Crimson ranger

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

The Rangers of the North, the last of the Dúnedain silently protecting Middle-earth, are rarely seen because of their inconspicuous clothing of green and grey tones, blending into the environment. However, there are times when the tide of battle can be turned by drawing attraction towards oneself. Maney knows that. For the battles where disguise is meaningless, he wears this crimson garb, ensuring the enemy will notice him just a moment after he charges out of stealth and just a moment before he delivers the killing blow.

This is the last of the crimson outfit series, as the Fashion Week 2012 ends today. Don't forget to use your last chance and submit your entries to the screenshot contest! I've enjoyed process of creating crimson outfits (as it's my favourite dye) and I'm happy about this one, although it might not be the most original outfit seen nowadays :) It's also not very lore-appropriate for a ranger to wear striking colours, but I couldn't resist when I found out how amazingly the crimson dyed chest & legs piece match the epic ranger cosmetic rewards. I picked the lighter pieces, because they dye better, and the dark shoulders, because they have more interesting features. To match them, although they come from different ranger cosmetic sets, I dyed the headgear and cloak crimson, while shoulders are red.

Use your last chance to grab a crimson dye for free today! Before the end of Fashion Week 2012, grab a free crimson dye off the store with our exclusive coupon code!

Do you like this outfit? Please let me know in the comments! :)

Chest: Arth-crus, umber dye (Drop from Update 5 instance cluster)
Legs: Rhuvel-socas, umber dye (Drop from Update 5 instance cluster)
Head: Worn Ranger's Hood, crimson dye (Quest: Volume III, Book 5, Chapter 1: Separate Ways)
Shoulders: Fine Grey Company Wrap, red dye (Quest: Volume III, Book 5, Chapter 1: Separate Ways)
Hands: Fingerless Gloves, umber dye (Yule festival)
Feet: Worn Ranger's Boots, umber dye (Quest: Volume III, Book 5, Chapter 1: Separate Ways)
Back: Worn Cloak of the Ranger, crimson dye (Quest: Volume III, Book 5, Chapter 1: Separate Ways)

Guest: Captain of the Iron Garrison by Urur

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Urur started his carer in the garrison just when the dwarves entered Moria to reclaim it. In the mines he quickly showed his worth as a fighter, as well as a leader, and quickly rose through the ranks. His weapon of choice is his two-handed axe, Nambalanta, which is a gift from the Lord of the Golden Wood himself. He was given the axe after successfully having lead an expedition into the depths of Moria to slay the Mistress of Pestilence herself.

Urur said about this outfit: "It might not be the most creative outfit, but I love it. I have used it for years, I have made several other outfits, but none of them stuck like this one (I think it's those shoulders - dwarves just look so badass wearing them :P)" And I completely agree! :)

Crimson is LoTRO Fashion's colour of the week during the Fashion Week! If you want to recreate this outfit, grab a free crimson dye off the Store! 

Chest: Chestplate of Durin's Guard, crimson dye (Moria level 60 guardian teal set)
Legs: Leggings of Durin's Guard, crimson dye (Moria level 60 guardian teal set)
Head: Circlet of the Helmingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)
Shoulders: Barrow-warrior's Shoulder Guards, crimson dye (Skirmish barter - classic, Great Barrow)
Hands: Barrow-warrior's Gauntlets, crimson dye (Skirmish barter - classic, Great Barrow)
Feet: Boots of Durin's Guard, crimson dye (Moria level 60 guardian teal set)
Back: Wyrmscale Protector's Cloak, default dye (T7 crafted from Draigoch's scales)

Heritage of Cardolan

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Many generations vanished since Amarilwen's family had been part of Cardolan's prominent royalty. Not even her great-great-grandmother remembers those times. It was over 13 centuries ago when Cardolan, once a great kingdom, dissolved once the last of its loyal citizens died of plague encamped in Tyrn Gorthad. Those few, who fled before the Great Plague struck, returned back and were driven away by the Barrow-wights. Amarilwen's ancestors among them - fleeing to Bree never to see such horrors again.

In Bree, their lineage continued up to present, thriving and bearing the most noble sons. Some of them developed manors their family owned, the others famed their name in battle. Amarilwen was raised to be a worthy woman in Bree's little 'high society', but she chose different path. Along with her brothers, she serves as a captain of Free People's army. But once in a while she takes a break from fighting and dedicates her time to diplomacy. Here we caught her travelling through Lone-lands, once also a land owned by her ancestry, to Rivendell with important news. She intends to replenish her fellows' armoury and weaponry there, so she carries a satchel of gold she means to spend.

I can't get tired of the Stone-student's Hat. I know I've used it in an outfit quite recently, but when I tried it dyed crimson, I couldn't resist using it again. Amarilwen, as a rich royal descendant, is very wealthy and loves gemstones. Being dressed in red & gold, she adds a little detail to stand out by a few turquoise gems. Three gems on the hat, one turquoise brooch on the waist and turquoise satchel full of golden coins adds to the rich feeling of the outfit, as well as match her eye colour.

Do you want to create a similar outfit, rich in crimson tones? During the Fashion Week 2012, grab a free crimson dye off the store with our exclusive coupon code!

News: From the feedback I receive I've realized you guys love big scenery screenshots. Therefore I've decided to publish original screenshots (in some cases a little cropped). You can see them after clicking on the opening and closing shot in this post.

Do you like this outfit? Please let me know in the comments! :)

Chest: Long-sleeved Summer Dress, crimson dye (Summer festival)
Head: Hat of the Stone-student, red dye (Moria level 60 lore-master purple set; shares appearance with minstrel's and rune-keeper's Moria pieces)
Shoulders: (Resplendent) Tactical Shoulders Pads of Lothlórien, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Treasure Hunter's Satchel, default dye (Treasure Hunt event)
Mount: Blonde Sorrel Horse (Hengstacer Farm)

Wrath of Oromë

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Wasabito has always been the weirdest hobbit ever born in Waymeet. Despite being from decent family of a gardener and a lady cook, who managed to dig out of Waymeet's poor conditions into serving the richest hobbits in Michel Delving, he could never value peace. Since his early childhood, he was thriving for fight, sang songs and wrote poems about battles. Not surprisingly, as he was an outcast among hobbit youth, he left home as soon as he reached 33 years. 

You can imagine how big was the surprise of his kindred, when he returned a few years later, "for vacation", dressed in gold and crimson velvet, with a cart full of precious mathoms and food they've never tasted before. "Thank Oromë for these gifts," he said, and told many stories of his amazing journey, joining the elves travelling from Caras Galadhon and helping their war efforts against servants of the Dark Lord with his songs and ballads full of hope. 

Oromë, one of the Valar, is also known as Loud Trumpeter and the Lord of Forests. He carries a great horn (the Valaróma) and was the first Vala the elves met after their awakening in Cuivienen. Oromë called them the Eldar. He led them to Valinor and later, they fought against the first great Evil, Morgoth. Our little minstrel Wasabito calls to him when he feels demoralized, and knows that Oromë is here not only for elves, but for everyone bearing courage in their heart.

Do you want to create a similar outfit, rich in crimson tones? During the Fashion Week 2012, grab a free crimson dye off the store with our exclusive coupon code!

Do you like this battle-minstrel outfit? Please let me know in the comments! :)

Chest: Cel-crus, default dye (Drop from Update 5 instance cluster)
Legs: Tavol-socas, white dye (Drop from Update 5 instance cluster)
Head: Helm of the Silver-voice, crimson dye (Skirmish classic barter - Helegrod light; also available as part of Ettenmoors minstrel set)
Shoulders: (Resplendent) Shoulder Pads of Lothlorien, gold dye (T6 crafted; also available as part of Moria minstrel/rune-keeper/lore-master purple sets)
Hands: (Resplendent) Gloves of Lothlorien, gold dye (T6 crafted; also available as part of Moria minstrel/rune-keeper/lore-master purple sets)
Back: Map-maker's Travel Pack, gold dye (Skirmish cosmetic barter; also available in Store)

Thuringwethil, Woman of Secret Shadow

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

"Once we were many, now I alone remain. This is the book of my nights that I write in my seclusion during long days in my silent hall which sunlight never enters. For I am vampire, the vampire I suppose these days, the last of my kindred. 
There was a time, in the Spring of Arda, when I enjoyed the feeling of warm light on my wings. The light of Illuin and Ormal and nothing less, and the light of the oldest stars. I was a spirit of the air, a servant of Manwë. A faithful servant I was and as messenger swifter even than Eönwë. I wore white wings like a swan. I weep now to remember my innocence, yet if I lived those times again I would make the same choices."

Thuringwethil's Memoirs, fanfiction.net

Thuringwethil was a Vampire servant of Sauron at the beginning of the First Age. She was his messenger, known for changing form into a bat to find valuable intelligence. For this, she is thought to be a Maia. However, she was caught in the battle between her master and Lúthien at Tol-in-Gaurhoth ("Isle of Werewolves"). She was probably slain by the Hound of Valinor, named Huan. He brought Thuringwethil's hide to Lúthien, which she used to sneak to Angband ("The Iron Prison").

I never knew vampires were mentioned in the Middle-earth's lore, until a reader of this blog,  Beorneoth, mentioned it in the comments on an outfit I've created based on wish for vampire theme. I was excited to find that Tolkien indeed mentioned vampires and werewolves in Silmarillion. It's a huge pity they didn't survive the First Age, but who knows - maybe Thuringwethil's brood is still hiding in the deep caves sunlight never penetrates and waiting for the right time to change the course of the war. 

As I mentioned earlier this week, I've created this outfit with remote inspiration from the True Blood series. In the Season 4 finale, Jessica appears disguised as a Red Riding Hood during Halloween's night. It's one of the most beautiful costumes I've ever seen - although it doesn't really shine on static pictures. The real beauty strikes when she moves, covered in the velvet cloak. Cloak of the Galadhrim available in LOTRO resembles it very much. Unfortunately, I don't know of any red & black top which could simulate the lace corset, so I used red & violet combination instead. I also love the body shape which this outfit creates on an elven maiden.

This is also my first outfit to promote LOTRO Fashion's colour of the week during the Fashion Week! If you want to recreate it, grab a free crimson dye off the store with our exclusive coupon code!

Do you like the outfit? Please let me know in the comments! :)

Chest: Elven Cloth Shirt, crimson dye (Light armoursmith in Rivendell; short-sleeved variant)
Legs: Tattered Leggings of the Dunland Sage, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Shoulders: Padded Mantle of the Dunland Soothsayer, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Feet: Rhydhid-lhopan, violet dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Cloak of the Galadhrim, crimson dye (Quest: Vol. II, Book 7, Chapter 9: The Worries of Lord Celeborn)

Wish: Gothic ٧ Vampiric outfit

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

"She lives beyond the grace of God, a wanderer in the outer darkness. She is "vampyr", "nosferatu". These creatures do not die like the bee after the first sting, but instead grow strong and become immortal once infected by another nosferatu. So, my friends we fight not one beast but legions that go on age after age after age, feeding on the blood of the living."

Van Helsing in Dracula (1992) movie

Last year, I got the most unusual outfit wish. Weldon asked for a gothic or vampiric outfit for his elf maiden Draculetta. He mentioned he knew it's not exactly LoTRO lore-compliant, but he is very much into gothic subculture and all his characters are named after famous female vampires from movies and TV series. I was thrilled by this request, because as you might have noticed, I enjoy working on outfits which are atypical, maybe even a little bizarre within Lord of the Rings world. Here are some basic requirements Weldon outlined for the outfit:

• red and black colour scheme,
• no raid pieces if possible,
• demonstration of vampiric nature.

He also sent me a picture of Draculetta's current outfit, which she used to switch with red set from Isengard pre-order.

It took me a lot of time to reply, as I just had one of my blogging breaks. However, after about a month of rude ignorance (although non-intentional) I sent him two designs:

Here I went for a little masculine style, leaning to the Underworld style of female vampires. If the pants and top could be leather, it would be just perfect. Hellish cloak added to the atmosphere.

The second design differentiated only in use the cloak, but it made a big difference. Here I took a very slight inspiration of True Blood's Jessica outfit in the Season 4 finale - here's just a little sneak peek:

Weldon was very thrilled about both designs and he found particularly "Jessica outfit" wonderful. I sent him a list of items used, but unfortunately we found out he out-leveled the Cloak of the Galadhrim (which is the only cloak with rich velvet design ingame). So we were left with the first design to work on.

And here comes the result!

I'm pretty "template persistent", but here I dared to change the font to add a bit of vampiric style to the outfit presentation. Pity I can't make just one particular post with black background :) Anyway, a long time has passed since Weldon made his wish and he approached getting Cloak of the Galadhrim with one of his alts, so he might be able to recreate that one too.

And one more teaser from me - I fell in love with True Blood's Jessica inspiration, so I will post another outfit of this style later this week. Hope you will like it, as well as Draculetta's one! :) Please let us know your opinion in comments!

This outfit consists of:
Chest: Scout's Armour, black dye (T6 crafted; available under different times among T6 crafted medium gear)
Legs: Tattered Leggings of the Dunland Sage, black dye (Dunland quest; also available from Dunlending reputation barter as Dunlending Leggings of Diplomacy)
Head: Fine Elven Circlet, default dye (Anniversary gift box)
Shoulders: Padded Mantle of the Dunland Soothsayer, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Hands: Hyrde-folme, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Feet: Rusted Boots of the Dunland Berserkers, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Flames of the Deep, crimson dye (Skirmish cosmetic barter - Rift cosmetics)

Note: In the original design I made, different gauntlets and boots have been used - named: Reinforced Leather Dunlending Gauntlets, Polished Boots of the Dunland Shieldman (both available from Dunland quests)

Guest inspiration: Haldir by Thoargile

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

"The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater."

Haldir, in The Two Towers

Haldir's role has been much bigger in the LoTR movie trilogy compared to the books, especially in The Two Towers. His deeds in the Battle of Helm's Deep have inspired Thoargile to create an outfit using Haldir's movie appearance and action figures as models:

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

 The Realm of the Jedielfqueen

I was very happy to receive this guest submission, because about a week ago, I was working on the same theme for Eragith, a reader who asked for Haldir themed outfit for his elven hunter. This is outfit I designed for him:

Unfortunately, the "Haldir leggings" (as I dare to call them) are part of Moria heavy classes' set and only champs, captains and guardians can barter for them (as they come from the class trainer). Unfortunately, Eragith doesn't have any of these, so we substituted these leggings with Sellsword's ones and he claimed he will level up a champion just for the sake of getting the "Haldir leggings" :)) [This is no longer true, see important note below.] About a week later, I received Thoargile's amazing submission and now I am so glad Haldir can come to life on this blog!

Thoargile's outfit is even more suitable for an elven hunter than mine, because it features more significant elven elements. My version includes more plate and is much heavier, therefore it's questionable if it allows enough agility so important for a bowmaster.

Important note: Thanks to Thoargile I've found out that the leggings are barterable not only from class trainers in The Twenty-first Hall (who are class restricted), but also in Shadowed Refuge from Heavy armour trader. You can get these "Haldir leggings" for only 3 Medallions of Moria, no matter what class you are!

Thoargile's Haldir outfit consists of:
Chest: Golden Host Coat of Knowledge, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Legs: Leggings of the Brazen Call, red dye (Moria level 60 captain teal set; also available as champion and guardian set parts with very small differences in looks)
Head: Ceremonial Town-Saver's Helm, crimson dye (Skirmish barter - Rift cosmetics)
Shoulders 1: Aermal, crimson dye (Drop from Barad Gúlaran; also available Elven Steel Shoulder Guards from Rivendell heavy armoursmith)
Shoulders 2: Nestadbellas, default dye (Quest: Volume III, Book 4, Chapter 10: Herdsmen of the Starkmoor)
Hands: Gauntlets of the Swift Arrow, crimson dye (Mirkwood level 65 hunter purple set; also available as T6 crafted August Gloves of the Golden Wood)
Feet: (August) Boots of the Golden Wood, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Sturdy Elven Quiver, crimson dye (T2 crafted)

Guest: Protector of Knowledge by Kemendin of Nimrodel

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Some say that the lore-master Kemendin has wandered Middle-earth since the dawning of the Second Age. Scarce are the lands through which he has not traveled, forever seeking to delve further into the deepest mysteries of lore. His is the path of knowledge, a road which is often dark and broken, eroded by time and desecrated by the Enemy in his search for power. It is Kemendin's self-appointed task to bear light into this darkness, to kindle the flame of knowledge and to shield it from the Shadow, so that the understanding of ages may be once again uncovered and preserved. Beware, then, you servants of darkness, for great is the Lore-master's wrath when the storehouses of ancient learning are threatened.

Kemendin has already shared one great lore-fitting outfit, and this is the one he wears on his main character. He said about the composition: "I think this has been a work in progress ever since Turbine gave us crimson dye, haha - my "crimson" outfit just kept evolving, and I was never quite satisfied. I think it's finally clicked though."

Chest: Spellweaver's Robe, default dye (Lore-master level 75 epic set)
Legs: Spellweaver's Leggings, default dye (Lore-master level 75 epic set)
Head: Helm of Laindehal's Watch, crimson dye (Ettenmoors Warden set - barterable for spirit stones)
Shoulders: Shoulder-guards of the Keen Eye, crimson dye (Level 75 skirmish raid drop)
Hands: Gloves of the Riddle Teller, crimson dye (Burglar level 75 epic set)
Feet: Spellweaver's Shoes, default dye (Lore-master level 75 epic set)
Back: Golden Tree Summer Cloak, crimson dye (summer festival)

Guest: Reylon of Evernight

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Whether it's fighting dragons or posing in Rivendell for all the elves to see, Rey can't ever complain that his life is boring. Green and brown ranger clothes were never enough for this elven hunter. Instead he loved bright reds. He would prance around mobs and aggro five to ten mobs at a time, often having to resort to using Desperate flight to get away. Attention seeker to the max, his Camouflage skill is never used and he bursts into fights often with the first shot and overpowered with burn hot. Guess it suits his red flashy armor.

Chest: Scout's Weathered Leather Jacket, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Head: Lesser Arrow of the West Helmet, crimson dye (Hunter Ost Dunhoth epic set)
Shoulders: Scorched Ox-hide Shoulderpads, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Hands: Hill-man's Cracked Leather Gauntlets, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Feet: Hill-man's Cracked Leather Boots, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Warden's Pack, crimson dye (Outfitter vendor)

Phoenix

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Out of my ashes
will rise a new phoenix.

A soaring being
returning from death
proving once again
that life is eternal.

I live forever
because the spirit
never dies.

Phoenix by Carmen Colombo

For a long time I've been struggling with finding a good outfit for my captain. As I mentioned several times, I love crimson and red colour. I wanted to build a battle-ready outfit with a beautiful, dangerously looking helm. When I first previewed this helm after getting the recipe on my metalsmith, I yiked with joy :) It is just a simple Westfold crafted helm, worth a few bucks for ingots, but has design comparable to raid helmets of champions I've always admired. I don't know why, but it reminds me of bird beak a little - so I imagine this outfit as manifestation of Phoenix within every captain - who is able to rise undefeated out of the most perilous situations. The stag cloak is then my tribute to the ancient Stag-spirit, who represents wise decisions a leader of men must make.

Chest: Herald's Armour, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Legs: Malledhrim Leggings of Rejuvenation, red dye (T6 crafted)
Head: Strong Westfold War Helmet, crimson dye (T7 crafted)
Shoulders: Dented Pauldrons of the Dunland Clansman, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Hands: Rusted Dunland Berserker's Gauntlets, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Feet: (Superior) Sellsword's Boots, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Threadbare Cloak of the Dunland Healer, crimson dye (Dunland quest)

Bloody knight

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Blood stains all over his armour, walking between his enemies' bodies after he had struck them for the last time... That has been life of this champion for past few days. Now that he had finally proven his honour to the Rohirrim, he can be in peace for a short while and spend it remembering his fellowship's great deeds. Very soon, he will enter the battles once again, stronger than ever before.

This hauberk has been my biggest disappointment out of all Isengard cosmetics. On a human male, it's one of the finest pieces of heavy armour I've seen in LoTRO. Masculine (broadening the shoulders), battle-ready and with distinctive heavy look - all I want from a real knight's armour. Unfortunately, on most other characters it looks stupid. I was very much looking forward to using it on dwarves, but it damages their body shape in similar way as dresses do, which is a great pity. I don't even want to mention that the hauberk is undyable. Until it gets fixed, I couldn't resist enjoying it at least on male warrior :)

Chest: (Vibrant) Armour of Théodred, default dye (T7 crafted)
Head: Polished Helmet of the Dunland Shieldman, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Shoulders: Hardened Steel Dunlending Pauldrons, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Hands: Reinforced Leather Dunlending Gauntlets, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Feet: Polished Boots of the Dunland Shieldman, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Wood-wanderer's Cloak, crimson dye (Store)

Dragon cub

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Accornia has always been fascinated by dragons. When she first entered Angmar, she didn't like the surroundings and was bored by killing wargs and stupid hill beasts. But when she first caught a glimpse of these magnificent creatures, she was amazed. She suddenly felt so attached to them, couldn't kill them although the people of Angmar wanted her to, and kept visiting the dragons ever since. They even gave her some of their scales for her quest and armour. Sometimes she wants to believe she might be a dragon cub, lost and found again after the ages.

Chest: Breastplate of the North-drake, red dye (drop from the Rift)
Legs: (Sturdy) Dwarf-make Defender's Leggings, crimson dye (T3 crafted)
Head: Elven Soldier's Helm, crimson dye (T5 crafted)
Shoulders: Westernesse Steel Shoulder Guards of Might, crimson dye (world drop)
Hands: Hyrde-folme, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Feet: Reinforced Leather Dunlending Boots, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Cloak of the Boar Clan Warrior, crimson dye (Dunland quest)

Hunter and his prey

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Wasabito appreciates a good hunt. His house if full of trophies gathered from victorious battles. He is also a little sassy and adventurous, but until now hasn't had attire to express this. Luckily, his new friends in Dunland made it possible! A little bargain here, a little errand there, and the gold stitched hauberk was his. Shiny!

Note: This hauberk is very special - probably the only race it looks rather good at are the hobbits. It really damages body shape of elves and men (although human male is also quite bearable). I think it will be pretty rare Dunland cosmetic to wear, which makes it great to use for hobbits who want to look distinguishable.

Chest: Scarred Surcoat of the Pren Gwydh Warrior, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Shoulders: Shoulders of the Swift Arrow, crimson dye (Mirkwood level 65 hunter purple set)
Hands: Scout's Gloves, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Hill-man's Cracked Leather Boots, crimson dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Cloak of the Shining Star, crimson dye (Anniversary item)

Guest: Maeglaz of Eldar

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Fashionable elven hunter Maeglaz (already know from outfits 1, 2) has done some preparations for his further journey. After becoming an ally of the Grey Company, he swore an oath to follow them and depart with them to Dunland. He is ready for the adventure, are you?

Chest: High Herald’s Armour, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Leggings: High Herald’s Leggings, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Head: Makeshift Ranger Mask, crimson dye (skirmish barter; also available in store)
Shoulders: (Fine) Footman’s Shoulder Guards, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Hands: (Fine) Footman’s Gloves, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Brushed Leather Boots (Bree outfitter; also available in store)
Back: Cloak of the Helmingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)

Danger may be near

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Burglars will soon be the key fellowship members for killing Draigloch. The most renowned ones are already preparing for this important role, in terms of both training and image. The big menace cannot be struck by a burglar looking like a fella from Beggars' alley - he wouldn't start an exploit, but rather a big dragon's laugh accompanied by smelly fire-breath. Wasabito realized that and dressed appropriately - now all enemies will fear the dangerous and tricky moves on the first sight of him.

Chest: Footman's Armour, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Legs: Shadow-stalker Leggings, crimson dye (Helegrod level 50 burglar set)
Head: Hood of the Silent Knife, crimson dye (Moria level 60 burglar epic set)
Shoulders: Bladecatcher Pauldrons, crimson dye (store; also available as Dwarf Leather Shoulder Guards from medium armoursmith in Thorin's Hall)
Hands: Gauntlets of the Silent Knife, default dye (Moria level 60 burglar epic set)
Feet: Gangalengi, crimson dye (drop from Carn Dum)
Back: Cloak of Hwîn, crimson dye (drop from Gortheron, Ost Dunhoth)

Naughty girl

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

This warden likes to attract attention. It might be just her occupational illness, or maybe she was born that way - but she has to be in the centre of attention even when she's not war-crying or dealing precise blows to her enemy. No doubt she won't be overlooked in this deep crimson red outfit, the question is - will it attract only the enemies, or even her handsome elven fellowship members? ;)

Chest: Shining Dwarf Quilted Jacket, crimson dye (world drop)
Legs: Enduring Leather Leggings of Detemination, crimson dye (world drop)
Shoulders: Pristine Elven Shoulder Guards, crimson dye (T5 crafted)
Hands: Golden Host Gloves of the Awakened, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Golden Host Boots of the Gloaming, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Inn League, crimson dye (Inn League reputation reward)

Affluent citizen

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Khamrad is back in his manly role! :) Today he decided to show you his civil side - wealthy merchant of Bree. Long time ago, Khamrad thought it would be wise to have an assurance for retirement - he's not very welcome at home in Thorin's Hall and assuming his beer-drinking lifestyle, he won't be able to wield a broadsword until his last breath. In this depressing vision of being old, grumpy and abandoned dwarf, he decided to start a store in Bree near the Boar fountain. His weapon and armour selling stalls are famous all over the region, so now he is just a proud owner and exploiter of a few human vendors. When he wants to get away from the battles, he comes to Bree and checks on his subordinates. Keep that in mind if you decide to seek a job in the Bree town ;)

Chest: Long Fancy Robe, gold dye (outfitter vendor)
Shoulders: Pristine Elven Shoulder Guards, gold dye (T5 crafted)
Hands: Extravagant Festival Gloves, orange dye (Winter festival)
Feet: Ceremonial Nenuial's Boots, default dye (skirmish cosmetic)
Back: Cloak of the Autumn Wood, crimson dye (store)

Guest: Mistrz of Gilrain

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

A hunter? Or a lore-master? Mistrz is a bit of both. He uses wisdom to cast magic spells with devastating potential no hunter would be ashamed of. This also means he often makes his enemies mad, so he has to wear a good armour to protect himself. Luckily, it almost never gets dirty, because enemies die before they even reach him.

Chest: Arrow-fletcher's Jacket, crimson dye (Mirkwood level 60 hunter purple set)
Legs: Arrow-fletcher's Leggings, crimson dye (Mirkwood level 60 hunter purple set)
Head: Traveller’s Hood, crimson dye (store)
Shoulders: Shoulders of the Great Bow, crimson dye (Moria level 60 hunter epic set)
Hands: Arrow-fletcher's Gauntlets, crimson dye (Mirkwood level 60 hunter purple set)
Feet: Boots of the Great Bow, crimson dye (Moria level 60 hunter epic set)

Wish-based inspiration: Loki

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Today I prouldy present you common creation of me and my fiancé, Loki. We've been playing MMORPGs together for over 6 years now, 4 of those we spent in LOTRO. He's had a big playing cooldown recently, because he missed a darker side of the game. I tried to persuade him to resume playing a lore-master he loves, but he decided to create a new character to go through the whole way again. This lore-master will have his dark side properly presented, including a well-tailored outfit ;)

 

Picture of Loki by Marvel

Six years ago, when we started playing our first MMO together Lineage II, we both picked our nicknames after deities of Norse mythology - Freyja and Loki. Loki was god of trick and mischief who was known as troublemaker in Norse myths. My fiancé wanted this to be reflected in his character personality as well as attire. 

We have tried countless combinations of many armour pieces in all dark colours one can think of. When we were just desperate enough, we noticed Visage of the Goat in the store - pretty unusable piece for any outfit, except for the situation when the Marvel's horned depiction of Loki suddenly popped into our minds :) The Ajokoira northerners armour pieces nicely added the spirit to the Norse god inspired outfit. And here is the result.

We were aiming for something unusual which not everyone might like, especially in a game like LOTRO. But we are very curious for your opinions! Let us know in comments :)

Chest: Ceremonial Ajokoira Armour, crimson dye (store)
Legs: Ceremonial Ajokoira Leggins, crimson dye (store)
Head: Visage of the Goat, crimson dye (store)
Shoulders: Tawarwaith Shoulder Pads of Knowledge, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Hands: Hall Defender's Gauntlets, crimson dye (store)
Feet: Elegant Leather Boots, crimson dye (store)
Back: Flames of the Deep, crimson dye (store)

Burning arrows

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Noone can ever deny elven mastery with the bow. The best sharpshooters since the times immemorial are a legend and veterans of the second age's War of the Elves and Sauron are still living inspiration to all hunters in training. Manequithir is not that old - he hasn't joint wars until the War of the Last Alliance, where he was still just one of many good, but not greatest young bowmen. His skill has developed a lot over those hundreds of years since then and although he is still young and rude, he now belongs to the elite. Face him as his enemy, and experience your last seconds alive!

Background note: I couldn't resist publishing Ardran's and my outfit on the same day - I got his guest submission just few hours after I finished my red elven hunter's composition. So we can call today as day of hunter's love with two very similar outfits published at the same time :) We are looking forward to your opinions!

Anyway, have you guys ever noticed the cute little bear head on the belt of Leggings of Orod-Na-Thôn? :))

Chest: Arrow-fletcher's Jacket, red dye (Mirkwood/Lothlorien level 60 hunter purple set)
Legs: Leggings of Orod-Na-Thôn, crimson dye (world drop; available also from Rivendell's Heavy armoursmith)
Shoulders: Shoulders of the Swift Arrow, crimson dye (Mirkwood level 65 hunter purple set)
Hands: Footman's Gloves, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Footman's Boots, crimson dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Silver Birch, crimson dye (Store)