Long before they became fashionable manors for showy wealth, a castle was a stronghold that needed to withstand sieges and bombardment. So it helps that this 21,000-piece LEGO castle by Corvus Auriac MOCs is located on an island and bespeckled with the hallmarks of defensive works. There’s a gatehouse over the entry that’s just perfect for pouring hot oil on unwanted guests, and tall towers with archery loopholes for snipers. And even though the castle is flecked with bricks of varying textures and colors, it comes together visually to give a unified appearance. The dark brick corners and black roofs lend an ominous air, and the smoke rising from the chimney makes me uneasy to learn who the inhabitants are of this seemingly deserted fortress.