EXCLUSIVE: Interview with ALEP II Tolkien Convention Masterminds

Tune into Middle-earth Network Radio tonight, Wednesday, June 8th at 8 PM EST, for an  interview with the five talented minds behind ALEP II “There and Back Again”. The Tolkien themed convention will run from September 28th, 2011 to October 2nd, 2011. Held in Kentucky’s very Shire-like Shaker Village, the convention will host an array of party business festivities such as archery tournaments, plays, hiking, food, dancing, and even an Elven choir.

If you miss tonight’s interview, you can tune in on Friday, June 10th at 6 AM EST and 6 PM EST, and on Saturday, June 11th at 10 AM and 10 PM EST.

LOTRO Reveals "Rise of Isengard" -Launching Septemeber 27th

Day 1 at E3 Expo and already Lord of the Rings Online has released a new trailer introducing their upcoming expansion, "Rise of Isengard". The addition boasts three new regions to explore, Dunland, Gap of Rohan, and Isengard as well as the ability to advance to level 75. 

If you can't wait until it's launch on September 27th,  LOTRO has three pre-purchase offers starting today:


Rise of Isengard Base Edition – Includes the full Rise of Isengard expansion plus:
- Steed of the Gap, a new in-game mount with matching red cosmetic cloak for every character on your account
- In-game title – Guard of the Isen
- 25% XP boost for all characters on an account up to level 65

Rise of Isengard Heroic Edition – Includes the full Rise of Isengard expansion plus:
- 1,000 Turbine Points for use in the LOTRO Store
- Steed of the Gap, a new in-game mount with choice of matching cosmetic cloak and armor in your choice of red, white or green for every character on your account
- In-game title – Guard of the Isen
- 25% XP boost for all characters on an account up to level 65

Rise of Isengard Legendary Edition -- – Includes the full Rise of Isengard expansion plus:
- 1,000 Turbine Points for use in the LOTRO Store
- All three Steeds of the Gap, new in-game mounts with matching cosmetic cloak and armor in all three colors for every character on your account
- In-game title – Guard of the Isen
- 25% XP boost for all characters on an account up to level 65
- Access to the Path of the Fellowship Quest Packs including Trollshaws, Eregion, Moria, Lothlorien and Mirkwood




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Table Top Role Play, Getting Started.

Table Top Role Playing does not cost the Earth to play. All you need is a Players Handbook a few figures two ten sided dice and an imaginative GM (Games Master). The players handbook contains all valid information for rules, character creation, races, skills, weapons etc.... Figures are needed but only a few to begin with. So with this one Book and a few figures and dice it is possible to start a game then you build your collection, Modules, Figures and other extras to make your game more realistic and enjoyable. Do not forget to invite some friends along.

I personally believe ICE (Iron Crown Enterprises) published the finest works with the second edition being the most well rounded and complete, unfortunately due to the Tolkien Estate revoking rights due to pay hike ICE decided to call it a day and went bankrupt and no longer publish, though Modules are easily found at Game Shops or Online sellers such as E-Bay. The source books are amazingly in-depth with Maps and Towns to further your sight into Tolkiens world, how deep you go and delve is entirely up to you.

The important thing to remember is the possibilities are endless, you can visit anywhere from Moria's Deep's to the beauty of Rivendell, from the Gray Haven's to the dark of Mirkwood. With there being lots of material available, Source Books, Maps, Treasures, Monsters, History all your unanswered questions are answered, how powerful was the Balrog ? How big was Smaug ? What powers did the One Ring hold ? Anything you can think of is included in MERP Lore.

The rules system of the game is a more user friendly version of ICE's generic fantasy RPG (Role Playing Game) Rolemaster. The Basis is stats of 0 - 100, two ten sided dice are used to determine a result these are added or taken from bonus skill ranks such as weapons or spells, the result is taken from the opponents Defense Bonus and a strike is counted on a Critical Table. The only tricky part is calculating experience although there is software in development to eradicate pen and paper (More Info To Follow). I hope this helps and if you have any queries don't hesitate to contact me.

Lord of the Rings: War in the North Invades E3 Expo

Get ready, gamers of Middle-earth, E3 (Electronics Entertainment) Expo is about to open it’s doors. For three glorious days, June 7th - 9th 2011, you can get a sneak peek at the much talked about and anticipated game, 'Lord of the Rings: War in the North'. The game boasts “intense, visceral, and satisfying combat...rich, layered, and impactful character progression”. And let’s not forget their newest addition, a Giant Eagle to aid in the fight against Sauron and his armies. 

In case you're worried about finding War in the North's booth in all the E3 madness, they've just released several photos. I don’t think you’ll be able to miss them -impressive!

Wondering how to fill your time during the evening hours? How about going to a War in the North live concert!  Each night Inon Zur will be conducting a live concert in a Middle-earth themed lounge, complete with cocktail parties. See here for more details.

This indeed will be an event to remember and Middle-earth News wants to hear from those who plan to attend. Send in photos and tails of your time and we’ll post them right here on our site.

Don’t forget: you can follow ‘War in the North’ on Facebook and Twitter.

New Company Creates Middle-earth Inspired Make-up

Lord of the Rings has inspired artists, writers, movie producers and video games. But how often has the works of J.R.R. Tolkien inspired make-up? Independent beauty company Cinnamon Candies is probably one of the first people to create a collection of eye shadow completely inspired by one of her favorite places in Middle-earth.

The Cinnamon Candies "Countryside Collection" is inspired by The Shire. Shades with names like Lobelia, Party Tree and Green Dragon are easy to figure out references for Tolkien fans.

The entire collection is five eye shadows, each of them created by company owner Candace McCarty. While reading Candace's name along with make-up may be a surprise, the co-founder of Middle-earth Network is a former Make-up Artist, Esthetician and owns a beauty and lifestyle website. Make-up and beauty is no stranger to this Tolkien fan and owning a beauty company has been a dream of hers for years.

"I can't think of any other way to launch my first eye shadow collection and make the company public." Candace says "I love Lord of the Rings. I love Tolkien's books. How could I not take that inspiration and create colors based on them? Sure, it's a little unconventional for Tolkien fans. I'll bet a lot of people are thinking 'Make-up?', but I'm not the only person who loves Tolkien in this business. Tolkien fans are everywhere and in every industry."

The Cinnamon Candies Countryside Collection is currently in a special pre-order event. You can order the entire collection for $10.00 until June 14th, 2011 at the Cinnamon Candies online store.

'A Casual Stroll To Mordor' Announces Weekly Live Show To Air On Middle-earth Network Radio

Official Press Release from Middle-earth Network:

"Middle-earth Network is proud to announce that Merric & Goldenstar will be joining Middle-earth network as an affiliate.  Their top rated and extremely popular podcast 'A Casual Stroll to Mordor' will be aired live on Middle-earth Network Radio beginning June 11th.  As a Middle-earth Network affiliate they will be working with the team to not only provide their program live every Saturday night, but will also be contributing to our goal to provide top rated news and entertainment.  Casual Stroll to Mordor will continue to provide their first class content via their independent website and blog, but this exciting cooperation between CSTM & Middle-earth Network will send another clear signal to the LOTRO and Tolkien fans that a true community is evolving on an unprecedented level."

Be sure to follow CSTM on Twitter!

Middle-earth Network Announces 'My Middle-earth Art Contest'

Calling all artists! Ever since Middle-earth Network launched their social network, My Middle-earth, the art community within has bloomed with talented artists, and now it’s time to gather you together and watch you shine. Starting at 12 PM EST on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 artists from all over the globe are invited to compete in Middle-earth Network’s Art Contest.

Submission Requirements:
The subject of the art will be a Middle-earth spin on Uncle Sam’s classic line, “I want you for the U.S. Army”. Submitted art should hold the text,  “Middle-earth wants you!” with the body of the art entirely up to each individual artist. However, submissions must not contain any nudity or pornographic material. Judges reserve the right to refuse any art submitted that they deem inappropriate. In order to submit your work, you must be a member of My Middle-earth Social Network and join the “My Middle-earth Art” group. Submissions can be entered under one of the two categories: amateur artist (i.e. I am not regularly paid for my work) and professional artist (i.e. I am a regularly paid artist).

To submit, post a picture of your entry onto the “My Middle-earth Art” group’s wall with the following information by 12 PM EST Wednesday, August 10, 2011:

-Specify: “My Middle-earth Art Contest Submission”

-Name

-Specify amateur (not paid) or professional (paid)

-Title of submitted piece

-Brief description of your artwork (2-5 lines)

At 12 PM EST on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, Middle-earth Network will stop taking contest submissions. All previously submitted art will be examined by the judges who will pick the top five in each category (amateur artist or professional artist). By Monday, August 15th, 2011 the chosen ten will be posted on My Middle-earth Art group’s wall where all My Middle-earth members have until 12 PM EST Friday, August 19, 2011 to vote on their favorites. The ones with the most votes win and will be announced LIVE on Middle-earth Network Radio at 9:30 PM EST Friday, August 19, 2011. See the official prize list below.

A word from our honored judges...

Jef Murray

"Despite a handful of well-known artists whose work we all regularly encounter, there are scores, nay, hundreds, of others who have their own visions and own insights into Middle-earth, but who rarely receive an opportunity to have their renderings seen and appreciated. I am delighted to do anything I can to encourage these artists...for we are all richer for having learned from and appreciated each others' sub-creative sojourns." -J. Murray

Ted Nasmith

"It is always a privilege to play a role in encouraging young or lesser known creative talent, and it is with pleasure that I participate in this exciting new competition." -T. Nasmith

PRIZES (FOR BOTH AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS):

Third Place Prizes: Ted Nasmith & Lonely Mountain Band CD Package/ Jef Murray Print

Second Place Prizes: Ted Nasmith & Lonely Mountain Band CD Package/ Jef Murray Print/  Map of 

The Dwarves

First Place Grand Prizes: Ted Nasmith & Lonely Mountain Band CD Package/ Jef Murray Print/ Map of the Dwarves/ Lord of the Rings Anduril Replica Collectible Sword (Professional category) or Decorative Scottish Claymore Sword with Leather Sheath (Amateur category)