Palladium Books® – Press Release – February 1, 2008

UPDATE!
Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG

We are working hard to get the Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® role-playing game done and to the printer by next Friday.

We know a lot of you are wondering how different these books will be from the original ones. How much new art? How much new writing?

Well, here are some answers.

  • We are giving the entire new Robotech® RPG series the Rifts® Ultimate treatment by approaching it very much as if it were the first book in a completely, brand new Robotech® RPG series – which it is!

  • We estimate 70% of the artwork is ALL NEW and it looks fantastic!

  • The writing is close to completion and many sections are undergoing final editing. That means we are also still shooting for an end of February release, though it could slip into the first week of March (we hope not).

  • All the text is new, updated and brought in line with the official timeline, data, stats and info of Harmony Gold, plus additional details, info and gaming data. This makes Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG not only a fun role-playing game but an excellent and accurate guide and sourcebook to Robotech fans who have no intention of playing the game.

  • Stats have been adjusted to reflect the official Robotech data and satisfy a new generation of gamers. And yes, that means the M.D.C. of mecha and the Mega-Damage inflicted by weapons have been powered up. Which also makes the Robotech® mecha and gear more readily compatible to Rifts® and other Mega-Damage settings.

  • The game rules are simple and direct.

  • O.C.C.s use an M.O.S. structure and should be reasonably fast to roll-up.

  • The Apollo Okamura cover looks great, 95% of the new black and white artwork is completed, and much of it has been approved or is awaiting final approval.

  • Working with Tommy and Steve Yune has been a joy, and we’ve been working close with Harmony Gold to make the Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG as accurate a reflection of the DVD movie and TV series as possible. You are going to love it.

  • And remember, this is just the beginning! The first book in the new Robotech® RPG series and we’ve already been making notes for the New Generation and Shadow Chronicles® sourcebooks as well as notes for Southern Cross and Macross.

    UPDATE!
    Rifts® Dimension Book™ 11: Dyval™

    Switching gears to finish-up the Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG to refresh Kevin Siembieda is working. He is writing Robotech® material like a demon and says he can hardly wait to get back to Dyval.

    Not only that, but new Palladium Editor and Writer, Jason Marker, has already started working on Dimension Book 12: Dimensional Outbreak. Jason was also a huge help on Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG.

    UPDATE!
    Palladium’s Big Move – week of March 17-23

    Yep, that’s the week we will be doing the serious packing and moving to our new home in Westland, Michigan.

    The Weekend – March 21, 22 & 23 – will be the most intense and heaviest moving (an estimated 150 skids) plus office furniture and such.

    Volunteers needed! We have about a dozen volunteers, including Joe Bergmans, Teresa Mead, Eric Campion, Doug Lamberson, Todd Wargin, and others, but we could use at least a dozen more. How about it? Especially if you live in the area. We promise some nice surprises for your help. Email Alex Marciniszyn or Wayne Smith at rifter@palladiumbooks.com or call the office at (734) 946-1156. Thanks.

    UPDATE!
    Erick Wujcik

    Erick had a looong week. After the birthday party on Saturday, January 26, 2008, getting an ENnies Lifetime Achievement Award, and making a point to greet all of his 150 guests, Erick spent the next three or four days clearing out his three large storage units, throwing out a garbage bin of stuff, took care of a few other issues, ran the final episode of his long running Dragonwright campaign (long running as in, something like 20 years!), did a two hour podcast Monday at the Palladium offices, signed a stack of books for Kevin, chatted a while, met with the Palladium crew, and visited with many more friends throughout his visit. Tomorrow, Erick and Kay are flying back to California. Talk about a whirlwind visit. We just hope he didn’t catch any germs while in town. Seems like half of Michigan is down with some bug or another. It was great seeing Erick. His attitude is wonderful and we hope he stays strong, happy and creative.

    Speaking of last Monday’s Gateway to the Megaverse® podcast with Erick Wujcik, if you haven’t heard it, you will want to. It was nothing short of fantastic. Thankfully, it is available as a download. Kevin Siembieda participated too, but he wanted Erick to have his time on the show. After all, you guys can hear Kevin regularly on the Gateway podcast, how often do you get Erick Wujcik for a couple of hours? Matthew Daye did another great job of asking questions and keeping the show lively, although that’s easy with Erick, let alone Erick and Kevin together. Check it out.

    We think Kevin Siembieda was supposed to be the next guest this coming Monday, February fourth, but with work on Robotech going so well, he’ll probably skip it to finish the book. Maybe he’ll go on the following Monday. Finish Robotech or do a podcast? Hmm, that’s an easy decision.

    Whoever the guest may be, Gateway to the Megaverse® is always fun and entertaining and always available for download.

    Is an onslaught of product coming soon?

    You betcha. Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles, Dyval, Dimensional Outbreak and The Rifter® #42 will ALL be in print or at the printers before Palladium’s BIG Move March 17-23, 2008. Meanwhile, there are many more new products in the pipeline as well as in development.

    Online Exclusive Items

    There are TWO new prints coming in February: Mysteries of Magic (yes, this is the artwork that will be the cover to the Palladium Fantasy supplement coming out later this year; art by Christopher Bourassa) and Dogs Boys Playing Poker (hilarious and cool at the same time; art by Mark Evans). More next week.

    We also have a handful of new T-Shirt designs in the pipeline. Coming soon.

    Glitter Boy in Flames™ “Printer Proofs”
    available only while supplies last – only 71 copies left

    Don’t forget about this coveted collector’s item. It’s selling fast since we announced its availability three weeks ago.

    The original, limited edition Glitter Boy in Flames print, signed by artist, Scott Johnson and Kevin Siembieda, is SOLD OUT. 600 copies were printed and signed. We sold around 450 (the rest went missing thanks to you know who). When the last Glitter Boy print, #599, sold, we thought that was it. Then one of the warehouse guys asked, “What about these printer proofs?”

    Printer proofs! We forgot all about the printer proofs. So for the first time ever (actually one from the Palladium archives was offered in one of the December Palladium Collectibles Auctions), you can purchase a printer proof of this dynamic and popular limited edition print. When they are gone, this powerful image of the Glitter Boy standing defiant among the flames of chaos will be gone as a print forever!

  • Limited to 99 “printer proofs” (P/P).
  • Signed by Scott Johnson and Kevin Siembieda.
  • An impressive 24 x 34 inches in size; 20 x 28 inch image area.
  • Gorgeous color on heavy, high quality, glossy paper stock.
  • $27 each, plus postage and handling. As is common among the sale of prints, the smaller number of printer proofs sells for a higher price than the main, 600 copy run ($20).
  • Catalog number PPO800.
  • Shipped in an extra-heavy tube. Available now while supplies last.

    2009 Palladium Open House

    We are surprised and pleased to see so many people securing their admission to the 2009 Palladium Open House – May 1, 2 & 3 (plus VIP Thursday). The staff is busy getting books finished, so the certificates of admission won’t be going out for a few weeks. Yeah, we’re getting jazzed about the next Open House too.

    Click here for more information, and to place your order.

    Subscribe to The Rifter®

    Right now you can get a subscription to The Rifter® at a special price and walk away with a FREE GIFT worth $22-$31 (and US subscribers, we’ll even pay the cost to ship your Rifter® to your doorstep)! So what are you waiting for? Subscribe!

  • If your subscription is ending soon (or has recently ended), this is a great time to renew.

  • If you’ve always thought about getting The Rifter® as a subscription, this is the time to do it.

  • If you have never subscribed before, this is the time to think about getting one. The Rifter® seems to be getting better with every issue.

  • If you’re looking for a way to help support Palladium, a subscription to The Rifter® is one way of doing so.

  • If you’re looking for fun reading material and source of ideas, check out The Rifter®.

  • Tell EVERYONE you know about this great deal and tell ‘em to subscribe today.

    Wolfen Empire™ for The Palladium Fantasy RPG®
    – back in print – order now!

    Back orders ship February 12, 2008.

    One of the most popular of the Palladium Fantasy RPG® sourcebooks is back in print.

  • Killer Winters.
  • The Twelve Wolfen tribes and Imperial States.
  • The Coyle Hordes and Wolfen Government.
  • 13 new monsters and animals.
  • Random Encounter Tables and 101 Adventures by Erick Wujcik.
  • 6 fully fleshed out adventures in the Great Northern Wilderness.
  • Plus towns and adventure settings.
  • Adventures are written by Kevin Siembieda, Erick Wujcik, Kevin Long, Alex Marciniszyn, and Thomas Bartold, with ideas from Bill Coffin.
  • Written by Erick Wujcik, Kevin Siembieda and Bill Coffin.
  • An epic adventure sourcebook set in the Northern Wilderness.
  • $18.95 – 160 pages – Cat. No. 471. Available as a special, limited run printing directly from Palladium Books. Available now.

    Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG
    – Ships February 27, 2008

    Robotech® role-playing games are back and it all starts with The Shadow Chronicles® RPG – spread the word.

    The Shadow Chronicles® role-playing game picks up where the DVD movie begins. The return of the Robotech Expeditionary Force (REF), the separation of the SDF-3 from the rest of the fleet, the battle of Reflex Point, space combat, treachery and everything else that is part of Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles®.

    Palladium has not seen so much anticipation for a new role-playing game release since the debut of Rifts® in 1990.

    Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® is a NEW role-playing game, not a rehashed, retooled printing of the original RPG from the 1980s. Furthermore, the release of the Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® DVD Movie, the release of the Deluxe DVD, Shadow Chronicles® Art Book, and the announcement of a Robotech® Movie in development at Warner Bros. Pictures has ramped up interest and excitement for Robotech®.

    This new RPG should appeal to role-players and Robotech® fans of all generations.

  • Mecha pilots and other fleet personnel character classes.
  • Areas of Military Specialty – MOS.
  • New skills, O.C.C.s, mecha and action.
  • New text, art and information.
  • Key Robotech® Mecha statted out and illustrated.
  • Invid enemy statted out and illustrated.
  • The Haydonites, their mecha and more.
  • Other info and details (depending on space).
  • Fast playing RPG rules. Mega-Damage setting.
  • Earth post-Invid occupation, adventure ideas, new character sheets and more.
  • Cover by fan fave, Apollo Okamura. Great art throughout.
  • Written by Kevin Siembieda.
  • Manga size; easy portability. (An 8½ x 11 deluxe edition may follow in the Summer of 2008. Additional Robotech sourcebooks to quickly follow.)
  • 224 pages – $16.95 retail – Cat. No. 550.
  • Still anticipating a February 27, 2008 release date.

    Rifts® Dimension Book™ 11:
    Dyval™, Hell Unleashed – In final production

    Dyval™ is another dimension of Hell, the next book in the Minion War™ series, and is every bit as fantastic as the first, Hades.

    Dyval is a hellish dimension very different from Hades, but just as exotic, dangerous and horrible. The Deevil Host, evil monsters and minions, Deevil society, monstrous War Steeds, magic, adventure settings and more. Interest among Palladium fans is high.

  • The hellish dimension of Dyval mapped and described.
  • New Lesser and Greater Deevils along with all your old faves.
  • Inhuman minions who serve as the Host.
  • Magic weapons and horrific war beasts.
  • World information and adventure ideas.
  • A stand-alone Dimension Book that is also the second step in an epic, five book adventure that spills across the Palladium Megaverse®.
  • Companion to Hades and the next chapter in the Minion War™.
  • Artwork by Nick Bradshaw, Mike Wilson, Mike Mumah, and others.
  • Cover painting by John Zeleznik.
  • Written by Carl Gleba and Kevin Siembieda.
  • 192 pages – Cat. No. 873 – $22.95 retail.
  • March. In final production.

    Rifts® Dimension Book™ 12:
    Dimensional Outbreak™ – March, 2008

    The Minion War spills into Phase World®, the city of Center and the Three Galaxies™. The epic scale of the Minion War just got bigger and even the Worlds of Warlock, the Splugorth and Naruni are involved.

  • Phase World’s Center described and mapped. Four new levels, including the Gateland, Central Station, the Spaceport, Repo-Yards, Free Trade Zone, Warlock Market, notable merchants and places of business, and much more.
  • Demon Knights, Star Slayers, demonic legions and more.
  • Demonic spaceships, magic weapons and new horrors.
  • Deevil fortifications and defenses.
  • Space spell magic (new).
  • Spaceships, power armor and other gear.
  • The plot for conquering the Three Galaxies.
  • A stand-alone Dimension Book that is also the third step in an epic, five book crossover that spills across the Palladium Megaverse®.
  • Artwork by Apollo Okamura, Mike Mumah, and others.
  • John Zeleznik cover painting.
  • Written by Carl Gleba.
  • 192 pages – Cat. No. 875 – $22.95 retail. March or April 2008.

    Rifts®/Phase World® Sourcebook:
    Heroes of the Megaverse®

    War factions from the Hells, Hades and Dyval, have discovered the existence of a great mystic artifact that has been hidden and protected by the Cosmo-Knights of the Three Galaxies. And both sides want it.

    The artifact is an ancient Rune Book that contains the names of the 2000 greatest heroes the Megaverse® has ever known. But it is more than a historical document, it is a magic item of unparalleled power.

    According to legend, the tome has many great powers. One such power is that reading the name of any one person inscribed, while evoking the proper magic, will give the reader the knowledge and power of that great hero. And many are the powers of the 2000.

    The artifact also has its dangers. It is said if the List of Heroes™ is wrested from the Cosmo-Knights and kept locked in the pits of Hell, then the Knights and all heroes of the Three Galaxies will lose hope and flounder. If the book is destroyed, it is said, the Cosmo-Knights will cease to exist within a generation and the forces of Chaos shall reign. Needless to say, the Lords of Hell, the Splugorth and many others who serve Chaos would do anything to get their hands on the List of Heroes.

    Rumor also suggests that the artifact may hold clues to the location of the Cosmic Forge, perhaps in some sort of code or the memories of the heroes who can be evoked. And there are many other tales of cosmic power, healing and knowledge all associated with the book and the ghosts of the heroes named on its pages.

    As circumstance would have it, the List of Heroes has fallen into the possession of the Player Characters. The question is, can they keep it safe from the forces of two Hells until it can be returned to the safekeeping of the Cosmo-Knights? Or will they misuse it for their own, personal gain? How will this scenario unfold? Who is on that list? Buy a copy, play out the scenario and find out.

  • Minion War tie-in adventure sourcebook.
  • Written by Kevin Siembieda.
  • Illustrated by various Palladium heroes.
  • 96 pages – Cat. No. 877 – $14.95 retail.
  • Shooting for an April or May release.

    Coming Soon

    - Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG – February 27, 2008. In production.
    - Rifts® Dimension Book 11: Dyval™, Hell Unleashed – March, 2008. In final production.
    - Rifts® Dimension Book 12: Dimensional Outbreak™ – March or April 2008. In production.
    - The Rifter® #42 – April, 2008.
    - A new Robotech® sourcebook (tentative) – April or May 2008.
    - Heroes of the Megaverse® (Minion War™ – tentative) – April or May 2008.
    - Dead Reign™ RPG (Zombie RPG – tentative) – May, 2008.
    - The Rifter® #43 – July, 2008.
    Note: Additional titles may be added to the line up above.

    Just some of the other books in development

    - Armageddon Unlimited™ (Minion War™)
    - Fleets of the Three Galaxies™
    - Rifts® Shemarrian Nation™
    - Rifts® Lemuria
    - Rifts® Delta Blues™
    - Rifts® Dark Woods™
    - Rifts® Voodoo
    - Rifts® Triax™ 2 (World Book)
    - Mysteries of Magic™ (Fantasy)
    - Monsters & Magic™ (Fantasy)
    - Nightbane® Survival Guide (Nightbane®)
    - Atorian Empire™ (HU2)
    - Robotech® sourcebooks.
    - Deluxe Robotech® RPG (8½ x 11) – Summer.
    - Rifts® Anthology Book.
    - Chaos Earth novel.
    - A variety of new products available only online directly from Palladium Books.
    - And a lot more.

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

    © Copyright 2008 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.

    Rifts®, The Rifter®, RECON®, Splicers®, Palladium Books®, Phase World®, The Palladium Fantasy Role-Playing Game®, Megaverse®, Nightbane®, The Mechanoids®, The Mechanoid Invasion®, Coalition Wars® and After the Bomb® are Registered Trademarks of Palladium Books Inc. Heroes Unlimited, Beyond the Supernatural, 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.