Of course. we can’t come to the city that never sleeps and NOT throw a party!  So on Thursday 10th October we will be holding our annual ‘Ringers Take Manhattan’ event!  This year, we’ll be at a different venue – the charming Oak Cellar at Jake’s Dilemma, 430 Amsterdam Avenue (just down the road from where we were last year).  As ever, we’ll have a generous finger food buffet, and your ticket will also include your first drink and two tickets into our raffle for the evening.

You can buy tickets for this party here.  Tickets can also be bought on the door that night, but will be $5 more expensive then – so it pays to buy in advance!  We really hope you’ll join us – we look forward to seeing many of our fellow fans in NYC in October!

[Buy tickets to Ringers take Manhattan]

TheOneRing.net is always delighted to be out and about meeting fellow fans, so the biggest highlight of the con for us was chatting with everyone who stopped to say hi, either at our table in the Hyatt hotel or after the two panels we gave over the course of the weekend.  Thanks for coming over and sharing the Tolkien love with us!

Our two panels were on Saturday afternoon and Sunday lunchtime.  The first was The Hobbit: One book, three movies – a look at why this seemingly short story may (or may not) merit being made into three films.  On Sunday we explored The Desolation of Smaug, with much speculation on what we may see when the film hits the big screen later this year.  Both panels were very well attended, with folks lining up well in advance.  Staffers deej, greendragon and MrCere were the panelists.

TORn was also delighted to help out with the Tolkien Track’s two evening events, Friday’s An Evening at Bree and Saturday’s Middle-earth goes Retro 80s dance party!  greendragon planned the fun for Friday night, with TORn favourites Emerald Rose rocking the house, as ever, and inspiring everyone to dance the night away.  Attendees were very excited when William Kircher, Graham McTavish and Sylvester McCoy showed up to host the costume contest!  They were fabulous MCs, and the entries into the contest this year were just stunning.  Bravo to everyone who took part – the judges had a very hard time picking winners!  (Big thanks to Namadriel, Soinma, MrCere and Nicole Kircher for taking on judging duty!)  The party even included a marriage proposal, as ‘Smaug the Terrible’ knelt down and popped the question to ‘Azog the Defiler’ – both amazing costumes, and a very happy couple at the end of the night!

deej revealed why her TORn nickname has been deej for all these years, as she hosted and dj-ed the dance party on Saturday night.  It was just wonderful to see everyone getting into the spirit of things!  Many folks came in amazing ‘Middle-earth in the 1980s’ costumes, including one gal who was The Eye of Sauron - complete with ‘Venetian Blinder’ sunglass lens!  Elves, dwarves and men took to the dancefloor and strutted their stuff as Saturday turned into Sunday; eventually, soon after 1am, we had to shut the party down and everyone reluctantly headed out to seek their beds – or another party elsewhere!

What with running the table all day every day, partying in the evening, and appearing on a few panels in addition to our own two, TORn staffers were kept pretty busy throughout the weekend of DragonCon!  (MrCere was of course particularly busy, wearing his two hats of being both TORn staffer and Tolkien Track Director.)  The Roadtrip gents did an amazing job of live streaming from the event, so we could keep in touch with folks at home.  By Monday evening, everyone was exhausted – but exhilarated!  Many thanks again to all who stopped to say hello, and maybe to buy a shirt or a button, and show their support for the website.  We always love to meet you all, and it’s great to see familiar faces year after year!

TORn is in Salt Lake City just now, at Salt Lake ComicCon.  Next weekend we’ll be representing at Cincinnati Comic Expo; and then our next BIG event (and party!) will be in New York City, for NYComicCon, October 10-13.  Stay tuned for news of that – we hope to see you there!  Just need to catch up on some sleep in the meantime…

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just a couple that might tickle your fancy:

Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun Tolkien signed by Dwalin & Bifur

PICTURES OF AUTOGRAPHS ADDED

Autographed during 2013 DragonCon in Atlanta, GA by The Hobbit Dwarves Bifur (William Kircher) and Dwalin (Graham McTavish) in generous support of TORn’s Fundraiser. More pictures will be coming.

This is a brand new copy of a recent Tolkien publication, ‘The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun’, which was edited by Christopher Tolkien and published 2009. The hardback book is in excellent condition; there are some minor scuffs/creases to the paper sleeve, plus a slight sticky mark where it looks like a price label was removed off the back. Otherwise in perfect condition.

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published: 2009
By JRR Tolkien; edited Christopher Tolkien
ISBN: 978-0-547-27342-6

The winner may have to endure a bit of a delay in this UNIQUE bag’s shipment as it is still at DragonCon with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun Tolkien signed by Dwalin & Bifur Auction

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 1 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast

Autographed by 2 Dwarves and a Wizard; William Kircher (Bifur), Graham McTavish (Dwalin) and Sylvester McCoy (Radagast the Brown). This is a NEW and OFFICIAL 2013 DragonCon “Costume Contest Comedy Category” Winner’s Certificate [First Prize!]. They generously signed this certificate in support of TORn’s Fundraiser. Picture discoloration is due to lighting. Certificate color is off white as seen in picture of contestants on stage.

DragonCon’s Costuming Contest is a fashion show that focuses on the craftsmanship of the costumes created by Con-goers from all over the world. Hundreds of costumes are seen in the hallways, panels, and other competitions throughout DragonCon, but little attention was paid to the efforts taken to make these wearable works of art. For this reason, in 2006 the contest was created to acknowledge those efforts and abilities as opposed to just presentation skills. Each year, a panel of prestigious and professional judges in the costuming business host and judge the contest. One of the most exciting things for contestants is to receive recognition and an award for their own work from these judges.

The winner of this auction may have to endure a bit of a delay of shipment as it is still at DragonCon with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 1 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast Auction

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

EXCLUSIVE Dwalin the Dwarf of The Hobbit Artwork by Jerry VanderStelt

This auction offers a stunning canvas print by prominent artist, Jerry VanderStelt. Best known not only for his works inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien, he also captures the worlds of Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and much more in the Fantasy/SciFi genre. Dwalin the Dwarf will be signed and personalized by Jerry VanderStelt and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Mr.VanderStelt is also offering the winner of this Auction the choice of the frame-ready canvas or to have the canvas Gallery Wrapped. The two images displayed with this Auction shows the raw, canvas form and also how the Gallery Wrap option gives it a mounted, more dimensional look.

The canvas measures 18 x 24 inches, NOT counting the border that is designed to be Gallery Wrapped. Once it is Gallery Wrapped, the canvas will measure 18 x 24 inches. Please allow 2-3 weeks for completion. The work uses the finest materials available of archival inks as well as Breathing Color’s exclusive “Lyve” canvas and “Timeless” protective finish.

Your prize will also be shipped to you directly from the VanderStelt Studio, which is a site you must visit to see his stunning work up close. Jerry VanderStelt’s life-like detail and style of artwork gives each of his subjects a rich depth and beauty that’s impossible to describe.

Dwalin Artwork by Jerry VanderStelt Auction

Exclusive ‘The Nazgul’ Medallion No.1 – Prototype LotR Sideshow

This is one-of-a-kind master prototype of The Nazgûl Medallion by Sideshow used for their final creation. Highly collectible, this is genuinely a Lord of the Rings’ film treasure. Approximate weight 4 lbs; approximately 6″ in circumference.

A signed letter of authentication by a Sideshow representative is available.

Nazgul Medallion Auction

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 2 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast

Autographed by 2 Dwarves and a Wizard; William Kircher (Bifur), Graham McTavish (Dwalin) and Sylvester McCoy (Radagast the Brown). This is a NEW and OFFICIAL 2013 DragonCon “Costume Contest Comedy Category” Runner Up Winner’s Certificate. They generously signed this certificate in support of TORn’s Fundraiser. Picture discoloration is due to lighting. Certificate color is off white as seen in picture of contestants on stage.

DragonCon’s Costuming Contest is a fashion show that focuses on the craftsmanship of the costumes created by Con-goers from all over the world. Hundreds of costumes are seen in the hallways, panels, and other competitions throughout DragonCon, but little attention was paid to the efforts taken to make these wearable works of art. For this reason, in 2006 the contest was created to acknowledge those efforts and abilities as opposed to just presentation skills. Each year, a panel of prestigious and professional judges in the costuming business host and judge the contest. One of the most exciting things for contestants is to receive recognition and an award for their own work from these judges.

The winner of this auction may have to endure a bit of a delay of shipment as it is still at DragonCon with ourTORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Autographed Official DragonCon Contest 2 Cert. by Bifur, Dwalin, Radagast Auction

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

Elijah Wood PERSONALLY AUTOGRAPHED 8×10 photograph

In EXCELLENT condition, this is an 8 x 10 inch photograph personally signed by Elijah Wood for one of our TORn staffers at ORC 2004 (One Ring Celebration Convention). This is not a pre-stamped signature. It’s the real thing!

For several years, TheOneRing.net would host an ORC Convention in Pasadena, California. At each 3-day Convention, the Hobbits (Billy Boyd, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, and Dom Monaghan) would attend our festivities along with many of the LotR cast, artists, production crew, calligrapher Daniel Reeve (and more), as well as Tolkien artists, authors… you get the picture!

It was during the 2004 Convention that Elijah Wood autographed this photograph for our TORn staffer. There are no snapshots of this happy moment… just the fond memory of its recipient.

Elijah Wood Autographed Photo Auction

TORn’s ‘Road to DragonCon!’ Faux Mirkwood Orc Arrow

Since leaving Los Angeles, California last Monday, TORn’s most Worthy Warriors have taken to the Road on a Quest to DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia. They will arrive at the mighty Con this Labor Day Weekend (August 30 – September 1). The journey has been fraught with danger, travelling through unknown lands, and braving endless cups of questionable coffee.

Now you can own a piece of the ‘Road to DragonCon’. During their trip while at 4-corners USA, they came upon what they have dubbed a ‘Mirkwood Orc Arrow’. Now, we all know that the chance of Orcs being found in Southwest America is pretty slim, but that makes this item all the more unique. Okay… it’s really not from Mirkwood, or Orcish, but what if it was!?”

Because this treasure is on the Road, the exact dimensions and materials of this weaponry are unknown for now… making it all the more mysterious. Let’s make a guess and say the arrow is 16-18 inches long with a wooden shaft and a green stone or plastic arrowhead. Admit it. You’re intrigued! Take a chance and defy reason… make a bid!

Watch for more captivating trinkets as our Rugged Road Warriors find plunder along the way there and back again. Own a piece of the ‘Road to DragonCon’.

And there’s more! Because our Travellers are not at home, there may be a delay of a week or so before your auction Fundraising item can be shipped to you. Thank you for your interest, understanding and bravery!

Faux Mirkwood Orc Arrow Auction

 Bilbo Baggins long-sleeve t-shirt Hobbit

Item is a high quality standard Size Large official New Line Productions long-sleeved T-shirt. New with tags –100% cotton – never worn, never washed (may shrink). It is a light tan color, and the image has been photo-silk screened (it is not a transfer).  Measurements: Across Chest 21.5 inches, Sleeve Length (from sleeve seam at shoulder to wrist) is 23.5 inches, Overall Length (from shoulder to hem) is 31 inches.”

Bilbo Baggins Long-sleeve T-shirt Auction

Or click here to check out all our auctions!

Justin took the crystal slab, streaming the knowledge of Middle-Earth to those who wanted it most, while Doug and Ryan fled into the dark, cold, gaming cave. Where they played Cryptozoic’s table-play The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey with all manner of persons. Jovial were the games when people learned the power of working as a team, as one unit, and the company never faltered once.

While the young dwarves looked after the horses, the streaming Company were making their way to panels moderated by Mr. Cere on the Tolkien track. Drunken hobbit songs brought in a rowdy audience. More tales from Middle-earth with Graham McTavish (Dwalin) and William Kircher (Bifur).

The Company reconvened as a complete group once more to dine, then set out in search of a party, and find a party they did. All the cracks in time and space had opened for one night at the annual masquerade, and a host of beings from every plane poured into the lobbies of the four hotels. Spilling into the halls ,and rooms of conference, splashing the air with the sounds of their fevered happiness. It was a gathering of which the likes have never been seen, or may never be seen again.

All good things must conclude , so check out tomorrow’s installment of “Cryptozoic’s Lost Tales” when the company once again hits the road. They’ve completed the “There”, now it is time for the “Back Again” in Cryptozoic’s Road to Dragon Con!

Doug Brochu.

There are some fabulous, exclusive pieces up for grabs – including some things which, usually, money can’t buy! Time is running out on some of our auctions too, so best check them out now. Here are just three that might tickle your fancy:

Tauriel Poster signed by its artist David Powell / Rosie the Riveter

Autographed by David Powell, Senior Designer of Badali Jewelry and lifelong Tolkien fan.  Powell is the designer and original artist of this new Hobbit-inspired poster of Elf Warrior Tauriel.  Her pose resembles the WWII American propaganda poster Rosie the Riveter reflecting the power of the female worker at war time.  Measures at 18×24 inches.

Tauriel Poster signed by David Powell Auction

Hobbit Canvas Tote Swag Book Bag SIGNED BY Dwalin & Bifur

PICTURES OF AUTOGRAPHS ADDED

This canvas book bag/tote/swag bag is signed in purple sharpie by Dwarves Dwalin (Graham McTavish) and Bifur (William Kircher) at 2013 DragonCon for TORn’s Fundraiser. This NEW autographed tote sports the picture of the Misty Mountains drawn by JRR Tolkien for the 1937 cover of his (then) new book, The Hobbit.

Made by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishers, the bag is durable, measures at 14″ high x 12″ wide, and is not available at stores.

The winner may have to endure a bit of a delay in this UNIQUE bag’s shipment as it is still at DragonCon in Atlanta, GA with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Signed Hobbit Tote Bag Auction

Children of Hurin Bookmarks signed by Dwalin

PICTURE OF AUTOGRAPH ADDED Discoloration is from the lighting when picture was taken.

Unavailable for sale, this limited special-edition Bookmark accompanied the 500 1st editions of JRR Tolkien’s The Children of Hurin at the special 2007 release in NYC. These 500 editions contained a bookplate with the signatures of Christopher Tolkien (editor) and Alan Lee (artist). This auction is only for one of those unique Bookmarks (NOT for the book).

This Bookmark is even MORE special now with an autograph by Graham McTavish (Dwalin) for TORn’s Fundraiser while at 2013 DragonCon.

The winner may have to endure a bit of a delay in shipment as it is still at DragonCon with our TORn reps. They still have a long journey home after the Convention.

Signed Children of Hurin Bookmark Auction

Or click here to check out all our auctions!

Parts of the company whiled away the afternoon, and into the evening played exciting table-top games, crafted by the logistic smiths of the mighty Cryptozoic. They shared the good tidings with any and all who sought to go on exciting adventures with Thorin and Company and recreate the glories of an Age long past.

However, a body can only take so much Cryptozoic-induced euphoria without fuel, so they packed-up and headed to dinner with fellow Ringers! If ever there was a setting like Bilbo’s pantry the night before an adventure this was it! They ate, drank, made merry, and sang the pantry song for all to hear.

Drums in the deep sounded from within the bowels of the inn, a calling from some unknown cavern. The Company set out to find the source. What they discovered was altogether unexpected. A vast hollow underneath the building opened to them, filled with the sound of laughter, the boisterous song of the peoples of Middle-earth making merry, irrespective of race, age, or creed.

Thranduil had shown up, adorned with strands of bio-luminescent moss and goggles that shutter the sun and shade the eyes. He danced like the Eldar of old, as if Ilúvatar himself were watching.

Dwarves had hewn this dance chamber, and dwarves dancing there were. From thumping their feet in time, to causing a howling ruckus. They even caused Thranduil to spill his wine, but such was the sense of camaraderie that, in an uncommon show of friendship, he laughed it off and called for more!

When the revelry was over, and the hobbits put to bed. The company, with their newly acquired friends, recalled fond memories of legends by playing a final table-play of Cryptozoic’s Hobbit before retiring.

Are there dark clouds on the horizon? Is there a chill in the wind foretelling a change in the weather? Find out in tomorrow’s installment of “Cryptozoic’s Lost Tales” on The Road to Dragon Con!

Doug Brochu.

If you like what we do, and would like to see your Tolkien community keep growing and growing, consider making a contribution to our Pledge Drive. Every bit helps defray our costs!

Also, “the cultural roots of Tolkien’s The Hobbit in the Old Norse literary form of the Legendary Saga.”? I’d be all over that if I was there.

Don’t be quick to dismiss DragonCon—the annual Labor Day convergence of geeks, freaks, sci-fi fans, video game enthusiasts, and other niche subcultures in downtown Atlanta—as a mere freakshow. There are valuable lessons to be learned, and we’re not just talking about the “Star Wars Costuming” panel or the lessons in stage fighting or the seminar on “the cultural roots of Tolkien’s The Hobbit in the Old Norse literary form of the Legendary Saga.” Here are the six truths we gleaned in just twenty-four hours at the con.

1. Embrace other cultures.
What’s better than Boba Fett? Disco Pimp Boba Fett.

[Read More]

First off was the panel featuring the players of the re-telling of the Hobbit. Graham McTavish, the Blustery Dwalin, Sylvester McCoy, Radagast of the Woods, and Manu Bennett, that Evil Pale Orc Azog.

Then the sights and sounds of the gathering overwhelmed them, and DragonCon had them in it’s sharp talons. They visited Ed Asner, the Patriarch of the floating balloon house. They tarried among the different different vendors, (noticing that The One Ring’s booth was VERY busy, way to go Ringers), and eventually ended up at “An Evening in Bree” — where there was a marriage proposal!

Bree, City of Men and Hobbits! All the free peoples of Middle-earth had traveled from the corners of the realm to bless this rustic city with their culture and kin. There were hobbits a plenty, men in shining mail, elves in cool thought, and dwarves grumbling into their mugs. Even the closely guarded female dwarves were there, taking a break from their merchant duties among the mountain paths.

There was song and dance, after which the guests of honor arrived to inscribe mementos, well wish followers, and judge the varied garments of the festival based on cut and craftsmanship. There was even a mockup of the dreaded fire drake Smaug! So real it had mothers grasping their children, and armed folk clutching their hilts in angry remembrance.

Last on the list was picking up a tabletop re-telling of the beloved Hobbit story from the fine storytellers at Cryptozoic. Tis a fine game that the company will play without ceasing.

They have arrived, but the true adventure is just beginning.

Tune in tomorrow for the next installment of “Cryptozoic’s Lost Tales” on The Road To Dragon Con!

Doug Brochu.

Here’s our schedule

Chattanooga – Dinner Monday
Memphis – Supper BBQ
Oklahoma – Breakfast Tuesday
Amarillo – Elevenses
Albuquerque – Dinner
Denver – Dinner Wednesday
…then on to Las Vegas and Hollywood!

Remember you can tune into our continuous live coverage and join the chat yourself at http://theonering.net/live.

DragonCon: There and back again!

Just like with the Legolas print this one gives you a great look at all the detail that went into creating this awesome character. Dwalin has a fierce look in his face as he’s about to take on whatever may be coming his way. This amazing print comes in several styles: Paper Giclee 18×24, Canvas Giclee 18×24, and Canvas Gicle with Gallery Wrap 18×24.

The Dwalin print in Paper Giclee comes in at $130 which is a fantastic price for such a great piece of art. You can order Dwalin right now from Jerry’s store: Vanderstelt Studio