The Idea
A Fortress for the Dragon Knight’s, the Dragon Knight theme from the mid 90’s is one of my personal favourites. This faction has not had much attention in recent years and I felt it was time for a relaunch. The castle has several removable sections to allow ease of play and use. The sides of the castle to the Dragon’s Den and Dungeon have hinges to allow opening. The castle totals 4995 pieces, 12 minifigs, a baby minifig, a baby dragon and 3 horses.
The Build
The castle itself is built upon a rocky outcrop and has been added to and altered over many years. As you enter through the gates you walk up the ramp which has been decorated with a dragon mosaic. This then takes you to the portcullis tower with sleeping quarters for the soldiers above and battlements atop and to the rear of the castle. As you turn left from the portcullis you enter the armoury equipped with an array of weapons. From this you can access the top of the Gate Tower as well as taking the stairs to the dungeon below. In the dungeon you will find a cell with a rack and chains to walls. Above the main gate is a hatch to pour or drop oil and rocks onto invaders if they break through the gates. Above the Armoury you will find a stained glass skylight that fills the room with an array of colours on a sunny day, also you will notice the deadly ballista built and maintained by the resident engineer. Battlements wrap around the castle providing valuable defensive positions and a variety of details of construction. The Royal Chambers consist of a Dining Room with Fresco ceilings, a well-stocked wine cellar below, a stair that leads up to the lounge with bookcase and a comfortable reading area and finally the Royal Bedchamber at the top of the tower. Throughout the lower levels of the castle there are secret doors and hatches that connect the different parts of the castle and provide secret escapes to the rear and into the Dragons Den. The Dragon’s Den is maintained by the serf with plenty of hay and a roast turkey to look after any Dragon that is currently being cared for by the Knight’s. Currently a baby dragon which was rescued from the wild after it’s mother had perished is being cared for until it is old enough to make its own way.
The Characters
After years of enslavement to the evil wizard, the Dragon knights have broken free and now set about to rescue enslaved or in peril Dragons.
The Characters
1. King Julian, son of the old Dragon Knight Eric who sadly passed many moons ago. The king carries his ruby topped sceptre.
2. Queen Darcy likes to brighten up the place with flowers and plants, the serfs help to cultivate the plants under Darcy’s instructions. She spends much time now looking after Fredrico.
3. Baby Fredrico. He can be a bit of a handful crawling in and out of the Dragon’s Den and getting up to mischief but in the end, he just wants a cuddle.
4. Prince Thengar, a well-trained warrior in his own right but he does enjoy a good glass of wine and keeps some of the best in the cellar below the dining room.
5. Champion Storgar, the best knight far and wide. He travels to tournaments spreading the fame of the Dragon Knights.
6. Captain Egor, spends much time drilling and training the Dragon Knight soldiers and is entrusted with the defence of the Dragon Knight Fortress.
7. Elaina. She is a passionate warrior who travels far and wide with the twins to find Dragon’s that may be injured or in peril and rescues them from danger, at times bringing them back to the safety of the Dragon’s Den where they can recover from any ordeal.
8. Ricardo the trusty Halberdier who guards the castle diligently.
9. Guard Samuel. Dreams of riding Dragon’s and works tirelessly to save those in need.
10. Guard John trains diligently and passionately helps those in need.
11. Eddie the Engineer. Eddie has designed many of the Fortress defences himself and also works the ballista.
12. Serf Caswell. A diligent servant who’s eye for detail keeps the Fortress clean and tidy.
13. Last but not least the resident baby Dragon Snappy who is much loved and cared for by all.