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Month: April 2024

Palladium Books – Weekly Update – April 26, 2024

Written by pb_addy on . Posted in Weekly Updates.

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

Happy Friday, Palladium Fans!

A VISIT FROM OUR PARTNERS AT TRANSPERFECT GAMING

FROM THE FANS

Rebuilding My Collection


Hey Palladium,

I wanted to let you know these books I received are some of the finest quality I have ever been sent in orders from stores, Amazon, or directly from other game companies.


In the early days of the War on Terror, I was set to enter the military but my then fiancée and I needed some funds.  At the time I needed to sell what had been an impressive collection, many of which were Palladium books (I did keep the Robotech ones, The Sentinels and Invid Invasion weren’t going anywhere, although I did lose the out-of-print TMNT core book.)


My Rifts collection of over 20 books was sold as part of that, a particular favorite game as Robotech and Rifts were my first RPGs and later during his time writing South America and Underseas, C.J. Carella had written to me on a pair of occasions, I believe it was on AOL at the time!


A friend last year informed me all of those books were still in print and I could buy them off the official Palladium site, which led to this purchase, however post-service I am clinically OCD and the quality of a book purchased new is something I am EXTREMELY sensitive to (Amazon hates me as they handle things so poorly I return about 1 in 4 to 1 in 5 books).


I really want to call out the EXCEPTIONAL quality of the books you sent me and as this was a trial run to find out what that quality would be if I ordered from Palladium, I can assure you in the very near future I will continue to be re-purchasing my collection, probably starting with Mutants in Orbit. (When I was an early teenager and that book came out, I was actually living with my family at a now-closed Air Force Base, where my father was an instructor at Undergraduate Space Training and many of his fellow officers were gamers, so I was able to enjoy that book along with people who literally operated military satellites).

Anyway, I want to say Thank You once more for doing such an amazing job with these books you and Palladium have sent in helping me restore my collection.


Thank you for all your time in this.


Sincerely,                        


– A Palladium Fan

NEW RELEASES IN PRINT

Yin-Sloth Jungles™ Expanded and Revised

Get it at PalladiumBooks

Rifts® Titan Robotics™ Sourcebook

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round


Howdy Y’all


Things are going pretty well here at Palladium. Kevin is back in the office more days than not, and the rest of the team is taking care of business and getting their jobs done. It’s a good thing to see.


This past weekend Kevin and I took up Rick’s invitation to attend Chaosium Con, held just 20 minutes down the road from the Palladium Books studio on the way to Ann Arbor. Rick Meints is the President of Chaosium, and we had a grand time hanging out with a bunch of the Chaosium dudes and chatting with talented creators including J.M. DeFoggi as well as artist Tom Sullivan. Tom does art for Call of Cthulhu, and also happens to be the guy that did the special effects on Evil Dead 2 — yes, I got to hold the actual Necronomicon! Overall a very positive experience, and it’s always enlightening to chat with Rick, compare notes, and swap some friendly business advice.


On Tuesday we had a VIP delegation visit from TransPerfect Gaming. Our trusted friend and their local marketing guy Ryan McDaniel was joined by his boss Alex (in charge of sales and outreach) as well as Nicholas Kay (global art director). They brought some 3D printed prototypes of the TMNT miniatures, including a massive Leonardo which you can see in a photo at the top of this newsletter. We chatted about strategic stuff they are helping us with and multiple exciting future projects that I can’t divulge anything about yet, but Kevin isn’t joking when he says we have big plans cooking behind the scenes.


As for me, I’ve been cranking away on the TMNT & Other Strangeness redux edition editing work, and I can already tell you that you’re getting a few more bonus mutant animals than we officially announced — I know, I know, you can thank me later.


This is a pretty simple update without any core uplifting message except to let you know that we are hard at work making the things that you, our loyal fans, have asked us for to come true. That really is the core of our business and always will be, because we are gamers just like all of you. Thanks again for tuning in.


– Sean Owen Roberson, Writer, Designer, Adventurer


Palladium Books – Weekly Update – April 19, 2024

Written by pb_addy on . Posted in Weekly Updates.

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

Happy Friday, Palladium Fans!

Take advantage of this unbeatable price!

NEW RELEASES IN PRINT

Yin-Sloth Jungles™ Expanded and Revised

Get it at PalladiumBooks

Rifts® Titan Robotics™ Sourcebook

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Keep On Truckin’


I just wanted to share a short message with you this week. As you know, Kevin is grieving the loss of his love and partner of 20 years, Kathy. He is doing well, and appreciates the outpouring of support and care from all of you.


Her loss and his absence hasn’t been fun or easy for the rest of us here at Palladium, primarily because we worked with Kathy and adored her, but also because we are all concerned for Kevin. But, the pain is no longer fresh for us, and lessens a little each week. Each day is a bit easier to get through, and I’m proud of how the team has come together.


I mention this because sometimes when you are in the midst of troubles and their accompanying sorrows, it can feel like the whole world is collapsing on top of you and your situation will never change. While your world may never be the same, it will get better and you will adjust to a new paradigm, a new daily rhythm. There are always new things to smile about, to appreciate, and to be proud of.


As I continue working on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Other Strangeness redux edition, I see so much beauty and positivity created by so many talented folks. We truly are blessed to be working on such a special project — dreamed up and requested by you, our fans. So I guess the message is to focus on the positive and keep plugging away until you get to the other side of tough times… in other words, “keep on truckin.”


– Sean Owen Roberson, Writer, Designer, Adventurer


Palladium Books – Weekly Update – April 12, 2024

Written by pb_addy on . Posted in Weekly Updates.

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

Hello Palladium Fans!

Get your favorites today

NEW RELEASES

Yin-Sloth Jungles™ Expanded and Revised

Get it at PalladiumBooks

Rifts® Titan Robotics™ Sourcebook

CLOSING THOUGHTS

I’m Back – Mini Kevin Update


This is my first week back at the Palladium office since the unexpected death of my beautiful Kathy Simmons. I had popped in to the office here and there for a few minutes at a time, checked in every day, and I had continued to work on artwork for TMNT & Other Strangeness books at home, but that was it. I’m far from 100%, but I am back at work and trying to catch up with everything piled on my desk.


Thank you for the many cards, notes, emails, text messages, online posts, and calls of condolence. I appreciate them all very much. Kathy meant the world to me. Not just me, but many of you as well. She was a special lady who was loved and respected by all who met her. She is so missed.


This one has been rough, but I’m feeling a little better with every passing day. As it is with the loss of a loved one, the grief comes in waves. One minute you’re doing fine — great even — the next you’re feeling blue or crying. I was doing pretty well the last few days until I came upon a mountain of Halloween photos (our favorite holiday together) and a bookmark with a touching saying on it. I know it reflected Kathy’s feelings for me and vice versa. Kathy and I were the very best of best friends. The Inscription read:


A best friend stands by you when no one else cares,

understands you when no one else tries,

and believes in you when no one else does.

I’m very lucky to have a friend like you.


The floodgates opened and I sobbed and sobbed. It was good to let it out. I’ve lost a lot of people and have found grief affects you in different ways depending on the person and your relationship to them. Kathy’s death has been more profound than others, yet when I speak of her, there is often a mix of sadness and humor. We laughed a lot.


I want you to know I’m doing as well as can be expected. I have a legion of amazing friends who make sure I’m doing okay, as well as an army of fans who I know share my broken heart and wish me and Kathy’s family well.


Moreover, I can hardly wait to get back to writing books again. Very soon, I think. I’m already getting ideas for ways to improve and finish Yin-Sloth Expeditions as well as longing to do work on Rifts® Antarctica. Actually, all sorts of ideas are starting to boil. Palladium’s future is bright. There are many exciting plans and projects happening behind the scenes and just wait until books start to hit store shelves. Awesomeness is coming.


Please note, I (Kevin) will be at the Ann Arbor Game Con sponsored by and held at the Main Public Library in downtown Ann Arbor, 11 AM to 5 PM, Saturday, April 13. Sean Owen Roberson and Ryan McDaniel will be in attendance as well. Sean and I had a blast last year and we are bringing even more books and items to sell this year. As always, we are happy to chat and sign books. We look forward to seeing some of you there. For those of you who can’t attend, please enjoy our print sale and TMNT updates.


Four new color art prints have been added to Palladium’s online store. All are $10 each, 8 1/2 x 11 in size, and suitable for framing. Much more is coming. Game on.


– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher, Writer, Friend


Palladium Books – Weekly Update – April 05, 2024

Written by pb_addy on . Posted in Weekly Updates.

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

Hello Palladium Fans!

NEW RELEASES

Rifts® Titan Robotics™ Sourcebook

Yin-Sloth Jungles™ Expanded and Revised

Get it at PalladiumBooks

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Every ending brings a new beginning


Hi Palladium Fans,


We just sent out a special message regarding the passing of Kevin’s beloved partner Kathy Simmons, with information for the many of you who wish to support Kevin and remember Kathy at this time. Please read it in full here.


I just want to expand on what I said at the end of that message a little bit. Kevin and I want to sincerely thank all of you for your support at this time. We’ve been inundated with your condolences, prayers, thoughts, and remembrances of Kathy. This has buoyed our spirits. Many of your heartfelt personal messages have brought tears to our eyes, thank you.


Processing shock and grief is tough, but Kevin is doing a little better each day. He and Kathy’s daughter are making the many necessary arrangements regarding her affairs, which is time consuming hard work. Still, Kevin has been in the office a bit and is even finishing up new illustrations for the TMNT&OS Redux Edition books, so I’d say that’s pretty dang good.


I was a missionary in my youth. I’m a military veteran. I’ve presided over weddings and funerals. I’ve known deep loss, and of course joy. Having experienced all of that, I can tell you Kevin Siembieda is going to be just fine, and so will Palladium Books. Please don’t worry, but do keep us in your prayers and meditations.


With Kathy’s Alzheimer’s, we knew this day would come sooner than later and were already putting plans into place. Those plans are now being put into action by great people – with minimal input needed from me and Kevin. That leaves us more free than ever to just write books and collaborate with talented artists. That’s the dream right?


Every ending brings a new beginning. The cycle of life continues in its wonder.



– Sean Owen Roberson, Writer, Designer, Adventurer


Palladium Books – Remembering Kathy Simmons – April 04, 2024

Written by pb_addy on . Posted in Uncategorized.

A Hero’s Journey ~ 1952-2024


There is so much I could say about Kathy Simmons, yet I struggled with her passing and those words until this morning. Here goes …


J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit shows us that life is a journey. One that takes us out of our comfort zone and carries us on the winds of adventure and to heights we may have never imagined possible for ourselves.


During life’s journey we meet the most unusual and amazing people. Many of whom become friends and partners, mentors and lovers. People who teach us things about the world and about ourselves. People who share our values and help to instill us with courage, strength, and love we may not have realized we possess. I have been privileged to know many such astonishing souls who have taken me on unexpected journeys.


Kathy Simmons, however, is among the greatest heroes in my life’s journeys. She radiated love and joy and sincerity. She brought love and laughter wherever she went and everyone who met her was better for the experience. If you are reading this, odds are good that you’re one of those people.


You might not have known it from her smiling face, kind eyes, soft voice, and welcoming manner, but Kathy was a warrior born – tough as nails, smart, capable, and heroic. She faced and vanquished many a fierce adversary with uncommon valor and superhuman strength. And did so without a word of complaint.


The first time I walked into her backyard I thought I had been teleported to paradise. A domain of towering trees gently swaying in a warm summer breeze against a brilliant blue sky. A cascade of colorful flowers and ferns hung from elevated flower beds, trees, and flower baskets. Among them playful, painted signs and electric palm trees that helped make the patio area all the more inviting and exotic.


All who entered were greeted by the sounds of laughter from friends already present and a symphony of animal sounds. There was an abundance of food and drinks, and an empty chair waiting for me at the patio table with her friends.


Butterflies danced among the flowers and dodged incoming hummingbirds. A steady stream of multi-colored avians came and joined the festivities because there was food for them as well. Yellow finches, brilliant red cardinals, swooping blue jays, downy and red-headed woodpeckers, bands of sparrows and wrens, cheerful chickadees, bold nuthatches, joined by a pair of brave little chipmunks and a procession of friendly squirrels that came right up to your feet, came and went while robins and other songbirds serenaded us. I kid you not, it was like a scene from a Disney movie – Sleeping Beauty to be exact – and Kathy was the kind and lovely princess.


All of it a reflection of Kathy’s magnificent soul.


This was the beginning of my unexpected and wondrous journey with Kathy Simmons. We would share many glorious adventures together and triumph over many challenges. She told me I was her rock. Her knight in shining armor. But to paraphrase a line from one of her favorite movies, “she rescued me right back.”


That lovely journey came to an abrupt end on March 24, 2024, when her big, generous heart stopped and mine broke in half. In a way, it was a blessing. Her body and mind had begun to fail her and Kathy’s heart attack enabled her to slip the tightening grasp of Alzheimer’s disease while she was still her joyful self.


Our Sweet Kathy is missed by everyone who knew her, but please remember her with fondness and a smile.


Kathy loved Palladium Books and YOU, our fans, which is why I want to share this one last story with you.


During Palladium’s first Open House (2006) we were dealing with the Crisis of Treachery and our fate was uncertain. One of you – I’m so sorry, I forget who – bought a copy of my Save Palladium Books art print, matted and framed it, and covertly had fans in attendance sign it over the course of the weekend. A couple hundred signatures, maybe more(!) fill every inch of the print and the matte around it. It was presented to me on the last day of the event by a throng of cheering gamers. Friends all. We were all deeply moved by this generous gift – Kathy, so much so, that she implored me to let her hang it in a place of honor in her office at our home in paradise. It hangs there still.


Though her life’s journey with us has ended and she is deeply missed, our beautiful Kathy remains alive and vibrant in our hearts. She will be loved and remembered always by me, her daughter Tina, and countless others. My condolences to everyone who loved her. My thanks and love to the legion of friends, family, and fans who have already reached out to me. Your kind words and concern for me and Tina touch my heart and bring us a moment of joy knowing so many loved her as much as we did. Thank you, my friends. Goodbye, My Love.


– Kevin Siembieda, Kathy’s life partner, best friend, love

How You Can Help



Hello readers,


Many of you have expressed a sincere desire to send cards, food, and flowers or do something for Kevin and the family to help them get through this time of sorrow. Kevin appreciates your kind intentions but says none of that is necessary.


However, many of you have reached out to me personally, so I know you still want to do something — I suggest the following:


FOR KEVIN


Cards, letters, and non-perishable items (please no flowers or plants) may be sent in care of Palladium Books to 39074 Webb Court, Westland, MI 48185-7606.


Gift cards are great for Kevin right now, for those of you who wish to feed him. His neighbors currently have him in good supply of home cooked meals, but gift cards for Kroger (grocery store), Applebee’s (restaurant), or Red Lobster (restaurant) will be of good use to Kevin before long.


FOR KATHY


In lieu of flowers, please honor Kathy by making a donation in her name to either of the following charities.


1. Feral Kitty Trappers TNR was a huge help and comfort to Kathy as she loved all animals and cared for a colony of feral cats at her home with Kevin for 15+ years, with many of the people working there becoming her friends. Kevin vouches that these people are saints, kind and helpful to people and cats.


Feral Kitty Trappers TNR – based in South Lyon, Michigan, helps feral cat caretakers with Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). Kittens are trapped and taken to an accredited TNR facility where cats receive a wellness check, spay/neuter, a rabies vaccine, and ear tipped. Then returned back to their trapping location. This is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run by volunteers and funded by donations. All funds are used for cats.


Email: feralkittytrapperstnr@gmail.com

Phone: 248-756-1508

Website: https://www.feralkittytrapperstnr.org/



2. Alzheimer’s Disease Research – nuff said. Fund matching program till April 22, 2024.


Website: brightfocus.org/ADRmatch



MEMORIAL SERVICE

Many of you have asked about a public memorial service for Kathy. Kevin plans to do one in the near future, but right now the grief is too fresh for the family. We will keep you posted by email once arrangements are made in the next month or two.


THANK YOU


I want to sincerely thank all of you for your support at this time. We’ve been inundated with your condolences, prayers, thoughts, and personal remembrances of Kathy. This has buoyed our spirits.


Kevin is doing well, all things considered, but processing shock and grief is tough. There are also many arrangements to be made regarding Kathy’s affairs, which is time consuming. This isn’t my first rodeo, and I can tell you Kevin Siembieda is going to be just fine. So please don’t worry. With Kathy’s Alzheimer’s, we knew this day would come sooner than later and were already putting plans into place. Those plans are now in action. Palladium Books will be just fine, even if we are all a little sad right now.


Every ending brings a new beginning, and the cycle of life continues in its wonder.


– Sean Owen Roberson, Kevin’s friend