Fleet-feathered

 

Two weeks ago, I gave my readers a hint for this week's outfit at my previous entry's end. As much as I love Belegaer blue, which was used in those teaser screenshots, it too closely resembled what I used for Silvered Whispers. I felt that a splash of a darker color, one almost complimentary, would let the Jacket of the Wilds Hills and accompanying pieces shine. Crimson works well, lavender looks nice, but colors that fall into the spectrum between blue and green work best with the cooler silver found in the chest, gloves, and boots. This all goes to demonstrate how versatile any cosmetic piece can be when paired with the proper color.

I've tried to be as unique as possible with my outfits over the years. I may not be the first, but I'll admit I've overused certain combinations...and that's been a hard habit to break. But, at the same time, I can't deny when it works well for the umpteenth time. Like the boots and gloves from the Great Alliance set. I enjoy having cosmetic pieces refer to each other. I like pairing clothing from sets for uniformity or consistency. And when there's a theme, like the swan one here, combinations can feel limited.

That being said, there was another reason why I opted for these gloves and boots. The Jacket of the Wild Hills can feel bulky on certain bodies. It wasn't made to be form-fitting, which was the trend back in 2019. That, sadly, leads to clipping issues. In this case, the lower legs and arms are where the clipping often occurs. On males, it's not so bad. On females? Having equally bulky boots and gloves will help. 

Anyway, I've been using this appearance almost exclusively while questing through Swanfleet and Cardolan for the first time. Before the Shadow is an interesting alternative to LOTRO's intro after having gone through Shadows of Angmar countless times these last seventeen-ish years. But it's given me an alternate path for playing the game, exposing me to some new cosmetics! I have plans to quest in the Angle of Mitheithel and the Wildwood before delving deep into Moria. I'm curious what those new zones--at least they are to me--have to offer!

Head: Lesser Arrow of the West Helmet (Umber, Novice's Quartermaster in Harndirion)

Shoulders: Lesser Shoulder of the West Shoulder Guards (Turquoise, Novice's Quartermaster in Harndirion)

Back: Swan-cloak (Turquoise, LOTRO Store) 

Chest: Jacket of the Wild Hills (Turquoise, bartered from the Curator)

Hands: Gloves of the Great Alliance (Shire peach, Minas Morgul Collector's Edition)

Feet: Boots of the Great Alliance (Shire peach, Minas Morgul Collector's Edition)

Swords: Strong Calendar War Sword (T7 Weaponsmith)

Bow: Sealed Reshaped Hunter's Bow of the First Age, level 85 (T8 Woodworker recipe)