Fantasy Style Test

This is something I've been reluctant to share since I'm not sure about the style and design yet. For a while now I've been wondering why there's so little progress and evolution in the fantasy art designs. It's like we have set the rules and now you have to keep to it. Like the common image of a dwarf is with an axe but wouldn't it make more sense if they had spears instead? And why don't elves have beards? Maybe I've spent to much time in the world of Tolkien and there are fantasy stories that do defy the status-quo. Anyway, here's my attempt to give Strider/Aragon a new look. More to follow.