgets, and creating secret organizations. 176 pages – Cat. No. 525. Also available as a hardcover edition.
  • Dead Reign® RPG – The Zombie Apocalypse unleashed! Can you survive? Play Post-Apocalyptic heroes or ordinary people. Part zombie game, part survival manual. All fun. A great beginner’s game. If you are looking for a zombie game that truly captures the feel of survival after the apocalypse and the nightmare of being stalked by zombies, Dead Reign® is it. Game mechanics are designed to create a real sense of escalating terror and dread when the zombies swarm. 224 pages – Cat. No. 230. Also available as a hardcover edition. Sourcebooks expand the world, player options, and adventure ideas as well as present new zombies and dangers.
  • Nightbane® RPG – Join the secret war against a demonic invasion most people do not even know has taken place. The demonic Nightlords, their evil Dopplegangers and other demon minions are quietly taking over the world, starting with the most powerful nations. You know it is happening because you are the Nightbane. You can see the true demonic form of these invaders, and you can stop them. The only wrinkle is you must turn into your monstrous supernatural form – your Morphus – to call upon your superhuman and magical powers. Oh, and the government is controlled by the Nightlords and their shape-changing demonic minions hunt the Nightbane. 224 pages – Cat. No. 730. Also available as a hardcover edition.
  • And more, like the Rifts® Ultimate Edition (and 90+ Rifts® sourcebooks), Rifts® Chaos Earth®, The Mechanoid Trilogy®, Systems Failure, Splicers®, RECON®, Phase World®, etc.

 

NEW on DriveThruRPG.com – Free Sneak Preview of Creature Feature and much more

FREE Creature Feature™ Preview provides you a glimpse of what you will find in this epic book. There also FREE Sneak Previews of Rifts® Coalition Manhunters, Northern Gun 1 & 2, Hell Followed, and select other titles. Those are just some of the 300+ Palladium RPG titles available as PDF books.

No other game company offers game worlds for so many different genres. Best of all, learn and play one Palladium RPG and you can play them all, because each uses the same basic core rules and combat. There are differences, but the fundamentals are the same. This also means you can bring characters, villains, monsters, powers, magic, weapons, gear, and adventure ideas from one setting into another or mash them together!

DriveThruRPG offers most of our 300+ Palladium RPG titles as PDF books, making it easy and inexpensive to try out one of our many games. Also check out the FREE Sneak Previews of Rifts® Coalition Manhunters, Northern Gun 1 & 2, Hell Followed, and select other titles.

 

FUN Podcast Adventures

Heroes Unlimited Christmas Special and the recent Cozy Caverns Beyond the Supernatural RPG adventure podcasts from the creative minds at www.realplaygamespod.com. These fun podcasts are created by Palladium fans like you.

 

Palladium Collectibles – at Kevin’s Online Toy & Collectibles eBay Store

I am adding new collectibles and Palladium negatives over the next several weeks, so check ‘em out. Alex and I will try to post new items on a regular basis, so check in every week or so to see what’s new.

One-of-a-kind Palladium Books negatives (special and rare collectibles). Negatives are always very popular items at the Palladium Open House, Gen Con, and conventions, and are catching on as rare collectibles, unique in and of themselves. 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. We have been cutting them loose and making them available to you. I am only keeping a few dozen pages of negatives and a few complete books for myself, the rest are all being slowly offered to you, in no particular order.

  • Each is truly unique, attractive, and fun to have.
  • Own a piece of Palladium Books and RPG history you will treasure.
  • Each was used to print the very book you may have in your collection (1981-2004).
  • Each signed in silver ink by Kevin Siembieda, the founder and owner of Palladium Books. He is also the game designer and often the author or co-author of the book from which the negative originates. And some negatives bear his artwork.
  • Each signed negative comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Each signed negative is a one-of-a-kind work of art (on rare occasions, two-of-a-kind if a page or section of pages were replaced or a second edition was made) that resembles woodcut art, and a very dynamic conversation piece.
  • Each signed negative is on a white board inside a clear plastic bag.
  • Negatives looks fabulous matted or framed! Fits in an 8x10 inch matt opening. Each neg is roughly 8½ x 11 inches.
  • Prices vary depending on the title, the art, and quality of the negative. Note: Many have scratches, or blemishes, and/or an opaque medium on the negative. Still, they look great and are a piece of RPG history. We recommend you carefully examine the photographs of each item to avoid disappointment.
  • We have been making the negatives available, in no particular order, for a number of years, and will continue to do so. However, cutting them loose, signing and bagging is a time consuming process.
  • Note: The negatives from the TMNT RPG, TMNT Adventures, and some Rifts® titles are already sold out. Moreover, the negatives from many titles were destroyed, so when you see one you like, get it when you can. Enjoy.

 

Original art – 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 Palladium books (they look awesome framed), and other Palladium memorabilia. Some are concept sketches, others are finished works of art, as well as a selection of prints and posters.

Other collectibles include art prints, posters, comic books, Palladium limited edition hardcovers, out of print items, signed books, one-of-a-kind proofreader copies, Star Wars toys, superhero action figures, and many other toys and items from my personal collection. Yeah, I used to be a crazy toy and art collector. 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.

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

 

Necronomnomnom Apron Kickstarter

As you might have surmised, the NecronomApron is from our maniacal friends at Red Duke Games. These are the people who brought you the hugely popular Necronomnomnom Cthulhu Cookbook. The apron looks pretty cool and we’d say it is a must for the thousands of you who purchased and use the cookbook (in one demonic form or another). So what are you waiting for? Support Red Duke Games’ Kickstarter for a little supernatural fun.

  • A Culinary Cultist’s version of the Hooded Robe: A full apron with a comfortable and concealing hood.
  • One size fits most lifeforms, trimmed butcher style (the apron, not the lifeforms).
  • Hand Sewn - 2 pockets in the front - full apron with a hood.
  • Wrap-around straps can tie to the back or front.
  • Color: Dark Brown.
  • A new Kickstarter project by Red Duke Games. Check it out at the link below.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nomapron/the-necronomapron

 

Closing Thoughts – by Sean Owen Roberson

Howdy Rifters!

As Kevin mentioned earlier, he and I have had many of you reach out to us or mention us in social media posts in the wake of this budding Open Game License kerfuffle.

 

What We Aren’t Doing, and Why

Going OGL – In the past, Kevin and I have been urged by some fans to join the OGL club and publish future books using the d20 system. In fact, years ago I myself discussed that tactic with Kevin (long before I joined him at Palladium as his business partner). He patiently detailed multiple reasons he considered that a very poor move, and in the end, I heartily agreed with him. As a close friend put it to me yesterday, Kevin called this one years ago. I don’t think we will hear this particular suggestion as much moving forward, but I wanted to note Kevin’s foresight and expertise in this matter.

Starting an OGL – The other suggestion we often hear is that Palladium should create its own OGL, and that to do so would be “joining the side of good and light.” Well, that’s the side Kevin and I are already on! Unfortunately, intellectual property (IP), copyright, and other legalities aren’t as simple as many well-intentioned fans may perceive, and in a court of law, money (aka might) often makes right. Personally, I believe any attempt by another publisher to create an "OGL" could be open to the exact same result as the current one – licensees of such a system would forever live in fear that their IP rights exist only at the whim of the "free" licensor. Even after decades of calm, new management could decide they want to alter the deal. Remember, if something is "free" then you are the product. TANSTAAFL

 

What Palladium is Doing

Palladium is dedicated to elevating creators, especially budding writers and artists. We also like to boost the signal of our established friends and business partners. Kevin and I have been pleased by the cross-pollination of Savage Worlds and Palladium fans during the Titan Robotics Kickstarter, and we do our best to keep you informed of various content creators as well as newer publishers like Star Anvil Studios and Red Duke Games.

For independent creatives like you, The Rifter is perfect for getting your work seen by us and the larger community. For over two decades, The Rifter has given many their first professional writing opportunity, including many Palladium Books authors and others who have started their own publishing companies like our friends at Wet Ink Games. The Rifter was on hiatus for a couple of years, but one of the first things we did when I joined Palladium was to relaunch it as an annual publication. The fan feedback has been stellar and it was in the top ten on DriveThruRPG for weeks. I will continue to review and curate future Rifter content with the help of Wayne Smith, its editor supreme, so it's a great way to get noticed by us and paid for your work. Some of the things we love to see you create:

  • Adventures and lore, especially for settings other than Rifts.
  • Source material: new O.C.C.s, creatures, skills, gear, spells, magic items, and more.
  • Narrative short stories and serials; keep them short and impactful.
  • New settings for our many worlds, or NEW worlds and dimensions. (I’m not sure why we don’t get more new dimensions, there’s a Megaverse® waiting to be discovered!)

 

For established publishers, Palladium is open to licensing our settings or rules system. Kevin and I are always open to hearing a professional business proposition. In fact, that is exactly how the old Rifts Manhunters and Rifts for Savage Worlds each came about. To address another common question I get, neither Pinnacle Entertainment (the creators of Savage Worlds) nor Palladium is currently interested in collaborating on a Savage Worlds version of any other Palladium IPs besides Rifts. That said, if an established Savage Worlds Ace (their rules licensees) wanted to talk with us about licensing a Palladium IP to be “Savaged” we are open to the idea. Similarly, any publishers interested in licensing the Palladium rules system are free to contact us to discuss the possibilities. Unlike getting lost in the vast sea of OGL products, anyone who partners with us would have the advantage of entering a collaborative partnership which would include Palladium promoting their materials and helping to ensure fans get quality products. Interested parties can reach out via the Help Desk or call the office directly (734-721-2900).

Speaking of the Palladium rules system, we know many of you would love to see an updated presentation of Palladium’s core rules. Kevin and I want you to know that we are listening, we appreciate your feedback, and it is something we are definitely open to. However, good rules take a lot of time, skill, and playtesting to develop. Right now our first priority is to deliver to you, our loyal fans, many of the promised titles you’ve been waiting on for years. So please, be patient as we work to carefully prioritize our efforts. The return of The Rifter, Coalition Manhunters, Creature Feature, Titan Robotics, and soon Rifts Bestiary 2, Rifts Antarctica, and more are all part of that good plan.

 

The Wrap-Up

Whew, that was a lot! As this OGL kerfuffle plays out over the coming months and years, keep in mind that Palladium Books is independently owned and run by gamers for gamers. We don’t answer to a board of directors or short-sighted, greedy shareholders. We answer to you the fans and our guiding inspiration. Kevin and I truly appreciate all of your enthusiasm and unending support as we work to bring Palladium into a new era of growth and opportunity. You are already seeing the early results, and I can’t wait for you to see what we have planned as it continues to unfold and Palladium grows.

Oh, and it has been amazing reading all of your thoughts online and in the Christmas Surprise Package messages. Thanks for mentioning me by name and welcoming me to the family, it means a lot. I look forward to chatting with y'all more in future updates.

Cheers,

Sean Owen Roberson

 

Christmas Grab Bags

Surprise Package comments from fans like you

Surprise Package offer is over until next Christmas. We hope everyone enjoyed what they got.

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.

We want you to know 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. Enjoy.

 

J.O. in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, writes: I’m a new fan of Palladium and I love what you all have done. Keep up the good work. I wish you a Merry Christmas and I hope 2023 is great for you all.

[Hey J.O., welcome to the Megaverse®! If you ever find yourself in Westland, you should swing by the Palladium office. Happy New Year and game on. – Kevin]

 

J.K. in Eureka, California, writes (in part): I just wanted to say thank you Kevin and team. This system has given me two decades of entertainment and escape from the world’s worries ... And now my mission is to convert my small group of friends from D&D players to players of what I believe is the best RPG system in the world, Palladium!

[Ah, shucks. Thank you, J.K., for your kind words. We appreciate you spreading the word about the Palladium Megaverse® – Fantasy, Rifts®, Dead Reign, BTS, etc., especially now when so many D&D players are disillusioned by the recent turn of events. Keep your imagination burning and tell the world about Palladium’s RPGs. It is appreciated. – Kevin]

 

P.P. in Illinois, writes: Hey, I don’t know if you’re following the insanity that is going on with DnD right now. Wizards of the Coast is clamping down really hard on the open gaming license (OGL). I just wanted to say this might be an opportunity. Wizards of the Coast tried to create a community, a family by letting people create, openly in the space of the game. Palladium is actually a family. So I don’t know if you want to step into this breach or not. I’m just saying it might be an opportunity.

[Thank you P.P. for reaching out. Yes, we are very aware of the situation with WoTC and D&D. We’re paying attention and considering all our options. We have plans that are already in motion to help Palladium grow and reach new gamers. Please help by spreading the word about Palladium’s many RPGs to gamers everywhere. Thanks. We are a family, as those of you who have attended any of the Palladium Open Houses can attest to. It’s who we are. It’s our company culture and it’s genuine. – Kevin]

 

J.J. in Wenatchee, Washington, writes (in part): I have Palladium Fantasy Second Edition and the Original Palladium Fantasy Commemorative Hardcover (which is GORGEOUS by the way) ... and I’d love to explore new books if possible ... Now I’m introducing RPGs to my 9 year old son and, since he’s into sword and sorcery books, Palladium seemed the best starting place ... It has been really fun watching my son dive into the Palladium books and it has been a little surreal revisiting them myself. Opening the Original Palladium Fantasy RPG took me waaaay back. I think you’ve done an amazing job standardizing the Megaverse®, but seeing the original book was like hanging out with an old, familiar friend. Thank you for releasing it.

[Glad to make it available J.J., the original Beyond the Supernatural RPG is also available as a deluxe hardcover, hot off the presses this week. Looking at the old books has the same effect on us. I’m glad we listened to our fan base to make these and other hardcovers available. Enjoy and have fun gaming with your son. – Kevin]

 

G.L. in Ogden, Utah, writes (in part): I have been a Palladium Books fan for many years now and I’ve converted very many people to your products. I just enjoy sharing what you have created, because it is exceptionally awesome!

[Thank you G.L., for your high praise. Please keep spreading the word and converting gamers to the Palladium Megaverse, we appreciate it. As for sharing your ideas/stories for potential Rifter articles or even books, you can send them in via the Palladium Help Desk or call the office to get a more direct email – 734-721-2900. Sometimes offering ideas rather than tackling the difficult task of fully writing them up is just as valuable. We love gamer input and suggestions. – Kevin]

 

M.S. in Lawrenceville, Georgia, writes: Thanks for all the hard work coming from you guys! Much love and well wishes to you all during these rough times.

[Thank you, M.S., same to you. These are certainly uncertain times, but we’re hanging tough and continuing to work hard to create fun, new products. Love and well wishes right back at you. – Kevin]

 

M.B. in Enoch, Utah, writes (in part): I appreciate all you do. Last year I found a group to play Palladium Fantasy with after a 20 year hiatus. Love your products.

[Thank you M.B., cut loose, have fun, and game on. – Kevin]

 

L.C. in Pocatello, Idaho, writes (in part): We love the Mega-Damage rules and Rifts® Earth, but we also love to play Palladium Fantasy games. We really like the stuff in Spirit West and New West where things are not always so high tech.

[As you know, L.C., Rifts® has something for everyone and offers endless opportunities to play whatever style of adventures you’d like, whenever you like. Continue to enjoy. – Kevin]

 

K.H. in Dacula, Georgia, writes: I’ve always been a Rifts® guy, have a ton of the books, but the guys on the Rifts® and the Palladium Megaverse® Facebook group have really done a good job of selling me on getting into the Rifts® prequel games [Chaos Earth®].

[Cool, K.H., I think you’ll enjoy them. – Kevin]

 

S.M., in Xenia, Ohio, writes: I have been playing Palladium’s games since the late 1980s [starting] with Robotech®. Loved the game and that’s how I learned about Rifts®. Been in love with it ever since. Huge fan of the CS and their history.

[Hey S.M., then you’re going to love Coalition Manhunters when you get a copy and the upcoming Rifts® CS Arsenal. No, we haven’t forgotten about Arsenal. It’s one of the many projects being worked on behind the scenes; no release date yet. The artwork for it will wow you. Game on. – Kevin]

 

D.C. in Oxford, Georgia, writes: Thanks for all the work you all put in the research that culminates in your books. NO other company is as dedicated. One of my goals in life is to open a gaming store here in Georgia. Palladium will be the first books on the store shelves. Thanks again.

[I like the sound of that, D.C. Owning a store is a lot of work but also a lot of fun. Follow your dream and best of luck in all your endeavors. – Kevin]

 

M.L. in Casper, Wyoming, writes (in part): Hi, I’ve been a longtime Palladium gamer and this would be my 4th or 5th Surprise Package so far. My favorite game to date is Rifts®, having fun running multiple games in that world. The Palladium Fantasy RPG would be my second favorite.

[Thanks M.L., game on. – Kevin]

 

© 2023 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.

This press release may be reprinted, reposted, linked and shared for the sole purpose of advertising, promotion and sales solicitation.

Palladium Books is located at 39074 Webb Court, Westland, MI 48185. For questions, please use our Help Desk (https://www.palladiumbooks.com/helpdesk), or call us, Monday thru Friday, 9AM to 6PM, at 734-721-2900.

© Copyright 2024 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.| Site -Developed by Rex Barkdoll

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.

Palladium Books Logo