Winter Series - Warden of the Watchtower

Sifting through and shifting around my library of cosmetics in order to organize them more efficiently, I stumbled across a number of pieces from the Rise of Isengard days. Between landscape, quest rewards, and instance drops, I had quite a bit to choose from. I thought to myself, "Why not?" and proceeded to make an outfit, settling yet again on a cold-weather theme. Every now and then, whether I'm in Wildermore, Forochel, the Tâl Methedras or some other snowy area, I feel a tad underdressed.  I had been catching up on my Dunland epics on the Warden when I came to this conclusion.

Doing as the natives do, I donned region-specific gear, starting with the Jacket of the Watchtower. It looked suitably insulated and cozy. From there, I branched outwards looking for other gear that looked warm, particularly pieces with some sort of fur lining. Did you know that the majority of medium and heavy Moria gear from the Moria Medallion vendors (skirm camp cosmetic vendor too) have gloves and boots with that lining? It's a great alternative to crafting the Lossoth reputation armor.

I cycled through all of my shoulders and came across another favorite piece of mine, the Gwir-palvais from Fangorn's Edge. It ended up working wonderfully. Even the Cloak of the Mountain Wolves, which I haven't used in the two years I've owned it, was begging to be thrown into the mix. I can't believe how perfectly it complimented the existing colors in the outfit! Come to think of it, in the year or so I've been following cosmetic blogs, I don't recall ever seeing it used. This cloak is awesome! Everyone has to try it in an outfit at least once. : )

I don't know if you'd consider it an easter egg of sorts, but have you been to the secret snowman village in the Tâl Methedras? Before the Falcon Clan betrays you, all the snowmen are happy and the igloos are whole. Anytime after that, those smiling snowmen are broken and frowning and the igloos have been decimated. Check it out sometime!

TIP: Ever feel like your skill effects are preventing you from getting a clear shot of your character in action? (Weapon glow, light from a LM staff, swirling aura effects, etc.) All you have to do is go to your UI options and temporarily disable all of your combat effects. You can also disable the enemy's effects as well if you're looking for a combat close-up.

Shoulders: Gwir-palvais (Burgundy, Fangorn's Edge random reward)
Back: Cloak of the Mountain Wolves (Burgundy, LOTRO Store)
Chest: Jacket of the Watchtower (Burgundy, Dunland quest reward)
Hands: Gauntlets of the Rousing Cry (Burgundy, Draigoch challenge chest reward)**
Feet: Ceremonial Pathfinder's Boots (Burgundy, Moria cosmetic medium armor vendor)

**Also shares the same skin with the Moria Guardian class vendor gloves, Gauntlets of Durin's Guard.