Brawler of Thorin's Hall

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{[["☆","★"]]}

"Ye're a maggot, Rúnulf! Get th' lager here at once, or I'll murder ye! Don't be tellin' me I be drunk that be all I can take, ye don't be knowin' what be it to be drunk 'n I'll show ye to ye grave if ye don't get me th' ale! Get goin' ye filthy scum! Or I'll introduce ye to me buckos over thar 'n ye'll be dead!"

It seems we've just caught Khamrad in his typical mood. Drunk as a skunk, threatening everyone around (and mostly poor Rúnulf, owner and bartender at Thorin's Hall Inn, who haven't surrendered the effort to pour a little brains into his most dedicated guest). Well, not everyone can be a hero and it would be unfair to display only the honourable persons of Middle-earth - let's look at (not-so)normal folk.

Khamrad has never set his feet outside of the Blue Mountains. Everybody knows him as his reputation of local bully and drunkard precedes him. His brother is a wealthy merchant, too kind to let Khamrad starve and teach him a lesson, so he sponsors his countless mugs of ale. Last time, Khamrad mocked an honourable traveling merchant because he didn't like his clothes. However, the merchant surprised him and beat him like a gypsy toy in front of a crowd outside of the town gate.

Khamrad was humiliated and enraged and as always, he sought to drown his anger in alcohol. He started drinking in his favourite inn, but soon set off to find more, possibly free, booze. And he shouldn't have done that. For the first time ever, he left Thorin's Hall, managed to convince someone to give him a ride and found himself in the Shire. He even broke into one of the hobbit holes and drank a lot of brandy from a sinister keg the notable member of Inn League stored in his house.

When Khamrad woke up, the last thing he remembered was lying under the keg, letting drops of brandy drop into his mouth and snoring a little. What was his surprise when he found himself in a strange place he's never seen before! Horrible gigantic worms, turtles and unspeakable creatures were all he saw. Khamrad's eyes filled with tears: "What shall I do? 'tis gunna be me last day fer sure!" he mumbled to himself. Who knows if he ever gets home. Maybe he will have to start being nice to people around him - for people of Angmar are quite sensitive to rude and daring behaviour...

This outfit doesn't aim to be pretty, but rather role-play fitting. It started as an idea of building knightly outfit for a man, as I think the faceguard works really well in this context. However, I store many of my cosmetics on my dwarf model, and as I started picking the right pieces, I found myself building a dwarven outfit instead.

There are a lot of parts on this outfit that don't match at all - for instance, the blue area just under the waist, or the base colour of the leggings. But who needs a matching outfit when all he does is fighting and lying drunk on the floor? Ye be tellin' me! :)

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

Chest: Ceremonial Shadow-stalker Jacket, grey dye (Store)
Legs: Dwarf-make Warrior's Leggings, black dye (T5 crafted)
Head: Firework Launcher's Face Guard, default dye (Anniversary festival 2012)
Shoulders: Dwarf Steel Shoulder Guards of Fate, grey dye (world drop)
Hands: Enduring Dwarf Leather Gauntlets of Might, black dye (world drop; similar ones available from dwarf medium armoursmiths)
Feet: Rusted Boots of the Dunland Berserker, black dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Ceremonial Singed Cloak, umber dye (Store)

Emotes:
./drink
./faint
./cry

Hard work pays off

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Khamrad has spent whole his life digging in dirt, searching for treasures, or even small chunks of shiny metal resembling gold. Most of the time he ended up with simple copper or iron, counting coins from day to day to afford some food and shelter. Often he had to sleep just under the night sky, dreaming of being wealthy one day.

When he's heard about the Low Lands Gold Rush, all the friends, family and fellow wanderers tried to talk him out going there. Hundreds of dwarves, hobbits, elves and men alike digging inch by inch of soil which was said to be full of gold chunks of palm size, usually to find only pieces not bigger than a poppy grain. However, Aulë smiled upon Khamrad and right the first digging site he visited contained the biggest treasure ever found in Low Lands! He was able to afford a good goat to carry all his wealth, gems for all lady dwarves of his family and a new fancy garb to be welcomed as worthy dwarf at home in Thorin's Hall. "My whole life's hard work has finally payed off!" he rejoiced. Let's hope he uses the gold wisely.

I was able to enjoy the Treasure Hunt for almost whole day on Sunday on three of my characters. I adore this event - mounts, cosmetics, emotes: what else can a cosmetic junkie wish for? :) I got everything I wanted except for Treasure Laden Pony for my main, hobbit Freyjuska and a Treasure Hunter's Rucksack (damn!). I am especially happy about the "Rich" emote and the Treasure Laden Goat, which I wanted to show off :)

The goat has orange and brown coat and I wanted the outfit to match it (at least a little) and show off the wealth of its wearer. I decided to give the unpopular orange dye a shot, although it usually makes outfits look a bit out of place. I wanted the top part match the goat's coat and golden horns, and the lower part of the outfit to match the treasure bags attached to the goat and its saddle. Any top without the grey undyable parts would work better, but I haven't found such chest piece with golden pattern which would look good on a dwarf. The shoulders are also rarely used, but here I went for them for a funny reason - they clip so horribly on a dwarf that they kinda turned Herald's Armour into heavier one naturally, as if the shoulders were part of it.

Please let me know your opinion in comments :) I'm also starting to list the emotes used, as they are a vital part of the screenshots and you guys often ask about them. I hope it's a welcomed change :)

Chest: Herald's Armour, orange dye (T6 crafted; shares appearance with other T6 medium crafted armour)
Legs: Leggings of the Brazen Call, orange dye (Moria level 60 captain teal set; also available as champion and guardian set parts with very small differences in looks)
Head: Hat of the Stone-student, orange dye (Moria level 60 lore-master purple set; shares appearance with minstrel's and rune-keeper's Moria pieces)
Shoulders: Forged-iron Dunlending Pauldrons, orange dye (Dunland quest)
Hands: Tawarwaith Gloves, orange dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Rusted Boots of the Dunland Berserkers, default/white dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Treasure Hunter’s Pack, white dye (Treasure Hunt event)

Mount: Treasure Laden Goat (Treasure Hunt event, rare drop from Huge treasure)

Emotes:
./rich - first screenshot, drop from Huge treasure cache, also barterable for 300 buried treasure tokens (Treasure Hunt event)
./counterfeit - last screenshot, drop from treasure caches, not barterable (Treasure Hunt event)

Inspiration: Saint Nicholas

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Tomorrow's morning will be very special for all children in my country (and let's face it, us adults love this feast too :)). Saint Nicholas, called Mikuláš in Slovak and Czech, will be bringing delicious sweets and candies to all the baby hobbits who have been good for the past year. Those who have been bad should receive chuck of coal from the devil, but who knows - maybe even them will find something tasty in their polished boots placed on the windowsill :)

I couldn't resist posting this outfit, although I'm not satisfied with this composition very much. It would be so much easier to make Santa Claus using LoTRO cosmetics, but I wanted to portrait our European St. Nicholas. The tradition of him bringing little treats to those who deserve them is based on a beautiful legend, starring good-hearted Greek bishop Nikolaos of Myra:

"Legend says: a poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them. This meant that they would remain unmarried and probably, in absence of any other possible employment would have to become prostitutes. Hearing of the poor man's plight, Nicholas decided to help him but being too modest to help the man in public (or to save the man the humiliation of accepting charity), he went to his house under the cover of night and threw three purses (one for each daughter) filled with gold coins through the window opening into the man's house."

Wikipedia: Saint Nicholas

Mikuláš, Middle-European version of St. Nicholas

In Middle Europe, Mikuláš travels accompanied by an angel and a devil and continues in doing good deeds of his predecessor. I'm very happy that we still keep this beautiful tradition. Today on my way from work, I had opportunity to watch many St. Nicholases, angels and devils visiting little children and making them rejoice. And I rejoiced silently too :)

Chest: Survivor's Robe, white dye (Quest: Vol. II, Book 1, Chapter 8: Before the Doors of Durin)
Head: Scholar's Hat, red dye (T4 crafted)
Hands: Oven Mitts, white dye (Skirmish cosmetic barter)
Feet: Ajokoira Shoes, red dye (T5 crafted)
Back: Yule Hoodless Cloak, red dye (Yule festival)

Explorer of ancient ruins

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Khamrad, a scholarly rune-keeper, is one of the few dwarves who are more interested in ancient parchments and relics than axes and blood. Often he sets off from Thorin's Hall before the dawn, just to get to one of his favourite hidden spots soon enough to be undisturbed and watch beautiful sunrise there. He believes that he can project the wisdom he gains from his explorations into the power of his runes, and so far it's proven right. Disguised under the raven mask, he has brought death upon many enemies of the Free People, as well as saved many lives of his fellows. Power is in knowledge, he says, and we can only agree.

For me, this outfit serves multiple purposes. First of all, it's my personal reclamation of Robe of Viisaus after its redesign. Although I liked the original robe much more, I have to admit I've made peace with the new version also, as it makes perfectly intricate rune-keeper's attire. Secondly, I don't think I've ever used the Raven's Mask obtainable in the Fall festival in my outfits. This was my big impediment, because it is probably the most easily available face-covering headgear ingame. And thirdly, I feel I neglected dwarves and rune-keepers badly since release of Isengard, so this is my sorry to all of you, dear dwarven fellows :) Stay tuned for more outfits coming!

Chest: Robe of Viisaus, burgundy dye (Quest: Vol. I, Book 13, Chapter 4: The Hand of Angmar; also available in Store - ceremonial version)
Head: Raven Festival Mask, burgundy dye (Fall festival)
Shoulders: Vibrant Calenard War Pauldrons, burgundy dye (T7 crafted)
Hands: Steadfast Westfold Campaign Gloves, , umber dye (T7 crafted)
Feet: Weathered Leather Scout's Boots, umber dye (Dunland quest)
Back: Cloak of the Algraig, burgundy dye (Store)

Cobalt shine

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Rune-keepers are masters of words. However, only some of them have been enlighten with true power of runes, so strong and intimidating. These rune-keepers are not afraid to enter Ettenmoors, former kingdom of Rhudaur, and show their mighty spirit in both damaging enemies and healing allies. Beware when you see them wearing their cobalt robes, because that's the sign of what they are willing to endure.

Chest: Padded Cobalt Robe, Ered Luin blue dye (Ettenmoors rank 4 rune-keeper set; there used to be a rank 2 Cobalt Robe with the same appearance on level 50, but I'm not sure if it's still acquirable)
Head: Circlet of Adamant, default dye (store)
Shoulders: Dwarf Steel Shoulder Guards of Fate, Ered Luin blue dye (world drop)
Hands: Bear-claws, Ered Luin blue dye (drop from Mordirith, Carn Dum)
Feet: Boots of the Learned, Ered Luin blue dye (Rift level 50 rune-keeper set)
Back: Cloak of the Windsinger, Ered Luin blue dye (store)

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)

Feminine knightess

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Last week I made my attempt for the female dwarf's outfit, using stereotypical dress. I don't consider it a great success at all and I recommended all female dwarves to stick to their roots and wear men clothes made more feminine by choosing gentler pieces and colours. This is such outfit created for Khamrad to show her feminine side :)

Chest: Westernesse Steel Breastplate of Vigour, rose dye (world drop)
Legs: Enduring Westernesse Steel Leggings of Fate, rose dye (world drop)
Head: Elven Winged Helm, rose dye (outfitter vendor)
Shoulders: Pristine Elven Shoulder Guards, rose dye (T5 crafted)
Hands: Defender's Gloves, rose dye (T3 crafted)
Feet: Boots of the Sun-lands, rose dye (world drop)
Back: Cloak of the Nothern Lights, default dye (store)

Chubby elegance

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

I decided to accept the unbeatable challenge from a player on Snowbourn globalLFF - make an outfit for female dwarf which wouldn't look like a joke. There are many players who cannot settle with the fact that the female dwarves could never be seen in Tolkien world - female Dwarves look and sound (and dress, if journeying—which is rare) so alike to Dwarf-males that other folk cannot distinguish them (source: Wikipedia). I understand them - even my Khamrad will have a female dwarf role-playing background if I ever decide to play a champion :)

Anyway, this is a desperate attempt to create distinguishly female dwarven outfit. The result is rather funny than pretty, but it's the least funny I could achieve using stereotypical female clothes. I would very much welcome guest submissions or screenshots in comments showing your female dwarf outfits - maybe together we will find one really good :)

Until then, my advice to all dwarven girls who decided to break the tradition and stroll outside their home - follow your roots and dress in male clothing, probably with feminine colours - you'll do better than wearing a dress :) Heavy armour can look good in pink too!

Chest: Extravagant Festival Dress, purple dye (Winter festival)
Back: Cloak of the Galadhrim, purple dye (Quest: Vol. II, Book 7, Chapter 9: The Worries of Lord Celeborn)

Crimson Thunder

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

So take a step towards the light 

The crimson sky fullfills the night

 The revelation is near

Follow the signs of the Crimson Thunder...

Crimson Thunder lyrics (Hammerfall)

Chest: Breastplate of the North-Drake, red dye (drop from the Rift)
Legs: Sturdy Dwarf-make Defender's Leggings, crimson dye (T3 crafted)
Head: Hardened Elven Officer's Resolute Helm, crimson dye (T4 crafted)
Shoulders: Barrow-warrior's Shoulder Pads, crimson dye (Great Barrow level 25 set)
Hands: Defender's Gloves, crimson dye (T3 crafted)
Feet: Defender's Boots, crimson dye (T3 crafted)
Back: Ceremonial Cloak of Shadow and Flame, crimson dye (Store)

Raging Knight

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Khamrad, Champion of the Blue Mountains, has been predestined to be a knight since he was born. Until today he struggled looking for a proper radiant plated armour to protect him in battles. Just a short glance on elven steel shining at him from elven store in Rivendell made his heart rejoice. Now, as a true champion by heart, he can free his raging spirit smashing his enemies even more!

Chest: Elven Steel Breastplate, default dye (Heavy Armoursmith in Rivendell)
Legs: Sturdy Elven Defender's Leggings, white dye (T3 crafted)
Head: Dwarf-Make Defender's Helm, white dye (T3 crafted)
Shoulders: Mirrored Dwarf-Make Knight's Shoulder Guards, white dye (T5 crafted)
Hands: Elven Steel Gauntlets, default dye (Heavy Armoursmith in Rivendell)
Feet: Elven Leather Boots of Fleetness, white dye (world drop)
Back: Wood-Wanderer's Cloak, white dye (Store)