No one can argue that Turbine has some extremely talented artists and designers; arguably, they’ve released some of the most engaging and beautiful content of any MMO to date.
However, I’ve long been a believer that Turbine’s designers also have a terrible secret, hiding in plain sight of all LotRO players. I believe that, at some point in the initial development of the game (probably an alcohol-fueled company party) several designers came together and made a bet – to see who could come up with the most horrendous piece of fashion that players would accept. And I finally found proof; an item so ugly that it is an affront to humanity, so gaudy that it must be part of some conspiracy (or just a sick joke…).
- Names have been changed to protect the innocent…
And it’s probable inspiration:
Courtesy of Walmart
If he (an alt of Dagrin of Vilya) weren’t in the Rift at the time, I would say he’s part of a killer holiday party, and had been hitting the Perry’s Porter and Longbottom Leaf a little too hard.
Granted, it’s not the worst hat in the game, but it comes darn close. And it is proof that someone at Turbine has a very interesting sense of humor.
pix'led life 