Nomadic Easterling - Aerthain of Gladden

Ah, my next steel blue creation. Unlike my last attempt, Midnight Magic, the blueish properties of the dye are more noticeable. The more I've been experimenting with the color, the more I've come to the conclusion steel blue is best used on place, chain mail, or scale mail. Not to stereotype the dye, but eighty percent of the cloth and leather skins look too metallic. If you've got a muted or darker base on light armor, you'll have a bluer shade.

I've been wanting to try my hand at creating my own Easterling since The Great River region was released in March of 2012. After obtaining kindred status with Heroes of Limlight Gorge, and obtaining both 20 Silver and 10 Golden Tokens of the Anduin, I had been able to barter for the Easterling Tunic and Trousers. No matter what I did, the dyes never looked right, and neither did any combination of the gear I'd collected at that point. Even though I've had this piece for at least two years, it wasn't put to use until this post. I had completely forgotten about it until I saw The Ride of Eorl several months ago, a video masterfully created by the BBB of Landroval. At that point, I had the pieces I needed to assemble this costume, but still not the desired combination of colors. But, when steel blue was released, I finally had what I needed.

I'm sure there have been many interpretations of the Easterlings, particularly the Khundolar of the Brown Lands. If you watch that video I linked in the previous paragraph, you'll have seen at least a dozen variations, some being more realistic than the others. If you've planned on making your own, I do have few pointers. First, you'll want shoes. I've found that the flared portion of the leggings will clip with boots, except the maybe the bulkier boots (your race may affect how they fit). Second, many of the world drop hats, especially in the early zones, will appear similar to the one being worn here. Third, you'll want hauberks that largely dye earthen or cream colors. If you're still needing inspiration, try browsing the "Show Us Your Favorite Cosmetic Outfit" thread on the LOTRO forums...there have probably been a few outfits posted over the years.

Head: Tactical Hat (Steel blue, world drop)**
Shoulders: Mathom-hunter's Mantle (Sienna, Hobbit Presents random reward)***
Back: Eastemnet Cloak of Agility (Steel Blue, T8 Tailor recipe)
Chest: Easterling Tunic and Trousers (Steel Blue, Stangard reward token barter, Limlight Gorge reputation item)
Hands: Heavy Plated Dunlending Gauntlets (Sienna, Dunland quest reward)
Feet: Embroidered Shoes of the Dunland Healer (Sienna, Dunland quest reward)

**If you trouble finding this skin, the Ceremonial Wandering Bard's Helm (Rift cosmetics from the skirm camp vendor) acts as a decent substitute.
***Only available from light armor class loot pools.