When a highly praised, and now sadly retired, 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay set was first released, an immense vacuum was created for its updated design aesthetic. A vacuum that has left fans hankering for an Imperial set to rival the pirates in every way imaginable, particularly so the equilibrium in the balance of power can be reestablished in the LEGO seas.

While 6276 Eldorado Fortress is undisputed classic LEGO set holding much love in the hearts of old farts fans within the AFOL community, a recent Imperial set to match those barracuda pirates has been lacking, and we, the LEGO Pirate fans, shouldn’t approach new problems with old solutions. We need want a proper new Imperial set which captures our hearts and imaginations, to rescue us from the despair of not missing new Pirate set releases and remakes, just like the Castle and Space themes have been enjoying of late.

Enter Wolf King, a designer who has not only identified the problem correctly, but was also awesome enough to offer a pleasing solution on LEGO Ideas which he named, Island Of The Imperial Soldiers.

Wolf King writes:

After the release of 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay, pirate theme fans including me felt the absence of an actual Imperial set because there is none in the current line.

I believe a new Imperial set is needed as a counter base to the Barracuda Bay. It is also needed as something you can attack with Black Seas’ Barracuda.

Fans like me who have at least some of the old Imperial sets are lucky, but new or young fans have nothing to counter Barracuda Bay at the moment. So this is the main reason why I created this set.

I would like to introduce you my Island Of The Imperial Soldiers.

Can this set bring the Imperial Soldiers back into game against Pirates of Barracuda Bay? Find out by helping this submission reach 10K SUPPORTER on LEGO Ideas

The Future 10K Build

There are two parts to this build; the main tower and a secondary building, both firmly erected on a rocky reef and connected a central bridge.

The isometric view looking down on the main tower is used as both a lookout and a strong defence point – although the Imperial Soldiers could fare much better with a few more cannons up there

The Governor’s room has everything a governor needs, a balcony with a view, big office desk, some unimportant letters addressed to the Governor, an intriguing treasure map and one morbid candle holder

Just below the Governor’s room, island dwellers can source food and comfort in the cozy and well supplied inn, open for business 24 hours

Gloomy, dank prison cells are located inside the cave, where pesky pirates are welcomed to stay for as long as they please, that is, until the day of their hanging

A long deceased pirate on a nearby island serves as a distasteful warning of what happens to those who dare sail under the black flag!

Governor Broadside, distinguished from the other Imperials by his black bicorne with a white trim, enjoys his regular tours around the fort

The island is surrounded by deep and dangerous waters where soldiers use every opportunity to torture play funny games with seized pirates

The secondary building features a pier, a barrack, a storage room and nests for cannons

To maximise playability the side walls can be cleverly swung around

Same goes for the soldiers barracks, which are little cramped, but that’s the soldier’s life for you (and it beats the gallows)

The Imperial Merchant Ship

Wolf King continues:

I felt the need to add some additional content to this project and I think this small ship is the perfect addition for the set.

I also like the fact that soldiers are no longer imprisoned on the island because they have a ship now 🙂

Well, it’s not the Caribbean Clipper, but Governor Broadside is having a blast at the helm

The small ship is used primarily for transportation of valuables to and fro the island

But like many other merchant ships, this one also lacks serious firepower which makes it an easy prey for greedy pirates

Governor Broadside, surrender now or face the consequences, a mighty vessel carrying vicious pirates has been sighted sailing your way!

Three Pirates and a Raft

To maximise the playability Wolf King has also included three treacherous pirates and a raft with powered by a windswept brick built sail.

Reflecting their personalities, the pirates have launched an unorganised, but simple attack on the storeroom… resulting in their prompt capture… followed by their prompt imprisonment

Wolf King writes:

I especially designed these 3 pirates and the raft for people who don’t have any other pirates to play with. It would have been boring to buy this set without any pirates to play with, so people who don’t have any other pirates can at least start some adventures with these 3 pirates and their raft.

Not Familiar with LEGO Ideas?

LEGO Ideas is a website that allows users to submit creations with the aim of becoming official LEGO sets – the kind that end up on store shelves which you can buy!  But to achieve official set status, each submission must attract 10,000 supporters. Original designers receive a 1% commission on royalties and ten free LEGO sets from those currently in production.

So you can vote new LEGO Pirate sets into existence, just like 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay!

That’s where the LEGO Pirates Fan Community needs your support! We must unite and propel another blue coat Soldier submission over the 10K finish line! Visit the project submission webpage and click the support button to cast your vote!

Let’s Get Island of the Imperial Soldiers ALL the way to 10K!

SUPPORT this submission on LEGO Ideas

About the Builder…

Although not a completely new member to Eurobricks forum, Wolf King (also known as the Brick Wolf) made his noticeable debut in the Pirate MOC Subforum sometime during the December of 2022. He originally set sail from Turkey (the country, not the delicious roast dinner), and besides LEGO Pirates, he also enjoys crossing over to his beloved second favourite Castle theme.

He does not waste time have an account on any popular social network, but fret not, because you can follow his work so far on the Flickr, or you can support his submissions on the LEGO Ideas.

What Do You Think?

Can this fine set achieve 10K supporters? If it does, what are the chances that the LEGO Ideas Review Team will green light another pirate themed idea? How much will they change this fan based design? Would you like to own one? Tell us that, and more, in the LEGO Pirates forum, we sawait yer comments eagerly!

Many of Classic Pirates bloggers are also talented builders, so when they’re not stretched to meet their blogging deadlines, they often pursue MOCing in their spare time.

Our most prolific blogger and Shipyard Master, Marooned Marin is no exception! We’ve previously covered his Warty Crab, a sleek, compact craft that cuts through fog like a bullet through thy enemy, but this time we shall be exploring his latest, more ambitious endeavour…

The Triton, a blue coat Soldier brig that packs a punch, and leaves 6276 Caribbean Clipper dead in the water!  But can it measure up to 2009‘s red coat driven 10200 Imperial Flagship?

Let’s find out…

Marooned Marin writes:

TRITON is a war brig with two masts, both square-rigged, equipped with 12 cannons and two lighter, but deadly accurate, swivel guns. She is known for her speed and exceptional manoeuvrability, so much that a skilled captain (even Lieutenant de Martinet) could turn her around almost on the spot. No wonder why she quickly became Governor Broadside’s prized ship and principal threat to all pirates still daring to plunder the Brick Seas.

With Captain Redbeard still missing and presumed dead (while actually marooned on the Barracuda Bay), remaining scattered pirates are facing their darkest hour in their battle for independence from the Imperial rule. They need to find a way to deal with TRITON, or perish!

The Triton sailing into battle with 12 guns at the ready…

The Build

The Triton was initially designed in Studio.io before being built and tested using physical LEGO elements.  Throughout that process the ship laboriously underwent several major revisions to circumvent various structural challenges. After a year of grueling frustration, Marin emerged victorious and the Triton rolled in the harbour for the entire world to awe and marvel.

The design is sturdy as they come, with both masts reinforced by long Technic axles and affixed by rigging of the masts.

Marin insists “the ship’s stern with all the curves and slopes is tough as a nail!” – although we’d like to see some video evidence in the form a drop test…

Look at that powerful bowsprit, right in yer face!

This be the main deck and you can observe the finger-smithing that went into the rigging

Guns at the ready – the Triton’s broadside is broad!

A well decorated stern with custom chunky lanterns

With a bit of elevation we get a superb view of Jojo the monkey the Triton’s sail configuration

Don’t have blue coat Soldier flags? No problem – you can just draw them yourself!

Here’s Sea Eagle’s view of the deck – bombs away!

And here we get some close-ups of the monkey action happening atop of the sails

Welcome to the quarter deck – governor Broadside is no mere diplomat, he’s a naval leader who’s not afraid to take command!

The Ship’s Interior

Both the quarterdeck and mid section of the main deck allow easy removal without loss to the structural integrity, ensuring maximum playability and convenient access to the Triton’s interior.

Now let’s take a look beneath the main deck… looks like they caught a pirate!

Governor Broadside’s cabin, contains the essentials for governing at sea. There’s a work table with the all important treasure map, a sextant to ensure the Triton remains on course, and a comfortable chair that rivals Kirk’s chair on the Enterprise – come on… every bold leader needs an authoritative chair!

For when Captain Redbeard comes a knockin’, Broadside’s cabin boasts a well stocked armoury brimming with firearms and his favourite sabre.

The mid section features a brig to provide accommodation to bothersome pirates who wish to board without permission.  There’s also a berth for the weary soldiers as they are often deprived of suitable bedding, and a modest mess hall where that nectar of the gods is severed, I.e. the crews daily ration of rum.

Why did Marin choose Blue Coat Soldiers?

Once upon a time there was a ship by the name Triton which sailed under Imperial and Royal War Navy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire between 1836-1859. But alas! She went out with a bang on 9 May 1859 when a gunpowder magazine burst into a raging inferno, while the ship was anchored outside Lokrum island, near Dubrovnik in the Adriatic Sea.

To this day it remains unknown whether her fiery demise resulted from incompetence or a devious saboteur.  Marin however, places his doubloons on the curse of Lokrum – any self-respecting vessel should avoid that island at night!

The Curse of Lokrum? Egad!

What be that ye may ask?

In 1023 the Order of Saint Benedictine founded an abbey and monastery upon the island. The name “Lokrum” derives from the Latin word, acrumen, meaning sour fruit. This term originates from the Benedictines tradition of cultivating exotic plants on the island, but they can’t have been very successful farmers if the fruit was sour!

Legend has it the Benedictine monks were decreed to leave the island by an of individual of unspeakable power. Upon the night of their evacuation, the monks traversed the island dripping a trail of molten candle wax, while chanting “Whosoever claims Lokrum for his own personal pleasure shall be damned!“. Somehow this magically placed a curse on the island and nevermore did the monks return!

The Triton is based on a real ship… that met an unfortunate demise…

As the Austro-Hungarian Empire employed similar colours to French imperial forces which inspired the blue coat Soldier sub theme, Marin felt it was logical to use their flag on the Triton. This afforded him an opportunity to experiment with colours. Drawing much inspiration from SleeplessNight’s MOCs and his bold use of lively colours, prompting him to incorporate a technique or two from the best. The yellow frame windows with white lattice are homage to the beloved Caribbean Clipper.

Marin Continues…

What I really wanted was for bluecoats to have a formidable ship, not too large but with more firepower than the Barracuda for instance. Triton is that ship, and it will play a major role inside an upcoming 100+ pages graphic novel, pirate-themed mind you, which is currently in the writing process (and always one step away from the good old development hell).

To give you some idea about the graphic novel, a small introduction of the story was published HERE – just scroll down until you hit the comic.

So how does the Triton compare to the 2020 version of the Blacks Seas Barracuda?

Now let’s take a look at the Triton next to the Warty Crab

Specifications

• Parts: 2491 parts (without minifigures)
• Dimensions: W: 23.1cm L: 72.7cm H: 54cm
• Weight: 1682 grams
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard build (tested on two children aged 10)
• Durability: Display & Light Play
• IMPORTANT: Ship does not float!

Oh look! There’s Fort St. John at Dubrovnik in the background!
Not every day you see that in a MOC photo, do you?

Fun Fact!

One of the cannons from the real Triton was salvaged from the sea floor some 60 years ago and is now mounted at St. John fort as their last line of defense a decoration.

Spot the cannon! Saint John Fort at Dubrovnik, Croatia

Building Instructions

If you’d like to commandeer the Triton and make her as part of your Soldier’s fleet, you’re in luck! Marin has made building instructions available on ReBrickable.

And if yer tight on gold, he’s offering a 25% discount which is expiring sooner rather than later. So don’t miss out!

About the Builder…

Marooned Marin has emerged as a bold veteran of the LEGO Pirates Forum in which he regularly contributes to the piratical LEGO discussions, along with helming The Shipyard to author many of Classic-Pirates.com’s finest blog posts! Based in Dubrovnik, Croatia he enjoys stunning coastal scenery and a lovely view of a fortress that was incorporated into a popular TV show a while back.

As mentioned, Marin is as skilled at building as he is talented at blogging, periodically expanding his MOCing repertoire with new sea craft, both historic and recent. You can acquire building instructions for all his creations via his ReBrickable profile or enjoy their imagery on his Flickr and BrickSafe.

And to ensure you don’t miss updates on his exciting future ventures, follow him on Instagram.

What Do You Think?

Does the Triton measure up to the Imperial Flagship? What about the Caribbean Clipper? Whether it be just building instructions or the entire set, will yer purchase a Triton for yerself? Or can you suggest improvements and  alterations to the design to make it more to yer liking?

Now, set sail for the LEGO Pirates Forum where you can meet Marooned Marin yourself – he’d love good yarn about his ships and all things LEGO Pirates!

Support Achieved!

10K Supporters have been achieved! What will the LEGO Ideas Team’s official comment be?

Well done to all those who took a moment out of their busy lives to support Piraten’s crown!  Visit the LEGO Ideas project page if you can’t believe it’s true , or continue reading this blog post for more news, images and behind the scenes commentary from Piraten.

The Official LEGO Comments

While the word treasure immediately conjures images of a simple chest bulging with gold and doubloons, talented builder Piraten decided to improve our limited imagination with his unbelievable recreation of the real treasure, the crown of King Christian V of Denmark.

With more than 7,274 supporters (at the time of writing), this unique creation is boldly making its way to become another LEGO Ideas submission with 10,000 supporters. But that will not happen miraculously by itself! We pirates fans need to make it happen, and quickly, because time is running out before this piece of art gets buried in the LEGO Ideas graveyard!

Don’t let it happen! Support this Treasure on LEGO Ideas right now!

Piraten writes:

This MOC is inspired by the Danish designer Jim Lyngvild and his book about the royal line. Based on the Christian V coronation crown which is part of the Danish crown regalia and are exhibited at Rosenborg Castle.

It is meant to be easily recognisable via the light blue globe, as well as the shape with 8 diamond-studded hangers, and of course the large blue sapphire in the front!

Danmarks konger og dronninger (Danish Kings and Queens) the book which started it all

A Piece of History

The Crown of the Absolute Monarchs, was used by the kings from Christian V to Christian VIII, and was made by Paul Kurtz in Copenhagen, 1670-1671 (two good years to be a pirate)

While the reign of such monarchs ended in 1849, the crown is still used during a Danish king’s castrum doloris of the deceased Kings, the last time in 1972

With gold with enamel and table-cut stones, total weight of the real crown is 2080g, whereas LEGO crown is built out of 2000 pieces and the unknown weight

The original crown has 2 garnets and 2 sapphires, of which the largest dates back to Frederik I and was presumably a gift to his father, Christian I, from the Duke of Milan in 1474

Since 1671, the crown has been the de facto symbol of the state power, and it forms part of the National Coat of arms of Denmark and the Royal Coat of arms

Piraten continues:

I made it because I think it could be cool with a series of jewels, jewellery and regalia. Who would not like to have their own crown?

Someone who plays princess or king with his own crown… The pirates where it is part of their hidden treasure… Or the knights returning from a crusade and have to coronate the new king… Or maybe just exhibited on a shelf in the study-room.

At present, Piraten’s prized MOC is on display in the Holy Land of ABS, Billund, Denmark

The real Crown safely resides at the renaissance Rosenborg Castle, in Copenhagen… but only until Piraten reaches his 10K mark on LEGO Ideas, for on that day, the old will give way to the new

Another Piraten creation, the Soldier, who keeps an eye on the Crown and The Pirateboi

The Piraten treasure, contains approximately 4000 pieces and one 3D printed goblet

Unbelievable truth or a cheap lie, but the rumour has it the entire treasure horde was stolen by pirates and later found inside the cave that lies under an Imperial Guard trading outpost, known better as Caswell Point. Be sure to immerse yourself in that intriguing tale to learn of the fort’s secrets.

The first and last time we saw a crown in an official LEGO Pirate Set

Or maybe it’s the same crown seen in 6281 Pirates Perilous Pitfall that Don Diego de LEGO once attempted to lay his grubby mitts upon – if only he could get past that damn boulder trap!

Not Familiar with LEGO Ideas?

LEGO Ideas is a platform that allows aspiring builders to submit creations with objective of becoming official LEGO sets – the kind you can buy… and then build yourself!  The designers receive 1% commission on sales of their creation and ten free LEGO sets from those currently in production. But to be a contender for official set status, each idea must garner 10,000 supporters within a limited timeframe.

This is where YOU are needed! Visit the project submission webpage and click the Support Button to pledge your support!

SUPPORT the Danish king Piraten on LEGO Ideas

Piraten concludes:

I really enjoyed building it and also think that most LEGO collectors would enjoy building something as special as a crown.

There is not much to say more. It just needs to be enjoyed.

So there you have it and, before we jump over to the About the Builder section, let’s enjoy The Crown in this well produced promotional video as it seems that those pirate builders either have a high marketing budget, or are truly talented on on every imaginable creative field.

About the Builder…

Danish designer, Piraten (Brian Steffensen Vestergaard), is one of those builders who gives his MOCs a whole new level of amazing! If you are not familiar with his brilliance you can find him on various platforms upon he regularly shares brilliant ideas:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Flickr
• LEGO Ideas

If you are seeking well preserved classic pirate sets, then visit Piraten Shop on BrickLink and claim buy the sets you’ve always desired, but never had… because you were a poor kid when they were originally released. He ships worldwide – but not in a pirate ship!

Piraten is also a member of the LEGO Ideas rejected 10K Club, where he underwent a torture session an interview and answered many interesting questions regarding his passion.

What Do You Think?

Before we part ways, share your thoughts on The Crown… would it make a worthy addition to your LEGO Pirate collection? Do you secretly harbour a desire enact the role of the King or the Princess? Do you think your wicked wench significant other would approve this set in the living room?

Do tell… it’s as easy as clicking the shiny red button bellow, or following this link to the LEGO Pirates forum!

And for those with long memories, ye may recall Jintaiz previously blogged this MOC so be sure to read that post as well..

Ever since the release of the LEGO 21322 Pirates of Barracuda Bay, Imperial Soldiers forts and outposts have been springing up like mushrooms after the rain. Could it be the fear of  formidable vessel Redbeard’s (which is actually shipwrecked), or because of Governor Broadside emerging paranoia? No one can tell for certain, all we know is the forts are getting better and better!

With his debut on the LEGO Ideas, the talented and mysterious builder Blej invites us for a friendly visit to his seaside stronghold featuring a cozy inn, a port big enough to dock any captured pirate ship, a prison tower, an interrogation chamber and who knows what other jolly surprises await within.

Stories usually have a beautiful princesses locked in the room of the highest tower, unless… Captain Redbeard is the cursed missing daughter of Governor Broadside

Blej writes:

I have been to this fantastic forum many times just enjoying the MOCs and gathering some inspiration when I modified the Creator ship for my childhood Imperial soldiers.

The ship build inspired me to design a wharf and island base, something large enough that wouldn’t be dwarfed by the scale of the ships.

My favorite part is the hidden entrance at the side with a moving mine-cart through a cave for collecting a secret stash of treasure underneath the island.

I’m sure some of you have seen it on Ideas already, thank you for voting if you have already! Your votes are appreciated! But really I’m just happy to share this nostalgic build with as many people as possible.

Inspired by the classic 1991 set, 6267 Lagoon Lockup, the build combines many of our favorite features from sets of the era, rendered in that traditional yellow and white masonry

The Build

Imperial Island Outpost is a heavily guarded Bluecoats trading post and inevitable home for the most notorious pirates

The open back interior was a real challenge to build, but Blej achieved the impossible! Or is that improbable?

As a child he yearned for 6276 Eldorado Fortress, but one, never came this way. So here, he’s implemented a black crane, wharves and pivoting cannons – all the best bits! (Yeah! In your face unhappy childhood!)

Clever techniques and pleasing angles expand on the classic castellation style with the added appeal of modern curve pieces

The set has been designed to compliment the building style of 21322 Barracuda Bay set and offer a complimentary location for tall-ship fleets to moor, interact… or even attack

Law-abiding sailors from across the Black Seas are welcome to visit, sell their treasures and enjoy tankard (or five) at the tavern

With its open back and levels connected properly, this engineering allows for a fun and playable set, loaded with surprises

Fantastic features abound, like a tavern with cozy fireplace and overly friendly hostess…

…or a fancy customs office (with chandelier!) for trade and prisoner negotiations

Beneath the tower, in the bowels of island lies a secret vault full of the finest relics. Treasures recovered from perilous adventures and spoils claimed after the defeat of naughty pirates

Little do they know, a cunning pirate-in-disguise has been sneaking treasure from the underground stash and selling it back to the unsuspecting soldiers

The Tower with No Name

Blej continues:

I’ve put together a smaller tower using the same style and type of half-stud techniques but completely different from the big tower.

I suppose the inspiration was partially Sabre Island, but with the cannon inside.

Unique features of this MOC include; the hatch that opens and lifts the ladder (rope is not rendered), the offset angle of the main structure and the boat slide

The cannon inside the tower, instead of ‘on the tower’, gives a small touch of realism in play, but not too much to become too serious

Not Familiar with LEGO Ideas?

LEGO Ideas is a website that allows users to submit creations with the aim of becoming official LEGO sets – the kind you can buy!  But to be a contender for official set status, each idea must garner 10,000 supporters. Original designers receive 1% commission on royalties and ten free LEGO sets from those currently on the market.

That’s where YOU come in! LEGO Pirate fans must unite to support another blue coat Soldier submission and propel it over the 10K finish line! Visit the project submission webpage and click the support button to cast your vote!

SUPPORT on LEGO Ideas NOW!

About the Builder…

Hailing from the land down under (that’s New Zealand, right?), Blej debut with this creation in the most beloved Pirate Forum worldwide. Other than that, we actually don’t know much about him.

You can follow his LEGO progress thus far on Flickr and Instagram, and maybe witness more of his fantastic future creations there.

What Do You Think?

And now, before we return to harsh reality of life, let us prolong your procrastination a wee longer…  What do you think of Imperial Island Outpost? Is it a worthy stronghold for your soldiers? Or can you suggest ways it could be even stronger?

Visit the LEGO Pirates Forum and share with us your thoughts on this build…

Every now and then the volatile uncharted Sea of Creativity by chance of luck, or by divine power, allows one soul to safely cross back home. And every now and then the homecoming of the long forgotten hero is the same…

Heads are turned, eyebrows are raised, jaws are dropped and the murmur stops when battered hero reveals his prize. In these rare moments even the most eloquent onlookers find themselves baffled with nothing smart to say.

The long silence is suddenly broken by the clapping of the village simpleton. He may not know the right words to describe a masterpiece, but knows one when he sees one. Soon others fall in until the clapping erupts in a thundering ovation.

Something like that occurred when Garmadon revealed his three years building project, the galleon Buccaneer’s Dread, inside the world’s largest LEGO Pirate forum.

Almost every great pirate story has the ‘Plank walking’ scene and an unfortunate damsel in distress… and this great MOC is no different. Garmadon knows his audience

Garmadon writes:

Captain Nordau, most feared blackflag captain of the Brick Seas, returns to terrorize the oceans! Took him long enough. He’s got a slight upgrade from the rowboat though!

This was supposed to be a three week build back when I started it at the beginning of 2020, and then I had the crazy idea of trying to get it to BrickWorld 2020… and then covid happened and well, three years later, here we finally are!

Oh, and this vessel is actually for sale! Let me know if you’re interested!

Believe it or not, the inspiration for this magnificent MOC came from a piece of artwork designed for a puzzle, of all things

Would you consider purchasing this beauty? It’s actually up for SALE, and this is not a joke! Best to contact Garmadon and get more info either via Eurobricks private message, or via Flickr message. The early bird gets the worm, so be quick as there’s only one ship like this in the whole entire world!

The Dreaded Exterior

Having only one picture didn’t stop this talented builder from pursuing his passion in building a LEGO version , mostly through trial and error, until everything finally clicked into place

And mind you, this painstaking trial and error was endured the good old fashioned way, with the use of only the real bricks – no help from digital design tools whatsoever!

Governor’s daughter or not, prolonged nagging will see you sentenced to walk the plank! Ye be warned

Working his way up to the upper decks, Garmadon used some inspiration from the Black Pearl and the San Francisco II – the most fearsome galleon of the Spanish Armada

Uh-oh, flirting with danger… Nietzsche was right: “The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason he wants a pirate woman, as the most dangerous plaything.”

That’s one big main mast, but then again, this is a one big ship… Hey look! There’s Spinoza

A whooping 100+ hours went only in rigging, and look at the final result – it’s gorgeous!

Apparently the General History of the Robberies & Murders of the Most Notorious Pirates, by Charles Captain Johnson, is a mandatory read for any bricknerd pirate wanna-be

A lavishly accessorised stern and two mates who chat while starnig over the castle at the rolling waters far below

Historically, over the years the armament and protection of the stern gave way to carved garlands and figures, galleries and balconies, thus making the stern the most vulnerable part of the ship

And look at this ingenious idea; by making the starboard side open for prying eyes we, mere mortals, gain a better look of the Garmadon talent and indoors creativity

Cool, there’s a shark hanging upside down, right there near the cook

“The king probably sailed on this ship before the pirates boarded it.” ship expert builder NOD concluded in amazement, and we agree

The Imperial Guards would think twice about taking such a formidable vessel on!

The Dreaded Interior

Garmadon continues:

Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention – of course it has an interior!  (Yes I’m mad – did I already say that?)

Oh, and in the meantime, I got an amazing offer from the generous guys at Lightailing to review their lights and sound effect boards, so yeah, that’s been awesome too!

Starting from the front and working our way around to the back – up in first deck’s forecastle we’ve got the galley, with a hearty stew brewing and a hanging shark (seen earlier)

But it was to be pork chops today! Here piggy, piggy, come over here

A swarthy pirate stows away the barrels of rum in the hold below

While a petty officer keeps an eye (his only eye) on his private stash…

At the stern is the powder room with kegs upon kegs of ammunition stowed away for piratical peaceful expeditions. Not sure the midshipman ought to have a lantern in there… but anyways

Not much to fear from these Imperialists though…

Hammocks are for regular merchant seaman, yo ho ho a pirate bed for me

And here’s the real stash. Only the parrot and the quartermaster know these secrets…

The Specifications

• 72 gun galleon
• 36 crew (including skeletons)

Time required:

• Building time: 3 years
• 100+ hours of rigging
• A couple of days in sail making and sewing

Measurements:

• 117 studs at the waterline: 3’/90cm
• 165 studs to point of bowsprit: 4’3″/129.5cm
• ~58 studs crossbeam: 1’7″/48.2cm
• ~170 studs tall: 4’5″/48.2cm
• Weight: ~35 pounds / ~15.8 kg
• Brick count: no idea!

One behind the scenes / size comparison image of the Evil Lord Garmadon and his prized MOC. For the record, builders height is 5’10” / 1.78m

Garmadon concludes:

And that, mates, is the Buccaneer’s Dread!

If I’m not mistaken, it be the largest physical ship in the Brick Seas yet – but I’d love for someone else to break that record before long!

Brick Seas? What, you’ve never heard of the Brethren of the Brick Seas, more commonly known as the BoBS? Then read on!

Brethren of the Brick Seas

What is it?

BoBS is a role-playing building game set in the age of discovery. It is the world of the four factions, where all factions interact, cooperate, compete and struggle for power, just like the players inside the faction do.

How do players and their factions compete?

Mainly by building MOCs through the official challenges, mini-challenges, and the free builds. Every player has a role in the development of the Brick Seas and the potential to alter geopolitics, and eventually history.

How does one learn more, or joins this game?

If you want to learn more, dig your way through the quick start guide to BoBS.

Not Finished Yet!

Before we return to the blueprint of our lives, Garmadon has one last treat for us in a form of short video. The most impressive part of the video are undoubtedly the devastating guns, firing volley after volley at the imagined foe. Enjoy!

About the Builder…

Garmadon, not to be mistaken with the Ninjago Lord Garmadon, is a Bible-believing Christian, pianist, creative writer, reader, and homeschool graduate, who started out heavily into Castle and then branched out widely to other themes, most notably to his favourite Ninjago Pirate theme. Ever since diving into the online community in 2012, he has been deeply engaged in RPGs. Not surprisingly, he was is still one of the founding leaders of the Brethren of the Brick Seas RPG (go Eslandola!).

As one versatile builder, with a wide range of ideas and abilities – ranging from microbuilds and minifigs to vignettes, excellent ships and also large scenes, he regularly shares his work via his Flickr and YouTube channel.

More creations by Garmadon and other fellow BoBS members, alongside with other amazing MOCs can be seen at BoBS and Pirate MOCs subforum, where you are invited to come and tell us if this is the best ship MOC you have ever seen, and if not, what is?