jtooker

I've got a few thoughts on this. Ultimately, it would be nice to know LEGO's motives and what influence LEGO World Builder has on their decision to make a new (or bring back) a historical line. Ultimately they want to create a line that people enjoy and that turns a profit. This ultimately depends on kids wanting the toys. I do not believe AFOLs are a big enough market for a whole historical line. The architecture line is the only adult focused (non-AFOL) line I can think of. There is ideas, of course, but that is a mostly one-offs. Getting back to LEGO World Builder - would it be more convincing to have a few well thought-out, multiple contributor 'worlds' or are they looking for many one-offs? For the latter case, I can see a bunch of individual kids (or small groups of friends) creating little worlds. If TLG sees a bunch of these in a theme, they could say 'that theme is our next line'. But maybe seeing a bunch of people work together shows the value in an idea too. If that is the case, @Lego David's pirates world would be the way to go. Eurobricks already has a castle world, Guilds of Historica. Would it make sense to move (or copy) that to LEGO World Builder? What intellectual property would be risked in doing so? Would having GoH on LEGO World Building make a bigger influence than how it is run on this forum (in TLG's eyes)?

@Kai NRG, this is my one-time post for these credits (I myself am a willing grader in Kaliphlin). I can put it elsewhere if that would be better. @Grover, I approve of all credits, except the Military Battle Scene and see my notes about the “Fishery and Shrine” MOC being in too many categories. In general, I like how thoroughly you have thought through and represented the real-world needs and situations that these buildings, people and objects inhabit. Architecture Early Spring in Prenmôr - Technic pin roof I agree on a single layer of pins being too thin – thatch roofs are usually thick and your technique looks good. I disagree with the completely open hole at the top, I would have had a raised or layered level to keep the rain out. Having a path for the smoke to leave the building is a good feature to have. Prenmôr Forge - Staggered tiles roof Looks great! The uneven technique gives a realistic and imperfect look. My favorite part is the sideways 1x2 tiles that fill in the half-stud offset to every other row. My only complaint is the top row is more even than the rest. But I cannot be critical, since I recently tried a similar technique and had the same issue. I’d be curios. if other have a technique to avoid this. Early Spring in Prenmôr - Half-timbered Tudor I like the subtle inset using what I call the ‘tiled tudor’ technique. The seam between the titles is my only gripe with this technique. Secret Meeting Room and the Rego's Mansion - SNOT tiled The beautiful stairway steals the show! In both MOCs, the tiled (interior) walls disappear into the background. You have to look closely to appreciate it. I’d say that means you achieved your goal. Well done. The Pool (Curved corners) tower walls I like the lighting of the MOC. I’d like the curved corners better if you could have continued the arches through. Secret Meeting Room - Interior hex curve I would not consider this ‘round’ but the angles are nice and fit well. Landscape On the Lamb - Large tree The 45° roots work well. I agree the leaves could have been fuller, but they are almost too high to even be in the MOC as the focus in at the road, what you have is enough for the scene. Good job on the twigs and branches coming out of the tree, they look natural. I personally do not like the studs-out approach, but I’m not sure tiles wouldn’t be worse; Henjin_Quilones’ comment echoes my thoughts. Unrelated to the tree, I really like the wall and the duplo lamb is fun. Fishery and Shrine -On the Lamb Studs up grey rocks/cliffs; I like the technique in ‘On the Lamb’ much better (at least from the ‘studs up’ perspective). I have not seen this technique before and it is instantly recognizable. I’ll have to keep this in mind and find a way to incorporate it into a future build. Rock in the Fishery and Shrine is very chaotic, which matches the seagulls! I like the stone and I like the dirt (clay), but do not like how they sit next to each other, especially with the waves lapping against them (which looks excellent) – I would have expected more dirt to have washed away than the stone. sideways rocks (studs horizontal) Fishery and Shrine Ah, this MOC fits the sideways criteria better! I do like the clay cliffs – especially how you transitions from the grasses on top at the edge (only the few green bricks on the left-top work against the look). Hydrology The Cedar Serpent - wake; Fishery and Shrine - Waves As I said above, the waves look excellent in the Fishery and Shrine build. They are not too obtrusive nor too subtle. Good job with the dark tan ‘sand’ on the beach too. The wake around the Cedar Serpent looks good, but I do not like how it transitions to normal, opaque dark blue brick/plate. Having more trans-clear bricks and tile across the whole surface might look more natural. General Building interior design: Lady Gwenllian's House; Secret Meeting Room; The Golden Goblet Each of these interiors is exquisite and since the requirements are so open, I don’t have anything specific to comment on, so I’ll list what I like. For Lady Gwenllian’s house, everything feels like it belongs – you nailed the overall look! For Secret Meeting Room, the full bookcases give substance to the room and the rolled up scrolls and other memorabilia are fantastic. For the Golden Goblet, The sand green, dark green against the reddish brown woodwork are a great use of color; the plate-built tables fit in well too. forced perspective: Ambassador Gisela This one is ok, but I’d appreciate a more detailed micro-scale object in the background. microscale: Scouting a Site I like the MOC, the ship does a good job setting the scale. The rock and wave techniques fit well; I like the hint of beach that comes through under the trans-black water tiles. The dark ocean certainly gives the proper feeling of depth. Taking out the water and the boat, there is nothing left to indicate this is a micro build – but taking the MOC as a whole, everything works well. lighted builds Fish Fryday Great camp fire. I’ve been meaning to do a survey of camp fire techniques – I’ve never been satisfied when I try to do one. Military Science battle scene: The Pig Pen When I think of military and battle, I imagine many people fighting, not just two. And battling with pigs around doesn’t seem like a military battle (and the shields are the same heraldry). Ignoring the category, I do like the MOC. It seems like two acquaintances are having an impromptu duel after insults have been hurled. The grading of color from dark tan to the dark brown (and trans-black) of the mudhole was used to great effect. fortifications: Palisade; Castle Palisade Love the Palisade (minifigure scale) build. Having the fence be visible into the ground cutaway (edge of the MOC) is accurate and the trench really gives a height and space to this otherwise small (vignette) MOC. Regarding the “Castle Palisade” MOC, it looks good. I don’t have too much to say, but I do like the loose brick at the base of the wall. Agriculture and Zoology fishing Fishery and Shrine Again, I like the MOC – the seagulls certainly add excitement! The nets and hanging the fish up (to dry?) looks good – and fighting off the greedy seagulls seems realistic. life in Avalonia Fishery and Shrine; Prenmôr Quarry; Highway from Hell I don’t have anything to add to the fishery MOC. The Quarry MOC is a bit small, but has important details of the mining, chiseling as well as carting off the stone. In Highway from Hell, there are many fun interactions between the minifigures – I’m glad you highlighted them in your pictures. Agriculture mountains or cliffs Fishery and Shrine The rules say MOCs can be in at most four (4) categories. I would certainly take this MOC out of the “studs up rocks and cliff” category and it is not needed for the “Life in Avalonia” section, as you have two other MOCs there. But these two Agricultural credits would put it in its 5th and 6th categories. I’ll leave the final decision to you and/or the rules committee – the rest of my comments will ignore this. I’d say this MOC meets the minimum of mountains/cliffs as they are not too high. But the MOC is already a decent size, so I’m not sure how best to fulfil this category without a fairly large MOC (and if that is required, that is fine, but I’d say this MOC does not fit). oceanside or river scene Fishery and Shrine This is a great oceanside scene – a perfect match to the category. Culture Music: Highway from Hell I don’t have anything to add about the MOC, but this certainly fits the ‘music’ category

Very nice hexagon tower MOC - especially the roof. The corner brick technique fits well.

Is anyone considering doing the The University of Petraea's Doctorate of Historica Program? I've been working through it myself, but appear to be the only one lately. The subjects are a great source of inspiration, as well as techniques to keep in mind (or try out) while building. I'm enjoying the journey rather than worrying about finishing my degree. Feel free tor reply here or see @Kai NRG's post on the tracking thread.

@Kai NRG, thank you for your credits. I'm doing the program mostly for myself, but figured I'd play by the rules and perhaps encourage others to join. But since my submissions are the first/only in four years, I don't want to create busy work for others. Having you, @Kai NRG, singularly approving the credit requirement would fulfill that, but perhaps another solution (such as other guild members approving) would generate more participation, which would be better, if practical. I'll also make a post on the Kaliphlin discussion page and see if anyone is interested in doing the program with me.

I'm submitting the following moc for credit: Rhalyf and the Sorcerer General Building (Other Techniques) -> Lighted Builds

As I marched north of Qarkyr, Rhalyf wrote after the ordeal was over, the wind obstructed my path. The beginnings of a sand storm hit with no warning. Before I could find shelter, the road was obstructed from me. Within a matter of minutes, I was off my path and into the Parched Lands, Rhalyf continued. Just as unexpectedly as it started, the storm subsided, leaving me bewildered but well. I made my way north, intending on finding the road without delay, but the hills and the sand guided me ever so westward. I was obliged to this direction. I soon saw I was not ambling aimlessly, but rather a stone dais lay before me. I knew avoiding this henge in the desert would be in vain, so I approached it, prepared as one can, for what might be. “Lay down your staff!” a voice said from the stone platform as I ascended. I sized up the sorcerer I saw before me. So, this was the reason for my divergent course. I kept quiet, waiting my time. “I will not ask again, Rhalyf,” the wizard said. Still, I watched. Unconcerned he knew me, though I not him. Without additional warning, he cast a binding spell. I met the spell and withstood it, but still he persisted. “Cease your assault!” I commanded. My words went unheeded. As I gathered my strength to throw off this spell, the very stone beneath us tremored and glowed, the same evil as this sorcerer’s spell. “Enough!” I cried as I pressed back. I heard a crack and saw the dark figure fall. At the same time, the sand storm returned enveloping the stone henge, soon blocking everything from sight. When the storm subsided again, I was alone in the desert again. No trace of the stone platform or the sorcerer. This is my “Wizards Duel” entry into the Colossal Castle Contest 2020 (CCC XVIII) as well as LOLUG’s December competition. The challenge prompt did not provide a setting, leaving it wide open. The first concrete idea I had was a magical henge. Lighting seemed like the best way to convey a sense of magic to the environment and I went with trans-neon green. I am happy with the way the pillars came out, but was hoping the lighting in the floor would have been brighter and more uniform. The round edge of the stone platform uses the standard 1x3 brick and 1x1 round brick technique. The center/floor is made up of various slope pieces, tiles and plates, many not connected, but just laying there. For the sand, I borrowed Blake Foster’s technique from his amazing M:Tron Magnet Factory. Comments and criticism welcome. I'm submitting this for Petraea University's General Building (Other Techniques) -> Lighted Builds Website | Flickr | YouTube

I like your build, especially the broken wall with its curve. The minifigure are dressed very well; I like the bow you created! Great technique - I didn't even notice it at first. My only suggestion would be to use some wedge plates around the patches of grass and a few more tiles and bows for the top of the snow, but these are nitpicky, overall the look of the MOC is good.

Great MOC @LordDan! I love the swamp, especially the alligator. The nice, peaceful house right on the bright algae swamp is quite the juxtaposition and gives depth to the MOC. I like the brick (plate)-built door and the stonework is a good balance of not too complicated or smooth. The shutters on the windows are a nice touch. My biggest criticism is the roof, it seems a bit too small. I'd have it overhang all sides a bit more. I'd say its colors are fine (but dark blue/bley would give more contrast, as @caiman0637 suggested, I'm not sure if that would be better or not). The only other criticism I have is the rock ground between the house and the swamp is too flat and too bley. I'd say more vegetation/moss or more texture would help. What technique did you use to get the shield flush with the building?

Great progress - the build looks great! The windows are looking great - both on the inside and out. I like façade - fun techniques. My only suggestion would be to have a larger stair case with a banister.

That is terrifying! Great sleigh. I like the humor you put into the MOC too.

Neat - the actual building is very intricate in its façade - good job adapting it to LEGO.

Welcome, @valon. Are you planning any MOCs for the CCC this year? I've got a few planned. I hope to make some posts soon.

Wonderful MOC and gorgeous scene you are creating! I like the colors you've chosen, especially the roof.

Wonderful essay, @John Cromwell. I appreciate your well cited arguments. You've certainly convinced me that TLG treated them as different factions and I agree that "Lego was just being lazy and re-used the same shield print with different colors." Dragon Masters are my favorite LEGO faction (of any theme) and I enjoyed your post. "In my headcanon, Dragon Masters were the successors of Black Knights" - @Eggyslav I like this idea, though @John Cromwell response is also well reasoned - they both seems like they are in the same wheelhouse. This is something I've pondered in my head and have mostly settled on the idea that it is ok to equip Black Knights with Dragon Masters together if I'm not trying to represent the official LEGO factions. If I were doing a true Dragon Masters or Black Knights build, I would keep those parts separate. In Guilds of Historica, I'm slowly working towards a contingent of soldiers that defend a region. They will use both DM and BK shields/flags/etc. but will also have different arm colors (no blues). They are definitely not Dragon Master or Black Knights but rather citizens of this part of the world who fly under a dragon banner. I'm hoping to make some good progress for the CCC XVIII and will have some MOCs posted in the next couple months.

Super MOC! I love the landscaping and snow around the building and on the roof. The steep slope of the roof is especially fitting of this environment, as is the wood building materials of the upper sections. The round wooden decorations (both the small, lower 2x2 ones and the large 4x4) give a good and constant look. The minifigures are very fitting as well, in look and action. My only two criticisms are the lack of chimney and the tan (plaster?) on the front.

Great large micro build!

Wonderful collaboration! This is such a vast and detailed MOC - it really sets the scene for the dialog. As others have said, your MOCs fit well together, if I were just looking at the pictures, I would assume one person built everything. Your Hidamus Family residence is my favorite. I love the brickwork style and little decorations. The colors work well together and make the building stand out while still looking like it belongs.

Very nice landscaping! Looks great.

Wonderful MOC! The statue is superb, I love the way it dominates the square. The quarter tiles on the patio wall are my favorite part of this build. The potted flowers near the canal/base of statue are a very nice touch. I like how the building in back helps frame the scene while not being too complicated as to steal attention from it (but not too bland either). Well done!

The Colossal Castle Contest 18 (CCC XVIII) has been announced. Check out the categories and prizes. The contest is open from now until January 10, 2020. I am not affiliated with the CCC, just a fan. Mods, let me know if this post violates the "Selling, self promotion and promoting" rule.

Great build!

Great cheese slope placement in the window. The pattern is very nice. The floor looks like it belongs. I usually give up and find a different technique, I guess I need to practice cheese slope mosaics.

Very nice decorative build! Great angles.

All the MOCs are terrific! I love the techniques and details you've put into every part. The windmill is my favorite. The furniture is great too. Thank you for taking such nice pictures creating such a detailed post.