Fifth Edition
This week, we’re diving into some amazing Tolkien-inspired projects and updates, from a thrilling War of the Rohirrim documentary Kickstarter to breathtaking cosplay artistry and cozy hobbitcore winter tips. Plus, don’t miss out on the latest news about LOTRO updates, an exciting new two-player game, and even a celebration of Aragorn’s birthday! Let’s explore the wonders of Arda together. 🌿✨
Happy adventuring!
P.S. I share even more on my socials! Find them here: https://breecrossroads.bio
Art & Music (including fan films)
Rings and Realms War of the Rohirrim Documentary
I’m beyond excited to share an incredible project from the Rings & Realms team that’s in the final days of its Kickstarter campaign! They’re putting together a documentary on The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, and I truly believe in what they’re creating.
Here’s what makes this project so special:
- Awesome Add-Ons: You can join a trivia night hosted by the one and only Corey (The Tolkien Professor) and enter a raffle with exclusive prizes.
- Exciting Perks: Get involved as part of the planning staff, access exclusive filmed content, and even join the team on set in Derry, NH!
- Unlockable Stretch Goals: As they reach funding milestones, more content gets unlocked—think prop analysis, roundtable discussions, and behind-the-scenes exclusives.
This documentary will delve deep into the making of The War of the Rohirrim, exploring the rich history of the Rohirrim, key themes, characters, and more. Backers also get access to their vibrant Discord community, special Zoom sessions, and plenty of other exclusive perks.
I believe this project will be a fantastic addition to the Tolkien community, and I can’t wait to see it come to life. If you’re as excited as I am, consider supporting them!
Check it out 👉 here 👈
Let’s help bring this amazing documentary to life! 🌟
Silhouette Cosplay's Galadriel Gambeson is really coming together!
If you’re a fan of breathtaking Middle-earth cosplay artistry, you need to check out Silhouette Cosplay’s latest masterpiece: a stunning recreation of the silver gambeson worn by Galadriel in The Rings of Power Season 2. I initially followed Sil because of her incredible recreations of her Lord of the Rings Online character, and she’s continued to amaze me with her talent.
Her latest work is nothing short of spectacular:
- 16 hours of fill stitching, 26 hours of quilting, and 1,000 yards of thread—talk about dedication!
- The gambeson is super sturdy yet lightweight, feeling like heavy canvas but incredibly wearable.
- What’s next? Silhouette is adding side seams, hooks and eyes, and working on the sleeves with intricate eyelets around the armscye.
Her ability to bring characters from Middle-earth to life is magnificent, and her creations from other fandoms are equally impressive. If you haven’t seen her work yet, do yourself a favor and check it out—you’ll be blown away!
Stay tuned as she continues this amazing project! ✨
Community & Social Media
Hobbit Home Making Recent Winter Post
One of my favorite hobbitcore accounts to follow, Hobbit Home Making, has a new wintry post that perfectly captures the essence of cozy, slow living during the colder months. 🌿🔥
In her latest Substack article, she invites us to embrace the art of hobbit-inspired wintering—a season not just for surviving, but for thriving. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Creating a Warm, Hobbit-Worthy Haven: Practical tips for turning your home into a cozy retreat with soft blankets, glowing lights, and hearty meals.
- Winter Feasting Ideas: Delicious, comforting recipes to fill your table and warm your heart.
- Slow-Living Traditions: Embrace the stillness with intentional rest, simmer pots, and winter crafts.
Whether you’re bundled up against a polar vortex or savoring snowy days, this is your guide to finding beauty in the pause of winter.
Ready to winter well? Grab a cup of tea, check out her article, and join this cozy journey. The link is in her bio—don’t miss it! ✨
Moving over to Bluesky? David the Ñgoldo made a helpful video showing how to set up your Tolkien-infused feeds on Bluesky:
(If you're over on Bluesky, you're welcome to give me a follow as well; we can figure out the platform together!)
Gaming
The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth
I’m thrilled to share a new two-player game set in Middle-earth that’s sure to become a favorite for fans of Tolkien’s world! The Lord of the Rings - Duel for Middle-earth offers an epic face-off where players take on the roles of either the Fellowship, striving to protect Middle-earth and destroy the One Ring, or Sauron, seeking to capture Frodo and Sam and unleash his dark forces.
What makes this game even more special? The stunning artwork on the box! It features one of my new favorite depictions of Éowyn—truly a visual treat for any Middle-earth enthusiast.
Whether you’re strategizing as a member of the Fellowship or embracing your inner Dark Lord, this game promises an engaging duel for the fate of Middle-earth. Don’t miss out on this beautifully crafted addition to the world of Tolkien-inspired games! 🌟
Exciting Updates from the LOTRO Team!
The latest Producer Letter for The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) dropped last month, giving us a glimpse into what’s coming this year. From improvements in update processes to big changes with the 64-bit servers, there’s a lot to unpack. If you haven’t caught up yet, here are some highlights:
New 64-Bit Servers: Cordovan and Severlin recently discussed these on the LOTRO livestream. A helpful summary shared from a fellow Kin member outlines key points:
- The 32-bit servers will remain until at least late summer, but players are encouraged to transition to the new servers.
- There will be two new servers each for the EU and US—one regular and one roleplay-focused—designed to consolidate populations and improve gameplay.
- Server names include Orcrist and Meriadoc for the EU, and Glamdring and Peregrin for the US.
- Free transfers between servers will be available, but expect queues and wait times.
Character Transfers and Name Reservations:
- VIPs will have the first opportunity to reserve up to three character names on launch day.
- Transfers and character creation will roll out over a few days, with all players gaining access by Day 3.
- Housing and name reservations will be managed carefully, with support for issues like name trolling.
Gameplay Enhancements: The team is working on 4k updates, improved elf models, and more, all slated for Update 43, expected in February.
For a deeper dive, check out the full Producer Letter here, and catch the livestream discussion here. Don’t miss out on these exciting changes as LOTRO continues to evolve!
Gatherings & Events
Serpentine Cider's Aragorn's Birthday Lord of the Rings Night
If you love Middle-earth as much as I do, you have to check out this incredible event at my favorite cider spot, Serpentine Cider & Smokehouse in Miramar, San Diego! 🎉
📅 When: Saturday, March 1 · 4 - 9pm PST
📍 Where: Serpentine Cider & Smokehouse, Miramar
Celebrate the birthday of our true King Aragorn with a Long-Expected Party featuring:
✨ Costumes and cosplay (break out your elven cloaks and hobbit feet!)
🍴 Themed food and drinks that’ll satisfy any Hobbit’s appetite
🏆 Prizes and surprises, including a costume contest
🎬 A screening of The Return of the King!
📖 Special guest Alan Sisto, co-host of The Prancing Pony Podcast, will host trivia, sign copies of his book Why We Love Middle-earth, and geek out about Tolkien with us!
🎟️ Tickets: $20 (Purchase online in advance)
Your ticket includes:
Guaranteed entry
Your first drink FREE
A free themed sticker (first 25 people)
Access to the photo station and craft table
🍻 Why I love this event: Serpentine Cider is hands-down my favorite spot for a refreshing craft cider, and this is the perfect chance to nerd out about Tolkien while enjoying some of the best drinks around.
📌 Event Details:
Movie starts at 5 PM
21+ only (ID required)
Costumes are highly encouraged—let’s see your best Middle-earth looks!
No dogs allowed (sadly, no Wargs or Sméagols either).
Space is limited, and this event is going to sell out faster than a Hobbit can eat second breakfast. Get your tickets now and join me for an unforgettable night of cider and Middle-earth magic!
For FAQs visit the event page; for book pre-orders, message them directly. Don’t miss this one, my fellow Tolkien fans! 🍎🧝♀️
Merch
✨ Bring Tolkien’s Art Into Your Home! ✨
The Bodleian Library’s award-winning Tolkien gift range is a must-see for anyone who loves the professor’s artistry. These exquisite items are inspired by the breathtaking illustrations and maps he created for his works.
Developed in collaboration with The Tolkien Estate, this unique collection captures the magic of Middle-earth and is perfect for fans and collectors alike. From art prints to homeware, stationery, and more, you’ll find stunning pieces that celebrate Tolkien’s own art.
Threads of an Old Life Journal Kickstarter Announcement
Exciting news for Middle-earth dreamers and journal lovers! Katherine Anne’s Shire-inspired Kickstarter collection is launching on January 26th at 8 PM, and it’s nothing short of magical.
The first reveal? Beautiful A5 Foiled Notebooks for those who are most like Bilbo at heart. Perfect for planning, journaling, or daydreaming about Middle-earth, these stunning notebooks will unlock on Kickstarter when the campaign reaches £800—so every pledge helps bring this beautiful vision to life!
Katherine’s heartfelt designs are inspired by the Shire’s cozy, timeless charm, and your support can help make her dream a reality. Whether you’re pledging or spreading the word, your enthusiasm means the world to her. 🌟
Let’s make this happen! Which color will you choose?
Podcasts & Videos
🎥 Must-Watch Video: Women Warriors of Middle-earth 🎥
This week, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite videos from Nerd of the Rings—and that’s saying something! This in-depth exploration of women warriors in Middle-earth shines a spotlight on one of my favorite First Age characters: Haleth of the Haladin.
The video also journeys through Tolkien’s Legendarium to feature other incredible women warriors, including the most famous shieldmaiden of them all: Éowyn. It’s a fascinating look at the strength and courage of these characters, grounded solely in Tolkien’s own writings.
I’ve already watched it three times and can’t recommend it enough! This video is not only inspiring but also foundational for a write-up (or vlog) I’m working on about Héra and The War of the Rohirrim.
Whether you’re a fan of Tolkien’s First Age stories or his later tales, this is a must-watch.
Writings (blogs, books, etc.)
Cities and Strongholds of Middle-earth: Essays on the Habitations of Tolkien’s Legendarium
If you’re fascinated by the intricate world-building of Middle-earth, this new collection of essays, Cities and Strongholds of Middle-earth, is a treasure trove of insight. Edited by Cami D. Agan, this volume features 13 essays that explore the vital role of habitations in Tolkien’s legendarium—how they shape meaning, define boundaries, and reflect the social, familial, and political landscapes of Arda.
These essays delve into how Tolkien’s cities and strongholds serve as:
- Makers of meaning within the tales
- Containers of relationships and history
- Evocations of the Past, bridging Arda with the Primary World
Through this lens, the collection highlights the complex “mapping” processes of Arda, connecting the architecture, artistry, and cultural geography of Tolkien’s imagined world to real-world parallels and the reader’s own imagination.
Cami D. Agan, a distinguished Tolkien scholar and professor, has contributed extensively to Tolkien studies, and her expertise shines in this compelling exploration of Middle-earth’s landscapes and architecture.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated scholar, this collection offers a fresh perspective on Tolkien’s Secondary World. Dive into the cities and strongholds that shaped Middle-earth—and the tales within it.
Jeff Lasala's Silmarillion Primer Collaboratory
Struggling with The Silmarillion or looking to rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Elder Days? Jeff LaSala’s upcoming book, The Silmarillion Primer, is here to illuminate the wonders of Middle-earth’s origin story with clarity, humor, and reverence.
This comprehensive guide is perfect for first-time readers, offering an easy-to-follow walkthrough of Tolkien’s epic mythologies, complete with diagrams, charts, maps, and graphics to untangle the complexities of the narrative. For Silmarillion veterans, it’s a fresh and engaging journey back to the marvels of Valinor, the dramas of Beleriand, and the heart of the legendarium.
Jeff’s approach isn’t about reinterpreting Tolkien but rather making his world accessible, using contemporary language to shed light on the beauty and depth of the text. Expect new insights, a touch of humor, and a rekindling of your admiration for the mythologies that shaped Middle-earth.
Whether you’re diving into The Silmarillion for the first time or revisiting it with seasoned eyes, this book will enrich your experience and remind you why Tolkien’s work continues to inspire. 🌟 Help Jeff bring it to fruition!
What is the Signum Collaboratory?
The Signum Collaboratory is an interactive creative community where subscribers access a rich library of lectures, books, and videos while actively engaging in creative projects. Members can participate in discussions, provide feedback on new submissions, and collaborate with authors and production teams. Subscribers also join Project Rooms to contribute to future publications and, at higher subscription levels, gain exclusive access to Creators’ Circles, supporting star creatives through live meetings. The Collaboratory offers a dynamic space for creativity and collaboration, connecting enthusiasts and creators in meaningful ways.
