Concerning Goblins... (LotR Moria-ish armor?)

Astraffel

A while back I purchased a Sci-Fi bundle that came with a large variety of items including Mervin the Alien (https://www.daz3d.com/mervin-the-alien-hd-for-genesis-8-male). I'm thinking of using them as a type of goblins inspired by those as seen in Moria during "The Fellowship of the Ring" film. So many of Weta's designs for the peoples and places in those movies have stuck with me as I work on own world ideas. I'm curious if anyone has come across any interesting armor and/or props that have a similar aesthetic:

If I recall correctly, in the appendices, the Weta designers mentioned the Moria goblins being inspired by deep sea creatures, like angler fish. I'm just brainstorming ideas, not trying to directly copy it. I may end up kit-bashing some stuff or making something from scratch in blender, but I'm curious if I've overlooked something specifically in the Daz store.

The best option I've acquired so far is an armor set that reminded me of the Nazgûl which I am envisioning for a wraith inspired entity:

https://www.daz3d.com/the-knight-series-02-for-genesis-8-females

Actually, I think the warping from the auto-fit and extreme shape of Mervin make it look okay. A bit of rust, grime, and adjustments could make it work...

I've also considered something like the zodiac cancer sets, which have a spikey shellfish design:

https://www.daz3d.com/zodiac-cancer-bundle

Another orcish type I've noticed that seems perfect for Uruk-hai (sans helmet and gloves) is in the High Paladin texture add-on:

https://www.daz3d.com/dforce-high-paladin-textures

If anyone wants to share any interesting Middle-earth-ish affects from the Daz store, I'd love to see them!

Gordig

The first thing that came to mind is Death Knight Armor for G3M.

Astraffel

@Gordig

Thanks for the suggestion!

I can see that it has the layered, spikey design and a bit of the carapice element I'm thinking to it. Add some rusty metal shaders and expose some segments of amphibian-like skin underneath and it's not a bad looking option. I admit, I'm way less familiar with stuff before G8, but if there are fitting errors it might be just as well and play into the crudely fashion aesthetic.

(Also, ForbiddenWhispers and Mada seem to have lots of great quality stuff, so that's a plus!)

GhostofMacbeth

Not as much goblin but maybe this might be of use to you for some of the parts https://www.daz3d.com/orc-warrior-outfit-for-genesis-8-male

Astraffel

@GhostofMacbeth

Thanks, for the idea! I do like the realistic design of that and remember admiring it a while ago. It has a great "Mordor" orc feel to it.

Astraffel

Leaving a note for myself (and in the off-chance anyone else is ever interested)...

I found a really good option for a goblin sword hidden in the auxiliary promo images of this sword pack:

https://www.daz3d.com/extreme-blades

It's the blue one, likely the "Alien Saber" in the features list as there are both left and right hand versions which are only shown for that weapon. It has that unique characteristic of the blade extending back under the hilt and blending into the pommel. While I don't dislike the texture, I would imagine a rusty metal shader could give it more of a Middle-earth aesthetic.

I've not decided to directly get the set yet. I am always reluctant to spend on a pack that I'd likely only use one item from, yet I did notice it was in a recent "pick any one item for free" offer. While I prioritized a more entirely useful set at the time, I'll definitely keep that one in mind if there is a similar offer including it again.