Palladium Books® Weekly Update – August 2, 2012

By Kevin Siembieda

Rifts® Northern Gun TWO Crowdfunding is over and another success

Approximately 284 people participated in this crowdfunding for a total of $23,535.00 in sales. Our goal was $18,000, so we are very happy. Both numbers may go up slightly as there are still a small handful of orders that haven’t gone through yet. We’ll be notifying those people there is a problem finalizing their order and try to work things out.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support in this and the previous two Megaverse® Insider crowdfunding events. Crowdfunding helps Palladium to cover the cost of producing that specific book. Money raised beyond our goal enables us to develop other titles, do more reprints, advertising, reduce our debt load, and engage in other efforts to make Palladium strong. All of which we’ve been doing with wonderful results. I also want to thank everyone who regularly buys our books and spreads the excitement about them and the company. Without you, there would be no Palladium Books.

UPDATE: Rifts® Black Market

Rifts® Black Market did not get to the printer on Monday as we had hoped. I’m working on finishing up the last 32 pages today and it will go to the printer tomorrow. The covers and first 160 pages are completely laid out, proofread and finished. I’m finishing up the Robots and TW sections and then this bad boy is done.

As I’ve been saying, Rifts® Black Market is truly epic and absolutely jam-packed with a vast range of new source material that will knock your socks off. Julius’ comment after proofreading three-quarters of Rifts® Black Market was, “Wow, I knew this was going to be a good book, but this is really something. There’s a lot of material I never even considered.” That’s because we are pushing the envelope to make every new book special and dazzling. My goal is to open up new avenues of adventure you haven’t considered before and to give you the tools to bring those adventures to life. The Black Market info and the Five Factions – epic. And wait till you see the 28 weapons, unique vehicles and gear like the Shadow Boy, Ironmage™, and Mega-Rex™. My latest Murmur from the Megaverse® offers some other tidbits of what you can expect.

UPDATE: Rifts® Black Market Sneak Preview available on DriveThruRPG.com by the weekend

Wayne will have the FREE Rifts® Black Market Sneak Preview up on DriveThruRPG.com sometime over the weekend. Meanwhile, activity at this site has remained strong. This is your place to get PDFs of older product and sneak previews of upcoming books. Many back issues of The Rifter® are available on DriveThruRPG.com (issues #1-52), as are more than 90 out of print titles such as Rifts®, BTS™ and Palladium Fantasy® first edition rule books and sourcebooks. A sneak preview of Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook should also be coming soon. We plan to add a few more items in the coming months that should please Palladium gamers. We are also planning to move forward with PDF only editions of The Rifter® #0.1 and The Rifter® #0.2 – both are big, juicy digital editions of new, fan created material for the Palladium Megaverse® of games.

Don’t forget, DriveThruRPG.com also offers the Rifts® and Palladium Fantasy® Game Master Kits (both written by Carl Gleba and complete with maps, combat matrix, character sheets, spell list, and 20 pre-rolled characters created by Julius Rosenstein; $5 each). Of course, there are FREE Sneak Previews of Endless Dead™, Rifts® Lemuria, Rifts® Vampire Kingdoms™, and Thundercloud Galaxy™, as well as 90+ out of print titles, including back issues of The Rifter®, and first edition rule books for Rifts®, Palladium Fantasy RPG®, Heroes Unlimited™, The Mechanoid Invasion® Trilogy, and lots of other good things. ALL available as PDF downloads at reasonable prices. And there is MORE to come.

You can hear from me EVERY day now!

I started posting updates and info every day as a Murmur from the Megaverse® last weekend and throughout the week. It’s just something that happened, and people are loving it. As a result, I will try to continue to post something EVERY darn morning! I always link to my Murmurs on the Palladium Books Facebook Page and while I’m there I try to make a few comments on various threads and topics, so you’re getting a daily double dose of me. See what you’ve done, now? I hope you continue to enjoy the happenings at Palladium Books in my words and with my observations and commentary.

Gen Con® Indy – two weeks away – August 15-19

Hey, not only can you hear from me every day, but you can talk with me and other Palladium luminaries at Gen Con Indy. Drop by to say hello, meet some of the artists and writers, pick up product, new and old, and get autographs.

This year’s line-up of Palladium creators at the booth includes:

UPDATE: Online Sales

With the Rifts® Northern Gun™ TWO Crowdfunding running through Monday, online sales were spectacular. Hopefully with Rifts® Black Market being released in a few weeks, and so many out of stock titles back in print, sales will remain strong. I’m positive.

UPDATE: Other releases

As I said in the last Weekly Update, the delay of one book delays everything to follow, so all of our releases are knocked out of whack. And Gen Con, though we are looking forward to it, won’t help our release schedule blues.

Know this: First, everyone at Palladium has been working long, hard hours, seven days a week to get these books finished. Second, these are not your average sourcebooks. They are filled with big concepts, new ideas, epic content and outstanding artwork and writing. Third, this commitment to quality is going to cause delays. Four, I promise the following books will be released over the next five months.

I had plans for other titles, but let’s get serious, that’s a lot of work. They are all big, dynamic books. Plus, I still hope to get Rifts®/Minion War™: Megaverse® in Flames™ out this year. That means titles for Robotech®, Splicers®, Palladium Fantasy®, and Beyond the Supernatural™ in the first half of 2013. Stay frosty, keep the faith and if we can get more books out, we will. I hope you understand.

Your favorite books back in print. And let’s not overlook the accomplishment of getting so many old favorites back in print this year so far. And there are more to come.

UPDATE: Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook

I still plan to dive into Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook the second I finish Rifts® Black Market, but it will not go to the printer till after Gen Con, making it a September release. This is another book that is going to surprise and please Rifts® fans, and may get expanded in size.

UPDATE: Rifts® Northern Gun One and Two

They are next. And they will wow you.

UPDATE: Kevin’s Online Toy & Collectibles Store – selling like crazy

You keep buying and we’ll try to keep tossing items up on this store. Of course, I am finally starting to run out of items I had tucked away, and that includes Palladium Collectibles like the Rifts® Machinations of Doom Gold hardcover, Rifts® RPG Silver hardcovers, BTS Gold, Rifts® Ultimate Gold, Erick Wujcik’s Amberzines, and other items, all of which I have only a dozen or fewer to offer. That’s why we continue to dole them out one at a time. I have been putting up copies of the two Rifts® Lemuria hardcovers as well. These are super-limited and the books in the store are part of the approximately 200 copies printed for each of these books. If you recall, Palladium prints 48 extra of the color cover edition and 24 of the foil collector’s edition. Staff and friends got a few, and what’s left we’ve been putting up in the store and making available in charity auctions. Once they are sold out, they are GONE! Other collectibles include first printings of books, signed books, proofreader copies of books, original artwork, and other collectible odds and ends.

There are also a large number of collectible toys and action figures in my online store. All are from my personal collection. More toys and collectibles are added on a weekly basis.

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

There may be a few other things I should cover, but I want Rifts® Black Market finished and off to the printer. I was so into the writing this afternoon that I almost forgot to write this week’s Update. Have a great weekend. I think after I’m done with Rifts® Black Market, I’ll collapse and take the weekend off. Yeah, and go see the Batman movie. Sounds nice. Game on!

– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher

The Rifter #59

NEW! The Rifter® #59 – Available now

The Rifter® Number 59 examines the deadly, the weird and the magical. Much of the material is suitable for use in multiple settings or easy to adapt. Enjoy.

The Rifter® #59 includes:

Rifts Dice Bag - Black

Rifts® Dice Bag

– Back in print – Available now

Everyone at Palladium has a Rifts® Dice Bag, shouldn’t you? It is a good size, sturdy, drawstring bag made of imitation black velvet emblazoned with the famous Rifts® logo in gold.

Rifts Black Market

Rifts® Black Market – A 192 page Rifts® Sourcebook

Rifts® Black Market™ is an epic, 192 page sourcebook that contains a wealth of information about the inner workings of the Black Market, the Five Factions, new Bandito Arms/Black Market weapons and gear, how to make any O.C.C. a Black Marketeer, special abilities of the Black Marketeer, criminal enterprises, Black Market loans, merc and crime jobs, and much more. This book has it all. AND best of all, a lot of it can be easily adapted to just about any world setting, not just Rifts Earth.

Rifts Vampires Sourcebook

Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook

In final production right now. Unknown to most humans, deep within Mexico the vampires have established entire kingdoms. There they live like tyrants and gods, dominating an underclass of cattle people used as slaves and food stock. Learn more about the vampires, their rivals, allies and the humans who willingly serve their supernatural masters for a chance to join the undead. A must-have guide for those who wish to travel deeper into the Vampire Kingdoms or play as vampires and their human minions.

Rifts Northern Gun One

Rifts® World Book 33: Northern Gun One – New

Northern Gun™ is the largest independent manufacturer of high-tech weapons, robots and vehicles in North America. Outside of the Coalition States, one could argue, no other kingdom is as powerful or influential, at least when it comes to technology and weapons. The manufacture and sale of Northern Gun weapons and vehicles has given virtually every kingdom, town, colony of settlers and adventurer group a chance to survive and prosper. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, NG has been the premier outfitter of mercenaries, adventurers and upstart kingdoms for generations. Now, for the first time ever, learn Northern Gun’s history, goals and plans for the future. Of course, that means new weapons, robots, power armor, vehicles and gear.

Rifts Northern Gun Two

Rifts® World Book 34: Northern Gun Two – New

More information about the weapons, vehicles and practices of Northern Gun, including the new rage of Robot Gladiatorial combat.

Robotech® Genesis Pits Sourcebook

An in-depth look at the Invid Genesis Pits, their purpose, function and the creatures they create.

Rifts® World Book 35: Megaverse® in Flames

The Minion War spills across Rifts Earth, where demons and infernals hope to recruit allies and use the Rifts as gateways of destruction. Their influence shakes things up across the planet, especially at locations where demons and Deevils already have a strong presence. Demons, Deevils and supernatural beings run rampant and wreak havoc across the world.

DriveThruRPG

PDF downloads from DriveThruRPG.com

This is a great resource for getting out of print Palladium titles and other select books. We’ve made 90 titles available as PDF digital downloads from DriveThruRPG.com. This is a great way to try Palladium products and get access to out of print RPG source material. Some notable titles include.

What’s next?

The following are in development:

Recent Product Releases – available now

Rifts Xiticix Invasion

Rifts® World Book 23: Xiticix Invasion

– Back in print – Available now

Earth is home to thousands of alien species from beyond the Rifts. One of the strangest and most dangerous is the Xiticix. A danger nobody seemed to realize until the sprawling Hivelands began to encroach on the territories of other people. Armed with new breeds of aggressive warriors, new weapons and legions of insectoids willing to fight to the death, people are beginning to wonder if they are the next threat to humanity.

Rifts Triax Two

Rifts® World Book 31: Triax Two

– Back in print – Available now

The war between the people of the New German Republic and the Gargoyle Empire rages on, but only the heroes of the NGR seem to be getting the upper hand. See where things stand in the year 109 P.A. and get a closer look at the NGR Army, government, society and people. This World Book also presents the latest weapons, combat vehicles, power armor and robots of the NGR as well as commercial vehicles, robot helpers, and more.

Rifts Sourcebook 2: The Mechanoids

Rifts® Sourcebook Two: The Mechanoids®

– Back in Print – Available now

Archie 3 and Hagan Lonovich are two of the most beloved villains (anti-heroes?) in the Rifts Earth setting. This sourcebook highlights their strange relationship, plots and blunders. One of which is inadvertently unleashing The Mechanoids® into the world!

The Mechanoids have one driving goal: To destroy all humanoid life! This book has it all. Source material, the Mechanoids, new equipment, monsters, adventure and cryptic prophecies.

Rifts Coalition Wars 4: Cyber-Knights

Cyber-Knights: A Rifts® Coalition Wars® Sourcebook:

– Back in Print – Available now

The Coalition’s siege on Tolkeen has had a devastating impact on people across North America. None have been more affected than the Cyber-Knights. This sourcebook reveals not only the history and secrets of the Cyber-Knights, but the schism the war has created among the fabled warriors.

Dead Reign Sourcebook 3: Endless Dead

Dead Reign Sourcebook 3: Endless Dead – Available now

Endless Dead™ is a new 96 page sourcebook that will send your Dead Reign™ campaign in new directions or add depth (and zombies). What are you waiting for? Order your copy today. And if you haven’t taken a look at the Dead Reign™ RPG yet, but love zombies, you need to give this dynamic game a try.

Other Recent Releases

New! Rifts® PencilCat. No. 2561 – 50 cents per each pencil. People love this item and often buy them in sets of 10. Enjoy.

New! Palladium Fantasy RPG® Coffee Mug – red on a black, 15.5 ounce mug – Cat. No. 2560 – $10.00.

New! Dead Reign™: “Survive or Die Trying” T-Shirt – Cat. No. 2556 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95

New! Rifts® Wilk’s Laser Technologies™ Logo T-Shirt – Cat. No. 2557 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95

New! Imagination Unleashed T-Shirt – black image on a red T-shirt – No. 2558 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95

New! Rifts® Northern Gun™ Logo T-Shirt – Cat. No. 2559 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95

Property of the Coalition™ T-Shirt – Cat. No. 2528 – price varies with size: Medium: $18.95, Large: $18.95, XL: $18.95, 2XL: $20.95, 3XL: $22.95, 4XL: $24.95, 5XL: $26.95

Back in Print – Available Now

New Rifts® Miniatures

The following new Rifts® miniatures have never before been released by Palladium Books.

MI8021 – Rifts® Shadow Beast – $12.00

MI8022 – Rifts® Mystic Knight – $6.00

MI8023 – Rifts® Lord Magus – $6.00

MI8024 – Rifts® High Magus – $6.00

MI8025 – Rifts® Coalition Psi-Stalker (new-style Dead Boy armor) – $6.00

MI8026 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy in DPM-D1 Armor – $6.00

MI8027 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy #2 (with energy rifle) – $6.00

MI8028 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy #3 (with rifle and Vibro-Knife) – $6.00

MI8029 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy #4 (German Shepherd with rifle and Vibro-Claws) – $6.00

MI8030 – Rifts® Coalition Dog Boy #5 (Bulldog with energy rifle and Vibro-Claws) – $6.00

Classic Rifts® Miniatures – Back in stock

The following favorite Rifts® miniatures are back in stock. Some, like the Glitter Boy, have sold on the collector’s market for as much as $50-$120. They are being re-released for the first time in a decade.

MI8031 – Rifts® Glitter Boy Power Armor – $20.00; this is a large, heavy figure.

MI8032 – Rifts® Glitter Boy Pilot – $6.00

MI8033 – Rifts® Kydian Overlord (Atlantis) – $20.00; this is a large, heavy figure.

MI8034 – Rifts® Dragonsaurus (Atlantis) – $10.00

MI8035 – Rifts® Slaver and Slave (Atlantis); 2 figs, no plastic bases – $10.00

MI8036 – Rifts® Crazy – $6.00

MI8037 – Rifts® Juicer #1 (with laser pistol) – $6.00

MI8038 – Rifts® Juicer #2 (with Vibro-Sword) – $6.00

MI8039 – Rifts® Cyborg #1 (with Rail Gun) – $12.00

MI8040 – Rifts® Cyborg #2 (with gun hands) – $12.00

MI8041 – Rifts® Cyborg #3 – $6.00

MI8042 – Rifts® Coalition Officer (old armor) – $6.00

MI8043 – Rifts® Coalition Grunt #1 (old armor) – $6.00

MI8044 – Rifts® Coalition Grunt #2 (old armor) – $6.00

MI8045 – Rifts® Coalition Grunt #3 (old armor) – $6.00

© Copyright 2012 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Robotech® and Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® are Registered Trademarks of Harmony Gold USA, Inc.

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