[Freebuild] Frostwatch Keep - Gatehouse

[Ben S]

Hello there!  I'm happy to finally show you my latest GoH freebuild, the gatehouse of my character's fortress. I was greatly inspired by the Mitgardian builds of @LittleJohn and @soccerkid6.

I'm also planning to expand the fortress in the future by adding small modules.

More images and details:

Spoiler

Railing technique by @soccerkid6.

In case any orc makes it to the gate. 

Here is the prototype I created when I didn't have all the pieces yet, with a different colour scheme:

Hope you like it! 

 

[T-86(swebrickLUG)]

Nice build @Ben S! You’ve nailed the mitgardian style very well. Some nice texture in the walls and I really like the large piles of snow framing the path to the gate. 
 

Happy to see people building new things for GoH 👍

[Kai NRG]

I really like the texture you got out of those sideways log bricks, and the piled up snow is great too.  Like T-86 says, you nailed the Mitgardian feel!

[Ben S]

@T-86(swe)@Kai NRGGlad you liked it!  

I already have three more modules in mind. Hopefully, I'll come up with a new Mitgardian build in a few months. 

[mrcp6d]

Nice work with the timber section, using the window and door pieces is a great solution for the internal structure and I really like your integration of the dark brown log pieces. 

[Garmadon]

Really fun little build, I wish we saw more of these!  That roof technique looks lovely, and I like the curved tiles for the gateway, and of course the opening for stone dropping is fun! 

[Ben S]

@mrcp6d@Garmadon Thanks, glad you liked it!

[Grover]

That is some excellent work!  I bet @soccerkid6 will be happy to see his Mitgardian shields from the Viking VIllage have been put to use in a Mitgardian build!   The roof of the clip tiles is great, as is the new tooth tile for the stone arch.  The viking helmet over the Ninjago beard is awesome and looks like it was meant to be there!  The off kilter flagpole looks very organic, and the use of the new curved trans piece for the falcon is very well done.  The mounds of snow alongside the path look very natural as well.  Given the velocity with which the torches appear to be blown, it would be fun to see the flags flying in the same direction, but this is pretty minor.  The brick built door looks great, especially recessed as you have it, and you have some really nice, subtle slope work above the door.  It's difficult to photograph the dark blue grey especially with the browns, and you did a very nice job.  The detail you put in the tower with the stacked contrasting grey ingot bricks and the SNOT headlights sticking out is very well done: not too much, but enough texture to lend some detail and weathered look to the structure.  I also appreciate the detail of the soldier in the hoardings above the gate just peeking out.  Very nice build!

[Ben S]

@Grover Thank you very much! I'm really glad you liked it!  I always enjoy your detailed feedback! 

I'll keep the flag direction detail in mind next time, it's a nice touch. 

[Grover]

5 hours ago, Ben S said:

@Grover Thank you very much! I'm really glad you liked it!  I always enjoy your detailed feedback! 

I'll keep the flag direction detail in mind next time, it's a nice touch. 

You're welcome!  I found that there are a lot of subconscious things that our mind sees all the time and isn't even noticed until it's odd.  Such as birds not sitting level with the ground (such as a Lego bird on a sloped roof not level), or flags, cloaks etc. not blowing the same direction in the wind, etc.  I even noticed that birds will all face into the wind if the wind is reasonably strong.  If these details are present, we ignore them without thinking. If they are not, or are in conflict with one another, our mind can sometimes see something is amiss but we can't tell what it is, so I try to pass along these little tips I have found over the years.

[Ben S]

On 2/24/2025 at 1:05 AM, Grover said:

You're welcome!  I found that there are a lot of subconscious things that our mind sees all the time and isn't even noticed until it's odd.  Such as birds not sitting level with the ground (such as a Lego bird on a sloped roof not level), or flags, cloaks etc. not blowing the same direction in the wind, etc.  I even noticed that birds will all face into the wind if the wind is reasonably strong.  If these details are present, we ignore them without thinking. If they are not, or are in conflict with one another, our mind can sometimes see something is amiss but we can't tell what it is, so I try to pass along these little tips I have found over the years.

Indeed! Your tips are definitely more than welcome! I'll take note of the birds too