News Archive

Decipher now features two Gandalf cards: Gandalf Greyhame and Gandalf, the White Wizard.

Only serious persons with a scanner need apply…I desperately need some help scanning a load of magazines with articles, reviews, interviews and images from the past year.

Please see the CoE announcement forum for further details on this oppurtunity.

On October 25, 3018 of the Third Age…The Council of Elrond met to decide the fate of the One Ring and a fellowship was formed to journey into the depths of Mordor to destroy it in the cauldron of Mount Doom and they were led by a young Hobbit named Frodo.

The Council of Elrond is very pleased to celebrate Council Day! you may have noticed we’ve spiffied the place up a little with banners and our new side block of rotating Council members and their quotes. Don’t forget to send your friends and family one of our special Council Day eCards!

Additionally today marks the release of our official Newsletter
which contains exclusive features, awards, articles, tid bits and droolable pics not seen in our public sections so sign up for it now and get it in your email every month!

if you have problems signing up PM me to get put on the list manually

Aowyn and Belle here. We’d like to let our members know about new developments in the Prancing Pony. Because the number of games such as “The Person Above/Below” and “What Would You Do?” has exploded recently, the administration felt these deserved their own forum board.

The Prancing Pony will continue to remain a place to post those Off Topic discussions relating to events in the members lives, questions not relating to LoTR, and a place to vent. We hope to keep it a friendly, upbeat place to visit and look forward to sharing with our members. We only ask that you read the rules and think before posting something that might be inappropriate for the site or that particular board. Thank you all for being members of our CoE family!

Aowyn and BelleBayard
Prancing Pony Moderators.

by Elerrina

Grab your LOTR costume and your popcorn, and let’s go to the Movies Forum!

“What will I see…?” Frodo asks.

Well, we discuss everything about the movies already shown, those showing now and some things yet to be shown. Our discussion ranges from speculation to criticism and everything in between (except that excessive drooling over the cast must be done in the Casting Forum… they keep more towels available!). We have even just finished taking our first polls for our local “Emmies” type awards. You may ask questions or express your opinions on What Bugs You (about movie errors), others’ Favorite Quotes, Best Costumes, Best Makeup, Favorite Scenes, Trailers or about any other phase of movie-making and movie-watching that you can think of, and all without the sticky floor!

As the Movies Forum Moderator, I ask that the new Topics concern the Movies (that means check for existing similar Topics already started) and that new posts follow the guidelines listed in other places. The Two Towers will be out soon… so limber up your memory and those fingers. Ready? Set? …. Post!

by Nillaniel

Ever imagined yourself in Middle-earth? Join the Role Play Forum where the adventure comes alive! You can join threads, or even start up some yourself. Here are a few threads and a small explanation of what you may find there:

Elvish Goosha – seamstress and jewelry seller.
In need of a new robe? Looking for something formal to wear? Or perhaps your hands are looking a bit bare and are in need of a pretty accessory. Well, this is the place to come! With a friendly atmosphere and lovely owners you’ll be certain to find something that tickles your fancy.

The weapon shop
Ran out of arrows or your sword needs sharpening? Then come over to the weapon shop and see what BmoG, Lisa_Legolas and Natika can do for you. They are the best in the trade and are happy to make things by request, for a good price too!

Creature Shop
Cats, dogs, horses, Unicorns, even baby Balrogs! This is no ordinary pet shop; this is the Middle-earth Creature Shop where they have just about any kind of creature under the sun.

Visiting Rivendell
Ever wished to visit Rivendell? Then come along and meet Lord Elrond, Lady Arwen, Elladan, Elrohir and maybe even Figwit! And you never know what kinds of adventures may start with such fun-loving people around.

The Dragon Revived: Return to Erebor.
Remember the first quest to Erebor? Well, the dragon has been revived and they need you to come help defeat it. Come along on this journey for an exciting adventure and a great time.

The Stay-a-While Inn.
Looking for a place to stay? Come to the Hairyfoot House Stay-a-While Inn, have a pint and relax or join in with the fun and games with the Hairyfoot family. Guaranteed you’ll have a great time.

Who’s Line Is It Anyway?
You’ve seen the show now join the RP and have a great time with KoI and the gang. Join in with the game or be part of the audience! There’s a different game each round and anyone can join! Guaranteed to keep you laughing!

Middle Earth High School.
Ever wished you could be a teenager again and go back to high school? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to go to school with your CoE buddies. Well, this is the place where your dreams can come true! With Boromir taking Math, Aragorn teaching Geography and Legolas taking… Home Economics?! There’s no reason for anyone not to want to enroll into this M.E. High School and have a great time.

The Ultimate Harry Potter Adventure.
Harry Potter fans–this is what you’ve been waiting for! Come enroll into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where you will be sorted into a house: Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. Meet new people, make new friends and…get Potions homework from Snape?! You may even bump into the three heroes themselves– Ron, Harry, and Hermione. But you’d better look out…you never know what Draco may be up to…

Toy Biz’s repetitious figures explained
By: Parmadur

I’m sure that many consumers are confused by the repetition in the Toy Biz figure collection. Are they the same? Are they different?
You will find these answers in this article, which explains the differences between the Fellowship characters and The Two Towers characters, however minute they may be.

(Figures are listed in alphabetical order)

Aragorn

—Aragorn with Brego: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
The only things this Aragorn features that the other one does not are his horse, Brego, and his Elven cloak (made from real cloth). He can be set in Brego’s saddle (who, by the by, gallops at the push of the button on his back).

— Two Towers Aragorn (picture in store – second page of “Action figures”)
Also fully poseable. While this character comes with neither the cloak nor Brego, he does come, however, with his bow and a quiver of arrows. Other than that, not much difference.

Arwen

— Arwen 12″ doll: (picture in store – first page of “Collectibles”)
This figure is true to its title: it’s a doll. She’s poseable, has “real” rooted hair, clothing made from real cloth, and her face is carefully detailed.

— Arwen with Asfaloth: (picture in store – first page of “Action figures”)
This version of Arwen is a bit different: she’s an action figure instead of a doll. While the cloth of her skirt is real, her tunic is plastic, along with her hair and the rest of her body. This figure is moveable at the joints, but is otherwise completely stiff and useless (except to sit on Asfaloth, who gallops at the press of a button on his back).

Frodo

— Frodo 12″ doll: (picture in store – first page of “Collectibles”)
Very similar to the Arwen doll (no mention of whether or not he’s poseable, but I’m guessing yes). All of his clothes are made from real cloth (the cloak is removeable, but the rest of his clothes are not). Frodo also comes with “real” rooted hair, painted blue eyes, and sheathed Sting (the hilt fits in his right hand).

— Frodo (comes with Arwen and Asfaloth): (same picture as Arwen w/Asfaloth)
Frodo’s wounded. He sits on Asfaloth. That’s about it.

— Frodo with Sam: (picture in store – second page of “Action figures”)
This twin pack comes with both Frodo and Sam inside the Elvish boat they used at the breaking of the Fellowship. The Elven cloaks are removeable; the figures can stand on their own; both come with swords (Sting is “impressively detailed”). They’re moveable in the joints, but nowhere else. Entirely plastic.

— Frodo 6″ figure: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
Frodo’s cape and vest made of flexible vinyl. With a slight squeeze of his legs, Frodo unleases sword-swinging action. The likeness to Elijah Wood is slightly more accurate on this figure, though not exact. He comes with a stand which rotates him 180º when Ring key is inserted and turned (as Frodo turns, a Ringwraith appears). Definitely the most active Frodo figure.

— Two Towers Frodo w/Sting: (picture from Gallery/Merchandise)
Now, what this figure actually does, I’m not sure, but the main difference is how closely this one resembles Elijah Wood (again, not entirely accurate, but close). Sting appears to fit in his hands in the way it fits with the 12″ doll and moves at the joints.

Gandalf

— Gandalf 12″ figure: (picture in store – first page of “Collectibles”)
Poseable. He comes with a very, very ugly “beard” and staff. I’d comment on the likeness, but it’s hard to tell behind that grey mop.

— Gandalf 6″ figure: (picture in store – third page of “Collectibles/Action figures”)
Comes with Glamdring and staff. I can’t find anything that says whether or not he has sword-swinging action also.

— Two Towers Gandalf the White: (picture from Gallery/Merchandise)
This figure looks more like Saruman than Gandalf. He comes with his new staff and Glamdring (both fit in his hand). Moves at the joints.

— Two Towers Gandalf with Shadowfax: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
Fully poseable. Comes with staff, Glamdring, and “sword-slashing action”. The likeness of this Gandalf is much more accurate. Shadowfax (like Asfaloth and Brego) gallops when the button on his back is pushed.

Gimli

— Gimli 6″ figure: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
This figure has swinging action similar to the 6″ Frodo, which is activated by gently squeezing his legs. He comes with two axes: one for regular battle and a breakaway axe to use in attempts to destroy the Ring (which is included, along with the stand). The detail on this character is amazing.

— Gimli (with Uruk-hai): (picture in store – fifth page of “Action figures”)
While he may look the same as the 6″ figure, this Gimli does have differences. The most noticable of these is the addition of a helmet and cloak (both removeable). He comes with four axes: two battle axes and two for throwing (yes, he does throw them).

Legolas

— Legolas 6″ figure: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
Comes with bow and a quiver of arrows. He’s all plastic and moves at the joints.

— Two Towers Legolas: (picture from Gallery/Merchandise)
Fully poseable. His “authentic fabric costume” is the one he wore in Fellowship of the Ring (sans Elven cloak) and he comes with his bow, a quiver of arrows, and his white knives. The likeness isn’t very accurate.

Lurtz

— Newborn Lurtz 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
The only accessory he comes with is a whip. But, what he lacks there, he makes up in other areas. His arms move up and down, back and forth when the switch on his back is moved and he’s able to pick up, shake, and throw an opponent. Moves at the joints.

— Lurtz 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
This figure comes with bow and arrow. Moves at the joints. The likeness is very similar to Newborn Lurtz.

Sam

— Sam 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
Sam comes complete with sword, frying pan, and ladle. He has sword-swinging action like his Frodo figure counterpart, but is activated by a button on his back rather than by squeezing his legs. Base is Mines of Moria set, with an Orc in the background (moves head in and out of the base when Sam’s actions are activated). Moves at the joints.

— Sam with Frodo: (same picture as “Frodo with Sam”)
This twin pack comes with both Frodo and Sam inside the Elvish boat they used at the breaking of the Fellowship. The Elven cloaks are removeable; the figures can stand on their own; both come with swords (Sting is “impressively detailed”). They’re moveable in the joints, but nowhere else. Entirely plastic.

Saruman

— Saruman 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
Moves at the joints. Saruman comes with his staff, palantir, and palantir stand.

— Two Towers Saruman: (picture in store – second page of “Action figures”)
Fully poseable. This figure also comes with staff and palantir, but instead of having the palantir set on a stand, it’s in his hand. This palantir shows the Eye of Sauron and has a bit more personality than the other (though it looks more like he’s holding an eyeball than a palantir, which is pretty gruesome).

Witch King

— Witch King Ringwraith 6″ figure: (picture in store – fourth page of “Action figures”)
Figure is entirely plastic and moves at the joints. Comes with sword (and what looks like sword-swinging action).

— Two Towers Witch King Ringwraith: (picture in store – third page of “Action figures”)
This version of the Witch King has impressive detail and is fully poseable. He comes with his sword and Morgul blade. Costume made of authentic fabric.

by Valaöré

Are you looking for a place to drool over Aragorn or profess your undying love for Legolas?
Then, by all means, please come to the Casting Forum. We have “fan clubs” for almost all of the characters, including Elrond, Eomer, and Sam. There’s even a fan club for the “baddies.” If there isn’t a thread for your favorite character, then feel free to create one; just make sure that you don’t duplicate another thread.^_^

Here’s a clip from the “Elrond Fans… Come and get it” thread:

“Yipes! Some kindred spirits…I have done my fair share (maybe more!) of drooling over the
fabulous Elrond pics at our gallery. He is truly yummy… And thanks for the like-minded
comments re: Elrond vs. Agent Smith. Weaving is a perfect Elrond. Perfect. Nothing less. I don’t see any Agent S. in his portrayal of Elrond, AT ALL. Nice to know that I am not the only one who thinks so!!!”

So, if you want to do a little keyboard soaking, then come on in! We’ll have some nice, fluffy, white towels for the excess drool and plenty of T-Shirts of all types.

“Fanatic Norwegian fans of Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings trilogy began camping out in front of Oslo’s Colosseum Cinema two weeks before the premiere of The Two Towers. Now a provisional village is being set up for them.” Talk about dedication…read about it at Aftenposten Norway

By Trignifty

As we all know, the second installment of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy hits theaters December 18th. What? You can’t wait that long for The Two Towers? Oh all right. November 6th marks the worldwide release of Decipher’s The Two Towers trading card game, an expansion of The Fellowship of the Ring.

The first of three expansions that make up the so-called “Tower Block”, it brings with it an introduction of a new path, versions of the Fellowship members, new rules for game play and new characters to coincide with the new characters from the movie. Some of these new characters include Faramir and Éowyn and three new cultures (Rohan, Dunland and Raider) will be included in the new set.

The Two Towers will have a configuration very similar to that of The Fellowship of the Ring. It will include two different 63-card starter decks, 11-card booster packs with 1 rare, 3 uncommon and 7 common cards, as well as deluxe starter sets in three different collector boxes. The cards will support both the existing open tournament format and a new “Tower Block” format.

The information of this review was obtained from Decipher . Do yourself a favor and check this site for more information and news regarding The Two Towers expansion set.