Home, sweet home

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Sidgrid is still a very young elf, only a few hundred years old. As one of scarce elven youth, she is a little bit spoiled - however, she works very hard in her studies in order to please her family and satisfy her hunger for knowledge. She is the best rune-keeping apprentice dwarves of the Blue Mountain have seen in recent years and enjoys time spent in snowy land with her friends and teachers. Nevertheless, when she returns home to Duillond for holiday, her heart fills with joy.

Here we caught her setting off for a morning walk with her dear companion, rare Perlino horse named Buttercup by her dwarven gal friend in Thorin's Hall. There are just a few things more beautiful in the Middle-earth than Ered Luin in sunrise and Sidgrid, along with Buttercup, can never get enough of it. It's even worth to wake up early, and that's a lot for our spoiled little girl :)

...and when the sun goes down again, Sidgrid gets back to practice - for the runes are not only tools for her, but also company in which she can reflect upon the day she's spent roaming the flowerbeds of her homeland. Time when she has to go back to school at Thorin's Hall is still far away, so she can enjoy all the delights of Duillond and not think about anything else. What a peaceful holiday :)

A few days ago I tweeted happily that I won a Perlino Steed in @CraZyMuffinIPC's giveaway. I was excited because as an European who spend all her luck in lotteries last year, I had no hopes I could get my hands on this mount. I also promised I'd make a matching outfit, so here it comes, as the final outfit for Galloping Gala celebration. This wonderful event ends today and it was a great fun to concentrate on mount matching outfits all time long - they provide a great inspiration for any outfit fan.

Back to the Perlino Steed - I felt a little like when I had been searching for matching outfits for the Steed of the Rune-keeper (1, 2) back then - I simply couldn't find matching pieces for the lighter shade of blue on horse's blanket. I didn't want to match darker shade of blue, because the steed seems optimistic to me and dull navy wouldn't do it good justice. I also experimented with bright red the horse carries as gems, but on the outfit it was very disturbing. So I settled down with complimentary shade of Evendim blue.

I didn't want the outfit to be gloomy or monotonous, so Fine Shirt and Trousers came very handy - the shirt & pants combo is very lively decorated. It might create impression of unbalance when dyed in bright colours, but I think in blue it serves well. I chose the cloak to match white patterns on the sleeves and common light shoulders from Skirmish camp to bind with the shirt's warm-coloured hem. I'm quite happy about this outfit, considering how easily it can be assembled.

Edit: I realized Helegrod level 65 armour pieces would match the steed nicely with undyable blue parts. However, I couldn't use them because I only have the ugly hunter set and am out of basically any skirmish currency except for marks :(

Please let me know what do you think about the outfit in comments, or simly rate below the post's title :)

Chest and legs: Fine Shirt and Trousers, Evendim blue dye (Bree outfitter)
Head: White Rose Circlet, default dye (Spring festival)
Shoulders: Esquire’s Light Shoulders of Eruilan, Evendim blue dye (Skirmish light armour barter)
Back: Elf-lord’s Cloak, Evendim blue dye (Store)

Mount: Perlino Steed (PAX East 2012 giveaway, lotteries)

Emotes:
./look
./yawn
./dowse (Treasure Hunt event)

Guest: The Lord of Gondor by Aridor Arthain

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

What did our ranger Aridor Arthain find here in the north? Kinsmen long forgotten defending a ruined city against a long forgotten foe. A rising threat that must be stopped lest it march south upon the rear of Gondor. The dirty ranger sheds his greens and browns for the raiment of war. A lord of Gondor, son of Númenor he fights endlessly to aid his kinsmen in the City of Kings. Wearing Heraldry awarded by Elendil he now fights to protect Elendil’s city.

Aridor said about this outfit: "This outfit is Aridor in his full heraldic armor. The blues mark his family’s link to the sea and the golden eagle represents their service to the kings of Númenor. The cloak bares the white tree of Gondor emblazoned on the blue field of the Arthains. The cloak was what really started this outfit. Nearly a year ago I found it and knew I had the key piece I needed for my character’s Gondorian noble look. I’ve spent forever trying to find all the right pieces to make a heavy armor look that avoided all the weird overly spikey armors. When I hit Mirkwood and found Tarchar, I knew I had the next piece. It is in my opinion the best most realistic helm in game. It looks so much like the movie’s helms for Elendil and Isildur that I knew I had to use it. The other armor pieces were chosen from the new RoI cosmetics for their plain steel look. I really wanted to avoid a fantasy look in the armor so these were perfect."

Chest: Hauberk of the Eagle's Crest, gold dye (Store)
Helm: Tarchar, gold dye (Mirkwood barter)
Shoulders: Hydre-axle, white dye (Dunland quest)
Hands: Hydre-folme, grey dye (Dunland quest)
Feet: Battered Dunlanding Boots, grey dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Radiant Cloak, Evendim blue dye (T5 crafted)

The pony and the rider

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

When passing through Celondim, Grulka noticed an usually beautiful pony stabled in the town. She asked the stable-master who is the wonderful animal's master. "She has no master," he replied. "At least no one still alive. Some time ago, a very powerful dwarf controlling the fury of runes rode from the Blue Mountains, visited his friends here in Celondim and then died. He knew it was coming, so he left the mare to me and told me to let her choose her own master. Since then, she refused to bear everybody who's tried riding her, knocked off even the noblest of dwarves and elves." "Perhaps she doesn't want noble elves and dwarves, maybe she just wants somebody with a bright mind and light heart, not to mention light stature," Grulka replied rudely and tried to mount the pony. Since then, they've become friends and ride everywhere together - sometimes a magical horse has enough magic on its own and all it needs is a master with tender soul and hand :)

When Hymne posted her guide on Outfitters' selection, I noticed the undyable parts of Elven Hauberk and Elven Tunic and Pants match the Steed of the Rune-keeper's weird greenish blue perfectly. I've been to the Celondim outfitter countless times, but never realized that before. So, here comes another Steed of the Rune-keeper matching outfit, previewed also on a dwarf and an elf for your convenience :) It was also my submission for the LOTRO Fashion Week's screenshot contest.

When I won the Steed of the Rune-keeper in a lottery for my baby burglar, first thing I've thought was "damn" :) I love the mount very much and was secretly hoping to win it for my elves or my dwarf, to be able to play with outfits matching this challenging steed. But later I realized that I'm terribly lucky anyway and who knows - maybe a hobbit riding the Steed of the Rune-keeper will at least catch more interest! So I made it a warden outfit :)

For the dwarf and elf preview, I switched the Warden's Pack for the Sage's Pack and added Westfold boots. Please excuse that the backpack and boots are navy dyed - I didn't want to waste Evendim blue on a preview. I think that even though the hauberk itself is elvish, the whole composition suites dwarves the best.

Do you like this outfit? Please let me know in the comments! :) And check the previous outfit matching the Steed of the Rune-keeper I made for Ketani.

Chest: Elven Hauberk, Evendim blue dye (Outfitter in Celondim)
Head: Pathfinder's Helm, Evendim blue dye (Moria level 60 hunter purple set; shares appearance with warden's and burglar's Moria pieces)
Shoulders: Vibrant Calenard War Pauldrons, navy dye (T7 crafted)
Hands: Worn Ranger's Gauntlets, Evendim blue dye (Quest: Volume III, Book 5, Chapter 1: Separate Ways)
Back: Warden's Pack, white dye (Outfitter vendor)

Guest inspiration: Doom of Arvedui by Thoargile

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Arvedui was the last King of Arthedain and father of the first Chieftain of the Dúnedain. His fate is a sad one. Soon after Arvedui's rise to throne, Angmar attacked, driving the Dúnedain away. Gondor sent help in the form of a great fleet, but it came too late: Arthedain was destroyed, and Arvedui fled to the Ice-bay of Forochel. Círdan, the great elven mariner of Lindon sent a ship north to rescue him, and, against the advice of the Snow-men of Forochel, Arvedui boarded it and was drowned. Along with him, all the elves on board perished in the freezing sea. Except for one...

Author of this outfit told us his story: "Thoargile survived what others could not - the frozen fields of the Forochel and deadly cold of the harsh winter. He was lucky to kill a bear and sewed some warm clothes – in other case he would have perished too. On other screen he stands near the wreckage of the ship, looking at the horizon and hoping to see another ship, coming for him. The Eldar of Forochel. He’ll be alright, I hope :)"

I adore this submission. Recently, I've been getting a lot of very beautiful lore-inspired submissions and I am speechless in front of so many great outfit ideas. Thoargile developed story from LoTR lore into his own and took amazing screenshots to illustrate atmosphere of an elf struck by loss of his fellows, but having hope for better tomorrow. His outfit is stunning and I (not so) secretly hope he will submit more soon! :)

Chest: Robe of Vigor, Evendim blue dye (world drop; shares appearance with Robe of Viisaus available in store or from epic storyline: Vol. 1, Book 13 -- Chapter 4: The Hand of Angmar)
Head: Ceremonial Wandering Bard’s Helm, white dye (Skirmish barter - Rift cosmetics)
Shoulders: Vibrant Assault Pauldrons of Théodred, white dye (T7 crafted)
Hands: Ceremonial Leijona Gloves, Evendim blue dye (T5 crafted)
Feet: Ceremonial Ajokoira Shoes, Evendim blue dye (T5 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Boar, default dye (Fall festival)

Guest: Gerbag of Whitywindle

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

In every fellowship there must be one light bearer, who brings hope even into the darkest places. When the one all of group's lives rely on is also the hope-bringer, the courage to face the evilest of evils is twice as strong. Fear not, if you have Gerbag on your side, because then you can feel perfectly safe.

Chest: Chestplate of Indomitable Protector, Evendim blue dye (Level 75 guardian epic set)
Legs: Lesser Defender of The West Leggings, Evendim blue dye (Ost Dunhoth level 65 warden epic set)
Head: Scowling Helm, Evendim blue dye (Skirmish classic barter - Halls of Night)
Shoulders: Lesser Blade of the West Shoulder Guards, Evendim blue dye (Ost Dunhoth level 65 champion epic set)
Hands: Gauntlets of Indomitable Protector, white dye (Level 75 guardian epic set)
Feet: Weathered Leather Scout's Boots, Evendim blue dye (Dunland quest)

Guest: Cookiereth of Withywindle

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Cookiereth, a proud lore-master of Withywindle, has long been watching her friends' beautiful armours with a bit of grief. She could withstand some beating even when dressed lightly - imagine how resilient would she be in a proper battle garb! With discovery of wardrobe, she was finally able to make her dream come true and become a dangerous battle lore-master ready to march to war. She will never hide in the back lines, let the enemies come!

Chest: Armour of the Gloom-bane, Evendim blue dye (Champion Rift level 50 teal set)
Legs: Secret of the West Leggings, default dye (Burglar Ost Dunhoth level 65 teal set)
Head: Secret of the West Helmet, default dye (Burglar Ost Dunhoth level 65 teal set)
Hands: Secret of the West Gauntlets, default dye (Burglar Ost Dunhoth level 65 teal set)
Feet: Boots of the Gloom-bane, Evendim blue dye (Champion Rift level 50 teal set)

Guest: Zaphirana of Eldar

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

If you asked one of Zaphirana's numerous fellows and secret admirers to describe her, they would probably tell you something like "A true beauty yet the one who stabbs down the most monsters in the Ettenmoors!" This gently and innocently looking burglar lies with her body - she is indeed a fierce opponent in any battle. Outfit inspired by Swedish national colours is simple, but also intriguing.

Chest: Elven Cloth Vest, Evendim blue dye (Light armoursmith)
Legs: Quilted Leggings, Evendim blue dye (T2 crafted)
Head: Circlet of Adamant, Evendim blue dye (Store)
Shoulders: Shield-Master's Shoulders, Evendim blue dye (Guardian level 65 Mirkwood purple set)
Feet: Padded Shoes, Evendim blue dye (T1 crafted)

Lady of Rhûn

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

A few days ago, a ship bearing the most unusual passengers arrived at the Celondim harbour. They were the Avari elves, so rarely seen in these lands. Avari are ancient elves who refused Oromë's summons to Valinor and remained in their lands, dwelling in the forests and discovering the seas. Our visitors come from Rhûn, the area to the far east from Eriador. They didn't want to talk about their business here, they asked for hospitality of only a few particular elves residing in Falathorn, and remained discussing private matters there for days. Who knows what brings them to our lands? News of the Easterlings? Or some worse evil?

I wanted to make an outfit around Clanweave Leggings since I got them as the quest reward. They add beautiful curves even to subtle elven posture, but are terribly hard to match with the chest piece because of both colouring (undyable grey and rust areas) and the body shape they create. Quite frankly, the matching Clanweave Robe looks horrible on female characters - on contrast to the leggings, it makes the body less feminine than any other armour.

So I just couldn't come up with something which wouldn't look too exotic and mismatching with the other pieces. Until I came across the headgear drop in level 75 School of Tham Mírdain run. It is a caster piece, but I was lucky that our minnie didn't want it and I could take it as the most precious treasure for my wardrobe :) It immediately reminded me of pharaohs, and also medieval Arabic ladies from old movies. This outfit is very remotely inspired by Nefertiti, but I didn't want to make it as an inspiration - I aimed for Middle-earth appropriate outfit.

Did I succeed? Please let me know in comments :)

Chest: Scout's Armour, Evendim blue dye (T6 crafted)
Legs: Clanweave Leggings, Evendim blue dye (Dunland quest)
Head: Pageturner's Cap, Evendim blue dye (drop from Library of Tham Mírdain lvl 75)
Shoulders: Disused Mantle of the Dunland Soothsayer, Evendim blue dye (Dunland quest)
Hands: Scout's Gloves, Evendim blue dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Golden Host Boots of the Gloaming, sienna dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Embroidered Cloak of the Dunland Healer, Evendim blue dye (Dunland quest)

Guest: Gerbag of Whitywindle

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Gerbag continues to show us how a proper dwarf should look like (outfit 1, 2, 3). This is his ceremonial armour, worn for special occasions.

The world is grey, the mountains old,
The forge's fire is ashen-cold;
No harp is wrung, no hammer falls:
The darkness dwells in Durin's halls;
The shadow lies upon his tomb
In Moria, in Khazad-dûm.
But still the sunken stars appear
In dark and windless Mirrormere;
There lies his crown in water deep,
Till Durin wakes again from sleep.

Song of Durin's Awakening

 

Chest: Hauberk of the Rugged Clansman, Evendim blue dye (skirmish barter)
Legs: Legs of Stalwart, Evendim blue dye (skirmish barter - Halls of Night classic)
Head: High-protector's Helm, default dye (Helegrod guardian level 50 teal set)
Shoulders: Dwarf Leather Shoulder Guards, Evendim blue dye (medium armoursmith)
Hands: Cloth Gloves, Evendim blue dye (light armoursmith)
Feet: Dwarf Steel Shoes, washed (heavy armoursmith)
Back: Ceremonial Artisan's Cloak, Evendim blue dye (store)

Guest: Hanfur of Laurelin

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

A high ranking dwarf in his kin, Hanfur needs armour that is both functional and imposing. The colour is chosen to to match the uniform of the kinship. The plain blue cloak and distinctive helm make him easily identified on the battlefield.

Chest: Breastplate of Voima, Evendim blue dye (quest: Vol. I, Book 13, Chapter 4: The Hand of Angmar)
Legs: Daerdúr Leggings, Evendim blue dye (barter Iorcheryn in Gath Fornir)
Head: Survivor of the Watcher, Evendim blue dye (quest: Vol II, Book 1, Chapter 13: The Watcher in the Water)
Shoulders: Hadoranc, Evendim blue dye (quest: Vol I, Book 14, Chapter 15: The Doom of the North)
Hands: Dwarf Steel Gauntlets, Evendim blue dye (T4 crafted)
Feet: Leather boots, Evendim blue dye (T2 crafted)
Back: Plain Cloak, Evendim blue dye (outfitter vendor)

Guarding home

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Even though most of free people now fight for Middle-Earth far away from their hometowns, nearly every one of them thinks of their home in the first place. Wasabito, a hobbit guardian of great merit, thinks of his home in Shire with every shield bash or sword strike he deals to his enemies. Recently he has come for a visit and realized the place he needs to guard the most is the Shire. Pride aside, he signed up in Brockenborings militia and now serves as a proud defender against the goblin assaults. In the coming dark times, his fellows will greatly appreciate his experience from the battlefield.

Chest: Dwarf Steel Jacket of Might, evendim blue dye (world drop)
Legs: Rift-defender's Leggings, default dye (Rift guardian level 50 set)
Head: Extravagant Festival Cap, evendim blue dye (winter festival)
Shoulders: Shining Dwarf Leather Shoulder Guards, ered luin blue dye (world drop)
Hands: Rift-defender's Gloves, default dye (Rift guardian level 50 set)
Feet: Rift-defender's Boots, default dye (Rift guardian level 50 set)
Back: Cloak of the Sunset Wood, evendim blue dye (store)

Guest: Mydion of Windfola

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Mydion comes from the Dale. When he was a young child, an Easterling party crossed over, killed his father and enslaved him, his mother, his two baby brothers, and his eight sisters. His family was sold to a wealthy noble household in the East where they worked as servants. His mother, being a seamstress, was called upon to buy materials and make clothes for the noble household, and the whole family worked making outfits. Growing up in an environment surrounded by women and clothing, Mydion gained great appreciation for good style, and developed a commendable fashion sense - so much so, that the jealous men out East would tease him for his "fruitiness". As Mydion entered puberty, the master nobleman decided to take teasing to the next level, and threatened to make Mydion a eunuch. The threat of going under the knife motivated Mydion to run away.  He caught various rides with traveling merchants and wound up in Archet. The rest is history.

Mydion wants to become a righteous champion and has decided to join the War of the Ring in order to become stronger and find his family out East and free them.  He hates Easterlings, and is fiercely protective of his "family jewels" to this day.

Chest: Dragon-Scale Breastplate, default dye (Helegrod level 65 champion epic set)
Legs: Dragon-Scale Leggings, evendim blue dye (Helegrod level 50/60 champion epic set)
Head: Worker's Helmet, evendim blue dye (Quest: Opening the Waterways)
Shoulders: Wilg-Herthar, default dye (drop from Carn Dum)
Hands: Sterklofi, default dye (drop from Carn Dum)
Feet: Gangalengi, gold dye (drop from Carn Dum)
Back: Torahammas' Cloak, evendim blue dye (T5 crafted; recipe drops from Carn Dum)

Guardian of Beleriand

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Long time has passed since Manequithir fought against Morgoth in the First Battle of Beleriand. As a member of Lúthien's father Thingol's personal guard, he protected his fellow Sindarin warriors against troops of the Dark Lord and contributed to their victory over Orc army in East Beleriand. Despite being long retired to the peaceful glades of Lothlórien, Manequithir has decided to join the Free People's armies again in these dark times to battle against the new Dark Lord. He polished his armour and is ready to do everything for Middle-earth, as he always did over thousands of years.

Chest: Chainmail Chestpiece of Fleetness, gold dye (world drop)
Legs: Leggings of Orod-Na-Thôn, evendim blue dye (world drop)
Head: Helm of Celebrant, gold dye (world drop)
Shoulders: Mirrored Dwarf-make Knight's Shoulder Guards, evendim blue dye (T5 crafted)
Hands: Gauntlets of Heightening, evendim blue dye (world drop)
Feet: Elven Leather Boots of Fleetness, evendim blue dye (world drop)
Back: Ceremonial Wig-feld, evendim blue dye (store)

Guest Inspiration: Thor

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Today I would like to present you a very interesting outfit inspired by one of the most significant gods of Norse mythology, Thor. Player Thaur of Vilya dressed to pay tribute to this deity of thunder with outfit inspired by Marvel's depiction of Thor in comic books. Enjoy!

 © Marvel Comics

Chest: Footman's Armour, evendim blue dye (T6 crafted)
Legs: Quilted Leggings, ered luin blue dye (T2 crafted)
Head: Survivor Of The Watcher, white dye (drop from The Watcher)
Hands: Westernesse Steel Gauntlets of Fleetness, crimson dye (world drop)
Feet: Boots of the Gloom Bane, gold dye (Rift champion epic set)
Back: Plain Cloak, crimson dye (Outfitter vendor)

Guest inspiration: Gandalf the Grey

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Today I present you a guest submission inspired by one of the most significant Lord of the Rings characters, Gandalf. Sahasrahla's outfit is a little more blue instead of grey, which is because it is supposed to represent a student and follower of Gandalf, not a lookalike. He is noble and mysterious at the same time, and his beard only illustrates his wisdom acquired over the years. Enjoy!

Chest: Robe of Viisaus, default dye (Quest: Vol. I, Book 13, Chapter 4: The Hand of Angmar)
Head: Aguti's Hat, indigo dye (Quest: The Local Wildlife is Deadly; also available as the light armour hat from the Angmar and GB sets)
Hands: Stone-reader's Gloves, default dye (Moria lore-master epic set)
Feet: Boots of the Stone-student, default dye (Moria lore-master purple set)
Back: Jubut-Rud, default dye (drop from Grand Stairs)

Guest: Bundas of Snowbourn

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Who knows what Bundas, renowned warden of Snowbourn, has begged from the lukewarm cow. Shelter? Information? Mercy? Or even piece of her back limb for his luncheon? I'm not sure what this little hobbit lad is capable of. But I'm absolutely sure of one thing - this is the cutest outfit we've had on this blog! :)

Chest: Spear-shaker's Jacket, default dye (lvl 65 Helegrod warden epic set)
Legs: Spear-shaker's Leggings, default dye
Shoulders: Spear-shaker's Shoulders, default dye
Hands: Barrow-warrior's Gauntlets, Evendim blue dye (lvl 25 Great Barrows heavy set)
Feet: Spear-shaker's Boots, default dye
Back: Burglar's Cover, default dye (drop from Dorozg The Beast-Tamer in Grand Stairs)

Important note: All these items except for the gloves are undyeable.