Palladium Books® Weekly Update – November 29, 2012

By Kevin Siembieda

I hope everyone in the USA enjoyed their Thanksgiving Day holiday and a nice, long weekend.

Mine was bittersweet as I learned the night before Thanksgiving that a dear friend, Kevin Lowry, died of a massive heart attack; age 50. Kevin was an all around good guy and one of the unsung heroes behind the scenes who came to Palladium’s rescue to lend us money when we needed it most. I wrote about Kevin in my November 21 Murmur, entitled My aching sad heart, so I won’t repeat it again here. Suffice it to say, the unexpected loss of Kevin Lowry was a shock and sad news, yet somehow made Thanksgiving seem so much more poignant and precious. Our heartfelt condolences to his many, many friends and family. Kevin will be missed yet remain dear to our hearts.

Worked through the weekend, though I did take some time to do a little shopping and spend time with loved ones. Everything continues to move forward on all fronts and books are going into final production.

UPDATE: Robotech® Genesis Pits Sourcebook finished!

Wayne Smith had one primary mission this week: To get Robotech Genesis Pits completely laid out and finished. As of this Weekly Update, only a few pages remain to be finished. This book is one of the biggest RPG sourcebooks for Robotech® yet, and introduces a wealth of information, characters, menaces and fuel for adventure, including new types of Invid and mutants and monsters from the Genesis Pits. If you haven’t read the updated and expanded Genesis Pits description from last week, check it out below. This book should be ready to ship around Christmas-time. We’ll give you an exact date when we hear back from the printer.

UPDATE: Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook

A few additional pieces of artwork have come in and I’ve been writing away. Still trying to get Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook done and shipped into your hands by the end of December.

UPDATE: The Rifter® #61

I’ll be assigning the art as soon as Wayne finalizes his selections. Meanwhile, artist Amy L. Ashbaugh is busy painting the cover for it even as you read this.

UPDATE: Rifts® Northern Gun One and Two

You want to get a glimpse at what’s going to be in Rifts® Northern Gun™ One? Then take a peek at the advance preview on DriveThruRPG.com. Both Rifts® Northern Gun™ books are going to be epic.

I know some folks are disappointed that these books have been delayed and delayed, but I promise, they will be worth the wait. When we originally did our Megaverse Insider crowdfunding offers we thought both books would be released within a few months. We even did one crowdfunding offer after the other because, a) that’s what many fans asked us to do (we listen and try to please), and b) we thought the books would be released very quickly. Unfortunately, we were not able to do so. Fear not, they are the next two titles after the Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook, and they are pretty far along in regard to artwork and text. Best of all, you are going to love them.

Likewise, those of you whom I owe telephone calls from the two Rifts® Northern Gun™ and Rifts® Lemuria™ crowdfunding offers, you are most definitely NOT forgotten. I will try to start making calls later in December.

I sure hope ALL of you who supported Palladium Books in these crowdfunding offers – as well as all of our many wonderful fans who support us in other ways all year long – know you are deeply appreciated and respected. You have no idea how much the crowdfunding support has helped to make Palladium stronger. Your crowdfunding support is what has made these two art-filled, high-concept titles possible to produce at the level we all want to see. Thank you, so very much. With Thanksgiving Day being last week, and with the loss of someone dear to all of us at Palladium Books, I just wanted to make sure those of you in our extended Palladium family (yes, that means you, our fans and customers) are appreciated. You are always on our minds when we create every single product and when we do special offers like the crowdfunding and Surprise Packages. That’s why I, personally, try to make every single Christmas Surprise Package special, and why we try to make the Palladium crowfunding projects fun and worthwhile. I know, the long delay is far from fun, it is frustrating to you and us, but these books are going to wow and please. I promise.

FREE Advance Preview of Rifts® Northern Gun One on DriveThruRPG.com

Rifts® Northern Gun™ One is not imaginary. It’s real and here is your chance to get a glimpse of it as an advance sneak preview.

DriveThruRPG.com is a way to get out of print and first edition RPGs as PDFs, as well as a way to preview upcoming releases and select titles before you make your purchase. Palladium’s new, FREE PDF, 48 page, color catalog is also available from DriveThruRPG.com. The print edition of the catalog (in black and white) is available upon request and dropped into most mail orders and Christmas Surprise Packages.

DriveThruRPG.com is also your place to get PDFs of older products 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 have not forgotten about the 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.

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 Rifts® Black Market, 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.

UPDATE: Online Sales

With Palladium’s annual Surprise Package offer in full swing and people making purchases for the holidays, online sales have remained strong. Keep those orders coming in and, please, take advantage of the opportunities and savings of the Christmas Surprise Package offer. We do it every year for you. Our way of showing our appreciation and saying thank you.

The best bargain of the holidays

Placing your Surprise Package order involves you sending Santa Kevin a “Wish List” of 10-12 different in-stock products and a flat payment (+ shipping and handling). I then hand-pick items from that Wish List and I may include product you didn’t ask for (hence the nickname, “X-Mas Grab Bag”), but all things I think you’ll enjoy, and we ship it all off to you. Gamers have been loving this special offer for 14 or 15 years now. Order one or several for yourself and for your gaming buddies. For the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or just to get cool stuff and signatures. Get all the information from the description in the online store.

Click here for complete details and to place your order.

Time is running out – Christmas Surprise Package offer ends December 24, 2012

The holidays are just around the corner. Time is running out to make your purchases and receive them before the holiday. This is especially true of the lowest shipping rates available, like Media Mail. It may be the least expensive, but it is also the least reliable and SLOWEST method. Keep that in mind when you place your orders for products and Christmas Surprise Packages you intend as holiday gifts. Order sooner than later!

Kevin’s Online Toy & Collectibles Store

We continue to add action figures, publications and Palladium collectibles to my online store. Take a look, there may be some items that are perfect as holiday gifts.

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

That’s all for now, I need to get back to writing books for publication.

– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher, Writer and Surrogate Santa

X-Mas Grab Bags

Surprise Package comments from fans like you

Every year there is a section where the customer can offer comments and suggestions with his or her Surprise Package order. Every year, in acknowledgment of our fans, and because they are fun to read, we offer a sampling in the Weekly Updates. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have made 2012 a very good year for Palladium. Keep those imaginations burning bright, have a joyous holiday season and game on.

Your brief comments, suggestions and support mean a lot to all of us. Everyone at Palladium enjoys reading your comments. They always brighten our day. Thank you.

T.G. in Chicago, Illinois, writes (in part): Greetings and Salutations. In this time of year we’re supposed to be thankful, and I am. I tell people in my life what they mean to me every chance I get, but since we don’t talk every day, I tell you once a year. Your games have helped me develop as a writer, and just with overall creativity. By being a G.M. in your games you have enriched my mind and spirit, and I think you deserve to hear it.

H.C. in San Jose, California, writes: Thank you everyone for supplying SO much fun! For a brief time, my friends and I get to be Veritech Pilots!! And that’s priceless. We won’t forget this.

G.E. in LaPorte, Indiana, writes: What does one buy when he owns everything Palladium puts out in print? He buys miscellaneous stuff that he can give to others to turn them into Palladium fans.

A.O. in South Grafton, Australia, writes: Sort of a “Prodigal Player.” I got into Rifts® early, wandered off and now I have a great deal of catching up to do. I am very excited about the Northern Gun books and am looking forward to them.

C.O. in Tell City, Indiana, writes: My friends and I absolutely love your games! So far we’ve played Rifts® and Heroes Unlimited. We are really into Heroes Unlimited right now. I’ve been G.M.ing it this past year and it’s been a blast! Anyways, thanks for all that you guys do and keep up the good work!

C.K. in Payson, Utah, writes: This is my second Surprise Package because the first one was so great! I am excited about all the work you guys are doing, so when my wife wanted to get me something for Christmas, I suggested we get another Surprise Package and not open it till Christmas. I am interested in artwork and unique things. Thank you guys so much, and keep up keeping it strong.

A.B. in Richardson, Texas, writes: I am a huge fan of TMNT, Mystic China/Ninjas & Superspies, Heroes Unlimited, the classic Palladium Fantasy RPG®, and old school Robotech®. But nothing compares to how you can just roll everything into a good Rifts® game. I want to thank you for showing a kid a new world and places his imagination could take him.

D.M. in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, writes: I just want to say I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into these Surprise Packages. This is my third year and I am always amazed when I open them to see all the stuff you pack into the box. I hope everyone at Palladium Books has a safe and happy holiday this year.

C.S. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, writes: This is the seventh year I’ve ordered a Christmas Surprise Package and I haven’t been disappointed yet.

D.F. in Fargo, North Dakota, writes: Have been a huge fan of Rifts® since the beginning. I love the diversity and the imagination that goes into the system. I was unable, for many years, to buy any books, but I am now doing my best to fill the gaps in my collection.

M.J. in Dixon, Illinois, writes: Hey guys, lifetime fan here. I’ve given my girlfriend a copy of my wish list in hopes that she sends it in for the holiday Grab Bag. I got one years ago and was greatly pleased. Well, keep up the good work. Glad to see you all doing so well.

A.N. in Raymond, New Hampshire, Writes: I hope you had a very nice Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and joy to the Palladium Megaverse® and all the staff and contributors that bring it to life! I loved my Christmas Surprise Package last year, and I am very excited to get another one this year. Thanks for all the great products, keep them coming!! Game on!

N.P. in Spokane, Washington, writes: Thank you so much, Kevin, for putting this on. Merry Christmas!!! I LOVE THIS COMPANY. I’m 29 years old and have been playing since I was 12. I’ve had so many fun adventures with your games. Thank you so much for being around.

L.C. in Jefferson City, Missouri, writes: Always remember, even critic fans are “fans” first and want you to succeed.

From Kevin Siembieda & staff to all of you. C.K. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. L.C., thanks. To everyone else, thank you for your wonderful comments. Palladium fans are the greatest and we appreciate you. Happy holidays and keep those imaginations burning bright. - Kevin Siembieda and the Palladium Crew

Robotech Genesis Pits Sourcebook

Robotech® Genesis Pits Sourcebook – Going to the printer

In final production. Goes to the printer next week. This is an epic sourcebook that takes an in-depth look at the Invid Genesis Pits, their purpose, function, the mutants and monsters they unleash and the dangers they pose for non-Invid. It is jam-packed with never before seen information, mutations, mutation tables (so you can generate your own Genesis Pit monsters and characters) and more.

Rifts Vampires Sourcebook

Rifts® Vampires Sourcebook – Coming Next!

In final production right now!

Deep within Mexico 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. In final production right now with art and text coming in and final editing and writing restarting next week.

Rifts Black Market Gold Hardcover

Rifts® Black Market Hardcover

Gold Contraband Edition – Available now!

Everything you want to know about the Black Market of Rifts® North America presented inside a pair of gorgeous black leatherette covers. Gold foil embossing on front cover and spine. Historically, gold collector editions only increase in value on the collector’s market, and often quickly. This is the lowest number of a Collector’s Gold Edition that Palladium has ever printed.

Rifts Black Market

Rifts® Black Market – Softcover Edition – Available now

See what everyone is talking about and order yours today. 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 Northern Gun One

Rifts® World Book 33: Northern Gun One

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

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

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.

‘Tis the season for zombies! Dead Reign Zombie RPG.

Everyone I’ve ever talked to who has tried this game loves it, especially if they had a thing for post-apocalyptic games and zombies to begin with. Fans of zombies, horror and apocalyptic settings really should give this RPG a try. – Kevin Siembieda

Dead Reign RPG

Dead Reign RPG – ideal introductory role-playing game

Think you know zombies? Think again.

Can you survive in a world where the dead have risen and feed upon the living? Battle zombies, mad men and death cultists in a post-apocalyptic where world the last of humanity struggles to survive.

Dead Reign™ RPG is the aftermath of the zombie apocalypse. Civilization is gone, the dead reign, and the living fight to survive against impossible odds. Tales of zombies, human survival and horror as a fast-paced, easy to learn game and sourcebooks.

Civilization Gone

Civilization Gone – Dead Reign Sourcebook One

It has been months since the dead rose to attack the living. Civilization has crumbled. There is no army, no government, no help coming. You are on your own and things are only getting worse.

Dark Places

Dark Places – Dead Reign Sourcebook Two

Secrets of survival, including using railroad tracks and the urban underground to travel unseen and undetected by zombies.

Endless Dead

Endless Dead – Dead Reign Sourcebook Three

The zombie hordes grow in number and strangeness. Can humankind survive? Where is the military?

Back in Print and Great Gift Ideas

The Rifter #50

The Rifter® #50, Anniversary Special – Available NOW! – back in print due to popular demand

You might think of The Rifter® #50 as a special “all-star” anniversary issue with official source material for Rifts®, Heroes Unlimited™, Nightbane® and many other Palladium RPG settings.

The Rifter® #50 includes:

Rifts Logo T-Shirt

BACK IN PRINT: Rifts® Logo T-Shirts in most sizes – available now

We’ve been asked over and over again to re-issue the popular Rifts® Logo T-shirt in sizes other than XL. We heard your requests, and here you go. Order yours today.

● The full Rifts® logo as created by artist Kevin Long, printed in white on a black T-shirt.

● Sizes Small to 5XL.

● 100% cotton – our usual quality T-shirt.

● Prices vary according to size:
Small: $18.95
Medium: $18.95
Large: $18.95
X-Large: $18.95
2XL: $20.95
3XL: $22.95
4XL: $24.95
5XL: $26.95

● Cat. No. TS804

● And don’t forget other fun T-Shirt designs like . . .

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.

Other Notable Products

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

What’s to come?

The following are in development:

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

Upcoming Appearances

Anime North – May 24-26, 2013 – Toronto, Canada

Speaking of which, have I mentioned that I will be one of the guests at Anime North in Toronto next year? Well, I will. The event takes place Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, 2013. This will be my first time back at a convention in Canada in something like 15 years. Too long. www.animenorth.com

Gen Con® Indy – August 15-18, 2013 – Indianapolis, Indiana

Oh yeah, we can hardly wait for Gen Con next year. We may even need to expand the size of our booth.

Note: No Palladium Open House in 2013 and right now, there are no plans for one in 2014.

© 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.