Design a NEW LEGO Pirates Sub-Theme - Themes Suggestions

[BFN]

SubTheme: The Lost City

Deep in the jungles, lost to history, a legendary city full of gold and gems beyond all imagining lies waiting to be rediscovered.

Faction 1: The Buccaneers

Sometimes partners, sometimes competitors, a pair of pirate captains lead their loyal crews in a race to find the treasures of the fabled Lost City.

Faction 2: The Natives

Respecting the homes of the ancestors and fiercely protective of their lands, the natives of Bricquador lay traps and ambushes for those foolish enough to seek a way through to the City of the Gods.

Basically supporting/re-pitching this one, except highlighting the "competitors" aspect of the Buccaneer captains and distinguishing differences between the two pirate captains (one is defected from the military and his troops resemble disheveled/rogue imperials, and the other one is basically just an ordinary pirate).

Edited April 14, 2014 by BFN

[TheCrimsonTrooper]

I propose a PRIVATEER vs MERCHANTS sub-theme. I think it would be fun to see how TLG would explore that part of history.. They could even use logos carried over from the classic pirates line to imply that the different imperial groups are not affiliated with each other. For example, an Imperial Guards privateer might attack an Imperial Armada merchant ship.

[Blakstone]

SubTheme: Shiver My Silver

The colonial power discovered a mountain of silver. With the natives' help they are shipping it back to their king. But can they keep it safe from the pirates?

Faction 1: Blue Coated Colonial Power

Based loosely on Potosi in Bolvia, the entrenched power has to mine and ship the silver. Natives help them mine and transport the silver on land..

Faction 2: The Pirates

Lead by El Draque (Sir Frances Drake), the Pirates and their native allies seek to steal the silver on land or by sea.

My goal is to have two factions with some historical depth that the kids can explore more as they get older. I also want the kids to decide who is the good guys and who is the bad guys.

[Infomaniac]

Sub Theme: Ship in a Bottle

Factions: Pirates, Imperials (blue in color), Islanders (similar to the CMF figure)

Premise: The five mythical ships in a bottle were just legend until the young Johnny Dagger discovered a strange map on skull island. After following the map through the caves, cannibals, and quick sand of skull island, Johnny was disappointed to only find a dusty bottle at the map's X. Hoping to at least get some rum out of his journey, the thirsty Johnny popped the cork. With a crack like a cannon, and a hurricane gust of wind, something big flew out of the bottle. The astonished Johnny couldn't believe his eyes, there sat the legendary clipper 'The Albatross.'

Johnny Dagger and his new found pirate crew begin a search for the other four mythical ships aboard 'The Albatross'. But word of Dagger's discovery travels fast, and soon the evil Imperials are hot on their trail. The chase is on, and it's a race against the clock for control of the high seas!

Possible Sets: Mid Sized Imperial Prsion (escape play feature with one of the ships in the bottle). Small island with (Ship in Bottle to ship) play feature. Large flagship with imperial and pirate flag, so kids can play through 2 scenarios, one where the pirates win, and one where the imperials win.

Possiblities for Legendary Ships:

-Large flagship

-Medium clipper (Albatross)

-Small Sail boat

-Row Boat

-Raft

[Mister Phes]

UPDATE: April 20, 2014

Only the most popular sub-theme suggestions will make the poll!

So please support the suggestions which have already been submitted.

To do so, simply quote the pitch like this:

El Conquistadores

For many years now, the cruel Conquistadors terrorized the native people of the Americas. Their tyranny spread far across the land along with the terrible diseases for which the natives had no defense. Though the native Americans were proud and mighty warriors, and they far outnumbered the invaders, the Conquistadors were well trained in the newest military strategies and were armed with far superior technology. There was little the warrior tribes could do to defend their home against the cruel invaders, easily crushing the natives' culture and taking for themselves slaves, spices, textiles, silver and gold.

You may support more than one suggestion but please do so in separate quotes.

[Matthias]

The colony

A European-inspired faction arrives in the new world, with the aim of establishing a colony. One mid-sized set could be a “starter colony” including a woodcutters hut, stonemason and guardpost. Other buildings purchased individually to build upon this, such as a Tavern, Garrison and Trading Post. Potentially, some smaller (crucially affordable) trading vessels could visit the colony also, along with a return of the gunboats defending the harbour.

The pirates

As the colony prospers, those pesky pirates will arrive on the shore. The colonists will not give up their valuables easily though and have come up with imaginative hiding places in each building to store them. Each set could include one pirate, one or more colonists, hidden valuables and potentially booby traps. Of course, the pirates will need a ship to arrive at the colony...

[Master_Data]

The colony

A European-inspired faction arrives in the new world, with the aim of establishing a colony. One mid-sized set could be a “starter colony” including a woodcutters hut, stonemason and guardpost. Other buildings purchased individually to build upon this, such as a Tavern, Garrison and Trading Post. Potentially, some smaller (crucially affordable) trading vessels could visit the colony also, along with a return of the gunboats defending the harbour.

The pirates

As the colony prospers, those pesky pirates will arrive on the shore. The colonists will not give up their valuables easily though and have come up with imaginative hiding places in each building to store them. Each set could include one pirate, one or more colonists, hidden valuables and potentially booby traps. Of course, the pirates will need a ship to arrive at the colony...

Pirate Attack

The Pirates:

The pirates have been plundering the local islands and villages and have ambushed any ship foolish enough to venture forth into the open seas. Even the smugglers aren't safe from these attacks. As the ships have become more careful and the towns have become more watchful, the pirate attacks have become even bolder, with many fearing for a large attack in the near future.

The pirates would have a large ship, possibly included with a small portion of the town for them to loot. They would also have several smaller ships ranging from the size of a rowboat to a raft to a ship like the one included in Lake-town Chase. They could also possibly have a treasure cave or land based hideout.

The Pirate Hunters/Villagers/Smugglers

Fearful for their valuables and lives, the villages have banded together against the threat of the pirate crew. Even the smugglers have joined, as they have also been looted by the pirates. The new team has sworn to hunt down the pirates and bring them to justice. They operate from a smuggler's boat (smaller than the pirate ship) which has been converted into a war ship disguised as a trade ship in order to lure the pirate fleet to them and capture them. (The ship would be able to be customized into any of these three modes.)

The Pirate Hunters' main base would be their ship, and some other sets could include small skirmishes with the pirates. Parts of the town could also be included as the site for these battles. Hidden caves and jails to contain the pirates could be included with a pirate or two to break out of prison.

To summarize:Pirates vs. Pirate Hunters.

I would actually merge these ideas for the poll- very similar.

Comment has been responded to in the Questions & Answers thread - Mister Phes.

[BFN]

My idea was for 'Smugglers', so the wind is taken out of my sails a bit that it it's been used as an example, but I'll pitch it anyway, because I've been waiting for so long to do so:

The Smugglers

The Smugglers sail in modified merchant ships that outwardly appear to be normal, but have hidden panels and hatches that give access to weapons and secret cargo. They are rebelling against the corrupt Imperial Forces, who take the liberty of searching and seizing goods from innocent ship under the excuse of 'tax collection', and are little more than pirates themselves. If The Smugglers can distribute enough arms, maybe they can create an uprising against the Empire? The Smugglers used to be honest merchants, but being forced into this lifestyle has affected their wardrobe and ships to be more bold and colourful.

The Imperial Forces

The Imperial Forces have been given too much liberty by the Empire. Their dress code has become lax, often having tears in their uniforms, their buttons undone and their faces unshaven, and their ships and quarters have become decorated with their dishonestly taken 'tax' plunder, with valuable paintings and furniture where other armies might live a more spartan lifestyle. They will do anything to stop the secret rebellion the Smugglers are preparing.

Legend of the Lost City

When former Imperial Captain, Captain Quick learns about the Legend of the Lost City, he seizes a ship of his own and signs on a mysterious rag-tag crew of Pirates to help him hunt down the ancient artifacts, which serve as a map, as well as keys to the city. However, the artifacts are still guarded by the local Islanders who wish their sacred city of gold to remain hidden from outsiders, as well as a monstrous sea guardian. Captain Quick hopes that no one else learns of the Legend or tries to find the artifacts before him...

I really think think that this can allow for some nostalgic sets, while capturing elements of other recent successful Lego themes, while allowing room for more factions to join the hunt, and therefore the theme has room for grow.

I already supported/repitched tedbeard's suggestion here, so I hope it still counts. In addition, I am somewhat supportive of "Honokolo Island", though not to quite the same extent as the similar "Legends of the Lost City".

[Captain Heineken]

Theme: Treasure Island

This theme is based on the adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Fractions:

Pirate Crew of Long John Silver/ Captain Flint - These are the bad guys.

Trelawney's Loyal Crew - Jim Hawkins, Captain Smollet etc. So to say the good guys.

One could also include a Redcoat/ Navy Fraction

Possible Sets:

The Island (huge set), better if split intor several sets: The Stockade, The discovery of Ben Gunn, Digging the treasure etc.

Admiral Benbow

"Spy-Glass" tavern

Bristol docks

Ships:

Hispaniola

(Navy Ship?)

[Kolonialbeamter]

Shipwrecked

A large pirate ship has been torn apart by a massive storm (or maybe a sea monster?), with various members of the crew and pieces of the ship washing ashore on several different islands. In order to survive in their new surroundings, the pirates have built an array of rafts, weapons, and shelters out of the remains of the ship combined with the trees, rocks, and other debris found on the islands.

All sets in this theme would be 2-in-1: a structure or vehicle (e.g. tree fort, weapons cart, fishing boat) cobbled together from the wreckage for the main model, and a B-model that uses the parts to build a section of the original ship. This way, one could collect all the sets and combine them into the pre-wrecked ship.

The colony

A European-inspired faction arrives in the new world, with the aim of establishing a colony. One mid-sized set could be a “starter colony” including a woodcutters hut, stonemason and guardpost. Other buildings purchased individually to build upon this, such as a Tavern, Garrison and Trading Post. Potentially, some smaller (crucially affordable) trading vessels could visit the colony also, along with a return of the gunboats defending the harbour.

The pirates

As the colony prospers, those pesky pirates will arrive on the shore. The colonists will not give up their valuables easily though and have come up with imaginative hiding places in each building to store them. Each set could include one pirate, one or more colonists, hidden valuables and potentially booby traps. Of course, the pirates will need a ship to arrive at the colony...

Sub-Theme Suggestion: Privateers

Faction #1: Privateers

Sometimes pirates are the good guys. With Letters or Marque, the rich and the poor sail the seas seaking fame and fortune.

--A large set could be a Privateer vessel, armed with cannon and steal, but manned by a crew which is more civilalized and captained by a weathly lord (general feel would be similar to the Imperial Flagship, but with a civilian crew and neutral colors).

--A medium set would be a smaller, more rundown ship manned by a rougher looking crew. This way customers could choose between the underdogs or the privelaged.

--Small sets would be outposts similar to Sabre Island where the privateers can wait and look for the next target of opportunity

Faction #2: The East Brick Trading Co.

Established by one of the leading nations in the world, the company has become the target of privateers from a rival civilization.

--Large set would be a port/harbor with a dock and warehouse. Little armament would be present outside of a few company soldiers.

--Medium sets would include a court to try pirates/privateers, and merchant ships (unarmed or lightly armed)

--Small sets would consist of exotic locations for new trading goods (merchants in pineapple grove, jungle, beach, etc)

[rodiziorobs]

I see there is already an El Dorado variant here, but I think mine is different enough I'll pitch it anyway:

Subtheme title: The Legend of the Legolec

Factions:

The royal navy, with minifig, fortification, and shipbuilding designs based off of Portuguese or Spanish (etc) fleets.

The somewhat bumbling officers of the royal navy have heard a legend of a city of enormous treasure deep within the jungles. They set out to conquer the land, building fortifications and sending out exploring parties to locate and recover the treasure.

The Legolec tribe, with minifig and building designs based off of major Central/South American civilizations--Inca, Maya, Aztec, Guarani, to name a few--but not exclusive to any single one.

The native Legolecs live in dense inland jungles where they build their cities and temples. They are kind of pranksters, so even though they know there is no city of gold, they enjoy leading the officers and sailors of the royal navy on into the jungle to play tricks on them. The Legolecs have the ability to 'vanish' into the forest, leaving the explorers lost behind them to fend for themselves. (For those curious, this draws somewhat from Brazilian tall tales such as Curupira and Saci).

Set possibilities:

For the navy, a similar range of sets as has been in the past for the imperials, from ships to small forts, along with an exploring party of officers, porters, and maybe some other danger in the jungle like a den of snakes (just not another giant spider, please!). For the Legolec tribe, huts as well as small but ornate buildings and temples (some in ruins), with hidden doors and panels, where they can 'disappear' from view, and lots of jungle foliage around. This would allow for some fun conflict without necessarily making either side into villains.

[tedbeard]

The Treasure Fleet

After having conquered El Dorado, the city of gold, the imperials are faced with the challenge of shipping the vast wealth of the new world, back to Europe, through pirate infested waters. Massive ships were built, armed to the teeth, to try to fend off those who would claim the treasure for themselves, including pirates, privateers, and rival nations. Sometimes however, the large ships were decoys, and the wealth was sent in a smaller escort ship instead. What would be your strategy to get the treasure home to your king without losing it. An imperial governor could make his name, or lose his head pending the success or failure of his fleet.

The Pirates

A pirate captain strolls into the tavern in a pirate haven and states that he intends to attack the treasure fleet. After the laughter dies down and people realize he is serious, some decline out of fear, but some accept the challenge and join his crew or add their own ships to the pirate fleet. Never before has a leader had the charisma to unite the pirates, with the promise of the greatest bounty any of them would ever know... His charisma extends to the ladies, and he has an inside lead on the movement of the treasure fleet - the Governor's daughter has fallen in love with him.

Possible Sets

The city of gold, El Dorado. Stone covered in jungle vines, with gold and jewels everywhere. Perhaps some native residents.

A large ship - pride of the imperial fleet, 2 tiers of cannons and a hold laden with chests.

A smaller imperial schooner - built for speed, to evade capture and get the treasure home.

A pirate brave enough, or crazy enough to amass a fleet to attack the treasure fleet with - a ramshackle assortment of salvaged sloops and schooners and a mangy crew to sail them.

I believe the story line also lends itself to some port town buildings, but I will leave that to the lego team's imagination.

The colony

A European-inspired faction arrives in the new world, with the aim of establishing a colony. One mid-sized set could be a “starter colony” including a woodcutters hut, stonemason and guardpost. Other buildings purchased individually to build upon this, such as a Tavern, Garrison and Trading Post. Potentially, some smaller (crucially affordable) trading vessels could visit the colony also, along with a return of the gunboats defending the harbour.

The pirates

As the colony prospers, those pesky pirates will arrive on the shore. The colonists will not give up their valuables easily though and have come up with imaginative hiding places in each building to store them. Each set could include one pirate, one or more colonists, hidden valuables and potentially booby traps. Of course, the pirates will need a ship to arrive at the colony...

Legend of the Lost City

When former Imperial Captain, Captain Quick learns about the Legend of the Lost City, he seizes a ship of his own and signs on a mysterious rag-tag crew of Pirates to help him hunt down the ancient artifacts, which serve as a map, as well as keys to the city. However, the artifacts are still guarded by the local Islanders who wish their sacred city of gold to remain hidden from outsiders, as well as a monstrous sea guardian. Captain Quick hopes that no one else learns of the Legend or tries to find the artifacts before him...

I really think think that this can allow for some nostalgic sets, while capturing elements of other recent successful Lego themes, while allowing room for more factions to join the hunt, and therefore the theme has room for grow.

There have been some very good entries so far. Keep it up!

I see there is already an El Dorado variant here, but I think mine is different enough I'll pitch it anyway:

Subtheme title: The Legend of the Legolec

Factions:

The royal navy, with minifig, fortification, and shipbuilding designs based off of Portuguese or Spanish (etc) fleets.

The somewhat bumbling officers of the royal navy have heard a legend of a city of enormous treasure deep within the jungles. They set out to conquer the land, building fortifications and sending out exploring parties to locate and recover the treasure.

The Legolec tribe, with minifig and building designs based off of major Central/South American civilizations--Inca, Maya, Aztec, Guarani, to name a few--but not exclusive to any single one.

The native Legolecs live in dense inland jungles where they build their cities and temples. They are kind of pranksters, so even though they know there is no city of gold, they enjoy leading the officers and sailors of the royal navy on into the jungle to play tricks on them. The Legolecs have the ability to 'vanish' into the forest, leaving the explorers lost behind them to fend for themselves. (For those curious, this draws somewhat from Brazilian tall tales such as Curupira and Saci).

Set possibilities:

For the navy, a similar range of sets as has been in the past for the imperials, from ships to small forts, along with an exploring party of officers, porters, and maybe some other danger in the jungle like a den of snakes (just not another giant spider, please!). For the Legolec tribe, huts as well as small but ornate buildings and temples (some in ruins), with hidden doors and panels, where they can 'disappear' from view, and lots of jungle foliage around. This would allow for some fun conflict without necessarily making either side into villains.

[Sir E Fullner]

Subtheme: Highwaymen

Trouble in the Treasure Islands was not just kept at sea, there were also troubles with notorious highwaymen in the heavily-forested island interiors.

Factions:

The Forest Dragoons

Dressed in green jackets and silver helmets, the Forest Dragoons are an elite unit of horsemen employed by the governor and led by Colonel William Clutchworth intent on bringing thieves and bandits to justice so the forests are safe for travelers of all ages. The Dragoons live by a strict code of honor, vowing never to steal, plunder, or pillage, and return found valuables to their proper owners. Nowadays, the biggest threat that the Dragoons have to deal with is Black Rabbie O'Shambles and his gang of highwaymen.

The Highwaymen

Wearing black masks and shirts, the highwaymen are a group of briny rogues content with stealing gold and valuables from man, woman, and child. Along with their leader, the notorious Black Rabbie O'Shambles, the highwaymen ride fast, tough horses in order to evade the hot pursuit of Colonel Clutchworth's dragoons, stopping at various inns along the way to spend their booty on food, drink, and pleasure.

Possible sets:

Highwaymen Ambush

Red Parrot Inn

Dragoon's Stables

Edited April 24, 2014 by Sir E Fullner

[Louie le Brickvalier]

The colony

A European-inspired faction arrives in the new world, with the aim of establishing a colony. One mid-sized set could be a “starter colony” including a woodcutters hut, stonemason and guardpost. Other buildings purchased individually to build upon this, such as a Tavern, Garrison and Trading Post. Potentially, some smaller (crucially affordable) trading vessels could visit the colony also, along with a return of the gunboats defending the harbour.

The pirates

As the colony prospers, those pesky pirates will arrive on the shore. The colonists will not give up their valuables easily though and have come up with imaginative hiding places in each building to store them. Each set could include one pirate, one or more colonists, hidden valuables and potentially booby traps. Of course, the pirates will need a ship to arrive at the colony...

Sub-Theme Suggestion: Privateers

Faction #1: Privateers

Sometimes pirates are the good guys. With Letters or Marque, the rich and the poor sail the seas seaking fame and fortune.

--A large set could be a Privateer vessel, armed with cannon and steal, but manned by a crew which is more civilalized and captained by a weathly lord (general feel would be similar to the Imperial Flagship, but with a civilian crew and neutral colors).

--A medium set would be a smaller, more rundown ship manned by a rougher looking crew. This way customers could choose between the underdogs or the privelaged.

--Small sets would be outposts similar to Sabre Island where the privateers can wait and look for the next target of opportunity

Faction #2: The East Brick Trading Co.

Established by one of the leading nations in the world, the company has become the target of privateers from a rival civilization.

--Large set would be a port/harbor with a dock and warehouse. Little armament would be present outside of a few company soldiers.

--Medium sets would include a court to try pirates/privateers, and merchant ships (unarmed or lightly armed)

--Small sets would consist of exotic locations for new trading goods (merchants in pineapple grove, jungle, beach, etc)

[Mister Phes]

UPDATE: May 3, 2014

Sub-theme suggestions have closed and the most popular suggestions have been compiled into a poll so...

VOTE NOW!!!