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[Algernon]

We've all been calling for a Steampunk theme for quite some time. But while we're waiting for LEGO to answer our plight, why not make our own?

The idea here is to make a comprehensive "theme" with a main conflict between two factions and a range of differently sized sets, from impulses to huge $99.99 behemoths. The storyline I dreamed up for this project is as follows:

---

Pollution levels have been rising dramatically since the industrial revolution, and humanity finally hit the tipping point in 2143 CE. Choking fumes and acid rain swept the Earth's surface clean of life and the remnants of humanity were forced to flee to their last remaining sanctuary: the skies. Much of what they knew was lost in the chaos of post-apocalyptic Earth, and humanity's new home had to be powered by ancient technology utilized out of necessity. There they remain today, in huge cities drifting above a thick churning soup of toxic chemicals and acid.

In the interest of re-establishing order, a queen was appointed to rule over the entire city. The election was controversial and it resulted in a division of the survivors, with some loyal to the queen and others opting to thrive in a democracy. The two factions warred for years until the Queen finally overpowered her enemies and swiftly took control over their skies, creating a new empire. Soon after her success, it became clear that the Empress had no intention to step down from her position. Her half-human, half-automated guards patrolled the streets in the thousands, hunting for rebels and ensuring that every citizen was doing their job efficiently.

For reasons unknown to the public, the Empress lived far longer than a normal human. Her body grew disfigured and cybernetic implants were attached to her face. Many suspect that she gained access to technology thought to be lost in the apocalypse, but nobody could prove this.

In March 2312, a group of rebels successfully attacked and destroyed a battleship on a training mission. This new movement against the Empress may be humanity's last hope for freedom from the seemingly immortal rule of the disfigured old woman. Will this mysterious band of rebels succeed?

---

This is a project for everybody who is interested in helping out. We'll need impulse sets, a $5.99-sized set, a $9.99 sized set, $19.99, $49.99 etc. I'll keep track of all the models in the area below:

Theme completion checklist:
- Impulse 1 - Completed by Natman8000
- Impulse 2 - Completed by Spyder
- $5.99 size
- $9.99 size - Completed by Natman8000
- $14.99 size - Completed by Black Rabbit
- $19.99 size - Completed by Algernon
- $29.99 size
- $49.99 size
- $99.99 size

I have already built the $19.99 model for this theme. This will be a good way for you guys to see the "style" of the theme. Click the picture to view the gallery.


Steam Transport [By Algernon]



Automation Pursuit [By Black Rabbit]



Empire Patrol [By Black Rabbit]


Outpost Assault [By Natman8000]



Rebel Defense [By Natman8000]


Queen Escort [By Spyder]



So go on then! Get MOCing! Keep the idea of the theme in mind as you build so we can have a nice, unified style. Rebels are generic Steampunk; Empire is black, twisted and metallic.

This post has been edited by Algernon: 04 July 2009 - 06:11 PM

[Natman8000]

It looks very good. I'll make an impusle for you I'll take that one.

[Peppermint_M]

Can The Carbide count as an impulse sized?
And a second MOC The Merry Missile but it may be too Dieselpunk.

[Algernon]

Peppermint_M, on Mar 1 2009, 11:54 PM, said:

Can The Carbide count as an impulse sized?
And a second MOC The Merry Missile but it may be too Dieselpunk.

I like the Carbide, but it's more of a $5.99 set.

It would probably be better to build from the ground up with the storyline in mind so we can have the Empress forces as well as the Rebels. I haven't made any Empress ships yet so the first person to come up with a concept for them will be the one to decide how they'll look. I'm personally thinking more black and grungy looking.

XD @ The Merry Missile.

[MacK]

This seems like an interesting project Algernon; great backstory . I might be interested in helping out if you'd let me. What are there piece/minifig limits that go along with the price guide, are there any?
If I can find time during this week or the weekend I might be able to build eithere the $9.99 set or $24.99, can't say for sure though.

[Algernon]

MacK, on Mar 2 2009, 01:26 AM, said:

This seems like an interesting project Algernon; great backstory . I might be interested in helping out if you'd let me. What are there piece/minifig limits that go along with the price guide, are there any?
If I can find time during this week or the weekend I might be able to build eithere the $9.99 set or $24.99, can't say for sure though.

No limit; simply try to make it realistic. LEGO probably won't include ten minifigs in a $20 set.

[TenorPenny]

I like the Steam Transport. If I was into building minifig scale stuff, I'd help, but for now I'll remain an eager observer!

[Natman8000]

I finished the impulse. Its a mountable turret. The fig is indy's pants, tusken raider shirt, and break jaws head, havent decided on a helmet yet. It looks fine, picture will be up eventually.

[Algernon]

Sweet. Rock Raider helmets are usually useful for this theme.

[Peppermint_M]

Would make a good flag for one of the factions.
I love using it in my steampunk MOCs.

This post has been edited by Peppermint_M: 02 March 2009 - 10:21 PM

[Algernon]

Peppermint_M, on Mar 2 2009, 10:21 PM, said:

Would make a good flag for one of the factions.
I love using it in my steampunk MOCs.

That part is awesome. Where did you get it? I don't think I have it but I will quickly remedy this!

[Peppermint_M]

It's from the Adventurers Orient Expedition.
I got three Passage of Jun Chi sets going cheap and they have two of those flags (so I have six to play with =D) They are 3 cents on Bricklink, item no. 2335pb05.
I just love the style of them.

[Algernon]

I think those would make great flags for the Steam Empire!

[MacK]

Algernon, on Mar 1 2009, 09:14 PM, said:

No limit; simply try to make it realistic. LEGO probably won't include ten minifigs in a $20 set.

Okay then; I'll try to make the $24.99 one sometime this week or over the weekend is that alright? i'm still clueless as to howor what I'll make but I'll probably think of something soon .

[Algernon]

Sure thing. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. :)

It's not like there's a deadline or anything btw.