With great excitement and Holiday cheer I am proud to announce that three Lotro Outfit Blogs (Cosmetic Lotro, Material Middle-earth and Wandering Around Arda) have joined forces to host a Yule Outfit Contest this year! We ask all outfit enthusiasts to activate their creativity and design a wonderful Yule or Winter themed outfit.

First prize: 1550 Lotro Points
Second prize: Perlino steed (account wide code)
Third prize: Hauberk of the Mithril Guard (account wide code)

How to enter the contest:

• The contest begins on Wednesday December 19th, 2018. Entries may be submitted until midnight Eastern Standard Time on Sunday January 6th, 2019.
• To enter the Yule Outfit Contest, send your entry to outfitblogs@gmail.com with the subject line “Yule Outfit Contest”.
• An entry consists of ONE screenshot. The image may be cropped but should be at least 800px wide.
• You may enter a maximum of three screenshots, but each entry must be sent in a separate email.
• Your entry must include the following information: the name, class and level of the character in the screenshots, the server the character resides on, all armour and outfit pieces used in the screenshots and their respective dye colours.

The Outfit Blogs will select the winning entries based on the following criteria:

• Representative of the Yule spirit or Wintry ambiance.
• Originality of the overall design.
• Integration of the various pieces used.
• Blending of dye colours.
• Overall impression and quality of the screenshot.

Winning entries may be featured on all three Outfit Blogs.
Three prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place. Prizes are sponsored by The Outfit Blogs. All decisions will be made by The Outfit Blogs at their sole discretion and are final.

Have fun and good luck everyone!

The Rangers of the North, also known as the Dúnedain of the North, were the descendants of the Dúnedain from the lost kingdom of Arnor. They were Men, and one of the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. They patrolled the boundaries of Eriador and were by necessity skilled with the sword, bow, and spear.

I am immersed in all things Yuletide and enjoying my activities both online and in real life. I have dressed most of my characters in winter attire, finding different uses and combinations for the Yule cosmetics. The boots and gloves in this outfit cannot be dyed, so they have very limited use, but they do reflect that warm, comfy feeling that I want to see in a winter outfit. I think they look best on a man or dwarf.
I get a lot of use out of the Shoulderguards of the Northern Sky. They match with nearly everything, look great on all races and fit a variety of styles.
I wish you all peace and comfort this week, wherever you are. Have a wonderful Yuletide!

Head: Woodland Ranger’s Hood, black dye (reward Vol.III interludes)
Shoulders: Shoulderguards of the Northern Sky, black dye (Yule Festival cosmetic)
Chest: Ornate Winter Jacket and Trousers, sienna dye (Yule Festival cosmetic)
Hands: Storvâgûn’s Spare Gloves, cannot be dyed (Yule Festival Festivity Tokens)
Feet: Storvâgûn’s Spare Boots, cannot be dyed (Yule Festival Festivity Tokens)

More information on these items: https://lotro-wiki.com

The origins of Beornings are not known, save that they dwelt in the Vales of Anduin between Mirkwood and the Great River in the late Third Age. They had the unique ability to change into bears. They were named after Beorn, their patriarch. They seemed to have the same life-span of mortal men, and could speak in both the tongue of men and of bears. They did not seem very fond of Dwarves, and were bitter enemies of the Goblins. They hunted neither bird nor beast, their diet consisting mostly of cream and honey.

Since last November’s update the Beorning is a heavy armour class. Now this, in my humble opinion, is very odd, lorewise. There may be many arguments as to why this was necessary for stats, itemzation etc, but a Beorning would never wear plate. In fact, it is said that they had a dislike of metal. It is a shame that it had to come to this solution, and that the Beorning as a medium armour class was never really supported. On top of that, it seems that some of the best healers in the game now wear plate.
Anyway this post is not to complain about these changes or start a rant, I just want to continue seeing and experiencing the Beorning as a medium armour class. So, the wardrobe and cosmetics will have to provide for that now.

I don’t play with my Beorning very often, too busy doing other things, but I do find it a fascinating class. I like their appearance and face paint. I am glad that we can change those at the barber, because now I can match the face paint with the outfit she’s wearing. I am continuing the use of the Yule Festival shoulders. They are amazing and match with nearly everything. They are a good fit for a natural look. Also, I just like the bright white.

Head: Trapper’s Bandana, walnut dye (skirmish cosmetic)
Shoulders: Shoulderguards of the Northern Sky, walnut dye (Yule festival cosmetic)
Chest: Cer. Breastplate of the Aurochs, white dye (skirmish cosmetic)
Hands: Light Gauntlets of the Grey Mountain Elite, white dye (Ered Mithrin Quartermaster cosmetic)
Legs: Lesser Secret of the West Leggings, walnut dye (Harndirion Quartermaster)
Feet: Spirited Assault Shoes of the Deep, white dye (crafted light T9)

More information on these items: https://lotro-wiki.com

quote from lotr.wikia

The outfit blogs Material Middle-earth, Wandering Around Arda and (myself) Cosmetic Lotro are very proud to present the three winners of the Yule Outfit Contest 2018!

We received 72 entries and it was very hard to narrow down our winners to only 3, but in the end we reached a final verdict. The entries were judged based on these criteria:

• Representative of the Yule spirit or Wintry ambiance.
• Originality of the overall design.
• Integration of the various pieces used.
• Blending of dye colours.
• Overall impression and quality of the screenshot.

FIRST PRIZE
1550 LOTRO Points

Holfi of Laurelin

Head: Wintry Yule Cap (crimson dye)
Shoulders: Fur Mantle (default dye)
Back: Sage’s Pack (white dye)
Chest: Ale Association Robe (crimson dye)
Hands: Extravagant Festival Gloves (red dye)
Feet: Ceremonial Ajokoira Shoes (red dye)

SECOND PRIZE
Perlino Steed (account wide)

Lisi of Arkenstone

Head: Trapper’s Bandana (walnut brown)
Shoulders: Yule Scarf (white)
Chest: From-bréost (umber)
Hands: Storvâgûn’s Spare Gloves
Feet: Storvâgûn’s Spare Boots
Back: Elven Prospector’s Pack (white)

THIRD PRIZE
Hauberk of the Mithril Guard (account wide)

Mellime of Arkenstone

Shoulders: Grimbeorn’s Shoulders (white)
Back: Feathered-cloak of the North-men (sea blue)
Chest: Ceremonial Hoary Aurochs Robe (sea blue)
Hands: Wildermore Survivor’s Light Gloves (white)
Feet: Silver-thread Slippers (sea blue)

Congratulations to the winners and a sincere thank you to all participants. It was a great way to share some Yule cheer with the Lotro community!
Last but not least, here is a slideshow of all entries:

At the Skirmish Camp there are vendors selling low level armour and weapons for recruits, footmen, esquires, guardsmen etc. The most well known esquire (at least to me) is probably Merry. When he offers his services to King Théoden, he becomes Esquire to the King of Rohan. However, there must surely have been many more esquires serving the brave knights of Middle-earth, carrying messages back and forth, repairing weapons and armour, tending to horses and assisting in battle when needed.

The Ered Luin Quartermaster provides a selection of cosmetic armour. These items were designed for the Zhélruka and other dwarves, but will fit other races just as nicely. Especially female heavy armour users, as the chain mail fits snugly around their curves. This outfit is truly a mix of totally unrelated items, but blending them together while trying to match the burgundy and gold base colours and chain mail texture, has resulted in a (more or less) unified ensemble.

Head: Helm of the Slayer’s Raiment, crimson dye (Traveller’s Quartermaster)
Shoulders: Shoulders of the Helmingas, (pre-order item Rise of Isengard)
Chest: Zhélruka Guard Armour, Lorién gold dye (Dwarf-holds Quartermaster)
Hands: Steel Gloves, burgundy dye (T3 crafted)
Feet: Steel Boots, burgundy dye (T3 crafted)
Back: Woven Heavy Cloak of the Towers, burgundy dye (High-enchanter barter)
Shield: Aegis of the Adventurer (Adventurer’s Quartermaster)

Mount: Steed of the Guardian

O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!
We still remember, we who dwell
In this far land beneath the trees,
Thy starlight on the Western Seas.

Silent footprints, swift steps through brooks and groves. Keen eyes, keen ears, the forest has no secrets. Through the misty coppice, under the moon-lit canopy of the Mallorn trees she walks. A labyrinth of twigs and twine. No better home than here.

I have loved these shoulders ever since I got them, but found it very hard to combine them with anything other than the original matching armour of the Waking Wood. Mostly because the shoulders clip (at the front) with most other robes and hauberks. Also, the umber coloured border on the shoulders is not so easy to match.
After a lot of trial and error I settled on this combination. I may yet try some other things, but for now I am happy with how it turned out.

Head: Padded Coif of the Towers, umber dye (High-elf barter)
Shoulders: Shoulders of the Waking Wood, Lórien gold dye (anniversary cosmetic)
Chest: Robe of the Hopeful Melody, umber dye (classic barter skirmish camp)
Hands: Battle-leader’s Gauntlets, Lórien gold dye (classic barter skirmish camp)
Legs: Trousers of the Hopeful Melody, umber dye (classic barter skirmish camp)
Feet: Lithe Boots of the Towers, Lórien gold dye (High-elf barter)

A new update went live and I had absolutely no idea that it would be bringing such an amazing set of new cosmetics. When I discovered that the inventory of the Adventurer’s Quartermaster had been resupplied with not one but two sets of Elvish cosmetics I couldn’t contain myself and just had to get them all. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough Figments of Splendour to get both sets, so I got the one that I think is the prettiest, the Brilliant Forest Defender’s set. In fact this is probably the most beautiful Elvish cosmetic set that I have ever seen in this game!
The other set of the Golden Forest Defender is darker, an likely more suited for a more gloomy environment.

This set has amazing shimmery pastel rainbow colours. They make the outfit look magical. The default colour is dark, which is also pretty, but I wanted a lighter version and dyed everything in Belegaer Blue. There is also a Hooded version available for the mask, and a matching cloak, but I settled on a quiver for my hunter.

It may be that these cosmetics are also available from lootboxes. In case you can’t bare to disenchant some Ered Luin cosmetics to get more Figments of Splendour, you may try to get them from there. Either way I am thrilled with my new outfit, and even put it on my Loremaster who is not even an elf!

Head: Brilliant Forest Defender’s Mask, Belegaer blue dye (Adventurer’s Quartermaster)
Shoulders: Brilliant Forest Defender’s Shoulderguards, Belegaer blue dye (Adventurer’s Quartermaster)
Chest: Brilliant Forest Defender’s Breastplate, Belegaer blue dye (Adventurer’s Quartermaster)
Hands: Brilliant Forest Defender’s Gloves, Belegaer blue dye (Adventurer’s Quartermaster)
Feet: Brilliant Forest Defender’s Boots, Belegaer blue dye (Adventurer’s Quartermaster)
Back: Elegant Elven Quiver, lavender dye (Anniversary cosmetic or Lotro store)
Bow: Potent Enduring Bow of Fate
Swords: Angolgrist

They went first along a black passage, then up many wet steps, and so came to a small flat landing cut in the stone and lit by the pale sky, gleaming high above through a long deep shaft. From here two flights of steps led: one going on, as it seemed, up on to the high bank of the stream; the other turning away to the left. This they followed. It wound its way up like a turret-stair.
At last they came out of the stony darkness and looked about. They were on a wide flat rock without rail or parapet. At their right, eastwards, the torrent fell, splashing over many terraces, and then, pouring down a steep race, it filled a smooth-hewn channel with a dark force of water flecked with foam, and curling and rushing almost at their feet it plunged sheer over the edge that yawned upon their left. A man stood there, near the brink, silent, gazing down.
– Book IV, chapter 5

Rangers are brave men doing what is right an fighting for justice without seeking fame nor recognition for themselves. They are faithful servants to all men in Middle-earth, working in the shadows to waylay and cripple the Enemy wherever they can. The Ithilien Rangers, loyal to Captain Faramir, were dressed in camouflaging green and brown. They had their hidden outpost in Henneth Annûn, a cave behind a waterfall also known as the Window on the West or Window of the Sunset. Above the waterfall, there was a flat rock that provided a view on the Realm of Gondor.

I created my first Ithilien Ranger outfit in May 2011. It was one of my very early outfits created with whatever was available to me at the time. It still looks great but so very dated! The game has added tons of new cosmetic items and colors since then so I decided to redo this one. I like the idea of going back to old favorite outfits and update them with new options.
The chest piece in this outfit comes from the Coffer of Traveller’s Armour boxes that are available from the Quartermaster at the Bree Fountain. All those box armour pieces are sort of ugly, because they look worn and have a “dirty” dye base, but this is quite perfect for a ranger who spends most of his time outdoors. I would say all these box items are actually quite perfect for any traveller who likes to use a worn look on their characters. The robe has a short (above the knee) appearance when equipped on female characters. I would have liked it to be that way for male characters as well. The long version isn’t bad looking, but a short version would have been more realistic. Still a very good rugged ranger robe.

Head: Medium Nadhin Mask, Rivendell green dye (Dol Amroth armour drop or barter)
Chest: Hauberk of the Traveller, forest green dye (Coffer of Traveller’s medium armour from Quartermaster Bree)
Hands: Eastemnet Skirmish Gauntlets, dark green dye (crafted T8 medium)
Feet: Medium Nadhin Boots, umber dye (Dol Amroth armour drop or barter)
Back: Woodland Ranger’s Cloak, Rivendell green dye (Vol.III interludes reward)

“… And yet there lie in his hoards many records that few now can read, even of the lore-masters, for their scripts and tongues have become dark to later men. And… there lies in Minas Tirith still, unread, I guess, by any save Saruman and myself since the kings failed, a scroll that Isildur made himself…”
– Lord of the Rings, Appendix B

I love the House of Lore in Minas Tirith. It is grand, majestic, full of royal secrets and ancient records. I adore Elrond’s Library for its beautiful design and orderly arrangement of books and tomes. But the Scholar’s Abode in Erebor is my all time favorite place of lore in Middle-earth. I know there are more of such places, buildings and rooms where old scrolls and books are stored, but this abode has an enchanting and intimate atmosphere. It is rather small but stacked to the ceiling with dusty scrolls, tomes and ancient manuscripts, as well as rune tablets and piles of books. When you enter, you can almost smell the old paper scrolls and tanned leather bindings. Literally a Scholar’s dream.
Scholar is also my favorite profession as it provides dyes. Yes there’s the battle scrolls, potions and other goodies, but the dyes are just indispensable when you’re into outfitting!

I haven’t used red dye for an outfit in a long while, and I think I am ready for some more vibrant colors now that Spring is in the air. I thought these shoulders were a nice complement to the robe, as they match the furry frill along the hems. The hat is quite suitable for a lore-master, and though I rarely use head pieces on her, I think it is a good fit. I thought about putting gloves on her hands (as she should be handling those old scrolls with care), but somehow they made the arms of the robe look like two grey spaghettis, so I opted for bracers instead.

Head: Reinforced Cap of Gráriks Armouries, red dye (Ered Mithrin instance drop)
Shoulders: Embroidered Mantle of Bard’s Will, red dye (Quartermaster Dale)
Chest: Robe of the Five Rivers, red dye (Lebennin quest reward)
Hands: Cadarn-durnvol, red dye (RoI instance drop, sometimes on mannequins)
Feet: Light Nadhin Shoes, red dye (Dol Amroth area drop or barter)

“But in the end it’s only a passing thing, this shadow; even darkness must pass.”

The Mirk-eaves, the landing right after Lothlórien, is a dark place indeed, and as you proceed further into Mirkwood, it only gets darker. It is a relief that after the destruction of the Ring, when we leave Mordor, we get to help set things right and heal the forest from the shadows. Nevertheless even the darker side of early Mirkwood has a beauty and a mystery in its own right. A good place for my runekeeper to help out the Malledhrim and show off another elvish outfit.

There is only one opportunity to obtain this robe in the entire game. It is a heavy armour quest reward from the level 74 quest “Banishing the Dishonoured” in the Great River region. If you miss it, you cannot get it any other way as far as I know. It used to be the appearance of the early pvmp champion armour, but it is no longer available from the Ettenmoors barter. So be careful when you select your reward for that quest. The light armour quest reward also has a unique appearance, but for cosmetic use, this robe is the best choice in my opinion.
I found the golden forest defender cosmetics to be a good match for the robe. I especially like the hooded mask.

Head: Hooded Mask of the Golden Forest Defender, Ashenlades green dye (Adventurer’s Quartermaster Bree)
Shoulders: Heavy Nadhin Shoulders, Ashenlades green dye (Dol Amroth armour drop or barter)
Chest: Ancient Inlaid Breastplate, Ashenlades green dye (Great River quest reward)
Hands: Gloves of the Golden Forest Defender, Ashenlades green dye (Adventurer’s Quartermaster Bree)
Feet: Boots of the Golden Forest Defender, Ashenlades green dye (Adventurer’s Quartermaster Bree)

My outfit inspirations come from many different sources. Most of the time I start out with a single piece of armour that I decide to “build an outfit” with. Some of these pieces can be really challenging, and very often I find myself discarding a piece altogether when I am unable to use it successfully. Many pieces remain in my vault for months or even years waiting for the right inspiration.

In this case, I started with the chest piece. A piece that I picked as a quest reward from the Black Book of Mordor questline. It looks very dull and unappealing in its default color, and hardly seemed worth the trouble when I picked it up. However I decided to take some inspiration from the budding of spring and really throw some color at it. It turned into a pretty outfit for my captain. Not very traditional, but definitely an eye catcher, especially in a gloomy setting!

Head: Angolharn, black dye (Dunland quest reward)
Shoulders: Bolstered Pauldrons of the Ash Plains, default dye (Mordor Fan Bundle armour)
Chest: Woven Waistcoat of Bard’s Will, Shire-plum dye (Black Book of Mordor, Vol.I, bk.5)
Hands: Fine Grey Company Gauntlets, default dye (Epic Vol.III, bk.4)
Feet: Ceremonial Boots of the Gloom-bane, Shire-plum dye (Skirmish Cosmetics vendor)