Mahtion
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Everything posted by Mahtion
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I agree with a lot of what SerenityinFire has posted. Obviously it is important to keep certain mature themes out of Lego and also to be cautious when treading into religious associations, implications, or general themes. It is difficult to separate well known historically significant sites from churches/temples because many of them are World Heritage sites. Hagia Sophia, St. Peter's basilica, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, etc are both religious and have deep historical significance. I do not know how the Egyptians are more renowned for cultural practices than their alchemy, sympathetic magic, city planning, massive construction projects and vast record keeping. The Greeks were in awe of the extent of Egyptian knowledge of history, medicine, and engineering. The great pyramid of Giza is one of the only remaining wonders of the ancient world and has over the millennia come to epitomize Egyptian civilization. We should keep in mind that certain cultural practices such as temple prostitution were not considered immoral or degenerate in ancient times. The more relatable (Western perspective) Greeks and Romans also had no issues perpetuating the social and spiritual mores of their time. Greek mythology is not without its own questionable social and sexual escapades. Therefore widespread and near universal practices were not civilization defining. The Babylonians I would argue were more renowned for their astronomy, engineering, legal system, and agriculture than the perceived sacred rites of some of their temples. I would love to see Cataphracts and armored horsemen like Byzantine or Sassanid but they would be outside of the scope of this project as they do not belong to the ancient or classical periods. -
So then your Spartan/Persian sets were inspired somewhere between the historical mural and 300 movie. I like the idea of changing the black from the Immortals because it completely contradicts the bright colors the Achaemenid empire were known. Wearing exotic color dyes which were scarce and expensive was a proud display of the array of many nations comprising the empire. Recall how important royal purple was to Phoenicians/Tyrians. I still don't understand why the Immortals use smoke bombs and must carry dual katanas on their back. With your explanations it seems you want to capitalize on the cultural references of 300. I'm not sure if Miller and Snyder would want copyright royalties if these particular sets were made but Back to the Future was fine so it may be a non issue. I did notice the shields and they look good but maybe again the black is too dull. Certain creative liberties have to be made in many mediums, I understand that. Based on your creative vision I'm certain you will create sets which will resonate with consumer society. These are your sets so obviously you are to interpret and change them as you will. I do love your Babylonian ziggurats and the Athenian architecture along with some of the Odyssey and Greek mythological sets. I also like that you incorporated colors into Rome, Greece, and Egypt which better reflects the buildings before their ruined or abandoned states.
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I am glad you are open to suggestions because I have some ideas to make the Persians more historically accurate. I know you have to balance your themes with accuracy and more contemporary depictions because familiar images sell. I do not think you depicted the Persians negatively, I just think they could look better without relying on the 300 portrayal. There are many mural and bas relief representations of Persians during the Achaemenid period and it is difficult to distinguish which are Immortals, Medians, or other troop or culture types. However, there is a consensus that they wore bright rich colors like purple and orange, wore soft leather boots, long trousers, scale mail armor, and wore a tiara and/or kind of hood/cap. They are depicted carrying spears, bows, and probably carried xiphon like akinakes straight thrusting swords. Based on these details I was looking for a cap like the Lego Medieval blacksmith/villager hood: http://www.brickset.com/parts/?part=4540850 Also I think the gladius-like short sword from LOTR/Hobbit would work. Maybe even Sting sword? It may be too similar to the Hoplite swords in your sets but is more accurate: http://www.brickset.com/parts/?part=6002763 http://www.brickset.com/parts/?part=6000291 For the boots and trousers I found the woman warrior legs to be a good match, not that new prints are an issue with Cuusoo. Just imagine the "skin" as bright yellow trousers: http://www.firestartoys.com/Shop/Minifigure-Parts/Minifigure-Printed-Legs/15069-LEGO-Mini-Figure-Legs-~-Warrior-Woman.html The torso will be trickier, maybe one of the following would work with some purple or bright colored arms: http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/Gilbert_The_Bad https://www.google.com/search?q=lego+scale+armor+torso&safe=off&client=safari&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ncIaUuWVBKnP2AWM6YGAAQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAA&biw=1024&bih=672#biv=i%7C109%3Bd%7CqaiZFevUIOj6gM%3A Also I saw Oliver Stone's Alexander and enjoyed it a great deal. Since you added the Persians as a late idea, I am certain you will flesh them out as you continue to revise your projects.
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Well pogie has a point! I grew up reading the Bible and gained an appreciation for ancient cultures but when I researched the historicity of the Hittites, Philistines and other polytheistic and highly advanced civilizations I realized that these cultures were being derided and demonized to the point of propaganda. Poor Egypt was portrayed the worst, their unique achievements were undermined by accusations of slavery, genocide, and corruption. Also look at Babylon and the highly offensive derogatory language used to describe it. The cruelty and savagery of the Assyrians is more accurate and documented. The reality though is that the Bible was written anachronistically attempting to insert late Iron Age monotheism into the universal polytheistic Phoenician and Canaanite cultures which preceded Judea and Palestine. It is not a rare phenomenon, many ruling classes have attempted to rewrite history to claim divine appointment or authority in order to legitimize their power grab. The truth about ancient history is that it was both mundane and spectacular, much like modern times but only a difference in technology and cultural zeitgeist. That comment aside, I have been following this thread and would like to extend kudos to The Real Indiana Jones for your tenacity, passion, and vision. I only have one comment about the depiction of Ahasuerus and the Achaemenid Anusiya (Immortals). I know you like the 300 graphic novel adaptation but I think it is sad to see the only representation of ancient Persia in your lego sets amounts to some Bedouin hooded ninjas and Mughal stylized royalty. Granted your theme is more centered around Greece/Sparta but the Persian empire was so much more than just an adversary to Ancient Greece.
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I wonder based on the heavy elf centric advertising for DoS, maybe most of the lego sets will be as well. We already have the revealed Dol Guldur battle and Mirkwood Elf army, the missing set could be a small one with Thranduil on his throne questioning Thorin. Based on the set for Wizard battle, Lego group could easily make a ~200 piece set with the concentric pillars, throne and leading steps. It would include two mini figs just like Wizard battle and based on the trailer and vblog, the scene where Thorin is brought before Thranduil seems to be one of confrontation and heavy emotions. I don't know what the action feature would be I admit.
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Thranduil, Thranduil, Thranduil! Some posters on theonering have mentioned that since the battle of Dol Guldur could be merged with the Battle of the Trees, Thranduil may take part in the White Council attack. If this is so then we may see him in the Dol Guldur battle set. As we've discussed it seems unlikely that Thranduil would be in the Mirkwood army set. However, if he does don his silver armor for the second half of DoS and the TaBa then he could be leading his army. Based on his isolationist policy, I doubt though that Thranduil would change his mind so abruptly. More likely he won't leave his realm until near the end of DoS or the beginning of TaBa. It is difficult to logically find a place for Thranduil in his non armored version within the revealed sets coming out in December. I was really hoping for a Thranduil throne room set, maybe the missing $12 set?
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I just spent an hour watching all the Brotherhood workshop vids, then proceeded to watch Star Wars lego scenes recreating the best light saber duels. I almost want to make my own custom Thranduil but I am 85% certain that lego will make a Thranduil mini fig, he is just too important!
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I have two variant lists for my top 3 sets for the next LOTR wave. The first is my personal wish and the second is more realistic based on the Lego group and what we've already seen in previous waves. Wish Top 3: UCS Rivendell $200 set w/ Exclusive Lindir, Elrond in new print, Arwen in new print, Aragorn in silver brocade print, Old Bilbo w. scary alternate face, 2-4 Elven guards, Frodo new mithril print or rehash, rehash Boromir, Elven maiden flute player, Elven harpist, exclusive Asfaloth, exclusive Glorfindel (nod to book fans). Set features main gate of Rivendell with bridge, a tower, Frodo guest room, shrine of Narsil, Elrond's library, and platform to attach Council of Elrond set. Can recreate key story scenes like Bilbo giving Sting to Frodo, Frodo awaking from Morgul wound, Boromir and Aragorn talking about the blade that was broken, Arwen and Aragorn receiving Evenstar, and book purists Arwen returning Asfaloth to Glorfindel. :D Caras Galadhon $60 set w/ 2 galadhrim, Celeborn exclusive, Galadriel, Haldir in Lorien garb exclusive, Frodo rehash and Aragorn rehash, white palace set where fellowship meet The Lord and Lady of Lorien The Fall of Sauron $40 set w/ Gil-galad exclusive, Sauron, Elendil exclusive, slopes of Dagorlad set, Prince Isildur exclusive, rehash Elrond. Recreate the pivotal end of the Battle of the Last Alliance Realistic Top 3: Witchking on Fell Beast against Merry and Dernhelm (Eowyn), Battle of Pelennor Fields set. Recreate scene where Eowyn defeats the Witchking of Angmar. The Bridge of Khazadum w/ Balrog and Gandalf in new wounded print, 2 armored Moria orcs, Legolas rehash, Frodo rehash. Recreate scene where Gandalf stands against Durin's Bane and the fellowship is attacked by Moria Orc archers. Includes fall apart stairs, narrow bridge and a mountain cleft. Tower of Ecthelion w/ 2 Fountain Guards, Faramir exclusive, King Elessar, Queen Arwen, Gandalf the White rehash, Denethor exclusive, White tree with courtyard and the tall gleaming white tower. Recreate scenes such as Denethor falling to his doom and the wedding/coronation of King Elessar.
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Yeah it was limited. I had to drive 30 miles to Lakeland to get some, none of the ToysRus within three cities had the Mirkwood Elf Poly. I only took a handful but when I came back two weeks later the box was still there so I took a dozen more.
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That T-Rex isn't so bad after looking at pics and vids. It has a great scale when compared to minifigs. I could imagine a Smaug slightly larger than the T-Rex with longer arms of course and some brikbuilt wings and other pieces. It is no where the actual size of Smaug relative to people size but nothing in Lego is supposed to be realistically or accurately proportioned.
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Yeah I am to a point. On one hand the set is iconc and embodies a great deal of Lord of the Rings, on the other it is a logistics and ecomonical problem for Lego group. I am fascinated by what Lego could accomplish in making the set(s) but personally I would love a $150 Rivendell or Elvenkings Hall set.
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I hope we get a new print based off the promotional shots for DoS orcs. They look like they have bones prominently displayed on their chest. Just one new print could satisfy everyone and spice up the line so that DoS has it's own Orc theme. AuJ had its own goblin prints so I hope DoS will be given the same treatment. Yeah those are different, I had forgotten. The armored soldiers have a brownish red and bronze color motif while the realm sentinels attacked on the wall have white and gold colors. It would be great to have two versions of Thranduil. Regal dress with his sentinel guards in white and gold and another (maybe in TABA) in his silver armor along with his bronze soldiers.
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I agree. The Mirkwood army should feature the armored elves from the AUJ prologue where Thranduil turns away from Erebor to help against Smaug. I think these are also the same armored elves seen in the clip from the DoS trailer on the wall fighting orcs and Azog trying to scale the Mirkwood defenses. Again these are the same scene in the DoS vblog with about 30 extras in Mirkwood elf armor. This set is exciting because it could include one or two armored elves and a couple guards. Hopefully the armor will look unique and the helm with a V shape antler -like horns.
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Well to be fair it is the Desolation of Smaug, the example isn't the same. It wasn't Pirates of the Carribean: Rise of the Flying Dutchmen or Pirates of the Carribean: The Governor's Folly. Smaug is the central antagonist and a plot device, the catalyst for the entire three part Hobbit movies. True this does not guarantee that Lego will make him in some form, however trivializing his importance and equating him with supporting characters or ships isn't accurate. Smaug just happens to be a colossal dragon but he is still as pivotal to the narrative as The Emperor in RotJ or Count Dooku in AotC. Each of these are examples of characters who drove the story but did meet the protagonist until second or third act. I agree that this newly created board is a fair compromise until the brickset list is verified or revealed. Here we will have more freedom to discuss ideas and set designs. At least now we shouldn't have any more confusion or issues about future Hobbit sets.
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Tolkien estate are a bunch of self absorbed protectionists afflicted by dragon sickness and the dwarven rings of power. They complain about commercialization but then demand additional royalties. It is silly that their biggest gripe with PJ is due to them demanding more money. It is one thing to uphold intellectual property and its integrity but another to use it as an excuse to to demand increases in monetary value. They are no better or worse than others involved in Tolkien affairs.
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I have been thinking about getting the Target exclusive set for Bilbo in market attire but now I'm not so sure. Pardon my ignorance but in the US everybody has Bluray and they are pretty cheap some as low as bargain DVDs used to be. Also bluray players are cheap as well and VHS and DVD combos are like twice the price. I jut can't imagine opting for inferior technology especially in the medium of film. Watching movies at lower than 720 or standard definition seems antiquated by today's standards of entertainment.
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In my opinion a molded Treebeard would be terrible, much prefer a brikbuilt ent with articulated limbs. I also think it highly unlikely to see the wizard battle set fit inside of Orthanc without some MOCing on our parts. I would love to see Shadowfax and Theoden's horse because we have no white horses in the LOTR sets so far. Concerning Gimli's abundance in sets, it makes sense because Gimli may cost less to produce than Legolas.
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Well since Lego loves ships so much and caters to certain target audiences I hope we get a Grey Havens ship at some point with Old Bilbo exclusive and maybe new prints for Elrond and Hobbits and a Galadriel. Cirdan would be great but I doubt it very much.
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It is a nice set for all included. Not only are the minifigs unique and the mold pieces new and rare like the orange leaves but the set comes with an Elven warrior sword. This set has lots of potential uses and options for MOCs.
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Ents or not having Orthanc at all is something I'm grateful to see. I had an idea for making Rivendell using Council of Elrond. Someone made a MOC of Isengard underground and had around 12 Orc forges. Would it be better to buy like 10 Council of Elronds for the building pieces to make Rivendell and sell the extra minifigs like Elrond and Arwen or just wait to buy just the sets without minifigs?
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Great ideas for Hobbit sets! I believe we will get a Dol Guldur as second largest or the flagship set for wave 2 and a Laketown and Erebor set for wave 3. These three sets along with a Thranduil throne room would leave me satisfied. Smaug should be in both the Treasure room set and Laketown set. The Erebor set would be the mountain facade with the hidden door and big gates as well. The Thranduil throne room set could be small or medium and have the circular pillar ring like in the concept art with the throne with antlers. The Dol Guldur set will be like a mountain ruin with lots of traps and hidden compartments. A few broken towers and wall segments. Think larger Weathertop and like the new Dragon mountain from Castle 2013. The Treasure room will be just Smaug and Bilbo but be a medium set because of the size of Smaug. There will be treasure of course and some wall segments. Most likely similar to Mines of Moria just with a dragon and lots of treasure. The Laketown set will be a few wooden structures and bridges and docks over water. There will definitely be some flame pieces to simulate the areas being burned by Smaug. Bard and Smaug are included and it will be close to largest set like Black Gate. The largest set will be Erebor itself and feature a large gate, hidden side door in the mountain and some ramparts for the dwarves to peer down to the Elves and Lakemen below. It will include a bunch of Minifigs like Helms deep. It should be kinda like Silver Mines from the new Lone Ranger license but larger scale for the mountain.
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I think it's time for a new orc polybag at the very least. That way Lego can introduce a new orc print and have an excuse to reproduce it ad naseum like with the old orc mold. Hopefully they can include a new helmet or hair piece.
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LCC GC3 - The Battle of Scorchridge Pyre
Mahtion replied to ShareburG's topic in LEGO Historic Themes
I like all your "purging magic" MOCs, however I find the premise disheartening and it brings me discomfort. Are the magical denizens being persecuted or simply retaliated against crimes they themselves committed? I know the wizards make use of orcs and goblins but what of their nature and ambitions? EDIT: Apparently I've conflated entries into the LLC contest theme as being part of the same set by the same creator. Still I wonder where the idea came from and its inspiration by the contest judges. -
A chrome Long sword for Anduril would have been an improvement over a generic dark grey sword which is identical to that of one used by a dark servant. As it stands I don't see how the Mouth of Sauron should be wielding Anglachel and Anguriel.
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Did anyone notice that the Helms deep game has like five variant prints for the Uruk-hai? Disappointing to see no new Orc prints in the new wave. Definitely as others have said Wizard Battle and Council of Elrond are the must haves. At first I thought the new gothic arches were the old short tree arch pieces but it is indeed a new mold. I would love to see everybody's Rivendell MOCs once they buy Council set multiples. Hopefully with lots of these sold Lego may be compelled to make a full size Rivendell exclusive or larger set down the road. Wizard battle is great, the Orthanc interior architecture is a nice surprise and I love the Palantir even if the globe piece should have been black or grey trans color. Gandalf's staff looks ridiculous next to Saurman, a pity that Gandalf the White lacks a better staff as well. Black Gate is a solid set but not as high a priority in my case. I love that the sets seem cheaper than the outrageous Mines of Moria and Weathertop sets. Aragorn sharing the exact same sword mold with the mouth of Sauron is pitiful and almost pathetic. Poor Aragorn and Gandalf need steeds immediately if or when I get this set. Also yes the eagle is pathetic and the fierce flyer astronomically superior. I hope Smaug will be brick built and not suffer a poor molded design.