The 2006 Palladium Books Open House
Reported by Isaac Xavier-Santos

For someone who has been playing the Rifts RPG® for almost half of his life (ten years), going to the Palladium Books Open House was like making a pilgrimage to Mecca. That statement may seem a bit sensational, but it’s honesty how I felt. The Palladium offices in Taylor, Michigan were my Jerusalem; the Holy Land of Rifts fans everywhere. A visitation to that place is something I believe each Palladium gamer should embark upon at least once in his or her life. The experience of being at the center of the Megaverse, meeting with writers and artists alike, was very much a spiritual event for me. Much more so than the Origins conventions, I think, because of the surroundings.

Alex and I had a rough start on our trip. We had sixteen hours worth of driving, and were running behind. We got there, but only after one speeding ticket, several wrong turns, and an hour’s detainment at the Michigan Customs Department (we arrived through Canada). Yet, the many obstacles in our path only served to make our arrival in Taylor that much sweeter.

We drove directly to the event rather than stopping at our hotel first. I was registered for the V.I.P. night but was running an hour late, which put me in a state of inconsolable anxiety. What had I missed? Would they still let me in? Fortunately, there appeared to be no set itinerary being followed. People showed up at their leisure. In fact, guests were trickling in hours after my arrival. After dropping me off, Alex took my car back to the hotel (he hadn’t registered for V.I.P. Friday), and awaited my call for a ride.

The Open House was held in the spacious Palladium warehouse, 10,000 square feet of role-playing goodness. Strewn about everywhere were crates with boxes of Rifts books piled on top. The sight of rows of book shelves stocked to the brim with every imaginable Palladium title brought a tear to my eye. Table upon table showcased Siembieda’s personal toy collection, a titanic assortment of action figures, models, guns, games, lunch boxes, and more impressive both in quantity and variety. My attention was caught by new novelty items like signed posters, laser-etched Rifts glasses, and promotional T-shirts. Artists were displaying their wares besides up-and-coming writers selling pre-published manuscripts and copies of pending releases. The whole place was a role-playing-rich jamboree; a circus of gamer activity. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

I spent a great deal of money that night. Hundreds of dollars were burned away buying all that I could: manuals, shirts, posters, artwork, etc. Old friends like Apollo Okamura were there, and it was good to speak to them and see what they were up to. I was upset that Perez couldn’t make it to the Open House. I was told by someone that Ramon was having car trouble supposedly. Siembieda himself approached me, apparently having recognized me, which blew my fucking mind! He seemed genuinely happy to see me and thanked me for making it all the way up to Michigan. My only response to that is: No, thank you Mr. Siembeda! Thank you!!!

Anyway, I was pleased to meet several new freelancers working with Palladium, particularly the very Southern Jason Richards (Rifts Arzno), John C. Philpott (upcoming Rifts VooDoo and Delta Blues), and the writing team of Brandon Aten and Taylor White (Rifts Madhaven). Meeting Brandon and Taylor was assuredly one of the highlights of the trip. Both guys were really open and friendly, offering lots of advice about working with Siembieda and publishing books. It was great to speak to some more experienced (and published) writers who could provide me with wisdom about business in the role-playing market. I even got to meet Brandon and Taylor’s gaming group from Kentucky (the G.H.O.U.L. Gamers), who were all around nice guys with some funny stories to tell.

Towards the end of the night, after feasting on pizza and snacks provided by our gracious hosts, Siembieda took us up to his lounge where we had a big group sit-down. Kevin proceeded to answer questions and tell some interesting stories about life in Palladium Books, and the role-playing industry, in general. Every word kept me fixed, and I was chomping at the bit to hear more. One thing he mentioned, which I was surprised to discover, was that the writer of RECON Modern Combat stole his ex-wife Marianne! Whew!

One can imagine how pleased I was when Brandon asked me if Alex and I wanted to go for a few drinks after the V.I.P. night was over. We, of course, joined him. However, one specific person at the bar with us was ruining the mood (he was a friend of Carl Gleba’s whose name escapes me). He was making everyone very uncomfortable with his unrelenting, stupid stories and annoying antics. Finally, he went to bed, at which point I went with Brandon, Taylor and two of their friends for some late night Denny’s.

My experience at Denny’s was unforgettable. It was two in the morning and over pancakes, French toast, and coffee, we talked up a storm about Rifts and role-playing. I told them about my experiences game mastering and about my Rifts campaign. They were fascinated with Eiraz, Aranor, and the other characters I mentioned (primarily because they are 16th level, which really impressed them). It was a great night.

On Saturday, Alex and I joined in a Madhaven game run by Taylor. It was entertaining, though I felt that we were definitely the most professional gamers involved. A packet of my Archmastery material (which Alex happened to be carrying) got circulated around the table, eventually making it to Brandon, who showed it to Siembieda. Apparently, Siembieda liked it and wanted to see more.

The rest of the weekend consisted of us attending a few seminars and speaking with every Palladium employee we could find. Unfortunately, Siembieda seemed very busy during most of the Open House, so my interactions with him were minimal. I was unable to participate in the gaming session he was running, which was disappointing. There was a great deal of confusion as to when certain games would be held and how to sign up. Even Wayne Smith (the event coordinator) appeared perplexed. My impression was that the Open House was slightly disorganized, though I’ll cut them some slack since this is the first time Palladium has ever operated such an event. I’m guessing the 2007 Open House will run more smoothly.

Brandon informed Alex and I that he went up to bat for us, telling Siembieda that we should be considered for employment. We both couldn’t have been more honored. Brandon and Taylor really did a lot for the two of us, and we’re extremely grateful. Alex also got to have his work critiqued by Wayne Smith and Siembieda. Several freelance artists praised Alex for his style, which I knew made him ecstatic. Before leaving, I got talking a little bit with Kevin, who told me I should stop being a sissy and write more material for him to read. Alex laughed as I uncomfortably listened to Siembieda (jokingly) chide me for my artistic timidity. He told me I could very well be one of his ace writers if I actually turned things in, that is. It was an inspiring conversation, and the old coot even wrote “Get writing” in my copy of Beyond the Supernatural, 2nd Edition.

Ultimately, all I can say was that the trip was hugely successful and very encouraging on both a creative and business level. Though writing for Palladium has always seemed like a distant dream to me, this trip has brought that goal into focus. It is now a very possible, very palpable aspiration that’s just within reach.

Reported by Alex V. Athanas:

My expectations for the Palladium Open House were high, yet simple. I was expecting a lot of fun gaming to be had, and the opportunity to get in a quick chat with some of staffers at Palladium that I look up to. These relatively grounded expectations were met, and exceeded in what would prove to be a seminal event in my development as an artist, and as a creative person.

The unexpected ended up defining my experience. Meeting Taylor White, and Brandon Aten was probably one of the most inspiring moments for me as an artist. I knew that a Mad Haven book was in the works, and it was being helmed by two freelancers. I had no idea that they were guys my age, from similar backgrounds.  Right off the bat they took an interest in me and Isaac and our work, and took the time to look at our work. Brandon and Taylor were very excited about my work, and I was absolutely thrilled. To get the chance to talk to two young professionals who are actually working in the field was a rare experience and very validating. They totally went to bat for us, and went so far as to show our work to Kevin, and all the guys at Palladium. Now, because of their support, I'm now working on a number of up and coming projects for Palladium, and actually working on a manuscript, which is very exciting. Meeting these guys was the best.

I also got an incredible chance to sit down with my art work and have it critiqued by the old mastermind himself, Kevin Siembeida. I was very nervous, but I was even more excited to show Kevin some of my work, and my ideas. His praise for my work has to be one of my proudest moments. His critique while blunt, was accurate, and well deserved, and in a way comforting. I knew he wasn't trying to make me feel good and was interested in what I brought to the table, and his interest, more than anything else was the best part of the trip.

I was disappointed that my ink slinging hero Ramon Perez was MIA but other than that my trip was fantastic. My thanks and support go out to everyone involved in the Open House and I hope to see everyone again in the near future, hopefully as a colleague.