Jeff sent in this report from Howard Shore’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
Last night I attended an amazing concert at the Hollywood Bowl featuring the world premiere performance of the music from the Fellowship of the Ring by Howard Shore. Mr. Shore, who was in attendance at last night’s performance, made a special 45 minute arrangement of highlights from the 150 minute score. The music was performed by the Hollywood Bowl orchestra with the Pacific Chorale and Paulist Choristers. It gave me chills to hear the first few notes of “The Prophecy”, and I was deeply moved to hear “The Lament for Gandalf” performed live by this very talented orchestra and chorus. All in all it was an evening I will remember for the rest of my life.
The conductor, John Mauceri, said that when all three films are complete Mr. Shore intends to arrange them all into a 2-hour suite that will be performed in two years.
There is another performance tonight, but Mr. Shore is not expected to be in attendance. I highly recommend anyone in the Los Angeles area make their way to this awesome experience. I think tickets are still available at www.ticketmaster.com.
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In Part One, I discussed that ISENGARD was the culture which will significantly impact the dynamic of the LOTR TCG in such a way that many believe as a culture it is too powerful, broken and unbalanced.
After testing many of the key strategies and essential elements concerning ISENGARD’s Orc subculture, I have concluded that these new ORCS are quite indeed powerful, surprisingly effective, however not as potentially abusive as many assume they are. In fact, they just as powerful as “splashes”; subtle elements of secondary support strategies within the contexts of different cultures and their respective strategies.
STRENGTHS:
To successfully construct an Isengard Orc deck to maximize the full potential of the Orc subculture, you must understand and realize your design on the basis of how and why this culture was created: to reduce the potential of powerful Fellowships. Isengard Orcs have two very powerful, inherent characteristics: (1) They can exert themselves multiple times for a variety of different purposes and (2) They are incredibly strong which gives them the advantage in skirmishes – protecting their ability to exert.
WEAKNESSES:
Shadow cultures as a whole are incredibly weak against ARCHERY (total and directed as utilized in Legolas, Gondor Bowmen, Double Shot, Splendor of their Banners, Calaglin, Elven Bowes, Hand Axe, etc.). However, in the case of the Isengard Orcs, their vulnerability against direct damage effects such as Orc-Bane, Frying Pan, Power According To His Stature, Bow of the Galadhrim, Blade of Gondor, Pursuit Just Behind and any damage +1 weapon capabilities just to name a few – limits their potential for multiple exertions which weakens their overall strategic possibilities.
Remember, their power is in the ability to “exert for” a specific effect. Even if they win the skirmish, if their exertion potential is removed due to wounds or exhaustion, then their stopping power is completely ineffective. Which is why I feel that this culture is NOT broken nor unbeatable.
So how exactly are the Isengard Orcs effective? Why is everyone concerned with the abusiveness of this specific culture? Where lies the real threat?
Let’s look more closely at a few KEY cards which make these Orcs such a breed to be feared. Remember, the strategic success of using these Orcs not only relies just on the ROTEL expansion, but also in cards from the previous two releases.
SPIES OF SARUMAN – This is the one card which is a MUST in every Isengard Orc Deck. For all intents and purposes it cancels the archery phase which gives your high strength/high vitality Orcs the protection to exert multiple times for multiple effects. “Spies” works by spotting and Isengard “minion” and not just an Uruk-Hai. Even though it costs 2 twilight and an exertion from one of your Isengard minions – at the right time, this card is devastating especially at the sites where rivers and forests are concerned (re:Legolas).
TRAPPED AND ALONE: Another exertion protection card. On occasion throughout the course of the game – your orcs will take damage from archery fire. However, prevent further vitality loss by preventing additional damage from Ranger’s Sword, Glamdring, Gwemegil and other such additional damage possessions if your Orc loses the skirmish.
WASTES OF EMYN MUIL – By the time your opponent has reached Site 9 against your deck, one of two situations has already shaped the endgame: (1) Your opponent has more than 4 companions in play (hopefully stripped of their possessions by the Isengard Smith) or (2) The smaller Fellowship has been weakened severely by your Isengard Orc exertion abilities. WASTES will punish the Fellowship with over 4 companions during the Manuever phase, as you exert to wound as many times as possible. Since this action takes effect before archery – your exertions are intact. For smaller fellowships, the high twilight alone (9) will give you the necessary pool you need to launch an assault force capable of overwhelming Frodo and ending the quest at this site.
ISENGARD SMITH – Another MUST in and Isengard Orc deck. If you want to force your opponent to reduce the potential of the Fellowship, this is the card you need to play early at first and in reserve for later. The Isengard Smith, has the ability to exert to discard a weapon (or such free peoples possessions if you can spot 5 companions). The best quality about this card is that it is not proprietary to the Isengard Orc strategy. Rather this minion can be “splashed” into every culture and perform the same effect against the Fellowship’s multiple possessions.
THE TREES ARE STRONG: Remember, if your Orcs are exhausted – they are essentially powerless…essentially. By using THE TREES ARE STRONG – you have the ability to inflict more direct damage to your opponent than originally intended. This card will allow you to basically “squeeze” your Orcs’ for the last drop of their potential as you discard them to wound companions. Using this is best reserved after the Fellowship has sustained heavy damage or has exhausted several companions.
So as you can see – the Isengard Orcs are indeed a true force with incredible, but not limitless, potential. They are not broken, nor are they unbeatable. However, they are incredibly versatile which is a factor always problematic to contend with. Their resources are difficult to counter because they are proprietary from one Orc to the next. And, most importantly, they – like Moria – no longer roam past Site 3 so by Site 4, the ability to launch a very effective fighting force (with capabilites to exhaust, disarm or wound companions) is by all means no longer a strategy limited only to Moria.
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for Part 3: The Melting Pot of Isengard
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In what we plan to become a regular event, we bring you another great fan event from LA, the Brentano’s Book Signing even from a few months ago! Featuring Sean Astin, Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh!
TORN Staffers Quickbeam and Asfaloth interview fans of all ages during the event. Take a look! Be sure to check this space next week for more of those interviews with Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, and Peter Jackson!
High Speed Download 26.7MB
Modem Download (Smaller Video) 1.4MB
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TORn Staffer Arwen sends in word on two upcoming events featuring Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn)!
Sunday, August 18, 5 to 7 PM
Join Perceval Press authors Viggo Mortensen and Lola Schnabel at a book signing and reception
Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions
6522 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.artleak.org
Thursday, August 29, 7:30 PM
Viggo Mortensen reading from his just published book of poetry “Coincidence of Memory.”
Books will be signed as well.
Midnight Special Bookstore
1318 3rd St. Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.msbooks.com
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From: AICN
Melbournians are in for a treat with the opportunity for a “chat” with Academy Award cinematographer for FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, Aussie Andrew Lesnie ACS at Popcorn Taxi. The first part of the night will focus on Andrew’s past work and the second on the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Not to be missed.
DATE: Thursday 15th August
WHERE: Treasury Theatre
For more info check out the Popcorn Taxi web site at www.popcorntaxi.com.au
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Saul writes from Australia:
I live near a Westfield mall, so I got to compare the prices at quite a few shops/stores. Several had it out on the 5th, but I ended up picking it up on the 6th. The winners were Sanity and Target, who had it at $29.95, other stores ranged up to $34.95.
I went shopping the other day and saw the DVD “on special” for $29.84 at my local Woolworths – Dem.
Nilmandra also writes:
The DVDs are now all over stores in Singapore. Sales are brisk according to the sales people I talked to. DVDs are listed at $49.90, although most stores like CD Rama, Music Junction and Sembawang Music Centre are selling at $$44.90. Comes with a “Win a Trip to New Zealand Contest” and Music Junction is also giving away a large FOTR movie poster with each DVD. Also found out that there are FOTR VCD available! I only knew that there are VHS and DVD, didn’t hear anything about VCDs… although maybe that’s just me. VCDs are listed $19.90, most places selling for $16.90. Comes with FOTR and TTT trailers. Much cheaper but none of the featurettes in the DVD edition of course. I’m still waiting for November…!
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