(Click here for the Hungarian article about the event.)
The Creative Autumn Meeting (“CAM” or “KÖMT” in Hungarian) is usually attended by about a hundred people, mostly members of our community but also a few newcomers—including foreign guests, as traditionally this is our most international event. Since 2008 we have received guests from Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, and we hope to welcome many more!
Date: 31 October 2024 (Thursday) – 3 November 2024 (Sunday)
The event starts in the evening of Thursday, but workshops will be held only on Friday and Saturday, and no activities are planned for Sunday.
Place: Seregélyesi Baptista Általános Iskola és Alapfokú Művészeti Iskola (Primary School of Seregélyes)
Join the event on Facebook >>>
We have a Discord channel for this event on the server of the Hungarian Tolkien Society. Click here to join!
(The general discussion will be in Hungarian here, but feel free to drop any questions or comments in English.)
What is it like to visit the CAM as a foreigner? Read about the experience of our Slovak guests here >>>
Venue
The event will take place in the school building in Seregélyes (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9BUErTu4nk1GDoRx7). The travel from Budapest to the venue is about 1 hour by car and about 2 hours by bus/train. (If you use public transport, we are happy to help you with the planning and the transfer.) Basic accommodation is provided in the classrooms of the school, for which you need your own sleeping bag—bringing your own mattress is useful as well, but we can also provide some. We are also working on alternative accommodation options outside of the school for those who insist on sleeping on a bed for an extra fee.
If you stay in the school, the basic participation fee for the whole event is 6200 HUF. Food can be provided for extra fee.
Food
Microwave, electric kettle and toaster will be available for those who would prefer to prepare their own food. You will be able to order in advance some of the meals, details coming soon!
Programme
We open on Thursday evening with a Rohanised Halloween Ball (yes, that means waltz and costumes, but neither is compulsory).
The main programme on Friday and Saturday (1–2 November) will consist of various workshops: Tolkienite or creative or sporty or anything the participants know about and want to share. The basic language of the programme is Hungarian, but we will try to help with translation to English wherever it is possible.
Check out the workshop schedule at the end of this article, and make your choices!
Besides the workshops, there will be various evening activities: board games, karaoke, show night and party. Details coming soon!
Sunday morning is for tidying up and leaving the school (organised transport for the train expected around noontime). But if you want to stay the day in Hungary, we can help with some Budapest touristing for the evening, just ask.
Setting
“Here is the horse and the rider!”
It is the three thousand and tenth year of the Third Age, and King Théoden calls you to the Mark of the Riders for a double celebration.
One thousand years have passed since the brave Fram slew Scatha, the terrible dragon of Ered Mithrin. He returned from this adventure not only with great fame but also with the treasures of the dragon, some part of which is still hidden: no one knows where.
But we are also celebrating the centenary of the founding of the Mark: five hundred years ago, Eorl the Young led his people to the aid of Gondor, gained the victory at the Field of Celebrant, and received the lands of Calenardhon in return.
And the autumn is also a time of general reminiscence, so the Rohirrim gathered here remember not only these famous victories, but all their noble ancestors, and recall the world of the unseen in these days, when the dead are a bit closer to the living, and the figures of the forgotten past walk among us.
Contact
This article will be regularly updated with more details about workshops and other important information. But in case you are planning to join us (or have any questions), please contact either Metaflora (at metaflora[at]tolkien[dot]hu) or the organisers' team (at komt[at]tokien[dot]hu), or just drop a message in our Discord channel.
Workshops
The main programme of any Creative Autumn Meeting consists of various workshops: Tolkienite or creative or sporty or anything the participants know about and want to share. There will be four “long” workshops (3 hours) on Friday and Saturday morning and afternoon. We are also planning “short” workshops (1-1.5 hour) which can happen either Friday morning (parallel with the long ones) or in the Friday evening (parallel with some social activities).
Some workshops (those in the table which have a number and an asterisk after their name) have two sessions: this means you have to choose to join both sessions or none. Workshops for which special equipment or ingredients are needed will have an extra fee, this information is always provided in the workshop description. Click on the name of the workshop to read the details!
As soon as the programme is final and the registration opens, you will be expected to choose in advance the workshops you would like to join, and in time, as usually many of them have a strict limit for the maximum number of participants.
Planned workshop schedule (subject to change):
Workshop descriptions:
Aikido - led by Erik: A Japanese martial art which uses the force of the opponent to carry out its techniques. The name itself can be translated as "the path to the harmony of the soul and body". It's main focus is hand to hand combat but jo, boken and tanto (staff, sword, dagger) is also part of its repertoir. In the workshop you will gain a small insight on this martial art.
Archery - led by Áron: We welcome every experienced archers, beginners, and those who would like to try it. If you have your own equipment, feel free to bring it along. Extra fee applies. (The workshop will be held in Hungarian, but you are welcome to join, and we will ask somebody to translate for you.)
Asymmetry Delights (playing board games in the spirit of autumn) - led by Ati & Ati: Imagine yourself on a rainy autumn afternoon, in a soft knitted sweater, with a mug of hot tea or coffee and a few great friends, immersed in a cosy asymmetric board game with twists and turns unfolding before you – each player with a unique faction and strategy to fight to rise to the winner's circle. If you like deep, thought-provoking games that never repeat themselves, then this is the place for you! Immerse yourself in asymmetrical games such as Root, a war between forest animals, Anachrony, a dystopian future with time travel and exoskeletons, or Deal with the Devil, a secret role-playing game set in the Renaissance, where you can sell your soul for a few shiny gold coins. Come and experience what it feels like to immerse yourself in a mix of variety and strategy!
Bag End Diorama - led by Szonja Csíkos: Bag End is the symbol of home. That's why every home needs a Bag End. Come and let's build the heart of your home together! In the workshop, everyone can create their own Bag End diorama using affordable, easily accessible techniques and materials, including recycled items. The creative process will be made even more atmospheric by the enchanting music from The Lord of the Rings films. Extra fee applies. (The workshop will be held in Hungarian, but you are welcome to join, and we will ask somebody to translate for you.)
BLUE (cyanotype) - led by RZP: During this session we learn about cyanotype, a method from the early days of photography. After mixing the ingredients and preparing the paper, we will create photographs using the Sun and various items we find around. The result is a negative picture, where the shadows leave white marks, while the exposed parts will turn to blue. The main base will be aquarelle paper, but any absorbent materials are welcome (canvas bags, bandanas, t-shirt) as long as they are white or have very light base color. If you send a picture to me beforehand, I can create a negative film from it, and this way you can even print actual photographs. Extra fee applies.
Choir from The Ballad of the Witches' Road - led by Pillangó: Let's bring a little witch atmosphere into the CAM! The workshop is very simple: I want to learn and perform The Ballad of the Witches' Road together. The number of parts, their complexity and whether we change the lyrics absolutely depends on the participants, it will be more like a collaborative effort.
Dishonorable Gods (RPG workshop with a blend of fantasy and sci-fi themes) - led by Dávid: A roleplaying workshop with a blend of fantasy and sci-fi themes, and minor LARP elements. In this role-playing "workshop" you will step into the shoes of devout pilgrims. You are on a pilgrimage to discover the past and perhaps find some treasures left behind by those who came before. With the 'Ritual of the Masks' you will take on the aspects of your Gods, and through it: live out their tales and glorious deeds. But as the line between myth and history begins to blur, dark secrets will come to light. What if the stories about your Gods are not exactly true? And what if the consequences of their past actions are so malicious, they are an existential threat to their followers in the present day? Prepare for an adventure that will challenge your faith, your perception of the past, and your very understanding of the world. This workshop is a rules-light, but very thematic and roleplay heavy. Expect Nordic LARP style. 18+ participants only. Workshop will start with exactly 5 players. Trigger warning: Death; Violence; Addiction. Join us if your favorite movie/series is of the following: 2001 Space Odyssey; Interstellar; The Expanse; Scavengers Reign. Or if you have loved the following games: "Returnal"; "Observation". Extra fee applies.
Eye Gymnastics - led by Tünde: Improve your sight and relax your eyes! (The workshop will be held in Hungarian, but you are welcome to join, and we will ask somebody to translate for you.)
Fan Dance - led by Veró & Bogi: After a complex warm-up, we will learn a dance coreography with fans, and there will be also stretching in the end. We hope to present the coreography on the stage last night. Extra fee applies.
Glass Cabochon Pendant Making - led by Stara: Glass Cabochon provides an easy and fast method to make a very convincing pendant, but you can also use the technique to make a fridge magnet, a bookmark or a brooch. Come and try it for yourself!
Halloween Macrame - led by Szonja Selmeczi: The autumn meeting coincides with Halloween, so let's create decorations suitable for the occasion! Attention! Only sign up for this workshop if you don't have arachnophobia, because by the end of the session, there will be many small and large spiders in the room—though hopefully only made of yarn. We will be knotting not only the spiderweb, but we will also make the spider that lives in it. Extra fee applies.
Hiking - led by Borz: Explore the Pákozd Hills with us! The hike will be 5,5 km long.
Hiking with the Rangers - led by Melian: Join the special CAM session of the "Rangers" of the Hungarian Tolkien Society on a cca. 8 km long, easy hike along the Birdsong-trail of the Dinnyési-Fertő.
Historical Dances - led by Zsófredil: In this workshop you can learn ballroom dances from the middle ages, renessaince amd baroque era, as well as several types of folk dances. Previous dance experience is not required. You might need a change of clothes and a bottle of water – we guarantee everything else, first of all fun and laughter! The last 30 mins of the workshop will be stretching, which you're free to join or skip as you like, and which is also open to those who didn't attend to the dancing.
Hobbit-Door-Wreath-Making - led by Sil: Make a Hobbit Door for your front door! The wreath will be about 16-18 cm in diameter. Extra fee applies.
Irish Céilí Dances - led by Metaflora & Toma: Traditional dances for groups of four, six and their multiples. You do not need any previous experience, just a soft shoe and a lot of energy.
Japanese Bookbinding - led by Enola: What about making your very own notebook? In traditional Japanese bookbinding the pages are not glued but sewn together. This creates a decorative spine as well as making the book stronger. In this workshop you can make your own hardcover note book with unique spine and cover. No previous experience needed, we start from the basics. However, if you seek more challenge, you may also try more complicated patterns. Extra fee applies.
Joyful Noise - led by Benedek & Zsófredil: Do you want to experience the joy of playing music together? We will sing and play songs we have the mood for, including the classic and the fresh Hungarian Tolkien Society songs, and other widely known tunes. Bring along your own instrument, if you can!
Karate - led by Péter: Martial art and competitive sport: I would like to demonstrate these two aspects of karate. You will get: a historical overview; warm-up; kihon - basic techniques; HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training); pair exercises; kata - forms with analysis; games; kumite - induction to sparring; stretching. We will not: beat each other up; break objects normally used in construction work. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes!
Let's Cycle around Lake Velence! - led by Totó: If there are too many exciting workshops indoors, why not go out into the open? We will cycle around the nearby Lake Velence. The plan is to go by car to Gárdony (bringing the bikes with us), then do the round, and go back. It should fit into the schedule of one workshop. You can either bring your own bike (we can manage the transportation of a few bikes), or rent a bike at the starting point.
LightPrint Photogram Miniworkshop - led by Márton: We call a print photogram, when an object is placed directly on the photosensitive paper when exposing it to the light, thus resulting an imprint on the photosensitive paper, wich will be in our case a black-and-white image. What makes this photogram special is the fact, that you will be chosing the objects and the composition of the print, and you can be part of the miracle, as bathing in the chemicals the ivory-white paper takes the form of your composition, almost as if being enchanted. Extra fee applies.
Linedance - led by Borz: Linedance is easy (you do not need a partner, just follow the line), fun and healthy! We will try several styles from country to pop, so hopefully everybody can find something to their taste. Bring comfortable clothing and shoes and a bottle of water for yourself!
Macho Flexing Workshop - led by Adanedhel: Do you want to flex a bit? Your time has come! If you have any bits of scrap metal at home which looks like the source material for a perfect knife, bring it along: we will flex it, sharpen it and give it a nice handle.
Minifig Painting - led by Totó: If you have wargaming, boardgame or ttrpg figures at home, you can paint it here, or if we have enough participants, we will order a box of figures (chosen by the participants). No special hand-coordinating skills are required, although a little bit of patience can go a long way in this hobby. Brushes, paints and all the neccesary items will be provided, you only need to bring your enthusiasm with you! While painting we can talk about the uses of this figurines in wargaming, boardgames and ttrpgs or just about any other topic. Beginners and advanced painters are all welcome! Extra fee applies.
My Way to Middle-earth (discussion) - led by Alyr: "I sit beside the fire and think / of all that I have seen, / of meadow-flowers and butterflies / in summers that have been;" – We will talk about how we found our way to Middle-earth, our personal stories and the story of the Hungarian Tolkien Society. What it looked like back then, how did it start, the first meetings and events, and what it is like now for our new members and friends.
Sami Bracelet Making - led by Sil: We will make a unisex bracelet out of leather and wire based on Sami tradtion. Extra fee applies.
Stenciling on Fabric - led by Sil: Bring your own cotton T-shirt to paint on!
Sweet Rest (chocolate making) - led by Bebe: Hangolódjuk egy kicsit a hideg időre! Let's warm up for the cold! You are invited for a bit of chocolating: we can make hot chocolate, small form chocolate, or other kinds of sweets. Extra fee applies.
Table/Card Weaving - led by Lindorel & Stara: Tablet weaving is a weaving technique where tablets/cards are used to create the shed through which the weft is passed. The result is a narrow strip of strong woven material, which can be used as belt, strap or even horse tool.
The Quiet Year (creative map game with RPG elements) - led by Dávid: A creative map game, with role-playing elements. We will define the struggles of a community living after the collapse of civilization, and attempt to build something good within their quiet year. Every decision and every action is set against a backdrop of dwindling time and rising concern. Will we play the survivors of Beleriand? Humans escaping from the land or Mordor, after the rise of evil? Or perhaps the fate of some exiled group of Elves? We shall see, but we will decide it together. In this game we will not play characters, but families, tribes, perhaps whole communities and represent them all as a group. The game is played using a deck of cards – each of the 52 cards corresponds to a week during the quiet year. Each card triggers certain events – bringing bad news, good omens, project delays and sudden changes in luck. During the game, we will draw on a giant map, but professional drawing skills are not required. If you can draw small pictograms, that can be present on a map, you are more than welcome. Trigger warning: The themes and mood are highly dependent on the players, as such I won't outline hard triggers, as they can be discussed at the table. The game is about survivors, and at the end of the game, they might not survive, though that does not mean they will be lost and forgotten, as there is a difference between tragedy and heroic last stands.
Tolkien Book Club – KÖMT Edition - led by DóRie: If you like to read and to talk about books, this is the right place for you! For our regular book clubs we usually read along a predefined topic and talk about our experience during the meetup. The chosen author for the CAM is J. R. R. Tolkien. Your task is to read a book from Tolkien which you haven't read yet. In case you already completed his life work, you can choose to read any studies focusing on his works, or just re-read your favourite. Feel free to join even if you didn't manage to finish your book.
Tolkienian Scripts for Hungarian - led by Toma & Metaflora: Runes, Tengwar, Sarati and the Goblin Alphabet: all of them have at least one Hungarian mode by now. As we will be concentrating on these Hungarian modes, this workshop may not be too useful for those who do not speak Hungarian, but you are welcome to join, if you are interested in these local variations.
