Thread: [Landroval] A Parade of Homes - Month of May Contest!

Home is where the heart is, or so the saying goes! We here at the Landroval Times would love to see where it is you adventurers hang your hats up at the end of a long day of battles (even if it's just a day of battling the barkeep to keep your tab open!)


Each week in May, we'll be giving away prizes to the top Standard, Deluxe, and Kin homes (as voted on via a poll that will be posted on the Landroval Times). This will culminate in a best of the best vote at the end of the month, where the previous winners will compete for the grand prize in their category, and overall.




Submission Regulations

• Please make sure there are no names visible in the screencaps.
• Do not edit the screencaps (so no photoshop, or other editing software please).
• You do not have to feature your character in any of the images, though you can if you'd like.
• Include a minimum of 4 screencaps (though you may, of course, include more).
• Remember to include images of your yard.
• The screencaps must be of your own house and reflect the way it is currently decorated.
  • If entering the kin house competition, you must be the kin leader/owner of the house.

How to Submit

• Email your images to admin@landrovaltimes.info OR send ' redpoisonapple ' a PM on the lotro forums.
• The images can be sent as links, or if emailing, as attachments.
• Put down which category you are entering (Standard House, Deluxe House, Kinship House).
• Include your home's full address and the homeowner's name.
• Please, also write down a few words (can be as long, or as short as you'd like) describing your home, what your home means to your character (if it means anything at all that is), and the decoration style you chose. This will be posted up with your screenshots for others to read.

Prizes

• There are prizes given out weekly to the top voted Standard, Deluxe, and Kin house. They are as follows:
  • Standard House prizes:
    • 3 Traveling Rations
    • 1 Red Canopy Bed
    • 1 Small Feasting Table
    • 1 Leaf Blade Candlestand
    • 1 Scholar's Small Bentwood Bookshelf
    • 1 Gold
  • Deluxe House prizes:
    • 6 Traveling Rations
    • 1 Red Canopy Bed
    • 1 Breakfast Table
    • 1 Starry Chandelier
    • 1 Scholar's Bentwood Bookshelf
    • 1 Gold
  • Kinship House prizes:
    • 1 Large Feasting Table
    • 1 Cushioned Bench
    • 1 Wooden Keg
    • 1 Scholar's Round Table
    • 1 Scholar's Pointed Bookshelf
    • 1 Gold

All entrants also receive one crafted wall paint, and one crafted rug, just for participating.

At the end of the month, the winners of the previous weeks will compete for the grand prize in their category.

• Standard grand prize:
  • 10 Gold
• Deluxe Runner-Ups grand prize:
  
  • 15 Gold
• Deluxe/Kinship Winners grand prize:
  • 25 Gold
• There is also a grand prize for the top personal house of 1550 TP!

Here is the submission deadline schedule:

1. Week One: Awards have been sent out. Congratulations to Fionnuala and Tathlian!
2. Week Two: Voting starts Wednesday and closes Sunday, May 13th at noon EDT.
3. Week Three: Must have screenshots submitted by Sunday, May 13th 11:59pm EDT. Pictures will be posted up on Monday and Tuesday. Voting starts Wednesday and closes Sunday, May 20th at noon EDT.
4. Week Four: Must have screenshots submitted by Sunday, May 20th 11:59pm EDT. Pictures will be posted up on Monday and Tuesday. Voting starts Wednesday and closes Sunday, May 27th at noon EDT.

Winners will be announced on Sundays ((due to the myriad of events currently taking place with the Galloping Gala, here will just be one grand celebration at the end of the month to celebrate the winners)).


If there are any questions, concerns, or comments, please let me know! You can email me, or PM me on the lotro forums (redpoisonapple).


Good Luck to everyone!

The prizes have been updated! There have been a few fantastically kind folk that have sent in donations to fatten up the rewards. Weekly winners will now receive 1 Gold each!

Grand Prize winners (at the end of the month) will receive 10G (standard house), 15G (deluxe house), and 25G (kin house)!

AND to the most popular personal home (standard or deluxe), there is the additional reward of 1550 TP!

Remember, the deadline to submit screenshots for Week One is WEDNESDAY MAY 02ND!

Even if you think your home is 'cruddy and boring', submit away! Entrants are kept anonymous and you may even find yourself winning during a thin week, putting you in the running for the 1550 TP Grand Prize.

This sounds fun. I shall have to dust off my little home.

Friendly reminder there are 3 days left to enter the contest this week. Weekly winners receive 1G plus furniture and are entered for the grand prize of 1550 TP. You can't win if you don't enter!

TWO days left to submit for the week. At the moment, looks like one person is going to end up running away with all three prizes as others have yet to enter.

All you need to do is send in a minimum of four unedited screencaps to admin@landrovaltimes.info OR PM me here with the image links (you can upload to imgur/photoshop/tinypic/etc.) as well as the address and character who owns the home.

A little /bump to this fine contest!

A quick reminder you have until midnight tomorrow (11:59pm EDT Wednesday) to submit your screenshots for Week 1. You can PM me with the image links here, or email them to me at admin@landrovaltimes.info

All entries are automatically entered for the grand prize of 1550 TP at the end of the month

I had a lot of fun mocking up my home for entry. I suggest others do it as well. Besides with great prizes like those listed above, who would say no?

Here are the four lovely homes that have entered Week 1s Parade of Homes contest! For a closer look at the images, head over to the post on the Landroval Times. Voting begins Friday!

STANDARD HOME CATEGORY

Entrant No.One

Though F___ shares a larger home with her husband, she uses this smaller dwelling as a private retreat. It as a quiet, picturesque location to work on her composition both musical and literary.

Entrant No.Two

Image #1: Hullo there, welcome to my home!
Image #2: I do so enjoy a warm fire.
Image #3: I went for a bit of a Breeland look thanks to all I’ve seen in my many travels.
Image #4: Oh bother, please pay no attention to that treasure chest we found recently! Well, unless perhaps a suitable donation will help us win the contest?
Image #5: Hey, you kids! Stay out of my yard!

DELUXE HOME CATEGORY

Entrant No.Three

Standing at the front of 6 Fairwood Lane. N___’s House is much like any typical elven house, perhaps aside from the new hobbit decor-styled windmill on the left. A scattering of wild elm and birch trees grow outside the house proper while guests are greeted by a somehow-still-standing snowman with mittens.

Inside the guest is greeted to a hearty breakfast table, lined with goods and a bright purple rug infront of the fireplace. Take note of the two fishing trophies proudly displayed; a fierce (yet stuffed) barghest and several maps of the surrounding areas of Eridor.


To the left of the House, we walk through elven wood arches before arriving in the Guest room (or as she calls it, her Thinking Room.) While the fire is not lit for this photograph the artful hobbit-style fireplace warms up the area. The bench can be turned around to face another chair behind it (not pictured) so that a welcome conversation can be had. Also displayed are a cute toy windmill (the scale model she showed the carpenter who created the fully functional one outside), a trophy-display of Naruhel’s Dress and several other framed maps (though one is only pictured) of places N___ has charted in her journeys.


Grab a log or two to toss on the fire up-the-stairs. This is the bedroom landing.


Ever the scholar, a bookcase – not too far from the bed helps decorate the main bedroom. A basic, quilted bed and dresser stand next to the second fireplace in the house.

Entrant No.Four

Each table and shelf of T___’s home is covered and crammed with the gleanings of her travels. Maps plaster the walls and a variety of candles insure plenty of light during her studies. Though a casual observer might be overwhelmed by scrolls in apparent disarray, each item is carefully placed and remembered.


Even a casual observer, however, will sense a difference on entering the sparsely lit attic. In this private alcove are kept the memories of T___’s personal life: letters, tokens, and keepsakes of those who’ve passed through her life. The contents of this room serve both as a hopeful reminder that she will one day sail to see them and a gentle prompt that the day has not yet come.

The polls are open! Everyone can vote for their favourite Standard and Deluxe houses at this post:

http://www.landrovaltimes.info/news-...week-1-voting/

It's open for guests and registered users. Voting closes May 6th at noon EDT.

ALSO YOU CAN START SENDING IN SCREENSHOT SUBMISSIONS FOR WEEK 2! Deadline to get your screenshots in for the second week is May 6th 11:59pm EDT. You can PM me the image links here on the forums, OR email me at admin@landrovaltimes.info


All submissions are entered to win the Ultimate Grand Prize at the end of the month of 1550TP.

We currently have two entries for Week 2. Deadline to submit is tomorrow at noon EDT!

The results of Week 1 voting are in!

The winner, with 67% of the votes in the Standard House category is Entry 1 by Fionnuala!




And in the Deluxe House category, the winner with 56% of the votes, is Tathlian!



They each receive 1 G, a slew of crafted furniture, and are entered to win the Grand Prize in their categories at the end of the month (10G for standard, 15G for deluxe).


As there were no entries for the Kin House Category, the 1G prize will be split and sent to our runner-ups, the lovely Miss Byrcha who submitted the second place Standard Home, and Lady Neiahel, second place winner of the Deluxe Category.

Congratulations the winners and thank you all for voting and submitting!
Week 2 Entrants to be posted shortly!

((Apologies for not getting this up yesterday. I was unexpectedly out of town this weekend and had a horrible time trying to access the internet on my laptop))

I would enter my house, but I am terrible with screen shots (I have play on low res settings thanks to my poor underpowered laptop :P )

Here are the three lovely homes that have entered Week 2s Parade of Homes contest! For a closer look at the images, head over to the post on the Landroval Times. Voting begins Wednesday!

Also a reminder we are accepting submissions for Week 3 already, deadline is Sunday noon EDT.

STANDARD HOME CATEGORY

There was only ONE entry for the Standard Home Category this week! As such, Miss Apis is the de facto winner! Enjoy her images!

I'm not much of a stay-at-home hobbit, so I have no need for a large residence. The house I keep is simple but it meets all my needs. The hole is nestled in the side of a hill, surrounded by trees and friendly neighbors, who only occasionally give me a hard time about traipsing off on unseemly adventures.

The tree-shaded yard greets visitors with a carefully tended well and a feasting table, handy for whichever meal happens to be nearest. Guests are always welcome to stop by, so help yourself and then come on in!

Relaxing in front of the fire is a great way to unwind after a particularly trying adventure. My favorite part of the house is the small study, where I collect lore and tales from people that I meet in my travels. It's very important for me to have a quiet place to retreat for my scholarly studies.

DELUXE HOUSE CATEGORY

Entrant No Two

As an elf hailing from the golden woods of Lothlórien, I___ sought to bring a piece of home into her house in the Falathorn Homesteads. Apart from her keepsakes from Lórien, trophies and materials for her studies as a historian are apparent. A lovingly tended flower garden graces the yard while numerous bookshelves and revered weapons populate on the walls within. Tied together with rich navy walls, this little elf home bespeaks of elven elegance and intellectual pursuit.

Thank you for taking a look my entry!

Entrant No Three

(only a small portion of the images are shown above. all of the images can be viewed at the Times)

1. Good day! Welcome to my home!
2. From only seedlings gifted to me by a dear friend long ago, these pink rhododendron have claimed a special place in my garden... is that a weed?
3. I am just resting my eyes for a moment, I promise!
4. The creek out back makes for an enjoyable afternoon.
5. Please, come inside, won't you?
6. Go on and leave your cloak on the wardrobe there and come in!
7. Bright floors and walls make for warm and pleasant surroundings when spending time at my writing desk.
8. The warmth and colors of a fire are so entrancing, you know? Time just seems to stand still.
9. I think I will leave these scouting plans for the morrow!
10. Please, come into the sitting room, will you?
11. Gracious, who keeps lighting these fires in order to entrap me here?
12. The warmth or the vision: which is more powerful?
13. Sitting rooms aren't just for sitting anymore!
14. Maybe a little something to read before resting, no?
15. 'Simplicity of life and elevation of purpose...'. Was he speaking of home decorating, I wonder?
16. Thank you for coming by! I hope you enjoyed visiting my haven, but it is time for my rest, so out, out out!

Originally Posted by Okokdir

I would enter my house, but I am terrible with screen shots (I have play on low res settings thanks to my poor underpowered laptop :P )

awww boo

Voting is open for week 2 entries : http://www.landrovaltimes.info/news-...week-2-voting/

Voting closes Sunday at noon EDT. You also have until Sunday to send in your screenshots for Week 3

Quick reminder that y'all have two days left to get your votes in for the winner of week 2, as well as two days to get your screenshots in for week 3.

I think, at the moment, all we have are deluxe house contestants, so if you've a standard house you've been too afraid to show, now might be an opportune time to submit it

The results of Week 2 voting are in!

The winner, with 69% of the votes in the Deluxe House category is Entry 2 by Irialeth!

HOWEVER! As Irialeth is on Arkenstone, the prize goes to our second place winner, Kaleigh Starshine!

Kaleigh will receive 1 G, a slew of crafted furniture, and is entered to win the Grand Prize in the Deluxe Home category at the end of the month (10G for standard, 15G for deluxe).

As there were no entries for the Kin House Category, the 1G prize will be carried over to week 3!

Congratulations to the winners and thank you all for voting and submitting!

Entries for Week 3 will be going up tonight and tomorrow.

REMEMBER THIS IS THE LAST WEEK TO ENTER FOR BOTH THE WEEKLY PRIZE, AS WELL AS THE GRAND PRIZE OF 1550TP! DEADLINE IS SUNDAY MAY 20TH 11:59PM EDT.

Here are the first four lovely homes that have entered Week 3s Parade of Homes contest! The other three will be featured in a separate post (to avoid too many images on one page). Be sure to look them over carefully, fullsized images are on the Landroval Times post.

Voting begins Wednesday!

DELUXE HOME CATEGORY

Entrant No. One

1. Oh! Hello there friend, I see you are admiring my frontyard. Won’t you join me inside for some tea? I sense a storm is on its way; the air smells of rain and honeysuckle. Come along now.
2. Feel free to take a book from the shelf or look through the maps on the table if you like. Just put them back like you found them if you do.
3. Isn’t that little windmill in the corner just delightful? I think it adds a whimsical touch, much like the wreath on the wall.
4. Ah yes, what Elf does not long for the sea? The waves crashing on the shoreline, the moonlight glowing on the water..
5. Warm yourself by the fire. We can sit and talk here while you drink your tea. Then we’ll continue the tour.
6. The inspiration for this room was my homeland, Lothlorien. That tapestry once hung in my old house there.
7. My bedroom of course. That map of Rivendell on the wall, you see? ‘Tis a reminder of a joyful summer spent with my distant relatives. I’ll tell you about it next visit.
8. On the far wall, you see a Dwarven mural in gold that is most beloved to me. My father instilled in me a respect for the culture of the Dwarves before he left.
9. Gracious! The clouds have grown darker, yet no rain. Let me light the lanterns so you dont trip over the stone pathway on your way out. Farewell, friend. My door is always open to you.

Entrant No. Two



This house is open to visitors at any time; brave adventurers needing a warm fire by which to rest for a bit are welcome.


To be honest, none of the heroic women who share this home are hobbits. Then why, might you ask, did we choose the Shire for our home? The answer is simple, really: we are elves and human women who are unlike many of our kinswomen in that we roam Middle Earth, fighting evil where we find it. We are rarely able to return to this place of refuge, but when we do, we like to be in a pleasant, peaceful land, with festivals and crafting areas in abundance. C___ graciously offered each of us refuge when the battles have become too much, and we must needs rest until we can return to fight again, rested and resupplied.


This home has an eclectic style, befitting the variety of adventurers who share it. There are treasures from many daring campaigns, including General Talug’s Armour, which any visitor may try on. There are many decorations found at the aformentioned festivals, including wallpaper, a snow globe, windmills and maps. And there are cozy rugs, lamps, fireplaces, bookcases and other furnishings that provide a welcoming feeling to the tired traveler. There is also the resident dormouse (or maybe dormice? We have only seen one), to whom we provide cheese, as we find its antics amusing.



Entrant No. Three



C___, a retired captain, lives in this deluxe house. The yard is kept natural, unadorned except for several well-tended trees. The interior is in the rustic style, featuring marble, wood paneling, and stone. The trophies give the main room the look of a hunting lodge. The bedroom is simple but cozy, warmed by a roaring fire and a thick bear rug. The study features C___’s passion for books, maps, and elvish craftsmanship. The knight and stars tapestry reflects C___’s Gondorian heritage. Although his travels keep him away from home a great deal, C___ is always glad to return and enjoy a good smoke.

Entrant No. Four



I choose to decorate my home with some of my Quest and Annivesary items that I have collected over the years, a small museum that reminds me of my travels in Middle Earth.
Thank you,
L___

Second part of this week's entries. Fullsize images can be seen at this Landroval Times post.

Voting begins Wednesday!

Entrant No. Five



Welcome to the home of A___ of Lorien. The yard is filled with relics from my homeland. The bench at the front of the yard is turned to face the waterfalls in the distance. It’s a lovely place to sit and watch the sun rise or set, and let the peace of the Falathlorn Homesteads soak into your spirit. It is an elven scholar’s home. There are shelves of books, scrolls, and maps collected over many years throughout the lower level of the home. There is a dining room off to the side of the main room. It has a table set with a meal just waiting for hobbit friends to arrive. The upstairs is where the bedroom is located. There is a crackling fireplace and a friendly mouse that wait for you to take your rest.

Entrant No. Six



My life is made of beauty and feelings. After battles, I do not seek for daily troubles and thus I was avoiding Bree and the surround. And I thought everything was perfect until I entered Istor.


It was a bright day, the sun was high. Although the soil was dusty the heat exhaled a smell of scorched earth, the birds were chirping while an imperceptible breeze softened the bite of the sun.


On each side of the road, cut-stone houses. The gardens decorated with care gave a sense of wellbeing. Gildin trotted along, shaking his mane, and I let him lead. He paused. I slapped the tongue but he stood still. I could sense a sweet freshness over me. Not far away the roar of a waterfall. A silvery stream escaped in a green haven. What a feeling! My look wandered over the landscape when I saw it. Like any other and yet different. It seemed abandoned. The garden was cluttered, weeds growing everywhere. I walked towards the door. No light. I entered. I never left. it was my heaven.


I can not left behind who i am and the garden is probably more elven than Breeland, but is welcome to friends.


The interior is different:
I chose bright or dark colors blending perfectly with the surrounding nature.
The main room is vast, and perhaps almost empty for you, but offers a joyous and luminous atmosphere for music, dance and storytelling. Flowers everywhere, colorful bouquets, sweet or spicy scents.
The red room, or Room of trophies is a reminder of the threats we all face.
The blue room is my heaven. Here I can meditate and soothe my soul.


May you find your Home to cheer you and keep you safe!


Entrant No. Seven



S_____ isn’t a typical dwarf. Starting by making his home in the land of Bree, his choice of decoration varies from the simple comfort of Men, the practical art of the Hobbits through the reliable solid work of his kin, the Dwarves and he even integrates the grace and laced work of the Elves. This home perfectly symbolises the great need of cooperation of all the Free Peoples in these dark times. S_____ managed to finance this great house by taking his chance at the great Treasure Hunt with the help of his faithful pet , Dostya. Dostya and the riches he dug can still be found in the estate. At the highest point of the yard stands proudly the mighty banner of all the Free, which intensifies the aforementioned theme of the house.


After resting up all of yesterday’s tiresome adventures, S_____ has a self-made hearty breakfast in the living room. After that he often spends an hour or two at the map of the Mines of Moria, thinking out any new way or strategy to help his kin retake their lost kingdom at long last from the clutches of the orcs. Then the dwarf spends some minutes in the trophy room reflecting upon defeating the vilest of foes with his closest friends and comrades. And of course he hung up the biggest catches of his life, too, being a full-blooded angler. As a patriotic Dwarf, S_____ holds and cherishes a number of the finest Dwarven crafts, not leaving out an always full keg of fresh beer, which he takes a long pull at occasionally. On calm evenings, S_____ just sits down in the garden, looking down upon the peaceful land he pledged to protect, gaining a new found power against the forces of evil…

Voting is open for week 3! http://www.landrovaltimes.info/news-...week-3-voting/

Remember, everyone has until this Sunday at noon to send in their submissions to be entered for the grand prize of 1550 TP!

There are a lot of great houses this week, and I enjoy reading the in-character descriptions too. You all make it hard to choose just one to vote for! But it's nice that the contest can be fun for spectators as well as participants.

Please check your forum message

I have sent Marguerita a PM but in the interest of full disclosure, am making my response public so that no one can later say anything is "fixed".

Yes, people can vote multiple times on the polls. This isn't a glitch. The weekly polls are just for fun, as so far, all of the entries from Landroval have been awarded prizes.

The voting doesn't become a 'serious' issue, until we get to the end stage votes for grand prizes and the TP ultimate prize. Also, as there have been no kinhome entries (and there don't look to be any this last week either), all of the Landroval deluxe houses are entered for the gold grand prizes. (All entries from all servers are automatically entered for the TP prize just for submitting an entry).

Both of these polls will be limited to one vote per IP address.

I mean honestly, this contest was created just as something fun to do and a way to reward people who have spent time taking care of their homes with some recognition. It isn't about the gold prizes, because honestly, many of these entries look to have a decent amount of gold already, and it isn't even about TP, if anyone really wanted it so badly, it's just twenty bucks (or the culmination of three months VIP rewards).

As always, if anyone has further questions/concerns, definitely feel free to send me a PM or email me at admin@landrovaltimes.info

- Leslie

Originally Posted by redpoisonapple

I have sent Marguerita a PM but in the interest of full disclosure, am making my response public so that no one can later say anything is "fixed".

Yes, people can vote multiple times on the polls. This isn't a glitch. The weekly polls are just for fun, as so far, all of the entries from Landroval have been awarded prizes.

The voting doesn't become a 'serious' issue, until we get to the end stage votes for grand prizes and the TP ultimate prize. Also, as there have been no kinhome entries (and there don't look to be any this last week either), all of the Landroval deluxe houses are entered for the gold grand prizes. (All entries from all servers are automatically entered for the TP prize just for submitting an entry).

Both of these polls will be limited to one vote per IP address.

I mean honestly, this contest was created just as something fun to do and a way to reward people who have spent time taking care of their homes with some recognition. It isn't about the gold prizes, because honestly, many of these entries look to have a decent amount of gold already, and it isn't even about TP, if anyone really wanted it so badly, it's just twenty bucks (or the culmination of three months VIP rewards).

As always, if anyone has further questions/concerns, definitely feel free to send me a PM or email me at admin@landrovaltimes.info

- Leslie

I just wished i knew that when i was voting for the other contestant from previous weeks.

This is a good and fun contest, i am sur the final will be a great one! My best wishes to all the participants!
Thanks you for organising it

The results of Week 3 voting are in!

The winner, with 33% of the votes in the Deluxe House category is Entry 3 by Cordonan!



HOWEVER! As Cordonan is on Firefoot, the prize goes to our second place winner, Angathriel!




Angathriel will receive 1 G, a slew of crafted furniture, and is entered to win the Grand Prize in the Deluxe Home category at the end of the month.


As we have prize money carried over from last week, and had no entries this week in the Standard, or Kin home categories, we’ve decided to share the prize money amongst the remaining Landroval entrants!


Clarawen:


and Alinniel:

They’ll both receive 1 Gold!

Congratulations to everyone and thank you all for voting and submitting!

Here are the homes for the final week of the Parade of Homes. Voting has already begun on the Landroval Times. Check out the LT entry to see the fullsize images and to cast your vote before Sunday noon EDT!

Standard Home Category

Entry #1

I don’t have much to say about this little house, but I really love it a lot and have had it since f2p came out. I even had the same house previously on Bullroarer. I’m a big fan of green, so much of the interior reflects that. I’ve collected a few small trophies along my journeys which are displayed. I also enjoy crafting, so some of the various furniture was made by me, as well as a few other things I’ve found shopping. It’s always open to the public, so feel free to take a peek at this little jem of a home!

Entry #2

I am a traveling scholar and historian, and recently my husband and our grandson and I decided to put our explorations on hold and settle for a while in Bree-land.

(1) We were exceptionally lucky to find the house we ended up purchasing: a quiet little place on a secluded property with a spectacular view. I very much enjoy the well-shaded yard, which is perfect for afternoons spent reading under a tree. When summer comes, though, I’d like to clear out a sunny spot for an herb garden.

(2) The view behind the house, as I mentioned, is wonderful, and right down the hill there’s a little spot where my grandson can fish from the pond.

(3) The side yard is also lovely for evening cookouts.

(4) While the front yard is fairly well canopied by trees, the roof affords a wonderfully clear view of the sky for astronomy lessons.

(5, 6) Inside, the house is small and still needs a fair bit of work, but it’s cozy and comfortable, and all three of us are quickly falling in love with the place. It’s nice having a safe, dry place to keep all my books again!

(7) My husband makes good use of our library after a long day of patrolling. I’m always amazed that the man seems to be able to sleep anywhere. Though in all seriousness a good number of the books belong to him, too.

(8, 9) The kitchen is my grandson’s favorite place, and where we usually have his lessons. At the moment he’s studying the history of the North-kingdom.

(10) Taking a break from lessons to make dinner is probably WHY he enjoys studying in the kitchen so much.

Thank you for the opportunity to showcase my home! It isn’t anything spectacular, but as a quiet haven for a family of scholars (and aspiring scholars), it suits us perfectly.

Deluxe Home Category

Entry #3

I find Thorin’s Hall to be a very cozy place to live, even though I am an Elf. Number 6 Roaring Road overlooks a beautiful waterfall and underground river, and sits directly under an opening in the caves, giving me a lovely view of the sky–which allows for plenty of trees and a snowy setting. I have always decorated my home to reflect the cozy and peaceful atmosphere I cherish. This always includes plenty of comfortable seating, warm fireplaces, and ample space for entertaining guests. Also, I am a cartography enthusiast, so the majority of my wall decor consists of elegantly-framed maps from my collection. My map table and bookcase allow for me to properly store and organize all of my smaller maps, journals, and histories I have collected from my travels. I hope you find my home inviting, and please feel free to drop by anytime for a drink! (Note: I assume no responsibility for the replacing of trousers and boots if you decide to get a drink from the Inn League Keg.)

Entry #4

1. My home lies in a densely wooded section of Bree-land. Here we are at the entry gate! The trees make for lovely shade in the summer.
2. Ahh, a proper view of my home in its entirety. Now you can see what I mean by densely wooded, just look at that expansive canopy in the background! I transplanted the large Shire oak myself, to bring a little of my old home with me when I moved.
3. Here, I’ve laid us a table of goodies! Sit, eat, relax. There’s nothing better than filling oneself on pears, pie and pruned pork while perched amid a peppering of perennial purple periwinkles! (Sorry, I just couldn’t help myself.)
4. My vegetable garden might be small, but it keeps my kitchen running. Last year I had more radishes than I knew what to do with, so I got a bit creative trying to use them all… for the record, I do NOT recommend radish-rutabaga pie. *grimace* That… that one was a mistake.
5. Now that we’ve supped, come inside and sit a spell. ….Do wipe your feet, won’t you?
6. Here we are, then! These higher ceilings are the reason I moved here from the Shire. After sleeping under the open sky so many nights during my adventures, a traditional Hobbit hole was a little too cramped for my taste. Forgive me, Aunt Mabel!
7. Here’s where I do my formal entertaining around the holidays. I chose a map of Forochel as a focal point, as my time spent adventuring there was one of tremendous personal growth. I am no longer the Hobbit I was before I headed north from Evendim, but that’s a story for another time I’m afraid.
8. You can take the minstrel out of the Shire, but you can’t take the Shire out of the minstrel! *chuckle* A map of my old stomping-grounds, as well as a snowglobe of my old residence (made for me by a very dear old schoolchum) are among my most tresured possessions.
9. …What’s what noise? Oh! I haven’t introduced you to Govinda, my pet Grosbeak. I found her flapping about on one of my front steps last summer when she was just a wee thing, probably just left the nest, and here the poor dear had a broken leg. I gently scooped her up, and she seemed to calm down instantly, knowing I would help her. It was touch and go for awhile, but we got that leg mended (though she still favors it from time to time), and when I took her outside to release her, she just stayed perched on my hand. She had grown accustomed to me, and I to her, so… here we are. She seems to enjoy the sound of the crackling fire, as when it starts to die she screams at me to poke it back into life! *sigh* Silly thing…
10. Yes, well, not much to show you in here, this is my simple bedchamber with– er, ignore the boots, I forgot to tidy up before you came.
11. Now HERE’S something worth looking at! I paid a fellow in Bree to mount my more stupendous catches, and it turned out quite nicely if I do say so myself. And I hope you’ll pardon me displaying my wealth… I don’t honestly mean to do so, riches aren’t a priority to me, but the gems do look so pretty! Sometimes at night I place a candle or two near the open chest, and the light passes through and reflects off of the glittering facets, creating the loveliest twinkling light show on my walls and ceiling!
12. HAH! Yes, yes, he is impressive, isn’t he? At least fifty pounds, if I remember correctly! That was a fine day, the day I caught him. Mind you, the ugly thing nearly sunk my rowboat more than once before I finally bested him!
13. What’s this, you ask? Why, it’s a… a… hrm. I have to admit, I don’t quite know what to make of this thing either. I found this mysterious swirling orb in the course of my adventures, and never having seen its like in this wide world, snatched it up without question… but it is quite befuddling. Actually, I know it will sound odd, but it’s somewhat… offputting. Sometimes, when it’s quiet, I feel almost as if it’s watching me. *shiver*
14. Speaking of adventures, I’m due for one soon. Hmm. Where to go? Sit with me, let’s plan one out on the map table… oh, you need to be off? Very well. Another time then, perhaps!
15. Goodbye! Thank you for visiting!

Kin Home Category

Entry #5

We enjoy large gatherings with music, ale and plenty of space for dancing. Our home is centered around the wide open common room where we are set up to have a band and many dancers come and join us. Our living areas reflect our adventures and travels. On our walls you will find maps of the different areas we have explored together and the occasional trophy collected at great peril.

Entry #6

Welcome! You are standing on the doorstep from a very busy crafting-kin. Home of an old elven hunter and a lot of crafty hobbits. It is partly trophys from battle, acquired from the hunter. And a lot of festival-revards. The hobbits know how to celebrate.

Picture 1,2,3: The garden is a playground for the hobbits and a place for the hunter, to recover from battle.
Picture 4: Here rules the hunter! A few rewards for her commitment.
Picture 5,6,7: The place for meetings and celebrations.
Picture 8: The icky corner… Do not get to close….
Picture 9,10: The entire pride of the kin leader, her collection of fishing-trophys and the trophys from the Inn League.
Picture 11,12: Another area for celebration
Picture 13,14: The living room for the hobbits

Best of luck to everyone and a huge thanks to all for participating!

Category Grand Prize Voting time is here! Voting is open through Wednesday 11:59pm EDT. You can only vote once, and results are hidden until after the voting ends. A reminder of what the Category Grand Prizes are:

Standard Category Grand Prize: 10 Gold

Deluxe Runner Ups Grand Prize: 15 Gold

Deluxe/Kin Winners Grand Prize: 25 Gold

http://www.landrovaltimes.info/news-...-prize-voting/

Once voting ends with this, voting on the Ultimate Prize of 1550TP begins. Details on that will be posted up on Thursday

Best of luck to everyone!

*waits on pins and needles to find out who the final ultimate grand awesome winners are*

The wait is over! May has come to its end, and with it, so does our Parade of Homes contest series. We have had so many wonderful, creative, and beautiful entries from around Middle Earth. A huge round of applause to everyone that has entered, opening their doors for the world to see.

Now, on to the Grand Prize winners!


In the Standard House category, with 31% of the votes, Amasyllia is the winner! She will receive a prize of 10 Gold!

In the Deluxe Runners Up category, with 44% of the votes, Wilbric Shortpipe is the winner! He will receive a prize of 15 Gold!

In the Deluxe winners and Kinship category, with 50% of the votes, Mirinaeth is the winner! She will receive a prize of 25 Gold!

And finally, the winner of the Ultimate Grand Prize of 1550 TP, with a stunning 46% of the votes, is Merinka Morschbalk of Belegaer!

Congratulations to all of the winners and participants!

Congratulations to all the winners!

/clap

And thanks for running the contest, it's been fun scoping out what different people choose to do with their houses.

Will there be another one or is this done forever?

I just found out about this and I'm dying to submit my awesome pad!