The Alchemyst

I tried the pushing with a lightsaber method before, but it didn't work for me. Turns out I should have probably tried using my fingernails before asking. >.> Thanks for all the replies, this can be closed now. [-TA-]

Title is pretty much the question. Is it possible to remove the turntable from the base, without breaking it, and if so: Do any of you have specific methods of doing that? Turntable I am talking about. Thanks. [-TA-]

Definitely will grab one for parts. Especially those new spikes, and I really like the Minifig head; the surprised side is nice, and it seems almost unisex, as well as fitting for children. [-TA-]

I think anyone and everyone who uses electricity is a fan of Tesla. I like the fig, and I don't have the bolts either, and I do think the minerals were a good substitution. The different blues are kind of awkward, and a spiffier background could make this better. I definitely like it though. [-TA-]

Well goody, now I don't feel so bad about missing on the ON sale, since I don't have a 4th gen console. Looking forward to TRU Target and especially Walmart. As soon as we know what it is. -.- [-TA-]

Lol what happened to all the hate of Z's back in '08? Anywho, eh, doesn't look like I'll be getting those two. ._. Not liking the Rahkshi spine, and the other yellow pieces are those neato hands and feet. I like how they changed Nektann. First time we're getting fat Av-toran limbs in that color, right? Spine is eh again. [-TA-]

Dunno. Lesovikk was like Vakama 2.0 All emo and mopey. With more anger. That's how I remember him. >.> "Oh god my team died it's all my fault. D:" [-TA-]

Nothing wrong with modifying it and not entering it. :P It's just a suggestion, so whatever. [-TA-]

Lol Bionicle is aimed at the lower end of the Age "guidelines" on the boxes, so that's why they use Res Axles. >.> Anyway, I personally think this was a really neat MOC, the idea and execution were both pretty ingenious. I do think you could have used Blue Pins somewhere more though. Maybe all around the border somehow. [-TA-]

Shoot. =/ I really would grab a Beach House at that price. And on a related note, my local costco had the City Helicopter Transport for $27 or so, a week or two back. [-TA-]

So you'll be flying out of O'Hare or Midway? Any ideas on the vicinity of the place you're staying? Loop is the best bet. Apparently, Borders is selling some Lego this holiday season, but it differs by store, so YMMV. But when you're in Chicago, and there is a good coupon out [Anywhere from 20-40% off] I'd try Borders too. There's one down Michigan, walking distance from the Lego Store downtown. I find the Lego Store to be out of stock of sets at times; but it does have Pick a Brick, 3 figs for $10, and currently Temple Escape [iJ set] on Sale. I'd call ahead if you're looking for anything specific. Then there's the usual TRU, Target, and such [You need to go a bit farther out to find a Wal-mart]. So it pretty much depends on what you're looking for. Any idea? Or just hunting? Anyway, I hope that helped. [-TA-]

TRU "sales" made me cringe. All you SW fans may want in on this though. 22% off the Venator Cruiser with Free Shipping from Amazon. [$93.49USD] [-TA-]

And that was his opinion. Dunno, all this canon nonsense is going to bite the story in the butt later on. No clue how this is all going to work. It does awfully feel like it's going to the deus ex machina direction. Well moreso than it ever did. ._. [-TA-]

There was a contract though. A legally binding contract. Although plans can change I doubt they did. Unless there are two Bionicle movies in a year which I highly doubt. [-TA-]

What can I say? It's a splendid MOC, I feel that it's a shame you destroyed it so early. The texture and color on the house is splendid; from afar it really does look as though it was made from stone! And speaking of stone, the rocky texture of the entire cliff is great. The various directions of slopes mixed with normal bricks, the studs, and all the types of gray make it very realistic. The fact that you added a rocky trail upward is just a great example of attention to detail. It really adds something. The flowers and plants give some life to the MOC, with lines of the lime and normal greens through the cliff and the patches of flowers that give it a nice splash of color. The tree is well built, with leaves all around, and a strong trunk. It's a tad awkward to see that kind of tree and then a palm tree though. The sand is uneven and nice, and then there's some nice white Cheese slopes for the water to give it a 3D effect. I like the variation in color in the water, although using 4 colors, including Dark Blue, could add some really nice complexity there. If you were somehow able to use shades Trans Blue tiles, that could have been just gorgeous. The dock has a neat curve going on, that I haven't seen in other entries. The unevenness of the tiles give it a realistic and rickety feel. The little outpost has a simple stone fence, which serves its purpose. The action throughout the entire MOC is nice, with minifigs doing all sorts of things! From sitting by the house, walking up the trail, guarding the outpost and hauling barrels, it's just chock full of stuff. The house is magnificent. Once again, the texture is great, but also the shape, and the porch are really realistic additions. The minifigs nearby are moving their arms, smiling and adds to the aforementioned action. The use of the ribbed Tubes [i think that's what they're called] for the black fence is a really neat technique, and allowed a nice bend throughout. This MOC just has it all, and I really do think we have a winner in the Large Category [from what I've seen]. Still, who knows, so good luck! [-TA-]

I like the idea, it's sensible for what pirates would do. I also like the subtle bits of humor with a Whip and a Wall-E sort of Robot as some "junk". You should add some other outlandish things there too! The build is good for the most part. The use of the Lightsaber hilt is a fine substitute and the chain on he pole by the dock to lower the crate is a nice addition. The ground seems way too sooth and flat, and some irregularities with studs would be fine there. It's also funny how how the smooth ground is all a stud higher than where the crate is placed, like martinsuper has stated. The pictures are a little dark, and the background doesn't get entirely covered, so if you could fix that, I think it could be better. I do like how you cut it out to show the digging, but if you used some sloped to make an irregular tunnel, I think it'd have a more "underground" feel. I like how the backside shows the actual treasure [more humor!]. There's a lot of small entries. @_@ Good luck! [-TA-]

Welcome to EB! This is a great way to make your first post; I'm really liking this MOC. The pictures are really nice as well, although I think they could be a tad brighter. The premise and story-telling is unique, silly and leads to some really good alliteration. The outside, first of all, is splendid. The detail with the toothed fence is ferocious yet practical . The foliage and palm tree leaves are nice, and the parrot and flag indicate that it is indeed Pirates' land. The barrels and pickaxe are those little additions that don't make it so empty. I like the ground colored studs scattered about and I don't think more would hurt. I really like the facade of the building. The round studs work well, the window colors are fine, and the roof seems to work. The fact that you made it open top really helps to show what's inside, which I think is great. Now the inside! I really like the smooth tiling you did with it. For a bar it seems a little empty though. Maybe a chair or two, or even a table could help with that. Maybe you could just extend the table the pirate is using outwards towards us? The minifigs are good, although it seems a little funny having the feisty lady pirate an old Pirates Minifig while the others relatively new. May I suggest picking up Pirates Tic Tac Toe? [it has so many Minifigs for such a low price @_@]. Or some use of the modern ponytail hair? and Female Pirate Head [or any other] could really bring her out. The fireplace has a really nice shape, and I like the use of the stone printed piece. The trans orange studs there for hot coal [or whatever is burning] is a great touch. I don't like how it slopes up like that though, it seems unnatural, especially at the end. How does it look if you kept it 2x2 throughout and then had it end with 4 Round 1x1s? Also the fire seems really silly up there. Maybe some round 2x2 white plates would help? [Or any other smoke technique] Anyway I really like this silly little MOC, and there is definitely going to be some tough competition in the division. A great MOC, and best of luck! [-TA-]

Mahri > Inika. They had sweet masks and nifty colors/pieces. Also Hahli Mahri > All And we've seen the pics already Wout, from the Russian Lego Convention [apparently?], so yeah, old news. :P [-TA-]

Errr, I'm not familiar with EB's contest rules, so should I be posting constructive criticism for this MOC? Or is it DQ'd since he's banned? In advance, thanks. [-TA-]

I like the small rocky bits and the overall MOC is a good idea, but it just doesn't look like what you say it is. It looked like the captain was on some kind of plank and the pirate was going to topple the structure over. I'm not sure what a parrot is doing underground either. o.o The picture is clean, bright, and professional, although it's hard to see the captain. Maybe having the pirate destroy the captain's sandcastle through a way like throwing water onto it would be easier to capture. That way you could add more realistic details into it. [-TA-]

Pictures still need some better quality, but the MOC has vastly improved. The top has a nice scene of the pirate and soldier chatting like old friends. I'd just add some tiles on the studs there. The green window seems out of place. and while I initially liked the large flag there, it seems large and obtrusive. Some of architecture from before looked better I feel. I'm loving the rest though, the desk especially. I really like how you got the shape spot on, and added the small details of the ink and quill. It really helps with the overall look. It'd make more sense if he was sitting down, signing, but then he'd be too far from the desk. Maybe raise it up a stud, and add some visible legs? The floor is brilliant, and I like how the two factions are raising hands to shake, but aren't shaking so they don't block the signer. Overall a really nice and full small entry. It's improved tons since the first one. I'd love to see where this goes, I'll be watching. [-TA-]

Well, not a sale, persay, but a find. Costco has the Helicopter Transport [MSRP $40USD, Set #7686] for a really nice $28.99. I didn't know the MSRP, nor am I into City, so I didn't pick it up, but seeing that's it's a really nice 27.5% off, I would if I had the chance. This was at the Clybourn Costco in Chicago, so YMMV depending on your city and Costco. Also knowing that Costco changes their stock weekly, I'd check it out ASAP. [-TA-]

I love that day. Albeit, you do have to go out early, especially because of the scalpers. As the date rolls near, and as catalogs start to come out, organize a list of things you want and where to go to get them. As far as I know the Lego Store also has a scratchcard on that day for everyone who goes in, with 10%, 25% of even 50% off the entire purchase. Of course all things can change, but that's probably your best bet for the Death Star [if there is one nearby]. I haven't had much luck with Lego in terms of Black Friday, mostly since I haven't looked for Lego too much in previous years, although there were successes with Video Games, clothes, appliances and such. Good luck with the hunting! [-TA-]

Beauty! A really snazzy tiled floor! The pinata is also really nicely updated, to look like one of those horses. Oh and nice explaining that orange thing; it really does look like a balloon! The lantern that's being held is really nice [i like the technique for the handle, never thought of that!], and the pirate with the barrel of TNT is nice [although I liked the subtle humour of the hidden TNT a lot more. :P ] I like the added mini battlements, but I still think there could be some yellow there. The small addition of the lanterns on the side seems unnecessary, but it isn't harming the overall look. Nice addition of hats on the dancers. I still think there could be more "stuff" from the pinata on the floor. The added humour of that crazy pirate next to him really helps with the silliness of this MOC; I didn't even notice it at first! [He's partying really hard.] Pictures are a little better. The one of the roof is not centered, and the first one could use from cropping, especially with the sliver of brown on the right edge. I eagerly await more revisions. :D [-TA-]

I actually like the tension and unknown of it. We're supposed to decide what's behind there. I'm not sure if it fits the "non-violent time-off" theme of the contest too well though. The interior is nice though. I like the slopes up to the ceiling and the little bench/stand on the wall. The simple light works as well. I'm not sure why the telescope/candle holder has white on it... I'm guessing the fire was blown off? If so, a white plume of some sortscould have worked well. I think the horse picture should be removed for something else. Maybe a portrait from Medieval Market Village. Or make the entire thing a side table with trinkets on it. Or maybe even a coat rack. I'd also like a photo of the exterior. I'd say that the photos are dark, but for this MOC it really helps set the mood. I really like the minifig; nice use of the queen head [and nice hiding that mole. ] [-TA-]