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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

List of Palladium Books^® RPG Hardcovers Available Now

• NEW! “Original” Beyond the Supernatural RPG® Commemorative “Bonus” Foil Hardcover (1st Edition rules) – This is the original 1st Edition rules (1988) in a deluxe hardcover format. The first time ever as a hardcover and includes the original O.C.C.s, monsters, and magic. 28 monsters, adventures, G.M. tips, Erick Wujcik’s infamous “victim character” rules, and 32 bonus pages of adventure material for BTS-2. The cover is a blood red foil image, imprinted on black faux leatherette. 288 pages – $55 retail – Cat. No. 699HC – Available now!
• Beyond the Supernatural™ RPG, 2nd Edition Hardcover – 224 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 700HC.
• BACK IN STOCK! “Original” Palladium Fantasy RPG® Commemorative “Bonus” Foil Hardcover (1st Edition rules) – Holiday demand cleaned the shelves of this fan favorite hardcover, but it is back in stock. This is the original 1st Edition Rules RPG including Tombs of Gersidi and the first Fantasy sourcebook: The Arms of Nargash-Tor. The cover is a classy crimson foil image, imprinted on black faux leatherette to replicate the original red and black RPG fans love. 320 pages – $55 retail – Cat. No. 449HC – available now.
• Palladium Fantasy RPG®, 2nd Edition Hardcover – 336 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 450HC – Our second best selling new hardcover after the Rifts® 30th Anniversary edition.
• “Original” Rifts® RPG 30th Anniversary Commemorative Hardcover – available now! This collector’s item sports the original Parkinson cover, an additional 32 page color section, history of Rifts®, unpublished concept art, gallery of all Rifts® covers through 2020, and more. Can be used with ALL Rifts® supplements – 288 pages – $49.99 – Cat. No. 800HC30 – Available now.
• Rifts® Ultimate Edition RPG Hardcover – 376 pages – $44.99 – Cat. No. 800HC – epic.
• Rifts® Ultimate Edition “Softcover” is a new format. RUE has only ever been available as a hardcover, and it still is, but it is now also available as a softcover – 376 pages – $34.99 – Cat. No. 800SE.
• Rifts® Game Master Guide Hardcover – 352 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 845HC.
• Rifts® Book of Magic Hardcover – available now – BACK in stock – 352 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 848HC – available now.
• Rifts® Adventure Guide Hardcover – 192 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 849HC.
• Chaos Earth® RPG “Bonus” Edition Hardcover – 192 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 660HC – 30 extra pages of bonus material – available now!
• Heroes Unlimited™ RPG, 2nd Edition Hardcover – 352 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 500HC.
• Ninjas & Superspies™ RPG “Bonus” Hardcover – available now – BACK in stock – 224 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 525HC – includes bonus material – available now.
• After the Bomb® RPG “Bonus” Hardcover – available now – BACK in stock – 296 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 503HC – includes bonus material – available now.
• Nightbane® RPG “Bonus” Edition Hardcover – available now – 304 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 730HC – 60 extra pages of bonus material – available now.
• Dead Reign® RPG (Zombie Apocalypse) Hardcover – available now – BACK in stock – 224 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 230HC – available now.
• Splicers® RPG “Bonus” Edition Hardcover – The Splicers® RPG plus 50 pages of extra material gathered from The Rifter®. 280 pages – $44.99 – Cat. No. 200HC – 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

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.

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

By Kevin Siembieda

This is the LAST Weekend to get a Christmas Surprise Package – offer ENDS next Tuesday. 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, but get one while you still can. It makes the ideal gift 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.

The energy at Palladium is electric. We have started the new year off by hitting the ground running! Everyone is working on many objectives. Last week we were all hands on deck rearranging the warehouse after a thorough inventory. Then Wayne, Sean, and I have been working on the many specific logistical details not just for the Titan Robotics Kickstarter, but future Kickstarters and our business as a whole. We’ve been making contacts about overseas shipping, exporting, and importing, we’ve had productive meetings with Backerkit, Quartermaster Logistics, overseas shipping experts, box suppliers, and others. Meanwhile, Wayne has been searching and arranging a new telephone service provider. He also recently upgraded our Internet provider to a faster service, and is exploring a number of other things to improve operations at Palladium. Meanwhile, I’ve been dealing with improvements in the areas of accounting, bookkeeping, and legal matters as well as logistics involving printers and print scheduling. Alex has been handling research on several fronts and helping Crystal with warehouse operations. There is more going on, and all of it is making Palladium more effective and efficient.

All this on top of our creative efforts and usual day-to-day business duties as we continue to process and ship orders and pick, pack, and ship Palladium’s Christmas Surprise Package orders during these final days of the offer. It ends next Tuesday, January 17, so if you intend to order another Surprise Package or your first one, do it this weekend or miss out on the best deal in gaming. The Surprise Package is a great way to replace old, worn out books, try new settings, and get gifts for birthdays and anniversaries for the gamers in your life – on the cheap! $100+ value in product for $58 plus shipping.

What’s next? We love doing the Surprise Packages for you, but we have a slew of new product we need to focus our energy upon. In addition to completion of Titan Robotics and setting up the pledge manager for the corresponding Kickstarter items (did I mention we got beautiful samples for the card deck and quotes for the Cyberworks Collection?), there are a number of new products coming your way. See below, and my Closing Thoughts for more about the RPG industry and Palladium’s plans.

COMING! Original Beyond the Supernatural RPG Bonus Commemorative Hardcover (1st edition rules) shipping out next week. This is the original 1988 RPG exactly as it originally appeared, plus a 32 page adventure by Hendrik Härterich. It includes 28 monsters, Erick Wujcik’s famous Victim Characters rules and adventure, and more. It is a classy, crimson foil, bonus hardcover. 288 pages – $55.00 retail – Cat. No. 699HC. We’ll have a complete description in the store and Weekly Update next week.

COMING! The Original Palladium Fantasy RPG® Bonus Commemorative Hardcover – back in stock next week. This is the hugely popular, fan-favorite hardcover of first edition Fantasy RPG collected with the first sourcebook, Arms of Nargash-Tor. Both of which have been out of print for decades. A surge in demand for the holidays saw us sell out a few weeks before Christmas, but it will be back in stock by the end of next week.

COMING! Rifts® Bestiary Volume 2 (our next Rifts® release after Titan Robotics) and Rifts® Antarctica. I’m am working on moving both of these titles as well as nudging along a half dozen Fantasy titles. There are other projects in the works but we can’t yet talk about them. Everything we are working on is an effort to make Palladium stronger and able to release even more quality products for you. Thank you for your invaluable support and feedback about what you would like to see from us, things we can improve, etc. We listen and are making moves to satisfy your RPG desires. We could not do any of this without you.

THANK YOU! The Rifts® Bundles of Holding were a huge success. Our thanks to all of you who made the recent Rifts® Bundles of Holding the most successful ever. It was nice to ring in the New Year by shattering previous sales records for Palladium bundles. It was also nice that the charitable contributions went to the Diana Jones Award Emerging Designer Program that helps young game designers. Thank you, you’re awesome.

The Savage Rifts® Double Feature crowdfunder by Pinnacle Entertainment also came to an end last week. Sean and everyone one at Pinnacle thank you for your participation. You are going to be floored by everything you’ll be getting.

FUN! If you haven’t done so yet, check out the 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.

LAST Weekend to get Surprise Package – only days left to order

These are the last 5 days to get physical books at PDF prices – $100+ worth of physical products for only $58 plus shipping. And we’ll sign each book if you request it. For many this is the only way to get an autographed book. No other game company in the world offers a deal like this. Offer ENDS after midnight, next Tuesday, January 17, and will not be extended further. Miss out and you’ll have to wait till next Christmas season for this deal.

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.

The Christmas Surprise Package offer – the best deal in gaming – is coming to an end – only 5 days left. This is your last chance to get physical books at PDF prices – $100+ worth of physical products for only $58 plus shipping. And we’ll sign each book if you request it. For many this is the only way to get an autographed book. No other game company in the world offers a deal like this. Order yours before you miss out and please spread the word so other gamers can enjoy this incredible deal.

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. 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 things continue 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! $100+ worth of Palladium products for only $58 plus shipping. 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.

The Surprise Packages can be that special gift for a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, 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” any time 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 $100 worth of product, sometimes more! Yes, sometimes more, for only $58 plus shipping. 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 $100 (often more) worth of product and only paying $58, 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 $70 US dollars. HOWEVER, because the cost of the product is so low, that’s often the equivalent of paying retail for the products and only $1-$40 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. Final days – ENDS – January 17, 2022.

List of Palladium Books RPG Hardcovers Available Now

• Chaos Earth® RPG “Bonus” Edition Hardcover – 192 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 660HC – 30 extra pages of bonus material – available now!
• NEW! Splicers® RPG “Bonus” Edition Hardcover – The Splicers® RPG plus 50 pages of extra material gathered from The Rifter®. 280 pages – $44.99 – Cat. No. 200HC – available now.
• “Original” Rifts® RPG 30th Anniversary Commemorative Hardcover – available now! This collector’s item sports the original Parkinson cover, additional 32 page color section, history of Rifts®, unpublished concept art, gallery of all Rifts® covers through 2020, and more. Can be used with ALL Rifts® supplements – 288 pages – $49.99 – Cat. No. 800HC30 – Available now.
• Ninjas & Superspies™ RPG “Bonus” Hardcover – available now – BACK in stock – 224 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 525HC – includes bonus material – available now.
• After the Bomb® RPG “Bonus” Hardcover – available now– BACK in stock – 296 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 503HC – includes bonus material – available now.
• Rifts® Book of Magic Hardcover – available now – BACK in stock – 352 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 848HC – available now.
• Nightbane® RPG “Bonus” Edition Hardcover – available now – 304 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 730HC – 60 extra pages of bonus material – available now.
• Dead Reign® RPG (Zombie Apocalypse) Hardcover – available now – BACK in stock – 224 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 230HC – available now.
• Beyond the Supernatural™ RPG, 2nd Edition Hardcover – 224 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 700HC.
• Palladium Fantasy RPG®, 2nd Edition Hardcover – 336 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 450HC – Our second best selling new hardcover after the Rifts® 30th Anniversary edition.
• Heroes Unlimited™ RPG, 2nd Edition Hardcover – 352 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 500HC.
• Rifts® Ultimate Edition RPG Hardcover – 376 pages – $44.99 – Cat. No. 800HC – epic.
• Rifts® Ultimate Edition “Softcover” is a new format. RUE has only ever been available as a hardcover, and it still is, but it is now also available as a softcover – 376 pages – $34.99 – Cat. No. 800SE.
• Rifts® Game Master Guide Hardcover – 352 pages – $39.99 – Cat. No. 845HC.
• Rifts® Adventure Guide Hardcover – 192 pages – $36.99 – Cat. No. 849HC.
• COMING! “Original” Palladium Fantasy RPG® Commemorative “Bonus” Foil Hardcover (1st Edition rules) – Holiday demand cleaned the shelves of this fan favorite hardcover. Luckily we anticipated demand and had sent it to the printer. We are now told they will be available to ship on January 19. This is the original 1st Edition Rules RPG including Tombs of Gersidi and the first Fantasy sourcebook: The Arms of Nargash-Tor. The cover is a classy crimson foil image, imprinted on black faux leatherette to replicate the original red and black RPG fans love. 320 pages – $55 retail – Cat. No. 449HC – Note: Expected to ship January 19.
• COMING! “Original” Beyond the Supernatural RPG® Commemorative “Bonus” Foil Hardcover (1st Edition rules) – This is the original 1st Edition rules (1988) in a deluxe hardcover format. The first time ever as a hardcover and includes the original O.C.C.s, monsters, and magic. 28 monsters, adventures, G.M. tips, Erick Wujcik’s infamous “victim character” rules, and 32 bonus pages of adventure material for BTS-2. The cover is a blood red foil image, imprinted on black faux leatherette. 288 pages – $55 retail – Cat. No. 699HC – Note: Expected to ship January 19.

Palladium Books^® Check List of 2022 Releases – all available now

• Creature Feature, a Beyond the Supernatural™ 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.
• Defilers Fantasy Print – 10 x 8.5 inches – signed – Cat. No. PR834.
• Defilers Deluxe Fantasy Print – 17 x 11 inches – signed – Cat. No. PR835.
• Lopan™ (Fantasy) Raw Preview – Cat. No. 476-RAW.
• Land of the South Winds™ (Fantasy) Raw Preview – Cat. No. 477-RAW.
• Palladium 40th Anniversary Commemorative Print, signed – Cat. No. PR833.
• Rifts® “Explore the Megaverse®” Pen – Red & Gold, black ink – Cat. No. 2604.
• Palladium Books® “40 Years of Adventure” Pen – Black & Gold, black ink – Cat. No. 2605.
• 32 mm Rifts® miniature – CS Missile Launcher Dead Boy – kneeling with missile launcher – Cat. No. MI8049.
• 32 mm Rifts® miniature – Coalition Officer – dynamic – Cat. No. MI8050.
• 32 mm Rifts® miniature – Ley Line Walker – incredible detail – best ever! Cat. No. MI8051.
• 32 mm Rifts® miniature – Triax Cyborg with rail gun; think Red ‘Borg – powerful and fun – Cat. No. MI8052.
• 32 mm Rifts® miniatures – Chainsaw Glitter Boy & Pilot Set – both figures wield combat chainsaws plus a custom base. Truly stunning. Cat. No. MI8053.
• Property of the Coalition States T-shirt – Cat. No. 2528.
• Rifts® Splugorth Slaver T-shirt – Commemorating the Rifts® 30th Anniversary – Cat. No. 2606.
• Rifts® Red ‘Borg GAME MASTER T-shirt – Cat. No. 2607.
• Adventure Boldly Fantasy T-shirt – Cat. No. 2608.

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.

Closing Thoughts – Game Industry Chaos

Human beings and gaming fandom sure like controversy and gossip, don’t they? With all the rumors flying around about the Dungeons & Dragons® OGL (Open Game License) and the perceived direction WotC/Hasbro appears to be taking with the famous game line, many fans are up in arms. Here at Palladium, we’re taking a wait and see approach, but whatever happens, it should have no negative impact on Palladium Books. Still, we are being bombarded with fans offering suggestions on what Palladium should do next to capitalize on the chaos and/or to protect ourselves. Thank you, we always appreciate your input and ideas.

As I believe I have already mentioned, Palladium has a 5 year growth plan in place. That puts us in a great position, because we’ve seen the handwriting on the wall and we’re ready for it. We have already analyzed the market and what we, as an RPG company, need to do to grow and prosper. A big part of our planning strategy has been listening to you, our fans, and examining our own strengths and weaknesses with keen self-awareness. The improvements you’ll see unfolding starting this year, I have been working toward for what feels like ages. Bringing the talented Sean Owen Roberson onboard is a huge, critical part of those plans. Our plans.

Under Palladium’s new policy of “say less, make no promises, nor predictions for release dates,” none of us can discuss our plans with you, but you will be pleased. And that’s an understatement.

We may not appear to be moving quickly, but there is a lot more happening below the surface and behind the scenes than you know. Stuff we dare not talk about yet. We are keeping mum, not just to avoid over-promising, but also for strategic business reasons. We don’t want to tip our hand too soon.

Suffice it to say that while much of the industry seems to be in a state of consternation, with many companies cutting back and laying off people, Palladium is geared up to grow and expand. That has a lot to do with what we have been quietly working toward as we rebuild our foundation. We have been listening to you and plotting and planning for Palladium’s rebirth for years now. Sean is as passionate and knowledgeable about Palladium and RPGs as I am. He understands and cherishes the Palladium legacy and our fans as much as I do, plus he is a hell of a writer and game designer. We see eye to eye on most things and work phenomenally well together. We both work toward a new era of greatness for Palladium that will carry us to new heights without ever kicking our wonderful and loyal fans to the curb. You are our friends and extended family, and you are valued, perhaps more than you realize.

As always, we can’t do this alone. We’ll need your support on many levels. You have our back and we’ll have yours. Palladium’s company culture is one of friendship and family, fun and creativity. You are genuinely our extended family. Sure, we need to make money to keep running and give you the games you desire, but you and your needs are always foremost in our minds. Many companies give lip service to how much their fans mean to them, but at Palladium it’s true. Our commitment to you has been on full display for decades. It’s evident in the quality of our books, our efforts to contain rising prices, the Palladium Surprise Packages, the Palladium Open Houses, and our openness with our customers. Ask those who have met any of us in person here, on site, or at conventions, and they will tell you how grounded, welcoming, and friendly we are. We have never forgotten our humble roots. We remain gamers who love the hobby just like you. We don’t see ourselves as elitists or celebrities or corporate. That’s why we know what you love and want. Remember, that while we cannot talk about all of our plans in detail, we listen, we hear you, and we know what you love and want because we are you.

Watch and enjoy what’s coming in the months and years ahead. As we continue to build our financial resources, core staff, and freelancers, you’ll see more products released and more positive changes. As we have already stated, our first goal is to give you many of the products you have been waiting for over the years. We are pushing the envelope and aiming to wow you with every single one of them (think Rifts® Coalition Manhunters, Creature Feature, The Rifter® #85, and the upcoming Titan Robotics releases). Ah, but this is just the very tip of the creative iceberg. We so want to tell you about some of the things coming this year, but you’ll see them when they are released. All we ask is that you support our endeavors and spread the word about Palladium Books, its games, and the things you love about them.

Please stay positive, hang tough, and know that Palladium has your back. We are not going anywhere, except up. That’s why Sean is here. He and I share the same values and ideals about RPGs in general, and Palladium Books specifically. We are a company that is truly run by gamers for gamers! We intend to remain a privately held company devoted to the kind of role-playing, storytelling, and world building you know and love and expect from us. Count on it. Then we are going to take everything to new levels that will wow and thrill you. That’s why Sean and I continue to turn down offers to merge with big companies worth billions of dollars, because we don’t want to answer to a shadowy corporate master who cares only about profits, not people. We are confident in our abilities, we know what you want, we know where we want to take Palladium and our games, and we plan to continue to give you games that inflame your imaginations and provide a Megaverse® of endless adventure. Yep, Palladium is a company that is truly run by gamers for gamers. That’s Palladium Books. It’s who we are. It’s who we’ve always been and hopefully, always will be. In next week’s Update, Sean hopes to write more on this topic, so stay tuned.

A last reminder – only 5 days left to snag yourself a Christmas Surprise Package – $100+ worth of product for $58 plus shipping – offer ends after midnight, next Tuesday, January 17. Please spread the word. Enjoy more fan Surprise Package comments found below. Have a great weekend and game on.

– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher, Friend, & Surrogate Santa Claus

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.

K.O. in Farmington, Missouri, writes: Rifts® is king, for sure, but Nightbane® will always be my Number One love. Palladium Fantasy RPG® is slowly grabbing my attention. Still the coolest company in the biz, still the most awesome holiday offer out there. Never stop being amazing, guys!

[Thank you, K.O., for the kind words. We listen to our fans and always try to make every book and Surprise Package special. Delighted you think we are nailing it. More good fun is coming your way throughout the new year. – Kevin]

W.M. in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, writes: I enjoyed my last 3 packages so much, I’m buying a 4th. Shipping may be crazy expensive, but this deal makes it worth it, indeed.

[W.M., we are happy to help our Canadian friends get our products whenever we can. Enjoy and happy New Year. – Kevin]

M.S. in Lawrenceville, Georgia, writes: Looking forward to a new year and lots of new games to play. I grew up with many games, but Palladium really made me love the hobby and grow into the role of G.M. Your imagination and world building really inspired me and helped me to craft stories and adventures we still talk about decades later. Thanks for sharing your creativity with the rest of us and helping us grow!

[Thank you for the humbling and heartfelt praise, M.S. It is an honor and a privilege to share my imagination and inspire others. Game on and Happy New Year. – Kevin]

L.S. in Anchorage, Alaska, writes: Still collecting and playing these games, over 30 years now. My kids are starting to get into it, and watching them delve into imagination is amazing. You guys kick ass and I can’t thank you enough for what you do! Any signatures or random things dropped into the box would be amazing and always appreciated. I still have random notes from Kevin from gift boxes I’ve ordered years ago.

[Hi, L.S. We loved to hear that you’ve enjoyed our games for decades and are now enjoying seeing your kids get into role-playing. You are right, kids of most ages take to role-playing like ducks to water. Enjoy and keep all those imaginations burning bright. – Kevin]

W.F. in Grovetown, Georgia, writes: I have loved your games since I was 14. Thank you for these [Surprise Packages], I love all the custom signatures and everything. I don’t think any other game studio does this.

[You are welcome, W.F. and correct, there is no other game company that does anything like the Surprise Packages. You guys and gals are part of our extended family, we like you, and appreciate your support. Christmas is a special time for me so the Surprise Packages are our way of giving back to our fellow gamers and hopefully make the holidays a little more fun. Happy New Year! – Kevin]

J.H. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, writes: Thank you. Your books have been a truly wonderful thing to have been exposed to over the last 15 years and I thank you for them.

[J.H., thank you for the high praise. It is our honor and privilege to create worlds of wonder for you and gamers around the world. Game on. – Kevin]

E.S. in Tacoma, Washington, writes: Dear Santa Kevin, I just wanted to say that I LOVE Palladium’s games, Rifts® in particular. This will be my third year taking advantage of this killer deal, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for me. In my box, I’d love to see a Rifts® book that includes support vehicles like Triax and the NGR has in it. Besides that, anything Rifts® related would be awesome, and that includes minis or prints.

[E.S., we are thrilled that you are having such a great time with Rifts®. Enjoy the books. Ho, ho, ho. – Kevin and Crew]

S.B. in Chesapeake, Virginia, writes: Merry Christmas, happy holidays, happy New Year. My first grandson arrived in June and I’m excited to teach him how to role-play when he’s older. My 12 year old has been joining in lately and I love her imagination. My husband and I like to borrow elements from multiple game settings and combine them rather than focus on one in particular. Favorites: Rifts®, Palladium Fantasy, After the Bomb® and Beyond the Supernatural.

[Thanks, S.B., from one big kid to another, you are most welcome. Keep the family gaming going strong. – Kevin]

J.M.C. in Huntsville, Texas, writes: Favorites: Rifts®, After the Bomb®, Chaos Earth®, and Beyond the Supernatural. So excited to see another chance at the Christmas Surprise Package! Did not expect another chance this soon. More Beyond the Supernatural and Nightbane®. Looking forward to never running out of new material to read from you folks!

[That’s the plan J.M.C., we hope to be producing high quality games and new worlds of adventure for decades to come. Enjoy your second Surprise Package. – 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.

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