Hello To Everyone

[DakotaArt]

First, I'd like to hello to everyone on this forum and let you all know that I will be at DragonSlayer throughout the entire run of the festival. I look forward to meeting each one of you in person. Please let me know who you are on this forum so I can put a smiling face with each one of you. I would be honored to sign your tankards and t-shirts and hear your comments on the art I have done for this year's tankards, pewter, t-shirts, and pins.

The art for this year is based on the ledgend I wrote entitled "Dracor and the Villagers of Arden". I would like to do a new ledgend each year for the art. In the future they will all be bound in a book of Renaissance Ledgends. Let me know if you like this idea.

In this year's ledgend a dragon named Dracor and a fire fairy named Fiona join forces and save the village of Arden from capture, enslavement, and death. And when asked why she and Dracor had returned to save them even after she had been banished from the village and they had tried to kill Dracor Fiona promply answered, "Because it was the right thing to do." With this the villagers gasped in astonishment. The small girl, who had emerged through the crowd initially to speak to Fiona then asked, "Well then how can we repay you both for this unbelievable act of heroism?" Fiona smiled brightly. She looked at Dracor and he smiled back. She then turned to the villagers and said, "That is simple. Do these three things: 1) Live like there is no tomorrow. 2) Love like there is no other. 3) Dance, always, like there is no one watching!!!!!!!

If you would me to email you the entire version of this ledgend you can email me at Dakota@dragonsquest.com.

I hope I see all of you this weekend at festival.:)

[Sir Martin]

Welcome to the forum, Dakota! What a pleasant surprise. I look forward to meeting you and having my tankard autographed. Chris posted pictures of your designs a few weeks ago and they look splendid.

[AngieP]

Glad to meet you on the forums...I will be seeing you All Hallows Eve weekend!!

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Welcome to the forum Dakota. Welcome indeed. :)

[kmjtk]

I just wanted to welcome you to the forum and say thanks again for all of your beautiful artwork and creativity!

You may remember me best as being the guy that bought your 99 Lords and Ladies last week! Thanks again! I have photos of my collection on another thread here!

I love the tankard this year and the legend/inspiration behind it! In fact, the last 4 or 5 years the product has been great....when you add a legend behind an already great product, it makes it even better, adds something to talk about when you are showing it off. Another thing I like about the recent tankards are the lids. The cone-shaped lids made the old original steins that much more impressive....I hope all future additions have lids too. Of course, I am also a big fan of the horn-shaped steins...like the 99 as well. The finials and gold/silver highlights bring back good memories!

I was curious too.....do you still have some of the undated tankards from this year available? I did not plan on there being one this year and did not buy one last week. I plan on returning to the festival during the Roman Bacchanal weekend (11-3), would like to get one, but don't want to wait if you feel they will be sold out. Is it possible to order one via mail?

Thanks again,

Kevin (kmjtk)

[Sir Martin]

Hey kmjtk - I believe there was a good supply of the undated steins left. I do remember, however, that the 2003 stein (that was the basis for this year's undated one) sold out before the end of fest that year. The tankard guide lists the 2003 model as a production run of 2000 pieces, but I can't find the numbers for this year's. Hopefully Dakota or one of the other MIL workers can let us know.

[DakotaArt]

There were 1500 made of the undated tankard, 1008 of the 2007 unlidded, and only 672 of the deluxe lidded. I believe there will still be some available of the undated for the weekend you're coming. As we get low on tankards I'll keep you all informed.

Thanks for all the compliments and support. It is truly an honor to have my work as part of your collections. :)

[Nunyafb]

Dakota,
It was nice meeting and speaking with you last night at Dragonslayer. I had planned on buying only one tankard for myself yesterday but, when I saw the undated tankard as well as this year's dated tankard, I couldn't help myself and had to buy one of each. Both of them look great and will add nicely to my collection.

Thanks again and best wishes on next year's design.

[Sir Martin]

Just an FYI . . I stopped by The Dragonslayer this past Sunday and there were only a few of Dakota's "Dracor and the Villagers of Arden" tankards left. They seem to have sold quite well and I encourage anyone who wants one to pick it up as soon as they arrive. You can get your hand stamped, take it to your car and store it in the trunk.

[Nunyafb]

Just an FYI . . I stopped by The Dragonslayer this past Sunday and there were only a few of Dakota's "Dracor and the Villagers of Arden" tankards left. They seem to have sold quite well and I encourage anyone who wants one to pick it up as soon as they arrive. You can get your hand stamped, take it to your car and store it in the trunk.

It is a really cool tankard. Possibly the next "Dragon's Tooth"? I bought mine from Dakota herself and got it signed by her as well.

I also highly recommend the undated tankard. Dakota had a part in it's design also. For those that haven't seen the undated one, the handle design is similar to the "Dragon Tooth".

[Norberto]

Hello Dakota,

Any word on the design for the upcoming 2008 festival stein? As you know, we are all very curious. Any information you could provide would be appreciated.

Thanks and best regards,

Bert

[Nunyafb]

Hello Dakota,

Any word on the design for the upcoming 2008 festival stein? As you know, we are all very curious. Any information you could provide would be appreciated.

Thanks and best regards,

Bert

Yes, I agree. I wouldn't mind having a look at the new design myself. Hell, even a brief description would be nice.

My money is already burning a hole in my pocket for a new tankard.

[Sir Martin]

I can't wait to see then new design also. Bet it's a great one!