Sparkling secrecy

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{[["☆","★"]]}

A hobbit lady has recently stopped at Bird and Baby along with her husband. While he was spending his afternoon tea talking to the merry company of Jack Lewisdown, Owen Farfield and Carlo Williams, she was just relaxing near a fireplace, watching patrons and observing hobbits talking. "Who is this mysterious lady?" all the Shire has been whispering ever since. Will they find out?

Note: I used the brightest white dying items I know ingame for this outfit. I couldn't even take screenshots outside during the daylight - here is a screenshot of sparkling dress and hood on the sun :)

The next upcoming outfit on the blog will feature hobbit lady's husband, a decent elder hobbit in formal attire.

Chest: Elf-queen's Dress, white dye (store)
Head: Hood of Night, white dye (Halls of Night cosmetic)
Back: Cloak of the Shining Star, white dye (Anniversary item)

Guest: Ottor of Snowbourn

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Ottor, a champion devoted to the Free People's cause, has recently discovered that he is distantly descended from the people of Númenor and so is entitled to wear the White Star. He received his armour as a gift from people of Evendim as a reward for his great deeds in the area. He appreciates it very much, because it protects him well but doesn't weight him down with huge plate pieces. He will march to many battles in this finely forged armour!

Chest: Chestplate of the Northern Star, navy dye (Wardens of Annuminas reputation)
Legs: The Climber's Legs, navy dye (Quest: Warning: Evil Giants)
Head: Helm of the Eglain Defender, navy dye (Quest: Elders in the Shadows)
Shoulders: Elven Cloth Shoulder Pads, default dye (outfitter vendor)
Hands: Leather Gloves, navy dye (outfitter vendor)
Feet: Boots of the North-drake, evendim blue dye (world drop)
Back: Linen Cloak, default dye (T2 crafted)

Affluent citizen

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{[["☆","★"]]}

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: Throain of Snowbourn

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{[["☆","★"]]}

On his long way around the nothern lands, Throain has decided to stop at Zigilgund to greet his old friends and have a few pints of good beer. On the place he found out they are struggling with many menaces in Forochel and decided to help them. For the purpose, he had to change his attire to blend in and feel warm - despite he is used to cold climate, Forochel is a little bit too much. Now he fits in the environment, but also looks even more stylish than before :)

Chest: Hauberk of Rhun, default dye (store)
Head: Makeshift Ranger Mask, sienna dye (store)
Shoulders: Segg-Herthar, sienna dye (Quest: Vol. I, Book 12, Chapter 9: Weapons of the Enemy) 
Hands: Gauntlets of Durin's Guard, sienna dye (Moria level 60 guardian epic set)
Feet: Padded Leather Boots, sienna dye (outfitter vendor)
Back: Plain Cloak, sienna dye (outfitter vendor)

Desperate housewife

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{[["☆","★"]]}

For a long time I've been thinking about creating a "real-life" resembling outfit. This thought dwellt in my mind since I first got Saeradan's Leggings. These trousers obtained from a level 10 quest look exactly like jeans, even the texture does. So I sent Amarilwen to have a few days off at home and surprised her with a camera on her doorstep ;)

Chest: Leather Shirt of Fate, red dye (world drop, also available crafted)
Legs: Saeradan's Leggings, default dye (Quest: Shadow of the White Hand)
Feet: Elven Cloth Shoes, default dye (Rivendell outfitter vendor)

Guest: Mydion of Windfola

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{[["☆","★"]]}

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)

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)

Guest: Maeglaz of Eldar

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

A Elbereth Gilthoniel
silivren penna míriel
o menel aglar elenath!
Na-chaered palan-díriel
o galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
nef aear, sí nef aearon!

O Elbereth Starkindler,
white-glittering, slanting down sparkling like a jewel,
the glory of the starry host!
Having gazed far away
from the tree-woven lands of Middle-earth,
to thee, Everwhite, I will sing,
on this side of the Sea, here on this side of the Ocean!

"A Elbereth Gilthoniel," also known as "Aerlinn in Edhil o Imladris" (Hymn of the Elves of Rivendell)

Chest: Hauberk of the Greenwood, rivendell green dye (store)
Head: Traveller's Hood, rivendell green dye (store)
Shoulders: Treasure Hunter's Shoulder Guards, forest green dye (T6 crafted)
Hands: Fine Footman's Gloves, black dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Brushed Leather Boots, rivendell green dye (store)
Back: Quiver of Caras Galadhorn, rivendell green dye (store)

CSTM Cosmetics Roundtable recording is available!

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Goldenstar made me happy today by letting us know the recording of Cosmetics Roundtable, which was broadcasted live on July 16th, is now available for listening to everyone here.

 

I was honoured to be there and discuss my outfitting passion with fellow bloggers Devonna, Hymne, Kiarane and of course, Merric and Goldenstar. It was a great experience, I loved the comments and questions we got from the audience and I'm very grateful for opportunity to take part :)

I hope you readers also enjoyed our discussion, please feel free to leave your praise or criticism in the comments! :)

Feminine knightess

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{[["☆","★"]]}

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)

Guest: Mistrz of Gilrain

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{[["☆","★"]]}

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

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{[["☆","★"]]}

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)

How do you design your outfits?

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{[["☆","★"]]}

In the last two weeks you were asked to tell us how do you usually design your outfits. Do you start with a style, a colour, or some particular piece which you build the outfit around? Here are the results:

I chose the "Around colour" option as I usually start designing an outfit in a mood for some particular colour combination. Of course, some of my own favourite outfits came out from readers' wishes, because they were not solely my designs - I had creative help of the askers :) But colour is usually my starting point for my own creations.

For the next two weeks I'm interested in finding out what kind of posts do you like the most on my blog. Number of pageviews shown among popular posts is one thing, but actual opinions on them are another one :) Do you like guests submission the most? Brand new unique creations? Outfits based on your wishes? Or outfits inspired by LoTR or other pop culture characters? Let us know! :)

Guest: Urkaluk of Snowbourn

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{[["☆","★"]]}

WHO DARES TO SAY THE URUK-HAI ARE NOT WORTHY OF BEING PUBLISHED ON THE FASHION BLOG?! THEY SHALL DIE! (translated freely from the Dark Speech)
Uruk-Hai warleader Urkaluk of Snowbourn decided to show all freeps how a proper commander should look like. He needs to look distinctive so the orc grunts know who's the boss. Fashion sense is totally absent in Sauron's army, but blood spatters on soldier's body is usually a sign he knows how to use that cleaver in his hand. Urkaluk knows that and tries to teach some sense into his subordinates. Who knows, maybe later we will have to open a whole new section for creep models ;)

Appearance: Uruk-Hai soldier (changed via Bard in Ettenmoors)

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)

Guest: Rendalc of Eldar

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Rendalc might seem as a cute hobbit lad that Rosie Cotton may fall in love with, but it is just a deception. At night, while covered by darkness, he wears his burgling attire and does deeds he doesn't talk about during the day. Sometimes he forgets about the time and arrives home too late after last night watches. So please, don't tell anyone - especially Rosie, at least while that silly Gamgee is away ;)

Chest: Cloth Vest, black dye (hunter starter gear)
Legs: Cloth Pants, black dye (hunter starter gear)
Head: Traveller's Hood, black dye (store)
Shoulders: Fine Footman's Shoulder Guards, black dye (T6 crafted)
Hands: Fine Footman's Gloves, black dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Padded Shoes, black dye (hunter starter gear)
Back: Cermonial Cloak of Shadow and Flame, default dye (store)

Guardian of Beleriand

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{[["☆","★"]]}

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: Rythelliana of Elendilmir

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Who has ever said that heavy armour cannot be feminine? Rythelliana decided to give you the proof it can. A little rose can give feminine accents to every female warrior, no matter if she just strolls around the town or battles the Watcher itself.

Chest: Elven Soldier's Armour, rose dye (T5 crafted)
Legs: Elven Soldier's Leggings, rose dye (T5 crafted)
Head: Survivor of the Watcher, rose dye (Quest: Vol. II, Book 1, Chapter 13: The Watcher in the Water)
Shoulders: Elven Soldier's Shoulder Guards, rose dye (T5 crafted)
Hands: Elven Soldier's Gloves, rose dye (T5 crafted)
Feet: Elven Soldier's Boots, rose dye (T5 crafted)

New blogs about LOTRO cosmetics!

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Today I noticed an interesting source of traffic to my blog in statistics and decided to find out more. And I was happy to discover there is a new LOTRO cosmetics blog!

It's hosted on LotRO Stylist: Russian edition and the author is Miss Rosier. There are some very nice outfits already, even with recommendations for the best matching horse to each of them! I especially like the Tom Bombadil inspired outfit. The blog is in Russian only, but we non-Russian speakers can user Google Translate to read (and pictures are pretty enough for inspiration anyway :)).

Another blog I've been a follower of recently is Lydia's Lotro. Lydia is doing and excellent job doing a series on low level outfitting, starting from the very beginning with each class' startpieces! She also takes some amazing screenshots of Middle-earth and maps journey of her characters. I definitely recommend visiting this blog as well!

Cheers girls :)

Purity

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{[["☆","★"]]}

"There came a time near dawn on the eve of spring, and Lúthien danced upon a green hill; and suddenly she began to sing. Keen, heart-piercing was her song as the song of the lark that rises from the gates of night and pours its voice among the dying stars, seeing the sun behind the walls of the world; and the song of Lúthien released the behind the walls of the world; and the song of Luthien released the bonds of winter, and the frozen waters spoke, and flowers sprang from the cold earth where her feet had passed."

Tale Of Tinúviel (The History of Middle-earth)

Lúthien is the archetype of all minstrels - pure and alluring. Most probably not a single minstrel  currently alive in the Middle-earth could compete with her beauty and skill. Sidgrid does not even try to - but she attempts to keep the same virtues as Lúthien had. She thinks a minstrel should inspire her companions to the greatest deeds done in the best intentions, and that there is always light at the end of the darkness.

Chest: Cotton Armour, gold dye (T3 crafted) 
Legs: Quilted Leggings of Courage, white dye (world drop) 
Hands: Scout's Gloves, gold dye (T6 crafted) 
Feet: Elven Leather Boots of Fleetness, white dye (world drop) 
Back: Swan-Cloak, white dye (Store)

Guest: Tyranna of Gilrain

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Some hobbits are happy in private life, others are successful in business. It's rarely seen that somebody has luck in both. Well, Tyranna is one of these rare cases - she's just one happy-go-lucky friendly gambler. One day she bathes in shiny coins, other day she strolls woods and mines with her devoted fellows on the hunt. She tends to risk a lot - let's just mention leaving her home in Shire - but so far the risk has proven great. Gambling pays off! :)

Chest: Long-Sleeved Spring-Flinger's Hauberk, purple dye (Spring festival)
Head: Dungeon-Crawler's Hood, purple dye (Mirkwood level 65 burglar purple set)
Shoulders: Dungeon-Crawler's Shoulders, purple dye (Mirkwood level 65 burglar purple set)
Back: Elk-Hunters pack, purple 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)

Guest: Lachwen of Landroval

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Lachwen Shimmerlight is flashy, colorful, explosive, and loud - if she had a theme song, it would probably be "Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett. She sparkles with her rune-keeper fireworks (that sometimes hurt, if you're on the enemy side) and wears the "rainbow in a blue sky"-inspired outfit, with just a hint of Athenian warrior-goddess in the form of a winged circlet.

Chest: Tattered Dwarf-Make Short Cloth Robe, navy dye (Quest: Elf introduction)
Head: Winged Circlet, default dye (Skirmish vendor)
Shoulders: Thinglaer's Shoulderpads, rose dye (Quest: Hallowed Ground)
Hands: Vorth-Mundar, purple dye (Quest: Goblins in the Valley)
Boots: Breelander Leather Boots, purple dye (Store)
Satchel: Dragon-Wing Satchel, default dye (Store)
Back: Cloak of the DragonFly, red dye (Store)

Inspiration: Boromir

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{[["☆","★"]]}

"...He violently fights with forwarding orcs, blows his horn hoping the others will come to his rescue … but all in vain. Boromir dies heroically. Aragorn finds him sitting with his back to a great tree, as if he was resting. But Aragorn saw that he was pierced with many black-feathered arrows; his sword was still in his hand, but it was broken near the hilt; his horn cloven in two was at his side. Many Orcs lay slain, piled all about him and at his feet."

Boromir, Lord of the Rings

Boromir, Commander of Gondor, was man of many faces. We have known him at his best and his worst. However, we all remember him as a great warrior who's died in honourable death, saving the hobbits and subsequentially the whole Middle-earth. All the other is past, wrong deeds were redeemed. Celebrate Boromir's victory of a true Champion, a victory over himself!

Note: I used the shoulders despite the awful clipping this hauberk causes. I chose to accept it as torn cloth, bearing signs of a fierce fight.

Chest: Sellsword's Hauberk, black dye (Store)
Shoulders: Shoulders of the Eorlingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)
Hands: Gloves of the Helmingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)
Feet: Boots of the Helmingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)
Back: Plain Cloak, black dye (Outfitter vendor)

Guest: Nickson of Laurelin

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Burglar Nickson is a rather jolly fellow who likes to hang around people and just enjoys wandering around Bree and other towns and villages. He likes to look good and therefore he is dressed quite well so that he doesn't stand out on parties on which he does some of his burgling to get himself a little some some. Some weaker-minded hobbits even consider him a bounder because of his stylish cap - well, their bad ;)

Chest: Eastern-Cut Hauberk, black dye (Outfitter vendor)
Head: Extravagant Festival Cap, black dye (Winter festival)
Hands: Extravagant Festival Gloves, black dye (Winter festival)
Feet: Leather Boots, black dye (Outfitter vendor)

Cute nobility

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

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)

Guest: Rialo of Laurelin

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

A true champion has to be prepared to fight wherever he goes. Freezing cold Forochel climate included. Rialo is a wary traveller who managed to make friends among Rangers of Annuminas and people of Angmar, who provided him with good armour and supplies for his far journey. Let's cross fingers for him and wish him luck!

Chest: Well-Crafted Dwarf-make Armor, black dye (T2 crafted)
Legs: The Climber Legs, white dye (Quest: Warning: Evil Giants)
Shoulders: Pauldrons of the Northern Star, sienna dye (Quest: Sanctity of the Sovereigns)
Hands: Gauntlets of Fém, black dye (Quest: Crannog's Third Challenge)
Feet: Well-Crafted Dwarf-Make Boots, navy dye (T2 crafted)
Back: Ceremonial Cloak of the Ajokoira, umber dye (Vendor: Rusu in the Great Lodge of Suri-kylä, Forochel)

Burning arrows

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{[["☆","★"]]}

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)

Guest: Ardran Hawkeye of Nimrodel

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

A lot of hunters have been dressing in natural colours, to blend within the environment surrounding them. Today we are breaking this rule. In the depths of Moria or dungeons of Dol Guldur a hunter no longer needs to mask his presence. Ardran Hawkeye knows that and to show the true hunter's nature, he dyed his leather armour bright red. Nevertheless he's not the target as it might seem, but an inevitable source of doom for his enemies.

Chest: Trapsetter's Jacket, red dye (Moria level 60 hunter purple set)
Legs: Leggings of the Swiftarrow, red dye (Moria level 60 hunter purple set)
Head: Dornhador's Helm, red dye (Quest: The Wolves' Master)
Shoulders: Trapsetter's Shoulders, red dye (Moria level 60 hunter purple set)
Hands: Gauntlets of the Swiftarrow, red dye (Moria level 60 hunter purple set)
Feet: Boots of the Swiftarrow, red dye (Moria level 60 hunter purple set)
Back: Cloak of Mordirith's Bane, default dye (Quest: Volume I Epilogue - Laerdan's Parcel)

Wolf friend

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{[["☆","★"]]}

In the hall of the slain
Valkyries and heroes attend me
Ravens and wolves at my side
Forever they did befriend me...

Odin lyrics (Manowar)

 

This warden is truly determined to go through Ragnarök to protect his allies. He is friend with natural forces and never hesitates to jump right into the middle of battle, now matter how fierce or dangerous. So let the Valkyries fly and unleash the fury of war, because this warrior is ready!

Two days ago we had a Hammerfall reference, now I chose Manowar to celebrate the nothern mythology background I gave this character :)

Chest: Campaigner's Armour, umber dye (T5 crafted)
Legs: Sturdy Westernesse Leather Leggings, umber dye (T5 crafted)
Shoulders: Westernesse Shoulder Guards, umber dye (T4 crafted)
Hands: Leather Gauntlets, umber dye (Medium armourer in Thorin's Hall)
Feet: Superb Campaigner's Shoes, umber dye (T5 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Mountain Wolves, default 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)

Guest: Tryadelion of Laurelin

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Famous kingdom of Númenor was once a blossoming island, given to men as a gift from the Valar. First people of Númenor were ruled by Elros the Half-elven, brother of Elrond, who chose to counted among men rather than elves. The downfall of the kingdom more than 3000 years later was survived by a few, but these men including Elendil carried the westernesse pride to further generations. Tryadelion's attire is a remembrance of the great Númenorean kingdom and deeds of its people.

Chest: Forveng Wraith's Plate, gold dye (drop from Barad Gularan; also available as Westernesse Steel Breastplate of Vigour)
Legs: Enduring Westernesse Steel Leggins of Fate, gold dye (world drop; also crafted)
Head: Tarchar, gold dye (Mirkwood barter item)
Shoulders: Westernesse Shoulder Guards, gold dye (world drop; also crafted)
Feet: Westernesse Boots, gold dye (world drop; also T4 crafted as e.g. West-Land Boots of Vibrance)
Back: Sergeant at Arms Cloak of Adlan, default dye (Skirmish barter item)

Crimson Thunder

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{[["☆","★"]]}

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)

Cosmetics Roundtable on CSTM

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{[["☆","★"]]}

Goldenstar from Casual Stroll to Mordor announced yesterday that the Cosmetics Roundtable will take place on Saturday, July 16th, 2011 at 4pm EDT (-4 GMT).

I am very honoured that I've been invited to join this discussion along with my fellow bloggers Devonna and Hymne, and of course Kiarane, who is famous CSTM contributor when it comes to housing and cosmetics (I admired work of these gals before I even started my blog, yay!).

I'm looking forward to this discussion very much - and the most to your, readers and listeners, questions and contributions. You can join us in the chat room or write your questions in advance to comments on CSTM - we will try to answer them all :)

Read you all on Saturday :)

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)

Mountain Elf

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

Little is known about the ancient history of the elves from Blue Mountains. Since ages ago, they inhabited land together with the dwarves, making Ered Luin one of the most beautiful and bontiful of regions. Manequithir is a hunter in training, who appreciates tradition of his mighty, powerful ancestors. Will he fulfill his oath to become one of saviours of Middle-Earth?

Chest: Elven Warrior's Armour, black dye (T5 crafted)
Legs: Sturdy Westernesse Leather Leggings, black dye (T5 crafted)
Shoulders: Westernesse Shoulder Guards, crimson dye (T4 crafted)
Hands: Scout's Gloves, grey dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Golden Host Boots of the Gloaming, black dye (T6 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Helmingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)

Guest: Vindrayeth of Snowbourn

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

If you often dwell in the depths of Khazad-dûm, you might bump into this fiercely looking hunter, searching for his victims from the lines of goblins, orcs and uruk-hai. His shooting power is not easily beaten, and his sudden shots tend to find their quick way through the thickest of skins and armours and burn them to death. Fear him, for he is a friend of the fire, as shown by his attire.

Chest: Flame-Touched Hauberk, grey dye (Rift Skirmish reward)
Head: Helm of the Mountain King, grey dye (Drop from OD Poison Wing T2)
Shoulders: Doom-Hunter's Shoulders, crimson dye  (Rift hunter set)
Hands: Hall-Defender's Gauntlets, grey dye (Store)
Feet: Boots of the Helmingas, default dye (Isengard pre-order)
Back: Flames of the Deep, default dye (Rift Skirmish reward)

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)

Pink star

Rate:

{[["☆","★"]]}

All girls wanna feel girly sometimes, even if they usually spend their free time bashing orcs and other filthy creatures. This cute rune-keeper didn't want to risk getting her loveliest attire dirty in battle, so she saved it for a nice vacation at home in Rivendell. Noone can deny she can't be overlooked, even among the most fashionable of her kin.

Chest: Jacket of Might, rose dye (world drop)
Legs: Quilted Leggings of Courage, rose dye (world drop)
Hands: Scout's Gloves, rose dye (T6 crafted)
Feet: Elven Leather Boots of Fleetness, rose dye (world drop)
Back: Cloak of the Shining Star, rose dye (Anniversary item)

Guest: Leriff of Landroval

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{[["☆","★"]]}

It was often a surprise to see an elf walk through the lands of Men, but doubly so when the elf was dressed so-brightly. The Ranger watched the elf, for he could look nowhere else, walk with content steps through the hidden outpost of Esteldin, a hum escaping from his lips. The tunic the Eldar wore was stark white, as was the cloak and boots. Even the airy chain over the tunic reflected light brilliantly. In essence, the elf, walking with his hand resting on the pommel of his sword, reminded the Ranger of a giant lantern (not that he would ever say that to the elf's face, of course). The Ranger nodded his greeting to Leriff as the elf passed, mumbling to himself, "Yes, in the absence of the sun, he'll do."

Chest: Elven Campaigner's Armour, white dye (T5 crafted)
Legs: Elven Campaigner's Leggings, white dye (T5 crafted)
Head: Fine Elven Circlet, default dye (Anniversary Item)
Feet: Elven Campaigner's Boots, white dye (T5 crafted)
Back: Cloak of the Shining Star, white dye (Anniversary item)

Will you pre-order Isengard to get new outfits?

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{[["☆","★"]]}

The poll for past few weeks has ended and here come the results:

Vast majority of you guys got probably keen on the new pre-order cosmetics, which are very different from what we have seen so far and they just look great! I must confess that I am one of 26 "Yes" voters, as you may have noticed in many of the recently created outfits - they all contain some Isengard pieces :)

Please don't forget to vote in the new poll - How do you design your outfits? I'm looking forward to find you approach - someone starts with a style, someone else with a colour, other one with some particular piece which they build the outfit around. Let us know your way! :)