Wish: Simple hobbit girl meeting the Rangers

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{[["☆","★"]]}

You might know Brassica from her stories publishes on Casual Stroll to Mordor. This cute and courageous hobbit lass already has a lot of fans, and her journey has just begun! Her travels brought her to Evendim where she is meeting a lot of Rangers, and so far didn't have a proper battle garb suitable for the circumstances. Beldrieth, who is telling Brassica's stories, revealed: "This is the first time Brassica's even thought about something like armour, she an innkeeper's daughter, who hasn't ever dressed for any real adventuring."

This is how Brassica dreamed up her outfit:

• simple and practical (nothing too fancy),
• nothing too heavy - she just can't carry much weight and as a warden, she prefers to be quick and hard to hit,
• something to honour the Rangers she's met in Evendim who gave her a lot of support (and some armour too!),
• she wanted to avoid high-end raiding pieces, otherwise she was willing to do a lot of effort to collect parts of her armour.

To fit into Brassica's role-play, I checked her bio and sent Beldrieth three designs which I thought would suit her:

 

The simplest of the three outfits - here I used dark shades of Evendim blue (to reflect Brassica's Oatbarton heritage) and typical ranger hood & cloak. The chest piece is Inn League Tunic and Pants, so it could also be interpreted as her heritage as inn keeper's daughter. Beldrieth was so enthusiastic about it that I have to quote her e-mail, because it made me really happy :)

"As a proud Sage of Fine Spirits myself, I love the Inn League angle. It hadn't occurred to me to make that connection for her, but it's a wonderful thought. I don't know if it quite fits what I had thought of in terms of her armour needs, but now I know that Brassica is a badge bearing, card-carrying, member of the Inn League."

This outfit includes very pastel green colours, similar to what Brassica wore before. It looks the heaviest out of the three designs, however, it can certainly keep her well protected.

And finally, Beldriet's winner. I designed this as a distinguishable warden outfit, where Ranger element is represented only by the shoulder piece with typical star. Beldriet said about her choice: "I think this outfit is just perfect, looking at it from the standpoint of putting together a story to go with it, it looks like she was given a mail shirt that's entirely too big for her, and a leather hauberk that's needed to be tightened with a variety of straps and buckles in order to fit properly, and the shoulder piece is just the perfect little nod to the Rangers." And she said I've hit the nail on the head - this made the hobbit inside me proud! :))

And here comes the result!

This outfit consists of:
Chest: Scout's Weathered Leather Jacket, olive dye (Dunland quest)
Shoulders: Fine Grey Company Wrap, olive dye (Quest: Volume III, Book 5, Chapter 1: Separate Ways)
Hands: Resilient Westfold Combat Gauntlets, olive dye (T7 crafted)
Back: Warden's Pack, olive dye (Outfitter vendor)

What do you think about the outfit? Please let us know! And don't forget to visit Brassica's blog to read about her adventures! :)

On duty

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{[["☆","★"]]}

It was a bleak winter day, when not even snowflakes were going to please the Free People - it was raining. Almost everyone stayed in warmth of their homes, except for one. Manequithir stood guard in Celondim, usually a vivid harbour for ships departing to Mithlond. Today even the ships stayed docked, and Manequithir had plenty of time to contemplate all the uneasy thoughts troubling his mind. There is a lot going to happen and the outcome is uncertain. But then, a single drop of rain fell on his sword and made him shine like pure chunk of mithril with all colours of the rainbow, and Manequithir realized there was still light where we would least expect it.

I've created this outfit and took the screenshots before Update 5. I've been having a very busy week at work before Christmas, plus I'm preparing to launch a new project which you will hear about soon :) So I decided to pull this outfit out to avoid much time spent ingame I can't afford. Currently, the skin of the chest piece is broken - it looks like other armour. However, it was bugged many times and we all hope it will be fixed soon. This skin is shared by armour piece under different names also (all level 66+ quest rewards) - I'm not sure which ones are broken and which ones not. You can look them all up in Devonna's guide to RoI quest rewards.

Chest: Polished Hauberk of the Dunland Shieldman, turquoise dye (Dunland quest)
Head: Polished Helmet of the Dunland Shieldman, gold dye (Dunland quest)
Shoulders: Traveller's Road-worn Mantle, grey dye (Dunland quest)
Hands: Heavy Plated Dunlending Gauntlets, grey dye (Dunland quest)
Feet: Hill-man's Cracked Leather Boots, grey dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Pendevig-clog, turquoise dye (Drop from Skûmfil)

Guest: Bluet of Arkenstone

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Bluet is a hobbit minstrel, but who says hobbit ladies cannot bring royal elegance into their wardrobe? Inspired by the elf-friends of her father and donning a gift from Lothlórien, Bluet ensures she can go into battle while still looking top class.

Chest: Lorien Fancy Robe, Rivendell green dye (Lothlórien barter item)
Shoulders: Shoulders of the Swift Arrow, green dye (Mirkwood hunter purple set)
Back: Hooded Cloak of the Silver Birch, Rivendell green dye (store)

Guest: Pobo Woolyfoot of Gladden

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{[["☆","★"]]}

As One Bad Hobbit, Pobo does not need flashy garments or shiny armour with spikes. This overly confident halfling is most comfortable in this unassuming garb. The shirt and pants are easy to wash – important for removing blood and other stains – and the backpack is handy for smuggling contraband of any sort. And, of course, a single feather will never do, a real badass hobbit needs two.

I am very honoured to host this guest submission of Pobo, renowned hobbit Casanova & subverter of the Gladden server. All the local ladies know him, young ones faint and their mothers throw violent tantrum on the sight of him. You can watch this all yourself, because Mr. Woolyfoot is also a movie star! I showed the pictures to Freyjuska and even such hardened hobbit lass blushed... I promised I won't tell you she asked for Pobo's post address!

Chest: Padded Armour, green dye (T1 crafted)
Legs: Thick Quilted Leggings, umber dye (T2 crafted)
Head: Bounder Shirriff’s Cap, green dye (Quest: A Bounder of Great Merit)
Back: Elegant Backpack, umber dye (Bree reputation barter)

Natural beauty

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Sidgrid has never understood wardens who envied guardians their heavy armour. She thinks a warrior is able to defend his fellows better when he is agile and quick. Therefore she chose a very light armour to protect her, as well as esthetically please her companions. She wouldn't be an elf if she didn't want to look great, would she? ;)

Chest: Elven Campaigner's Armour, dark green dye (T5 crafted)
Legs: Radiant Westernesse Leggings, umber dye (T5 crafted)
Head: Fine Elven Circlet, default dye (Anniversary gift box)
Shoulders: Elven Leather Shoulder Pads, olive dye (Rivendell light armoursmith)
Hands: Scout's Gloves, olive dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Scout's Boots, olive dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Autumn Wood, olive dye (store)

Guest: Brrokk of Snowbourn

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Brrokk is already known to us by his battle outfit. He is a great warrior, but he doesn't like to wear heavy armour all the time. When off-duty, it is still important to look good. Brrokk was aiming for a distinctive bright-coloured look, but not overwhelming with bright colours. Has he managed it? I think so :)

Chest: Robe of Viisaus, rust dye (Quest: Vol. I, Book 13, Chapter 4: The Hand of Angmar; also available as Robe of Vigour - lvl 56 world drop)
Feet: Elven Leather Boots, crimson dye (Rivendell medium armoursmith)
Back: Elrond's Exquisite Cloak, default dye (Quest: Vol. I, Book 12, Chapter 10: Half-truths)
Tip: Visit Brrokk's blog!

Guest: Argendauss of Brandywine

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Argendauss Donderrion, a man of a group of Dale men who traversed the Misty Mountains to settle in Eriador after Smaug razed Dale and claimed the Lonely Mountain as his lair. The Donderrions integrated with the Dúnedain, and now Argendauss and his clan fight to restore an ancient kingdom that is not theirs by heritage, but by choice.

Chest: Hauberk of the Forgotten Hope, forest green dye (Wardens of Annuminas reputation captain set)
Legs: Ceremonial Leggings of the West Tower, red dye (Annuminas classic skirmish barter)
Head: Circlet of Eorlingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)
Shoulders: Ceremonial Shoulders of the West Tower, forest green dye (Annuminas classic skirmish barter)
Hands: Steel Gloves, default dye (heavy armoursmith in Bree)
Feet: Nenuial's Boots, forest green dye (Annuminas classic skirmish barter)
Back: Specialist's Cloak, white dye (skirmish jewellery and cloaks barter)

Wandering bard

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Is there anything better than a nice stroll around the shores of Evendim? Almost feels like vacation! Ladriell thinks it's the most beautiful place in all Middle-earth (at least out of what she has seen of it) and doesn't even care about the brigands trying to jump on her back sometimes. She just distracts them with her songs and walks away. What a lovely peaceful afternoon!

Chest: Westernesse Cloth Jacket of Fate, turquoise dye (world drop)
Legs: Leggings of the West-lands, turquoise dye (world drop)
Head: Tindr's Ward, turquoise dye (Quest: Sprung a Leak)
Shoulders: Calenglad's Wrap, turquoise dye (Quest: Vol. I, Book 10, Chapter 5: Springing the Trap; also available crafted)
Hands: Scout's Gloves, turquoise dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Elven Leather Boots of Fleetness, turquoise dye (world drop)
Back: Ceremonial Defender's Cloak, turquoise dye (store)

Wish-based inspiration: Link (Legend of Zelda)

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Today's inspiration was suggested by Calaham, a Warden of Firefoot server, who grew up playing Legend of Zelda games. He wanted to see a Link inspired outfit he could possibly use. Calaham's warden is a man, but I chose elf as a model - I just couldn't overlook Link's pointy ears and posture :)

The biggest struggle was to find any headgear that would resemble Link's hood. Unfortunately, in LOTRO we don't have any headgear which would let a bit of hair slip out. It's a big shame, because the hood in Legend of Zelda looks cool, while the one I found in LOTRO is... well, awkward. I decided to include it in final outfit anyway, because the hood is such a significant part of Link's attire it couldn't be omitted.

I hope Calaham and other Legend of Zelda fans will like this inspiration - maybe you can just go without the hood to achieve better appearance. Oh, and I almost forgot Calaham's advice - Tundra Horse from Forochel looks just like Link's horse :)

Chest: Quilted Shirt of Might, rivendell green dye (world drop; also available as Padded Shirt from outfitter vendor)
Legs: Elven Leather Leggings of Courage, olive dye (world drop)
Head: Heavy Quilted Hood, olive dye (T2 crafted)
Shoulders: Pristine Elven Shoulder Guards, dark green dye (T5 crafted)
Hands: Gloves of the Eorlingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)
Feet: Soft Leather Boots, umber dye (outfitter vendor)
Back: Warden's Pack, default dye (outfitter vendor)

Cute nobility

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Phloxie has recently made many changes in her life. She left Shire behind, discovered a whole new world and made a lot of money to spend on fashionable attire. She doesn't speak much of how did she do that. Considering current state of wooden weapons market and the fact she can't do anything except woodworking and fighting, we can only assume she is a rental killer. Or simply good learner of her fellow friendly burglars ;) However, she always wanted to look mathomy-shiny and she thinks she achieved that!

Chest: Shining Dwarf Quilted Jacket, forest green dye (world drop)
Legs: Steel-legs, forest green dye (world drop)
Head: Elven Light Helm, forest green dye (Light armourer in Rivendell)
Shoulders: Shining Chainmail Shoulder Guards, forest green dye (world drop)
Hands: Golden Host Gloves of the Awakened, forest green dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Sunset Wood, forest green dye (Store)

Casual huntress

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Many visitors pass through Rivendell on their journeys. Some seek shelter, advice or serenity of this peaceful place, one of the last in Middle-earth in these dark times. Ladriell sought neither of those - she came here to shop :)
Rivendell merchants are famous for selling some of the most beautiful pieces of attire available in all regions. Ladriel is a young hunter in training, and she needed some pretty, yet casual clothes to wear both in the town and on hunt. She wasn't disappointed - the elven pants fit her perfectly.

Chest: Elven Cloth Jacket of Vigour, white dye (world drop)
Legs: Elven Cloth Pants, white dye (Light armourer in Rivendell)
Head: Chopley's Hat, rivendell green dye (Quest: Curious Number of Bears)
Hands: Scout's Gloves, orange dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Ceremonial Nenuial's Boots, default dye (Annuminas cosmetics)
Back: Golden Tree Summer Cloak, rivendell green dye (Summer festival)

Shire Peace-keeper

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Wardens patrol the borders of civilized lands, preventing the encroachment of fell creatures from the Wild. This is one of them, Honourary Shirrif Wasabito, at service of all peaceful folk of Shire. He has risked his life many times in battle - the eyepatch is a remembrance of an encounter with a vile boar. But he asks for no rewards for his great deeds protecting his fellows - except for a nice meal and beer... about every hour or so :)

Chest: Everstout, olive dye (world drop)
Legs: Leggings of the Sun-lands, olive dye (world drop)
Head: Mariner's Eyepatch, default dye (Pirate event)
Shoulders: Westernesse Shoulder Guards, olive dye (T4 crafted)
Hands: Fingerless Gloves, rust dye (Winter festival)
Back: Cloak of the Peace-keeper, default dye (Collector's Edition - many EU players got it during migration to US server)

Inspiration: Éowyn, Shield-maiden of the Rohirrim

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{[["☆","★"]]}

"While the Shield-maidens of Rohan were rarely called to war, they were nevertheless as well-trained and versed in the arts of battle as their male counterparts. This book tells the tale of one such Maiden caught in unexpected battle, who in striving to defend her Lord against a great onslaught, sang out in clearest tones a stirring song of war as she fought. Such was the power of her voice that even the Orcs whom she faced saw her not as a frail woman, but as a great warrior to be feared."

A Shield-maiden's Song, Guardian class quest

For this inspiration I chose the very model for all Guardians in game and one of the most significant Rohirrim warriors, Éowyn, daughter of the House of Eorl. She referred to herself as a Shield-maiden of Rohan, and was even called so by Aragorn in the movie. We also saw her protecting Merry from the Witch King of Angmar, which we all know is a great deed requiring a lot of bravery. This is my tribute to Éowyn's guardian skills.

Chest: Hauberk of the Helmingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)
Head: Thick Steel Helm, dark green dye (T3 crafted)
Hands: Defender's Gloves, umber dye (T3 crafted)
Feet: Steel Boots, grey dye (T3 crafted)
Back: Plain Cloak, rivendell green dye (Outfitter vendor)

Guest: Bundas of Snowbourn

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Today I proudly present you the founder of Hobbit Hare Squad, notable warden Bundas. The HHS hunting duo has beaten many naughty men, slayed many evil beasts and laughed hard at many sights. It's been always an honour to fight alongside this fella!

Chest: Elven Cloth Shirt, dark green dye (world drop/Rivendell outfitter)
Legs: Strong Sturdy Elven Leggings, dark green dye (T3 crafted)
Gloves: Strong Sturdy Elven Gloves, dark green dye (T3 crafted)
Feet: Strong Sturdy Elven Leather Boots, dark green dye (T3 crafted)
Back: Golodir's Cloak, default dye (Quest: Chapter 1: The Heraldry of Lindon; also available as Bree reputation reward)

Power of Elements

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Sidgrid is a rune-keeper padawan - she has just begun discovering the power of elements she can use. Her words and runes engage powers of fire, lightning and frost to defeat bothering scum, and  she turns to healing power of nature when her friends are in danger. She decided to pay tribute to all these elements with her attire, which is fiery red, touched by golden lightning, covered with sparkling white ice and soothing forest green notes.

Chest: Everstout, red dye (rare world drop, thank you Hymne for lending this!)
Legs: Leggings of the Sun-Lands, red dye (world drop)
Head: Fine Elven Circlet, default dye (Anniversary event in the past, thank you Nemesrien for lending this!)
Shoulders: Rock-Climber's Shoulder Guards, forest green dye (T6 crafted)
Hands: Golden Host Gloves of the Awakened, orange dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Ceremonial Nenuial's Boots, orange dye (Skirmish cosmetics)
Back: Cloak of the Autumn Wood, forest green dye (Store)

Guest: Lokindir of Snowbourn

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Many years after his departure from Rivendell has Lokindir travelled throughout the woods of Middle-Earth, often seeking solitude amongs the trees. He preferred contemplation over fame, thus did he not wear any fancy clothes. After fighting his way through Mirkwood and finally reaching friends in Ost Galad, he was suggested to dress accordingly to his deeds. He decided to pay tribute to nature which has long been his favourite companion on his travels. Mae govannen!

Chest: Tawarwaith Robe of Knowledge, forest green dye (T6 crafted) 
Shoulders: Treasure-Hunter's Shoulder Guards, forest green dye (T6 crafted)
Hands: Extravagant Festival Gloves, Rivendell green dye (Winter festival)
Feet: Tawarwaith Shoes of Knowledge, forest green dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Wood-Wanderer's Cloak, forest green dye (Store)

Guest: Dueq of Snowbourn

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Our first guest outfit submission comes from Captain of Snowbourn, Dueq. His armour is pretty easy to obtain, but very manly and indeed worth of a captain. Well done, Dueq!

Chest: Dwarf-Iron Armour, olive dye (T4 crafted)
Legs: Dwarf-Iron Leggings, olive dye (T4 crafted)
Head: Nogthol, olive dye (Quest: A Captain's Standard)
Shoulders: Dwarf-Iron Shoulder Guards, olive dye (T4 crafted)
Hands: Dwarf-Iron Gloves, olive dye (T4 crafted)
Feet: Dwarf-Iron Boots, olive dye (T4 crafted)
Back: Spring-Flinger Cloak, black dye (Spring Festival)

Mischievous hunter

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Freyjuska is a skilled hunter, jewelcrafter and member of Hobbit Hare Squad, which is why she proudly displays a symbol of a rabbit on her cloak. She enjoys ambushing enemies from big range and then disappearing quickly, so she prefers to dress lightly and comfortably.

Chest: Elven Cloth Jacket, default dye (world drop)

Legs: Elven Cloth Pants, default dye (world drop) 
Head: Chopley's Hat, sienna dye (Quest: A Curious Number of Bears)

Back: Golodir's Mantle, default dye (Quest: Chapter 1: The Heraldry of Lindon; also available as Cloak from the Men of Bree for Kindred standing with Men of Bree)