ONE GAME SYSTEM – EVERY GENRE – COUNTLESS WORLDS – ENDLESS ADVENTURE

BY KEVIN SIEMBIEDA

2 Weeks Till Christmas – Palladium Books® Weekly Update – December 5, 2024

I hope everyone enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving Day and a long weekend. This is our busy season especially with Palladium’s super Black Friday thru Cyber-Wednesday sale that just ended last night. Whew, warehouse-master Caleb and I actually put in 5 hours of work Thanksgiving morning. Alex joined us to work through the entire weekend.

Please keep the orders coming, because we love making gamers happy with our famous Christmas Surprise Package offer – the absolute best deal in gaming. With this being Caleb’s first holiday season at Palladium Books (he’s the new guy), he actually finds the deluge of orders exciting. And like the rest of us, he enjoys reading all the nice comments that come along with many of the Surprise Package orders. It’s exciting to see so many people who love our books so much. We all work in a particular area of the warehouse where we chat and make jokes, and seeing so many orders being pulled, packaged, and shipped is exciting. Yes, we get an adrenaline rush from your orders and kind words. We love making gamers around the world happy, so please spread the word about the Surprise Package deal and keep the orders coming.

A different sale – Kevin’s Toys, Art and Collectibles SALE – Ends December 11. This is my (Kevin Siembieda’s) Ebay store where I am selling off items from my vast collection of games, toys, prints, and art. Negatives are on sale at half price. I also offer a selection of toys (Star Wars, Marvel and DC superheroes, Nightmare Before Christmas, etc.), Halloween masks, Palladium collectibles, proofreader copies, hardcover Printer Proofs, and more, all on sale at the moment, at various discounts through December 11. Alex and I will try to add new collectibles, negatives, and items, but we are so swamped. Check it out at: http://stores.ebay.com/kevinstoys-artandcollectibles

NOTE: Getting orders in time for Christmas without paying extra for express shipping requires you to have placed your order no later than December 15 – sooner is better! That applies to most methods of shipping EXCEPT Media Mail. Using Media Mail from this point forward there is only a 50/50 chance of getting the package in time for Christmas. Please see our detailed Holiday Shipping Guideline elsewhere in this Update.

News! TMNT & Other Strangeness Pre-Order Store. There is now a link on the front page of the Palladium website to the TMNT & Other Strangeness Pre-Order Store (as well as below). Please note that these products will not ship until 2025. The advantage to placing your pre-order before March 2025 is that you will get the items at the lower Kickstarter price. For example, you save $10 on each of the two color cover volumes of the two main books, because the final retail price will be higher than the current Kickstarter price. Moreover, Sean Owen Roberson has outdone himself on the Redux editions. Clear and concise rules clarifications, new and helpful tables and charts, sweet layout, gorgeous color art, and so much more.

COMING Soon! The Valley of the Pharoahs RPG! Waaaay back when, Palladium Books published the Valley of Pharaohs RPG as a box game. Well, 40 years later, I gave the author, my pal Matthew Balent (best known for Weapons & Armor, Weapons & Castles, Weapons & Castles of the Orient, etc.), permission to reuse my artwork in his brand new, vastly expanded redux edition of the original game. It is a big 200+ page RPG. (The original was only 64 or 96 pages plus a dozen maps and diagrams.) I can’t wait to see it. I have purchased a few dozen of the softcover and hardcover editions to put up in the Palladium online store to help support my dear and long-time friend’s efforts and because I know some of you will want to buy a copy. I think the softcover edition will arrive in a couple weeks. Not sure when the hardcover will arrive.

News! Palladium Books® YouTube Channel offers the Official History of Palladium Books – Here’s what you can expect:

• Kevin Siembieda’s career as an artist

• The Origins of the Palladium System

• The Mechanoid Trilogy

• December 5 – Palladium’s Weapons & Armor series

• December 19 – Palladium Fantasy RPG

• January Week One – A Tale of the Defilers (stories about Kevin’s legendary Palladium of Desires fantasy campaign that inspired him to start Palladium Books).

• With much more to follow! A new episode goes up every other week with the occasional bonus episode in between. Many more chats are coming. Each one a friendly and candid conversation that people are loving. J-M Defoggi and I, Kevin Siembieda, reveal the origins and inside story behind the creation of your favorite Palladium role-playing games and sourcebooks. Presented in rough chronological order.

News! The Glitterbois podcasts – I know gamers are loving the Glitterbois’ podcasts (and Palladium’s YouTube videos, and our chats on Legion of Myth) because so many of you are telling us how much fun they are and that you want more. They talk about all things Palladium Books and include chats with me (Kevin Siembieda) about the origins and history of Palladium Books, my thought process behind Palladium’s many game lines and specific book titles, and other fun topics. These podcasts always cover additional details and memories about Palladium’s history and iconic games than Palladium’s official YouTube material. More fun conversations are coming.

News! What’s hot at Palladium this week – Hmmm, pretty much everything thanks to the big Black Friday sale that just ended and the Surprise Package offer, but we are suddenly seeing renewed interest in Chaos Earth®, Heroes Unlimited, Ninjas & Superspies, After the Bomb® RPG and sourcebooks, Dead Reign® (Zombies), Systems Failure RPG, and of course, lots of Rifts® and Palladium Fantasy® sales. It’s funny how all of a sudden we’ll see a particular series pick up steam in a certain week for no particular reason of which we are aware. Thank you for your wonderful support and keep the orders coming. Remember, to get your Christmas Surprise Package in time for the holidays, you need to order so soon!

Only 2 Weeks Till Christmas to get Palladium’s Christmas Surprise Package offer – sale ENDS December 24

Don’t miss out on truly the best deal in gaming and remember you need to allow at least 3-5 days for shipping to get any package in time for Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah – do not delay!

$100+ worth of goodies (often more) for $60 (plus shipping). Books are signed if you want them to be. It is just 2½ weeks till Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah! Less when you account for the time to process and ship orders, so this weekend and the next are the perfect time to order yours in time for the holidays without having to pay for an express delivery. The Surprise Package Offer ends December 24, 2024.

A great gift for any holiday, birthdays, anniversaries, or a nice treat for yourself (you deserve it!), or a way to try new settings, and fill your collection. After these past four crazy years, you deserve to do something nice for yourself and your gaming pals. The Surprise Package Offer gets you physical game books at PDF prices, and we will sign them if you would like us to. See what other fans are saying in the comment section, below. Enjoy and happy holidays.

You get a ton of stuff on the cheap, you can get a bunch of autographs (if you want ‘em), and you look like you spent a fortune. This is also a great way to try that game setting you’ve wondered about – Splicers®, Dead Reign®, Chaos Earth®, Palladium Fantasy®, Nightbane®, Systems Failure, Mechanoid Invasion®, Rifts®, After the Bomb®, etc. – or to get something for your favorite Game Master. Or perhaps, to get your player group to consider a new game or setting.

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.

Shipping Guidelines – Only 2 weeks to Christmas – order now

Whether you are buying a Surprise Package or a regular order, if you need it in time for Christmas, please order sooner than later to avoid needing to pay for express service or the package not arriving in time for Christmas. Take comfort in your gifts arriving before December 25 with these key ship-by dates. The closer you get to Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah, the more we recommend UPS as the most reliable method of shipping.

- United States Postal Service: Media Mail – December 9th so order NOW! Media Mail is a low priority mail service so orders placed after December 9th cannot be assured of delivery in time for Christmas; they may or may not. Last year, mail delivery was very good, but we cannot guarantee delivery in time for Christmas when you use Media Mail after December 9th. Moreover, YOU assume ALL risk when you ship via Media Mail. If an order arrives late, goes missing, or is damaged in transit, it will NOT be replaced by Palladium Books.

- United States Postal Service (in USA): Ground Advantage – December 17th.

- United States Postal Service (in USA): Priority Mail – December 18th.

- United States Postal Service (in USA): Priority Mail EXPRESS (expensive) – December 19th.

- UPS Ground (anywhere in the contiguous USA) – December 15. Last year, UPS was astonishing in its speed and accuracy of shipping. After that date, all bets are off.

- UPS 3-Day Select – December 17th, but you will pay for expedited shipping.

- UPS 2nd Day Air – December 18th, but you will pay for expedited shipping.

- UPS Next Day Air – December 19th (to arrive December 24, Christmas Eve) – Palladium Needs that order submitted by December 19th, so we can pack and ship it December 20th to arrive Monday, Christmas Eve, but please don’t cut it that close or pay such a high price for expedited shipping.

- No shipments to Canada! – Until the Canadian postal workers end the strike, we cannot ship to Canada. Moreover, orders shipped just prior to the strike may be sitting in limbo.

- To our friends overseas – December 5 with no guarantee that the package will arrive by Christmas. Even NOW, we cannot guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. Your package should arrive in time, but if there are delays at Customs, work strikes, bad weather, etc., it might miss. Order as soon as possible. Note: Right now, we are finding overseas packages are taking 15-30 days to arrive, sometimes longer! Cost Saver: A Surprise Package mitigates overseas shipping costs – take advantage of this while you can. It is, in effect, the equivalent of getting the books you want at retail, plus autographs, and paying the equivalent of only $20-$40 for overseas shipping! MANY overseas customers take advantage of the Surprise Packages for this reason! And it is likely the ONLY way for you to get autographs. Give it a try, we don’t think you will be disappointed.

- Any orders placed after these dates may arrive in time for Christmas but we cannot guarantee it AND you should assume they will NOT arrive in time for Christmas. Please spread the word and place those orders as soon as you can. Ho, ho, ho and happy holidays.

- 2024 Shipping Note: Please make sure your address is complete and correct! As always, at Palladium, we will be working overtime and doing everything we can to process orders as fast as possible to get them to you for the holidays. However, after the package leaves the Palladium warehouse, delivery is out of our hands. As we get closer to Christmas, UPS Ground and Priority Mail will be your most reliable and timely methods of shipping. Thank you for your understanding.

NEW – 3 Notebook & Pen Sets

If you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer or a fun practical gift, we have three for you.

NEW! Rifts® Unleash Your Imagination Blue Notebook & Pen Set

• Black ink pen with comfortable, “soft touch” finish.

• Matching 80 page, ruled paper notepad with matching color ribbon bookmark.

• Pocket-size 3 ½ by 5 ½ inches to slip nicely into a back pocket or purse.

• $9.99 per set – Cat. No. 2618 – available now.

NEW! Palladium Books® Live the Fantasy Black Notebook & Pen Set

• Black ink pen with comfortable, “soft touch” finish.

• Matching 80 page, ruled paper notepad with matching color ribbon bookmark.

• Pocket-size 3 ½ by 5 ½ inches to slip nicely into a back pocket or purse.

• $9.99 per set – Cat. No. 2619 – available now.

New! Heroes Unlimited™ Unleash Your Power Red Notebook & Pen Set

• Black ink pen with comfortable, “soft touch” finish.

• Matching 80 page, ruled paper notepad with matching color ribbon bookmark.

• Pocket-size 3 ½ by 5 ½ inches to slip nicely into a back pocket or purse.

• $9.99 per set – Cat. No. 2620 – available now.

NEW! Nightbane^® Automated Character Sheet

Now available on DriveThruRPG.com – The Nightbane Automated Character Sheet follows a similar format as the popular Rifts® Automated Character Sheet designed by Greg Diaczyk.

• Microsoft Excel-based system for creating, updating, and tracking your Nightbane RPG characters quickly and easily. Once you know the system, you can have characters up and ready in 10-15 minutes!

• Create your human Facade and Nightbane Morphus in minutes.

• Offers a vast range of Morphus choices.

• Select from scores of Common and Elite Nightbane Talents.

• Spells, psionics, and more.

• $5.00 – Available now on DriveThruRPG.com and coming soon on PalladiumBooks.com – Created by Greg Diaczyk.

300+ RPG products on DriveThru – a dozen unique world settings – one game system – endless possibilities. No other game company offers game worlds for so many different genres. Best of all, learn to 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!

In addition to PDF titles for entire game lines like Rifts®, Palladium Fantasy®, Heroes Unlimited™, Ninjas & Superspies™, After the Bomb®, Beyond the Supernatural™, Dead Reign® (zombies), Nightbane® (Urban Fantasy), Rifts Chaos Earth®, Systems Failure™, Splicers®, RECON®, The Rifter® #1-85, and others, there are Game Master and player aids, character generators, paper minis, map packs, and FREE Previews of books like Creature Feature™, Dead Reign, Coalition Manhunters, Titan Robotics™, Rifts Bestiary Volume One, World Books, Dimension Books, and more to give you a glimpse of what’s in the book. Enjoy endless adventures across the Megaverse®.

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

I am adding new collectibles of all kinds to my Ebay store in time for the holiday season. Some are Palladium negatives, rare and out of print books, original Palladium artwork, prints, posters, as well as other collectible toys, action figures, Nightmare Before Christmas items, one-of-a-kind proofreader copies, books, and other good stuff – including Erick Wujcik’s rare and sought after Amberzine #12-15. Check in every week or so to see what’s new. All items come from Kevin Siembieda’s personal collection.

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.

• Each negative 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 is signed in silver ink by Kevin Siembieda and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

• Each 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).

• Looks great matted or framed! Fits an 8x10 inch matt opening. Each neg is roughly 8 ½ 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. The negatives of many books are sold out or were never available.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

A special thank you to our fans

I want to thank all of you who love and support not just Palladium Books, but me and the Palladium crew. We have gotten numerous emails and Surprise Package comments that are generous, sweet, and heartwarming. Many have offered condolences regarding the passing of my beautiful Kathy Simmons and encourage me to stay the course. There have also been countless holiday greetings, warm wishes, and wonderful stories and comments about how much our games, and my writing in particular, mean to people.

We appreciate every one of these friendly and kind correspondences. It’s beautiful to know how much our games have meant to you, inspired you, and helped so many of you in various and mindboggling ways. Sean and I and the entire Palladium staff see that as a miracle and a blessing. Not many people get to make a difference in this crazy world let alone bring so many people so much joy. If that’s not a miracle, I don’t know what is. For me it’s amazing, humbling, and pure magic – a wondrous gift that makes me proud and fills me with joy and more ideas that I want to share with you as RPG books. We have so many new games and sourcebooks planned for you in the years ahead. Some of which you’ll begin to see in 2025.

Many of you are only recently learning about the unexpected death of Kathy Simmons this March (sudden heart attack). She was dear to everyone at Palladium, not just me, so her passing affected everyone deeply. We all appreciate your kind words of condolence and fond memories of her. There is no reason to apologize for only now reaching out to us, because she is on our minds and missed every single day. Besides, your thoughts and prayers are always welcomed anytime and in the future.

I won’t lie to you, losing Kathy was devastating to me, her family, and the guys, but we are getting through it as best we can. Kathy was my life partner and best friend, so her absence this holiday season is rough, but I have amazing friends, like you, to help me through it. To quote the singer Jelly Roll, “I’m not okay, but I’ll be alright.” We all emotionally heal a little bit more every day. Thankfully, Kathy was so sweet and caring that my memories of her are joyful and funny. We made each other laugh all the time. In fact, it’s the little things that make me smile (and miss her) most. But as another dear, departed friend, Erick Wujcik, would always say, “It’s all good.”

I’m mentioning this, because I want you to know that your kind words and support of me, the guys, and Palladium Books not only matter, but are noticed and deeply appreciated. They make a difference in our lives and help us get through difficult days. Thank you, each and every one of you.

Now fire up your imaginations and start a game soon. Don’t forget to snag a Surprise Package or one of our new logo T-shirts, matching mugs, or cool notebook & pen sets. Most importantly, let the people you care about know how much they mean to you. A card, a phone call, an email or text message means more than you may imagine. Otherwise, be silly, be happy, be thankful, and hold the people and things that bring you joy close, especially during the holidays. And know that we appreciate you and wish you the very best from Palladiumville, located south of Christmas Town and across from Halloween Town. Ho, ho, ho.

– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher, Game Designer, Friend, and Surrogate Santa

Surprise Package Comments from fans like you

Every year we like to post a selection of the comments we get from Surprise Package customers. It’s a nice acknowledgement and thank you to them (you know who you are) and you enjoy reading them. I read each and every comment that comes in the Surprise Packages, and they always brighten our day. We all appreciate your kind words, suggestions, and insights. In fact, the idea to do hardcover editions of core rule books came from fan comments in the Grab Bags. We get a lot so we can only 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 your day to day grind and worries. Use them to bring a little joy, laughter, and adventure to the holiday season and beyond.

Your comments and support mean the world to all of us. Thank you for making us smile and feel valued. As always, I have tried to write a short response [in brackets] to each comment. Happy holidays.

– Kevin Siembieda (and the Palladium Crew)

J.J. in San Antonio, Texas, writes: Favorites: Rifts® and Chaos Earth®. Thanks so much for the last Surprise Package. It was so much more than I was expecting.

[You are very welcome, J.J., we aim to please. This is our way of saying thank you to our fans and bringing some Christmas cheer to our gaming community. Happy Holidays. - Kevin]

J.C. in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, writes: I haven’t found a game you guys make that I haven’t enjoyed. I’d have to say my top favorites are a three way tie between Palladium Fantasy, Heroes Unlimited, and Rifts®. Keep making games!

[I love it, J.C., and we will keep making great games for as long as we can. – Kevin]

M.R. in Mission, Kansas, writes: I buy a Christmas Surprise Package every year as a Christmas gift to myself. I have been reading the content for over 20 years. Even though I play other game systems with friends, Palladium’s writing, content, setting, and commitment to a quality product is second to none. Thanks for all you do. Merry Christmas.

[Merry Christmas and happy new year to you, M.R., I hope the Surprise Package makes you smile. We appreciate your support all these years. – Kevin]

S.S. in Bend, Oregon, writes: Thank you again for these Surprise Packages. The Surprise Packages have been a great way for me to rebuild my collection. Cheers.

[The Surprise Package are great for many things, S.S., rebuilding collections, replacing worn out books, trying a new setting, a treat for yourself, and, of course, as gifts for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and any gift-giving occasion. Enjoy and happy holidays. – Kevin]

M.H. in Redondo Beach, California, writes: As a permanent G.M. of Palladium Fantasy for over 30 years, I just love Palladium Books. My old group of buddies are searching for the chalices of Dragonwright as we speak! Looking forward to the future for Fantasy. Hoping for some surprises with future books! Kevin and Sean and the team, you guys rock. Happy holidays!

[Thank you, M.H., we appreciate your kind words. Fear not, we have big plans and cool surprises coming for Palladium Fantasy over the next several years. Bwahaha. Um, I mean, good stuff is coming. Happy holidays. – Kevin]

S.C. in Mesa, Arizona, writes: Favorites: Rifts® and Heroes Unlimited. Thank you all for making such awesome RPGs. Keep up the good work and I look forward to what’s to come.

[Will do, S.C., and we have some amazing stuff that is coming, not the least of which includes Yin-Sloth Expeditions, Rifts® Bestiary Vol. 2, Rifts® Antarctica, and so much more! Merry Christmas and happy new year. - Kevin]

B.W. in Chandler, Arizona, writes (in part): And here we are for Surprise Package #3. Thank you for everything so far. I am far behind in reading everything, but I love getting the new books and flipping through all of the great art and tasting the amazing creativity running through them by reading random bits that catch my interest.

[Welcome back for Grab Bag number three, B.W., glad you’re loving everything being sent your way. We aim to please. – Kevin]

A.W. in Brownville, Texas, writes (in part): I am rebuilding my Rifts® collection from 27 years ago. Rifts® has always been my favorite setting and has influenced my gaming from teenage years. Kevin (and your team), your lore and imagination and tenacity for this industry and what could be, helped to spark mine and has helped me to push my storytelling with friends to amazing places and life long relationships ... I can’t imagine my life without RPG’s, and you helped shape this industry then and today.

[A.W., wow, thank you for your generous and humbling words of praise. I love what I do, and I do it with people I love, and it is that passion that takes our games to the next level. We love the world building and role-playing in these games and enjoy pushing the envelope to inspire you and others. Sean and I greatly appreciate your recognition of Palladium’s role in helping to shape the RPG (and videogame) industry with our storytelling, lore, and art. Please keep your imagination burning bright and game on. – Kevin]

S.M.H. in Springfield, Virginia, writes (in part): Favorites: Rifts® and Heroes Unlimited. Totally loving Kevin’s interview series on the Glitterbois podcast and cannot wait for the TMNT Kickstarter to ship.

[S.M.H., we can’t wait to ship the TMNT Kickstarter items either. The Fanroll dice are at the printer, everything else is getting wrapped up. Folks seem to be enjoying all the interview series we are doing: the Glitterbois, Legion of Myth, and the video chats on the Palladium Books YouTube channel. - Kevin]

M.B. in Enoch, Utah, writes: Love what you guys do. Been playing Palladium for years. By far the most immersive system I’ve played. Keep up the good work. Love listening to Kevin on Legion of Myth.

[Thanks, M.B. for the kind words and all the love. That works out well because we love making the games you love. I’m enjoying talking about the creative process and the history of Palladium Books. Game on. - Kevin]

R.O. in Wichita, Kansas, writes (in part): It’s been a pleasure running Rifts® games for years now ... I recently had my Rifts Group travel to Chaos Earth and fight the Millenium Bugs from Systems Failure ...

[What a great idea, R.O., very cool. That’s the beauty of the Palladium Megaversal system, you can weave and blend anything and everything. I love it. Happy holidays! – Kevin]