Boardgaming News: Middle Earth Quest

August 27th, 2008 by Ostadan | Discuss

At the recent gaming convention GenCon, Fantasy Flight Games (publisher of the Lord of the Rings and War of the Ring boardgames) released some new details on the forthdoming ‘Middle-earth Quest’ adventure boardgame, as reported on boardgamegeek.com by one G. Purcell (bracketed
remarks are mine):

• It *is* still in development [some feared it had been abandoned]
• The time period is after Bilbo left the Shire, but before the Lord of the Rings book [sic - he presumably means 'before the Shadow of the Past visit by Gandalf']
• You won’t play the LotR heroes, but will encounter them (i.e. Aragorn, off looking for Gollum)
• The box size is … about the size of War of the Ring box [not ultra-huge like their StarCraft and World of Warcraft boardgames]
• It contains some exciting new mechanics that they’re not ready to announce yet
• It’s being designed by [FFG founder and sometimes game designer] Christian Petersen himself
• Current estimate of release is Spring 2009

[Fantasy Flight Games Website]

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MTV: John Noble won’t Reprise Role in ‘Hobbit’ Films

August 27th, 2008 by Calisuri | Source: MTV Movie Blog | Discuss

It has been well documented that Guillermo del Toro will approach the original The Lord of the Rings cast to reprise their roles in Middle-earth should the script call for it. News comes today from the MTV Movie Blog that one such actor, John Noble, won’t be available:

For the full story, jump on over to the MTV Movie Blog. [Read More]

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There and Back Again - A Little Orc’s Tale

August 27th, 2008 by Calisuri | Discuss

The following video is one of the most unique and creative LOTR themed fan films we have ever seen - so we are super glad to share it with you! The film, shot in black and white silent film style, tells the story of a little orc who happens upon two lost hobbits in Middle Earth. Will they be lead into Saruman’s hands or will the little orc help them find their friends? Check out the video on YouTube or view it below. [YouTube]

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MGM For Sale?

August 26th, 2008 by xoanon

From IMDB: MGM Tuesday denied published speculation that it had retained Goldman Sachs to explore a possible sale. In a statement, the studio couched its denial in language that appeared to some to fortify the rumors, saying that while it had indeed retained Goldman Sachs it was doing so “to explore enhancements to MGM’s long-term capital structure.” At the same time, it insisted that its present owners, “are pleased with the company’s current momentum and are committed to the future growth of the studio.” But analysts were not so sure about the company’s current ability to acquire financing for its production slate given the sluggish economy and suggested that the rumors about a possible sale will only make the studio’s efforts to raise cash even more difficult. Nevertheless, other analysts pointed out that MGM — like most other studios — had already reduced its production schedule after going full bore earlier in the year in anticipation of a possible actors’ strike.

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What Tolkien Taught Me about the Battle of the Somme

August 26th, 2008 by xoanon

Sir Martin Gilbert writes: J.R.R. Tolkien and the Somme were inextricably linked. I learned this forty-four years ago, shortly after I was elected to my first university appointment, at Merton College, Oxford. I was twenty-six years old.

In those days there was a strict seating order at college dinners. The head of the college sat in the centre, the senior fellows on either side of him, and the junior fellows at the far ends of the table. Also at the ends were the Emeritus Fellows, long retired, venerable, sometimes garrulous guardians of the college name. Several of them had served in the First World War. When they discovered a historian, new to his craft, filled with the keenness of a youngster amid his elders, they were happy to talk about those distant days, already more than forty years in the past. What Tolkien Taught Me about the Battle of the Somme

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John Howe in Edinburgh Report

August 25th, 2008 by xoanon

Mark writes: Just want to say a big thank you to theonering.net for posting the article about John Howe attending the Edinburgh Book Festival. I was lucky enough to attend the event last night, at which Mr. Howe spoke about his work illustrating for various projects, including of course The Trilogy. The interviewer did ask if he was involved in The Hobbit films in any way, but he only said (understandably) that it was too early to discuss it. We saw a slide show of concept art from the Trilogy in which there were pictures yet unseen in even the “Art of…” book series or DVD special features. The talk was fascinating, and Mr. Howe was not only very open and in-depth about his work, but had a great sense of humour too. A few members of the audience had the opportunity to ask questions as well, and there was even time for autographs and photos at the end. Overall, it was just a great night! Any more posts for events happening in Scotland or in the UK are most welcome!

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New Tolkien Themed CD to Launch in Wellington

August 25th, 2008 by xoanon

Musician ‘Asni‘ sends this along: I’ve been working hard promoting my CD launch in the last few weeks. For those interested, below is my media release. I have finally managed to do a little work on my “Travelguide to Middle-earth” section, at least the photos and the info in this press release are online now, and it looks a wee bit nicer.

If you live anywhere near enough Wellington, please do note the date of the launch in your calendar! It is intended to be a bit of a farewell gig, since I plan to focus on things other than performing in the future - it may be quite a while until you get another chance to see and hear me live! So, do come - and don’t say you haven’t been warned.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Big sale for Cruise to Middle earth

August 25th, 2008 by xoanon

Garfeimao writes: Celebrity Cruises is having a big sale this week to celebrate the upcoming Labor Day Holiday. The November 23 departure on the Millennium, the ship carrying our Cruise to Middle earth group, is one of the eligible sailings. This particular sale includes on board credit of $150 per cabin to be spent on pretty much anything you want on the ship. This particular promotion is only valid for new bookings.

But there are other promotions going on right now as well. Celebrity is now pushing to fill up their sailings down to New Zealand and have a whole host of other price codes available to the discerning Hobbit looking for a last minute vacation. You may qualify for a Regional Sale (depending on your state of residence), a Senior Discount (begins at age 55) or an Discounted Air Promotion (only certain cabin categories on the ship qualify). With all these various promotions going on, the only way to know if the Cruise to Middle earth is doable for you is to call me and get a quote for your specific situation. I’ve already applied many of these discounts to my existing group, where applicable, so now it’s your turn. [More Info]

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Silly Hobbit Tricks at DragonCon!

August 25th, 2008 by Calisuri | Source: Emerald Rose

Our good friends Emerald Rose sent this email along today for those Ringers going to DragonCon 2008:

Sounds like a great time! Check out Emerald Rose’s official website and learn more about their appearances at the DragonCon official website. [Emerald Rose] [DragonCon]

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Tolkien Flashback August 17th-23rd

August 25th, 2008 by Diedye | Discuss

Ringer Diedye brings us another great FLASHBACK! This week’s flashback details the events that took place in the Tolkien universe between August 17th-23rd. This is a weekly feature that Diedye posts in the forum, so if there is ever a time we don’t post it on the homepage of TORn, make sure to check the Main board in our forums. Click on the link below to transported in time!

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