GENERAL
As you may recall, I posted about the PB 2024 Christmas Grab Bag a few weeks bag, in the hopes of reminding folks that might have missed/not heard the announcement, or entice new GMs/Players and those unfamiliar with Palladium Books to give it a try. I’ve had numerous responses from people indicating they were getting a Grab Bag, which is all good news. Returning from work yesterday, I was very happy to see the tracking site showed the item was ready for pick-up at my local Canada Post site. So off we went with a smile on our face to see what kind of goodies the Palladium elves have been up to!
DISCUSSION
Canada Shipping. So, the package slip Canada Post left informed me of an amount due to pay before I could claim the package. I always assume the 5% federal GST (Goods & Services Tax), and with conversion of US$ to Cdn$, my estimates were off. As you can see in the photo below, included was some yellow décor to show that Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) had opened the box to examine the contents. Not a fan, but nothing was ruined, so, yeah me? So I had a chat with the folks at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), followed by Canada Post. Come to find out, there is a $9.95 charge (plus tax), on top of the GST, and a separate rated charge for the art. Ho-ho-hum.
Note: So hey, nothing Palladium Books can do about this - not their fault. I thought Canadian readers should be aware of the why and how; even if you simply just pay the fee to get it over with, and grab your package. I get it. But like they say, “Knowing is half the battle.”
Request List. As normal, you need to give them something to work with. So I did! I’ll admit to owning much of what I would be looking for, but as a bit of a completionist, I like to have the physical copies of the Rifts books. Some of the top-tier asks were (admittedly) probably not in the realm of feasible, but I thought I’d give it a try! 😉 They call it a wish list for a reason, right?
First Impression. One of the first things I noticed when opening was the inclusion of the standard order forms and advertisement sheets. No issue there, other than that seems like a lot of paper for advertising to customers that already know where the website is. What caught my eye was the flash of colour for the TMNT Pre-Order sheet, which includes a handy QR Code. The sheet includes some preview images of the internal art, which looks amazing.
What I Got. I had some wild first impressions when I picked up the box. The tag said Books and Art Prints. Typically, my Grab Bags came in a brown 12” x 9” x 4” or 12” x 9” x 6” box; particularly if it included any art prints, of which I have a few, LOL. This one was white, and about half the size measuring 12” x 9” x 2.” This got me really wondering what could possible be in there. As previously posted, I’ve received art prints, but typically in shipping tubes. Color me intrigued!
Standard Caveat: Grab Bags are not a competition to see “who go the best deal.” We are all winning by virtue of Kevin's generosity and Palladium Books staff's commitment to this holiday special. So, without further a-do, my wish list this year, and which one's I received:
Rifts RPG Hardcover Collector’s Edition (Gold Foil Rifts Logo)
Rifts RPG 30th Anniversary Commemorative Edition (Gold Foil Slaver)
Note: Admittedly, neither are on the 9-page list, and both considered SUPER-LONG shots. But hey, it’s Christmas!
2009 Christmas Package Print Set (RECEIVED). I tried finding information on this intriguing little footnote in the middle of the 9-page text block. The best I could find was a 2009 RPG.net reference, but no actual photos. Numbered as 57/530 (images below).
ROBOTECH: Shadow Chronicles Deluxe Gold Edition (Gold Foil Cover).
Note: I have no idea if they still exist, or if Palladium Books is even allowed to sell them. I recently acquired the ENTIRE ROBOTECH and MACROSS II RPG collections, I thought I’d give a try.
Dimension Book 6: Three Galaxies (RECEIVED). Continuing the reviews into the Phase World setting.
Dimension Book 8: Naruni Wave 2 (RECEIVED). Continuing the reviews into the Phase World setting.
Dimension Book 12: Dimensional Outbreak (RECEIVED). Continuing the reviews into the Phase World setting and tying back into Rifts with the Minion Wars.
Dimension Book 15: Secrets of the Atlanteans (RECEIVED). Let’s get back into the enigmatic history of the long-lost civilization of Atlantis; you know, the one before Splugorth and their minions arrived.
Palladium Books Marks (both sets). One can always use a bookmark or two.
Dimension Book 14: Thundercloud Galaxy. Continuing the reviews into the Phase World setting.
Rifts: Mutants in Orbit. The Phase World bug bit me and I wanted to get back into the Rifts in Space setting.
Dimension Book 11: Dyvaal. To go along with the physical copy of DB 10: Hades I have on the shelf.
Note: I mentioned I have little issue with slightly damaged books. I also included a (somewhat massive) list of all the books I currently own, as well as which series I was not really looking for.
The 2009 Christmas Package Print Set. This one really intrigued me, so I placed it on the list, and at number 3 no less. Ultimately a complete shot in the dark, as there was next to NOTHING available online. I found an archived RPG.net discussion board reference, but nothing to explain what it entailed, giving me more questions that answers. So why not?.
Top Row. Two Kevin Santa Claus prints (one jovial, one undead, LOL)
Bottom Row. Prints from Mike Mumah, Nick Bradshaw and Mark Dudley. Now, to find frames and some wall space.
Note: Came with a personalized Dragon Head Sketch by Kevin. Thanks K.S.!
Would I Order Again. This question pretty much answers itself. I’ve ordered somewhere between 8-10 of these, and have little real reason to discontinue. Given the relative value of the bundle, despite owning a good number of the PDF versions of certain game systems (e.g. PFRPG, Dead Reign, Splicers), despite the hassle of our federal government’s tax schedule, I’d order one again in a heart-beat. I’ve got reading material for days, blog articles to write, and ideas to run with for my own projects! I’ve also got some more art to hang. Maybe a submission or six to Palladium….
CONCLUSION
Once again, Kevin and crew provided a very satisfying and early Christmas gift to myself. Doing the whole conversion of US$ to Cdn$, regardless of the CBSA/Canada Post charges (grumble grumble.....), I feel like I came out ahead. But it’s not just about the monetary savings, which for many would be substantial (say hello, my U.S. readers!), but more so the immersion into the process, of casting a wish list into the ether, and getting to open something up and not necessarily knowing exactly what you got. I like that, and from the sounds of it, so do thousands of others each year. I know I’ve enticed a few to head over and throw their list in to see what would become of it. I’m positive they will have as much, if not more, fun than I had!
Once again, thanks to Kevin Siembieda, Sean Owens, and the rest of the Palladium Crew for the time, effort, and continued commitment to this storied tradition. The question now, of course, is do I justify buying another one this year?
Return to All Posts
Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE
Comments