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Rise To The Wicked


Nuju Metru

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NEW: If you like what you see, please vote for my project on LEGO CUUSOO here!RISE TO THE WICKEDThe fragile peace which once prevailed on the Ortian continent, after years of piling tension, has finally broken. Like eager water held behind a dam, war erupted, immediately throwing the world into chaos. The ustokal race, under the growing influence of the warmongering Prince Vor'ash, have finally received an excuse to succumb to their centuries-old resentment of the human race, who usurped the ustokal hold on Ortia when they arrived a thousand years before, and declare war. At the same time, the human race, as united under the Great Protectorate believes it at last holds the strength necessary to crush the ustokal, the creatures of their hatred and fear. Both sides build siege engines, organize armies, and race to hire the dragons of Ortia as mercenaries to fight against the other side. But all is not as it seems - the simultaneous declaration of interspecies war was orchestrated by a third party with an ulterior motive. The necromancer Scallow has long had his ambitions - and the fog of war is the cover he has chosen to raise an army of invigorated corpses, and worse, to serve these egotistical plans. He too joins the fray as a third party - it is a war of ustokal, men, and undead, each against the others. Magicians and dragons are the most important commodities. Mercy is forgotten; fear, prejudice, hate, and lust for power overcome it. Loyalties are questionable. That which is most shameful in sentience surfaces.These mortals have unwittingly set the stage for something nightmarish to stir from deep sleep...Hey y'all!Well, the above is a basic introduction to the world I've created here in these MOCs. In this theme, rather. The creations of "Rise to the Wicked" are designed to be part of a comprehensive whole; together, they try to be a LEGO-style theme. The creations are as such designed to be self-contained sets, and are of varying sizes. I like to think of "Rise of the Wicked" as the evolution of my first "theme" of MOCs, which had no dragons or ustokal, and were far more centered on siege engines. This first generation having been destroyed in shipping back to me from Brickfair 2010, and my minifig-scale dragons in the pipeline at the time, I decided to combine the two into a new theme. I'm very happy withhow that endeavor, which has been about a year in the making, has turned out.I displayed them at Brickfair '11, and intended to publish them on the forums months ago... but we all know what happened to prevent that, heh. Point is, they're here now!Like the story blurb says, there are three factions in these creations. Humans, ustokal, and undead. All three are (hopefully) discernible from one another in color and style. I constructed a lot of figures as specific, recurring characters (again, trying to do what LEGO does!). Almost every set has multiple play features, which often include rubber-band powered launchers, rock droppers, secret doors, collapse/explode functions, and more. Again, these are to make the creations as playsets, which are active within themselves.Without further ado, here they are!Siege of the PortalAtop an ancient citadel lies a mysterious magical portal which has remained inaccessible for centuries. The purpose of this portal is unknown. Now, on the eve it is foretold to open, this cosmic doorway is contested between three mighty factions: humans, ustokal, and undead. Whoever takes the portal will be the first to discover what secrets it holds... secrets that are certain to bring an end to the war. Includes: Althior, Ayero, Kaena, Derringer, Vor'ash, Rothut, Ustokal Soldiers (2x), Scallow, Wraithra, Skeletons (2x), Urneld, Radgha.Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]Radgha is the only undead dragon in the series, and has her own build.[*]Magical Shields: Detachable from the tower.[*]Collapsing Bridge: Pull the stairwell, and the bridge's wooden floor falls out board by board.[*]Secret Entrance: Located at front-base of the Portal Tower, a door can open up in the rock.[*]Repeating Gun: Fixated on a turntable, this is a rapid-fire weapon. Six-shot, gravity loading magazine drops with each projectile fired.[*]Fully equipped Spell Launchers and ammunition are contained within the Portal Tower.[*]Rock Launcher: A boulder can be launched from the side of the tower to hit anyone who stands across the bridge from it.[*]Portal Opening Mechanism: Pull out a section of table in the tower's topmost level, and the portal will swing open "magically" from the front.

5895891295_89a1c274cf.jpg5896461602_5b35d296f3.jpg5895895517_e110dab587.jpg5895895639_9a297fba97.jpg5895895905_710ea28d08.jpg5896466910_bfe6d714fe.jpg5895896507_fe57539a43.jpg5895897061_68ce2e477f.jpg5895892401_6be24086ed.jpg5895892625_ff4738efe7.jpg5895893281_b8774b2cce.jpg5895894277_628a92b699.jpg5895892793_f0bdaa2f6c.jpg5896464558_3da2cd4a25.jpg5895894421_d693019f71.jpg5895894733_b560d11642.jpg5896465642_4d159b52a3.jpg5896465876_04407790f5.jpgProtectorate WarshipA warship of the Protectorate, given the task of transporting the Great Protector herself, is attacked by the wild sea snake Graun and her rider, a nightmarish Wraithra demon. These are dangerous waters. Includes: Great Protector, Derringer, Phoenix, Protectorate Archers (2x), Protectorate Soldiers (2x), Wraithra, Graun.Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]The ship's sails are custom-made for it, and printed on stockboard paper.[*]Broadside Cannons: Four rubber band hammer tech guns lined up, with a common trigger - this way, they fire sequentially.[*]Repeating Gun: Fixated on a turntable, this is a rapid-fire weapon. Six-shot, gravity loading magazine drops with each projectile fired.[*]Shot Storage: Rounds used for both Broadside and Repeating Gun are stored belowdecks (8x).

5895674478_e161b7595b.jpg5895674680_5d25119183.jpg5895674836_49005f7eeb.jpg5895674982_f8f0ffd9bf.jpg5895674102_48cb8e4163.jpg5895674288_f26cd2a8f7.jpg5895107587_f6704dd352.jpg5895105141_a4fb2aaa85.jpg5895104931_af14189666.jpg5895107855_3254308023.jpg5895105553_83326f4ab9.jpg5895105325_17c4857422.jpgTower RaidThe necromancer Scallow controls his undead armies from a sinister tower in the icy northern wilds. Althior, his apprentice Kaena, and the dragon Emget must defeat Scallow on his own ground if there can be any hope of larger victory for the living. But Scallow has just revealed his deadliest weapon - the ghastly Wraithra fire demons!Includes: Althior, Kaena, Scallow, Wraithra (2x), Skeletons (2x), Emget. Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]Emget has the largest wingspan of any of the dragons in "Rise to the Wicked." .[*]Destroyed Bridge: Pull back on the platform at the end of the bridge, and the rest of the walkway falls into the abyss below.[*]Summoning Room: In a frigid chamber below his tower, Scallow holds the most powerful of his artifacts - a summoning Crsytal, from which are spawned Wraithra demons. Turntable can replace crystal with Wraithra.[*]Secret Cannon: Portion of the wall opens to reveal a hidden launcher. Loads with pulses of green fire which are stored on the floor below.[*]Fire Dropper: Pull back the lever, and douse those on the bridge with sickly flame.

5905937901_e103aaa51b.jpg5905938667_44dbe00159.jpg5906497074_a1b214244e.jpg5906497642_82ea4bcfaa.jpg5905939709_2e56524f9a.jpg5906498064_b60bda8f02.jpg5906498444_43e40e1767.jpg5905940447_44e4a9d68e.jpg5906499352_00bef0c6ca.jpg5905941401_9e62f88d3c.jpgDesert Stronghold DefenseThe ustokal Prince Vor'ash rules his growing empire from within the walled city Ghai'iq. When a human army arrives, Vor'ash must use his unparalleled weapons training and wily strategic mind to keep his city his own from the forces of the Protectorate.Includes: Prince Vor'ash, Estkel, Ustokal Soldiers (3x), Protectorate Archer, Protectorate Knight, Protectorate Soldiers (2x). Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]Protectorate Gun: A small but hardy piece of human engineering. Functional projectile weapon, rubber-band and hammer technology propels the missiles. Includes three shots.[*]Training Machine: Turning the black knob will make the flail pillar/wooden rods (interchangeable) rotate.[*]Spring-loaded Blades: Pull out a black pin from the rear, and a set of spears snaps out of the walls to impale would-be scalers.[*]Ghai'iq's walls also have boiling oil barrels and a rock dropper to pour down upon invaders.[*]Collapsing Wall: with enough forward force (as from a projectile weapon), a portion of wall will break open.

5894866847_330725802b.jpg5895430664_ec0690b0cc.jpg5895430928_16591d4628.jpg5895431182_d693fc7fdd.jpg5894864455_a0a0c360a2.jpg5895431538_d56528649d.jpg5994594390_8c5dd8c917.jpg5994594678_f57bb57970.jpg5895433044_5f60bc8c99.jpg5895433454_39ec606d10.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5895430186_3e6627f17d.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5314/5895430362_97304e8238.jpgSky StrikeVor'ash and his dragon Skolek attempt to make a key guerilla strike upon an incoming undead legion. But Scallow's disciple Galoremtas, the army's general, has other plans; namely, to shoot Skolek and Vor'ash out of the sky. Includes: Prince Vor'ash (armored), Galoremtas, Wraithra Shadow, Skeletons (3x), Skolek.Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]Mortar Cannon: shoots large cannonballs with rubber-band powered might. The most powerful projectile weapon in "Rise to the Wicked" - and the longest ranged, considering its abnormally large rounds.[*]"Floating Arm" Trebuchet: Unlike a traditional trebuchet, the floating arm trebuchet's counterweights do not swing down - they simply drop. The arm, which is pulled down by the weights at its end, swings upward by means of wheels on a track. This reduces instability of the trebuchet upon firing and also allows for twice the weight force. To fire, the pin in front is removed.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/5905930991_5b1bffb4bb.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5273/5905931237_30fcf5851d.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5111/5905931859_777cd82342.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5906490346_1fb0f591f1.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5311/5905932977_196cfe34f9.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5906491234_e00b6c30c6.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/5905934219_8d367b5f92.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5318/5906492552_537c40d7a1.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/5905934611_a22fdb0ed3.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/5906493008_0f7d5d350d.jpgDragon LairThe greedy Imaust is a mercenary dragon, valued for his hot fire and ruthlessness, and known for his unconditional lust for gold. But when the warrior Ayero comes to buy Imaust's loyalty for the Protectorate, he is dealt an unfortunate truth: Imaust is already allied with the infamous ustokal dragon slayer, Kimvor. The trap sprung, Ayero must be quick to escape alive.Includes: Ayero, Kimvor, and Imaust.Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]Fire Launcher: Imaust's projectile fire-breathing abilities are, instead of being obnoxiously attached to his head, manifested in the set in this disguised launcher. Rubber band and hammer technology sends the fire flying. Includes two shots.[*]Secret Door: Enter (or leave!) Imaust's mountain lair not through the cave mouth, but a hidden door carved in the rock.[*]Lava Dropper: Push the torch over, and lava will be dumped upon whoever stands in the doorway.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5239/5895476118_9b4639b8e5.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/5894909357_3cc226f10e.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/5894910015_0348fb43e4.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5199/5894911127_b0ef1e7ea1.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5319/5894911529_b78780b6fe.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5039/5894912165_7cf7bb53db.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5894911881_5781030dc5.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5895478926_6444ec5295.jpgHarbor BattleThe fire-breathing Fythold has emerged from his long self-exile at last, and is allied with the Protectorate. As much wanting to boost his confidence as wanting to destroy a threat, Fythold was took on the mission of incinerating a secret ustokal dock on foggy protectorate shores. But little do Fythold or his rider Ayero know that Kimvor the dragon slayer is among the enemy...Includes: Ayero, Kimvor, Estkel, Ustokal soldiers (2x), and Fythold.Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]Net Cannon: Shoots nets to try and ensnare Fythold mid-flight. Pull out the side trigger, and the net is fired. Includes two rounds.[*]Fire Launcher: built onto Fythold's body to simulate his fire breathing. One on either side. Rubber band ballista technology at work here.[*]Exploding Rocks: Push down the trigger to explode a portion of the bay's defense.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5278/5895037107_f9d1bd3006.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5071/5895606276_8bfc97cd32.jpghttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1424/5895604434_3715dc2e9a.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5274/5895037487_048252872e.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5032/5895604954_c72af3dd50.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/5895605788_c0437167b3.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5895606764_8e9eaf712f.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5895039665_06e2fae973.jpgMountain SkirmishThe wizard Althior must use his magic to dispel a horde of feral dragons, ridden by Scallow's undead, before they eat a platoon of Protectorate soldiers, armor and all...Includes: Althior (Armor), Protectorate Soldier, Protectorate Archer, Skeletons (2x), and Feral Dragons (2x).Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]Magic Blaster: Since Althior can't support a launcher that big himself, it is instead attached to a base and looks like a rock.[*]Blue targets can be attached to the transparent stands of the ferals - these serve as targets for the Magic Blaster.[*]Stands included for the Feral Dragons - this is mostly because they have no legs!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5894967009_6ae05f2661.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5116/5894967369_a09aa7165d.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/5894967549_c4bee9e72e.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5080/5895534606_d6d409083c.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5192/5894968205_2510dbd612.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5894968493_856df816d9.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5068/5894968663_66b9906ccb.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5894968831_1e601344fa.jpgWyvern NestIn the uncivilized wildlands in the north of Ortia, feral dragons live free - or, in the minds of others, live to be hunted. The young of feral dragons hold valuable potential in the wartime - potential which Scallow wants to harness for his army! Includes: Ayero (cloaked), Wraithra Shadow, Wyvern, Wyvern Chicks (2x). Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]Claw Gun: Shoots a bony hand to ensnare young Wyverns for the taking. Rubber band trigger tech powered. Doesn't fire too far - but it looks cool.[*]Falling Tree: Pull out the pin in back, and then the vine which holds the tree taut in an upright position will loose, letting the tree fall.[*]The Wyvern is the only dragon in "Rise to the Wicked" not on a side - and it is alone in the "medium" size category.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5906494860_fb7476e4f6.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/5906494634_69ae499b1f.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5152/5906494078_eb21d5d062.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5906494480_ce60931405.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5905936977_5385d0840e.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5905937165_646ce63440.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5905937391_c213643f59.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5079/5906495596_ccc22217c9.jpgConvoy GetawayA carriage which bears riches of the Protectorate is ambushed by undead soldiers midway through its journey. It's up to the engineer Derringer and the veteran soldier Lerus to escape with their cargo and their lives!Includes: Derringer, Lerus, Wraithra Shadow, and Skeletons (2x).Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]This is the only "Rise to the Wicked" set without any rubber band launcher within.[*]Treasure cradle is detachable.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5894850739_79b1b2749c.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5894850899_18cf0ee9b4.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/5894851079_43e89fd2a7.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5895418354_a4e26c5319.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5895418540_081b4424c7.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5192/5895418950_2a53de6e9b.jpgWizard DuelThe human magician Althior faces his equal in the blind ustokal wizard Rothut. Below the Portal Tower, these two engage in the ancient contest of wills, from which only one can emerge alive.Includes: Althior (ustokal robes) and Rothut.Flickr Set for more pics and larger versions.Notes:

  • [*]Spell Launchers: Both wizards have a projectile launcher which shoots translucent spells of their color. Rubber band ballista technology propels the shots. Two shots included for each launcher.[*]Althior, in this set, wears an uncharacteristic white ustokal-style robe. The Wizard's Duel is an ustokal custom to which Rothut challenged Althior - as such, Althior is expected to don the customary garments for such an occasion.[*]Shattering Rocks: The two rocks included in the set are designed to break apart when hit by a shot from a Spell Launcher.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/5894983047_469477570d.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5240/5895549850_485e688c90.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5280/5895550054_25ed44acf9.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/5894983545_592ff7b2f0.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/5894984089_cd78f75eb1.jpghttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5895550928_f78e5c658d.jpgCast of Charactershttp://farm6.static.flickr.com/5119/5910838149_7916173322.jpgImage above links to the Flickr group with in-depth looks at all of the minifigures in the series.Thanks for viewing!

Edited by Nuju Metru

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I don't like to post in MOC topics unless I have actual critique on the MOCs and changes to suggest, but I saw these a while ago on BShelf and pretty much fell in love with them. They've got a nice amount of complexity, but not much more than a typical Lego set, and they have a simple, internally-consistent aesthetic that makes them flow nicely together as a theme. Between the cast of characters, the similarly-designed-but-different dragons and the various action functions, they really feel like actual sets that could see production, possibly in a more AFOL-oriented Castle line.You've got sets covering the typical Lego theme gamut in terms of size, and the wide range of settings in them really grabs the attention. I guess my main gripes about them is the fact that they aren't sets and that I can't have one of them to screw around with on my desk. Oh, and that I maybe wish the trebuchet didn't need to use coin stacks to function, though I can't think of any actual LEGO pieces dense enough to provide close to the force that needs to work well.

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Remarkable.... Amazingly remarkable! I can't imagine how much thought and time went to making something so brilliant! But I must ask, where did you get the translucent green blade thingys? (sorry if that was mentioned, I was just looking through the topic really quickly and didn't see any mention if it) t1ssig.png

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For goodness' sakes, NM, those are a lot of pictures. Though I saw all of these at BrickFair, I only remember most of them (probably because you were setting things up as I saw them/met you) it's sometimes easier to see things via pictures because of the camera angles one can get. I have to be honest here: these look like legit set lines. (On second thought, that's an insult. These are much better.) They still have a wonderful, almost nostalgic set-like quality (e.g. you succeeded.) Personally, I am usually one to rage against the use of custom parts, but in the case of the wings I'll make exceptions. I think it adds to the set-like quality of all of them, but part of me still wonders how they fly with semi-shredded wings.

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I don't like to post in MOC topics unless I have actual critique on the MOCs and changes to suggest, but I saw these a while ago on BShelf and pretty much fell in love with them. They've got a nice amount of complexity, but not much more than a typical Lego set, and they have a simple, internally-consistent aesthetic that makes them flow nicely together as a theme. Between the cast of characters, the similarly-designed-but-different dragons and the various action functions, they really feel like actual sets that could see production, possibly in a more AFOL-oriented Castle line. You've got sets covering the typical Lego theme gamut in terms of size, and the wide range of settings in them really grabs the attention. I guess my main gripes about them is the fact that they aren't sets and that I can't have one of them to screw around with on my desk. Oh, and that I maybe wish the trebuchet didn't need to use coin stacks to function, though I can't think of any actual LEGO pieces dense enough to provide close to the force that needs to work well.

Why thank you! I'm glad they caught your eye. Yes, I'd agree with you that they're not really a typical LEGO line - too dense of sets, too many minifigs, too much subtle-and-easy-to-break functionality - so I get your interpretation of them as an AFOL line. But I did try my best to build things with sturdiness and functionally/posability foremost - the dragons were held in many hands at Brickfair, and none of them broke - because I wanted to make these creations playsets. And yes, coins were the only way to make that trebuchet work... But lordy, does it ever. Thank you for your comment!

If these were real sets I'd buy them. The amount of awesome you've managed to fit into one topic is very impressive.

Thanks! :)

Remarkable.... Amazingly remarkable! I can't imagine how much thought and time went to making something so brilliant! But I must ask, where did you get the translucent green blade thingys? (sorry if that was mentioned, I was just looking through the topic really quickly and didn't see any mention if it)

It was only a couple of months, really. The blades are from Brickforge, a minifig accessory maker, as are some of the other custom weapons you might pick out. I really recommend their stuff - it looks super-cool, as can be seen here, and consistent with LEGO's real parts.

For goodness' sakes, NM, those are a lot of pictures. Though I saw all of these at BrickFair, I only remember most of them (probably because you were setting things up as I saw them/met you) it's sometimes easier to see things via pictures because of the camera angles one can get. I have to be honest here: these look like legit set lines. (On second thought, that's an insult. These are much better.) They still have a wonderful, almost nostalgic set-like quality (e.g. you succeeded.) Personally, I am usually one to rage against the use of custom parts, but in the case of the wings I'll make exceptions. I think it adds to the set-like quality of all of them, but part of me still wonders how they fly with semi-shredded wings.

A lot of pictures were needed! So you should feel lucky that I didn't post every single one of them! :P Yeah, the process of photography took a long time - I'm glad the pictures do them justice for you. They were built to be 360-degree creations, after all. But surpassing LEGO? I don't think so. But I guess they might feel nostalgic because they're in an older kind of style - denser, smaller builds. I felt the wings were a necessity, so I let them slip, too. As for their fraying, they looked too flat and bland when unripped - just slabs of red/brown/black that were eye sores. Thanks Sumiks!

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I love all of them. I can tell you put a lot of effort into them, and they look like something I would buy. *sigh* I happen to have a massive lego collection, but it's really made out of a bajilion smaller sets. What would I give for some of those Ice rocks on the tower... Anyway, my favorite one has to be portal tower. All the magic shooters and the portals and the dragons, and just the general level of detail in that one (moss under the bridge? Awesome!) really shine out to me. -The CryoMancer

 

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What you have done here is truly incredible. The level of detail in all of these, the incredible aesthetics of every set, and especially the unique and awesome design of the dragons make this topic/project just incredible. I have no criticisms at all; everything is superbly designed and photographed, and the launchers look great. The fire launcher in one of the dragon torsos and the magic launchers are both fantastic ideas. You also have some really interesting mini figure designs, as well as a big assortment of fantasy weapons that really gives these the feel of sets. You have a phenomenal amount of design talent, and I would love to see more of anything from you.

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I love all of them. I can tell you put a lot of effort into them, and they look like something I would buy.*sigh* I happen to have a massive lego collection, but it's really made out of a bajilion smaller sets. What would I give for some of those Ice rocks on the tower... Anyway, my favorite one has to be portal tower. All the magic shooters and the portals and the dragons, and just the general level of detail in that one (moss under the bridge? Awesome!) really shine out to me. -The CryoMancer

Yeah, those ice parts are great, I was really happy to have fit in a use for them in my theme. As for the tower, it's good to hear that all my little details were noticed. Thanks!

What you have done here is truly incredible. The level of detail in all of these, the incredible aesthetics of every set, and especially the unique and awesome design of the dragons make this topic/project just incredible. I have no criticisms at all; everything is superbly designed and photographed, and the launchers look great. The fire launcher in one of the dragon torsos and the magic launchers are both fantastic ideas. You also have some really interesting mini figure designs, as well as a big assortment of fantasy weapons that really gives these the feel of sets. You have a phenomenal amount of design talent, and I would love to see more of anything from you.

Thank you! It means a ton to hear that I've succeeded on all fronts. I'm glad you liked them. I disagree with you on the photography bit (my camera isn't ideal, and I am unskilled), but that aside, thanks. Edited by Nuju Metru

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Whoa, these are really awesome! I love how you've packed the sets with "play features", just like LEGO does. I've built the launchers I can figure out from the pics and they all work great! My favorite is Desert Stronghold Defense, because of all the cool things like the portcullis and the boiling oil and whatnot. I also love the dragons, I'd never thought of using that sloped brick to make a dragon head. My score: 9/10, because there aren't instructions for me to build 'em myself :P But seriously, good job!

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Wow I gotta say this is very very very very impressive. I'm blown away at your creativity. Incredible job. And I LOVED the custom dragons. Dragons are my fav. Great job the question I have is were did you get the trans green blades from and some of the other pieces like the sword holding belts and backpacks?

Edited by Toa Genris
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Wow I gotta say this is very very very very impressive. I'm blown away at your creativity. Incredible job. And I LOVED the custom dragons. Dragons are my fav. Great job the question I have is were did you get the trans green blades from and some of the other pieces like the sword holding belts and backpacks?

Thanks, glad you liked them! As for the blades, etc., as I said above, they were produced by Brickforge, a company that produces custom minifig accessories.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Well of course pictures can never compare to seeing them in person, but these pictures are very nice. Quite possibly [and most-likely] the best I've seen from you. They are clear, bright, and show detail well. So good job on that. You already know that I love them from when you displayed them at BrickFair, so I'll skip my rambling praises and just go to my favorites. My favorite feature of this display is definitely the dragons. Those things are so amazing for being so small and so simple yet complex at the same time. I really like how you were able to make them all obviously dragons, but at the same time, adding differences to each one so as to not have them all the exact same except for different colors. I really can't pick a favorite, but I will mention the design of the white one -- awesome skeletal figure you have there; very well created. Loving the custom wings on all of them, too. ^_^ And then there's the actual models themselves -- awesome ship, awesome fortresses/etc. I know I've said this before, but I really like how you made them all as if they were to be sets; varied sizes, supposed to be a LEGO line. And of course we can't forget the minifigs. Loving the added custom bits and just the look of them in general. They compliment the sets well and look good doing it. Overall this is an amazing display, and I eagerly await your display for next year! Keep building, bro. You're good at it. newso1.png

Edited by Toa_Velox

"As a writer you ask yourself to dream while awake." ~ Aimee Bender

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I saw these at Brickfair and was very impressed. My favorite parts at the time were the dragons and the brilliant use of those giant windscreens for shield spells. Now reading this topic, I'm seeing even more brilliant functions and part uses here, especially for all the launchers! I wish I had paid closer attention to these MOCs at Brickfair so that you could perhaps have demonstrated how they work in real life! I also love the character designs. The depth of the story you've created is kind of disconcerting. It's a lot more to take in than the typical LEGO theme, even the typical story-driven theme like Knights' Kingdom or Ninjago. But at the same time, I love how existing LEGO elements (and a few Brickforge elements) have been repurposed to create uniquely- yet consistently-designed characters for each faction. The launcher-heavy play features and intricately-designed monsters remind me of the Vikings theme, yet this also incorporates a lot more of the "swords and sorcery" genre, making the feel of the theme as a whole very fresh and unexplored. The one thing I dislike is the color schemes of buildings/edifices used by Scallow's undead faction. The brown, black, and white just feels dark and unexciting to me without any more vivid accent colors to liven it up. Otherwise, the world created by these sets is very imaginative and unique compared to past LEGO themes' settings. Great work! Do you plan on designing a "second wave" to these sets, so to speak? If so, I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

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These are such gorgeous MOCs that I find myself with absolutely nothing to critique, aside from your use of Fleshfigs, which - I'm of the firm belief - should be melted down, used for other pieces or REAL yellow minifigs, and their existance entirely forgotten. But even then, that's just my personal belief and I can't fault you for using them, since LEGO seems to be giving them all the unique faces while real minifigs are getting generics more and more. The Dragons are lovely, though if these were real sets, I imagine their builds would be a lot simpler. One thing I REALLY have to praise is that this 'set line' is - for the most part - exclusively buildings and landmarks. There's just way too many Vehicles coming out of LEGO now, and while they have lovely pieces, it's really hard to implement them into my own worlds without tearing them apart and seeing what I can build. Granted, I tend to do that with LEGO buildings as well, but I always love the option of having real LEGO buildings I can implement into my worlds just as they are. I'll admit that I might just borrow/readapt the rotisserie from your Mountain Skirmish set, because it really is brilliant, and I've needed to find a use for my chicken legs other than as finger food.

69 Days to a Better Body

Days left: 45 | Days completed: 24 | Yesterday: Shoulder's & Glutes - Today's: Triceps - Tomorrow's: Biceps

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Exercise time was too bloody hard to fix...forgot to track a few days...sorry.

 

MOCs: Sah n Dibum - Vehicles Part 1 - Mouldi Pheats - Daleks

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Well of course pictures can never compare to seeing them in person, but these pictures are very nice. Quite possibly [and most-likely] the best I've seen from you. They are clear, bright, and show detail well. So good job on that. You already know that I love them from when you displayed them at BrickFair, so I'll skip my rambling praises and just go to my favorites. My favorite feature of this display is definitely the dragons. Those things are so amazing for being so small and so simple yet complex at the same time. I really like how you were able to make them all obviously dragons, but at the same time, adding differences to each one so as to not have them all the exact same except for different colors. I really can't pick a favorite, but I will mention the design of the white one -- awesome skeletal figure you have there; very well created. Loving the custom wings on all of them, too. ^_^ And then there's the actual models themselves -- awesome ship, awesome fortresses/etc. I know I've said this before, but I really like how you made them all as if they were to be sets; varied sizes, supposed to be a LEGO line. And of course we can't forget the minifigs. Loving the added custom bits and just the look of them in general. They compliment the sets well and look good doing it. Overall this is an amazing display, and I eagerly await your display for next year! Keep building, bro. You're good at it. newso1.png

Gee, thanks V! Glad to hear my photography has finally gotten better. Glad the dragons came off as original to you. In reality, most of them are very very similar in design to one another, so I'm glad I was able to nevertheless make them all unique-looking. I'm also pleased to hear that you liked the figures - they were one of my favorite parts, personally.

I saw these at Brickfair and was very impressed. My favorite parts at the time were the dragons and the brilliant use of those giant windscreens for shield spells. Now reading this topic, I'm seeing even more brilliant functions and part uses here, especially for all the launchers! I wish I had paid closer attention to these MOCs at Brickfair so that you could perhaps have demonstrated how they work in real life! I also love the character designs. The depth of the story you've created is kind of disconcerting. It's a lot more to take in than the typical LEGO theme, even the typical story-driven theme like Knights' Kingdom or Ninjago. But at the same time, I love how existing LEGO elements (and a few Brickforge elements) have been repurposed to create uniquely- yet consistently-designed characters for each faction. The launcher-heavy play features and intricately-designed monsters remind me of the Vikings theme, yet this also incorporates a lot more of the "swords and sorcery" genre, making the feel of the theme as a whole very fresh and unexplored. The one thing I dislike is the color schemes of buildings/edifices used by Scallow's undead faction. The brown, black, and white just feels dark and unexciting to me without any more vivid accent colors to liven it up. Otherwise, the world created by these sets is very imaginative and unique compared to past LEGO themes' settings. Great work! Do you plan on designing a "second wave" to these sets, so to speak? If so, I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

About those windscreen parts, thank you! I felt rather proud of those myself - they just completed the set so perfectly. And alas, you shall never seem them in real life now... they're all scrapped at this point - the only record is in those photographs. But I was demonstrating their functions a bunch during public hours at Brickfair, it's too bad you never caught me in the act I suppose! Well, on the story, I agree it's a little complex, certainly more so than the typically loose faction-vs-faction that we normally get with LEGO lines. I went a little overboard, heh, especially with the charries. But on that note, I'm happy they were all stand-out to you. A unique feel was definitely a goal for me here with this project - I define it as "medieval-punk fantasy:" medieval fantasy, with all manner of mythic creatures and magics, but also vaguely steampunk-reminiscent war machines and the like. It means a lot to me to hear that the theme felt original to you. :) Hm, yeah, I see what you mean about the skeleton color schemes. I suppose I thought of the white/tan as accent colors, the bony bits. And this theme, unlike those LEGO has made recently, is really rather dully colored - everything is grays, browns, pale greens. No lime or orange here! I stuck to the darker, "unexciting" colors to lend my world a mysterious and sinister air, like a world always in fog. A "second wave..." hmm. I hadn't thought about that, but it might be a cool idea! However, I'm currently working on another project which is using up most of my parts. So if I ever make another line, it'd be in the distant future. Thank you for your in-depth critique!

I WOULD PAY GOOD MONEY FOR THIS. Lego need to make something more like this. The lines they have at the moment are too mundane; they need something with the same degree of imagination as this. The fantasy feel is brilliant and I think this has to go on LEGO CUUSOO!

CUUSOO... How on earth would I plug all these into LEGO digital designer? That'd take ages! :P Besides, I never made instructions, and there are parts of the sets (wings, weapons, riggings, sails, etc.) that'd aren't in the design software. Thanks for the support, though.

These are such gorgeous MOCs that I find myself with absolutely nothing to critique, aside from your use of Fleshfigs, which - I'm of the firm belief - should be melted down, used for other pieces or REAL yellow minifigs, and their existance entirely forgotten. But even then, that's just my personal belief and I can't fault you for using them, since LEGO seems to be giving them all the unique faces while real minifigs are getting generics more and more. The Dragons are lovely, though if these were real sets, I imagine their builds would be a lot simpler. One thing I REALLY have to praise is that this 'set line' is - for the most part - exclusively buildings and landmarks. There's just way too many Vehicles coming out of LEGO now, and while they have lovely pieces, it's really hard to implement them into my own worlds without tearing them apart and seeing what I can build. Granted, I tend to do that with LEGO buildings as well, but I always love the option of having real LEGO buildings I can implement into my worlds just as they are. I'll admit that I might just borrow/readapt the rotisserie from your Mountain Skirmish set, because it really is brilliant, and I've needed to find a use for my chicken legs other than as finger food.

Again, I chose fleshies to make my world feel more like reality, rather than the super-saturated colors of a normal LEGO line. Yellow didn't really fit with the "gray" atmosphere - plus, I agree that the fleshies have more interesting faces. Well, if vehicles you dislike, it's good you didn't see my first attempt at a theme! It was much more war-machine focused, not having dragons. That line was almost entirely siege engines - granted, some of them were spectacular - but I also prefer the structures. Go right ahead! Thank you everyone for your comments! I appreciate the feedback. :D

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My understanding is that Lego Cuusso doesn't need to be all on LDD, like the Lego Factory stuff. You can just post pictures.

Yeah, that's the case. Neither of the Japanese Cuusoo models that made it through were on LDD.A warning, though, is that Cuusoo isn't like LEGO Factory or LEGO DesignByMe-- there will still be set designers making changes to the models that get enough votes, just to be sure they're economically practical to make and up to LEGO's quality standards. Hard to say how significant those changes would be since the two submissions to reach approval have mostly been "sculpture"-type models, and so the overall intent from the beginning was something relatively simple that merely captures the shape. Your models have playability as a factor, and seem to be designed to appeal to kids, so I wouldn't be too sure that your creative direction would be maintained.All of this is speculative of course because Cuusoo hasn't even been around long enough for it to be clear whether a whole theme could be created through fan submissions. Still, I definitely encourage promoting this through Cuusoo just to see how it is received by the community, and possibly show TLG that yes, fans do have the potential to design a full theme with real design considerations like looks and playability.
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My understanding is that Lego Cuusso doesn't need to be all on LDD, like the Lego Factory stuff. You can just post pictures.

It has been done!Project is now on CUUSOO.

My understanding is that Lego Cuusso doesn't need to be all on LDD, like the Lego Factory stuff. You can just post pictures.

Yeah, that's the case. Neither of the Japanese Cuusoo models that made it through were on LDD.A warning, though, is that Cuusoo isn't like LEGO Factory or LEGO DesignByMe-- there will still be set designers making changes to the models that get enough votes, just to be sure they're economically practical to make and up to LEGO's quality standards. Hard to say how significant those changes would be since the two submissions to reach approval have mostly been "sculpture"-type models, and so the overall intent from the beginning was something relatively simple that merely captures the shape. Your models have playability as a factor, and seem to be designed to appeal to kids, so I wouldn't be too sure that your creative direction would be maintained.All of this is speculative of course because Cuusoo hasn't even been around long enough for it to be clear whether a whole theme could be created through fan submissions. Still, I definitely encourage promoting this through Cuusoo just to see how it is received by the community, and possibly show TLG that yes, fans do have the potential to design a full theme with real design considerations like looks and playability.
Indeed, I know that there's potential for change, there. But I'd still love to see it happen nevertheless!

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