Rachael Livermore, Co-Chair, Aetherica writes: Please see below for an announcement of a new convention for fantasy fans. This is a non-profit convention run by fans including several past and present Tolkien Society committee members. Continue reading “Aetherica 2009 Announcement”

boxlotrAt 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]

Edinburgh International Book Festival Logo 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!

TORN  Cruise 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]

erlakeshot07Our good friends Emerald Rose sent this email along today for those Ringers going to DragonCon 2008:

Emerald Rose are seeking Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves and Humans to perform in a new part of the Evening at Bree Party at DragonCon on Friday night.  The ‘bit’ will be called ‘Stupid Hobbit Tricks’ and well, that probably says enough right there.  If you have a silly (but not dangerous) Tolkien-related thing that you do, email the guys at band@emeraldrose.com or see them Thursday or Friday before Bree at their band table in the Hyatt Concourse.  Also seeking representatives from the Dwarven and Hobbit races for the first ever Middle Earth Quaffing Contest!  No elves, though.  Elves don’t quaff – they sip.  One representative over the age of 21 from the desired races only please.  Quaffing will be done with a non-alcoholic beer substitute of great quality!  Excitement! Danger! Prizes!

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]

The Fly Logo Lhunsarniel writes: Thought this might be of interest for Howard Shore’s upcoming performance of The Fly Opera c/o Landmark Theaters tie-in in Los Angeles. Landmark’s website is here. This is pasted from their website blurb: “LA Opera presents Howard Shoreʼs THE FLY, directed by David Cronenberg. Six performances only from Sept. 7-27. Film Club Members receive a 15% discount on tickets. Simply call 213.972.8001 and mention promo code 9650. (Offer subject to availability.) For more info, go to TheFlyTheOpera.com. For a chance to win a pair of tickets to THE FLY on Sept. 10, at 7:30, courtesy of LA Opera, you must answer the following question correctly: 1) According to THE FLYʼs website, whatʼs the name of the Canadian bass-baritone singer who will make his LA Opera debut in the title role of Seth Brundle?”