Looking to have my Kit Critiqued
Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 4:45 am
Tonight is my night off, as such, I have dressed in my garb, because that is the way for me. I figured it was as good a time as any to get some photos (I've been told we like photos here. I certainly do!) of what I have already, to see what people think can be improved, added, discarded, etc. I took inspiration from the character costume test photos we find from the movies. Very much looking for any feedback, thanks in advance. My heart rate quickens with excitement everytime I see a new notification haha.
This is what I have, and as I already have it, my aim is to pick a persona that will fit what I have, since I am comfortable in the garb already. I am quite torn between a Ranger (Dunedain or Ithilien) or a Barding, so let me know what you all think this works best for.
*Not pictured, because I forgot, is a fur mantle/capelet that attaches over the shoulders via two straps, would be used only in the coldest weather.
The format for the rest of the post will be picture, then description.
Pictured above is what I imagine everyday wear to be. Embroidery actually came apart tonight so that will have to be fixed. Material is faux suede. I also have a green woolen tunic with detachable sleeves on the way, about 6 inches longer with a point in the front and back somewhat like the Ithilien rangers, this new tunic will likely replace this older one accept for special occasions like feasts. Shirt is a linen Henley style shirt I'm using as a tunic and I think it works very well. I also have some band collar flannels in muted Green and Wine that would work nicely.
Here is my grey woolen cloak and the various ways I can wear it. Hair covers the brooch, but it is fastened on the left shoulder. For the first iteration, I can slip that "tail" on the left arm into a belt for easier movement. Like this, it keeps me warm and dry. Hides a sword on the left hip well too.
This is just the right arm exposed for better arm movement around camp or in a fight.
I can then fold everything back and it looks just like a regular cloak. What's nice is that because of the way it is designed, even folded all the way back, the weight of the cloak is still draped over my shoulders so it won't slip back and choke me. But wait. There are more ways to wear this garment.
Might be hard to even tell in this picture, but I am still wearing the cloak. I have folded it around my body and belted it and it becomes a heavy woolen tunic. The design is simply a long length of rectangular fabric with a slit cut starting from the middle of one of the shorter sides going to the center of the piece and then it just drapes over your shoulders. It is so simple but as you can see, so, so versatile.
This is how I would actually wear it: under the cowl. This is best in super cold weather because...
I am free now, to wear a second, bigger cloak. This one is faux suede like the tunic and just a visual stand in for now. I will be purchasing a wool blanket to use a cloak/sleeping bag as soon as I decide on a good color, and one that has good reviews and doesn't seem like it will fall apart. Recommendations for Great Cloak materials, welcome. I will also most likely be copying the rectangular design from my small cloak for my great cloak. The order of pictures also makes it seem as if the hood is attached to the cloak. Rest assured, the hood is from the cowl, and while this particular cloak does also have a hood, I have folded it in, to represent a cloak with no hood.
A closer look at my gloves, they are knitted rayon, incredibly warm. Keep dry fairly well, not as good as wool. I like these because they don't get in the way of archery. I can also fold my fingers int the palm if it's really cold, which I couldn't do with regular of fingerless gloves.
On my legs I have a (cotton) pair of hose (yes two, one for each leg, I made them from hoodie sleeves), winningas (leg wraps), and then suede boots. The boots fit me well and are comfortable but NEED to be weather proofed. I prefer flat footed boots I find, as it is harder to twist and ankle in them. I do have some (modern) leather boots that have a nice patina that would do fine this winter though.
If you made it to the end of this post, then thanks for your time!
If you are so inclined, I have a (single) picture of my hard kit so far, in the designated section, and would love advice, add-ons etc for that as well!
Cheers!
This is what I have, and as I already have it, my aim is to pick a persona that will fit what I have, since I am comfortable in the garb already. I am quite torn between a Ranger (Dunedain or Ithilien) or a Barding, so let me know what you all think this works best for.
*Not pictured, because I forgot, is a fur mantle/capelet that attaches over the shoulders via two straps, would be used only in the coldest weather.
The format for the rest of the post will be picture, then description.
Pictured above is what I imagine everyday wear to be. Embroidery actually came apart tonight so that will have to be fixed. Material is faux suede. I also have a green woolen tunic with detachable sleeves on the way, about 6 inches longer with a point in the front and back somewhat like the Ithilien rangers, this new tunic will likely replace this older one accept for special occasions like feasts. Shirt is a linen Henley style shirt I'm using as a tunic and I think it works very well. I also have some band collar flannels in muted Green and Wine that would work nicely.
Here is my grey woolen cloak and the various ways I can wear it. Hair covers the brooch, but it is fastened on the left shoulder. For the first iteration, I can slip that "tail" on the left arm into a belt for easier movement. Like this, it keeps me warm and dry. Hides a sword on the left hip well too.
This is just the right arm exposed for better arm movement around camp or in a fight.
I can then fold everything back and it looks just like a regular cloak. What's nice is that because of the way it is designed, even folded all the way back, the weight of the cloak is still draped over my shoulders so it won't slip back and choke me. But wait. There are more ways to wear this garment.
Might be hard to even tell in this picture, but I am still wearing the cloak. I have folded it around my body and belted it and it becomes a heavy woolen tunic. The design is simply a long length of rectangular fabric with a slit cut starting from the middle of one of the shorter sides going to the center of the piece and then it just drapes over your shoulders. It is so simple but as you can see, so, so versatile.
This is how I would actually wear it: under the cowl. This is best in super cold weather because...
I am free now, to wear a second, bigger cloak. This one is faux suede like the tunic and just a visual stand in for now. I will be purchasing a wool blanket to use a cloak/sleeping bag as soon as I decide on a good color, and one that has good reviews and doesn't seem like it will fall apart. Recommendations for Great Cloak materials, welcome. I will also most likely be copying the rectangular design from my small cloak for my great cloak. The order of pictures also makes it seem as if the hood is attached to the cloak. Rest assured, the hood is from the cowl, and while this particular cloak does also have a hood, I have folded it in, to represent a cloak with no hood.
A closer look at my gloves, they are knitted rayon, incredibly warm. Keep dry fairly well, not as good as wool. I like these because they don't get in the way of archery. I can also fold my fingers int the palm if it's really cold, which I couldn't do with regular of fingerless gloves.
On my legs I have a (cotton) pair of hose (yes two, one for each leg, I made them from hoodie sleeves), winningas (leg wraps), and then suede boots. The boots fit me well and are comfortable but NEED to be weather proofed. I prefer flat footed boots I find, as it is harder to twist and ankle in them. I do have some (modern) leather boots that have a nice patina that would do fine this winter though.
If you made it to the end of this post, then thanks for your time!
If you are so inclined, I have a (single) picture of my hard kit so far, in the designated section, and would love advice, add-ons etc for that as well!
Cheers!