In their professional capacity as LEGO designers, Chris Perron and Wes Talbott have collaborated on some of the best fantasy sets ever released, including Rivendell and the Red Dragon’s Tale. So what do these friends get up to when they’re off the clock? How about an epic reimaging of a beloved ’90s castle with modern building techniques and design aesthetics? The massive build debuts at the upcoming Skærbæk Fan Weekend event, but for those who can’t make it to rural Denmark, the builders graciously offer a detailed tour of this house of the Dragon Masters.
Classic set 6082 Fire Breathing Fortress was the largest set in the Dragon Masters sub-theme, notable for the iconic brick-built dragon head over the castle gate. Wes and Chris elevate the motif from a figurehead into a massive rock formation upon which the entire castle rests, as well as decorative fixtures above doorways throughout the build. The castle uses the same black, grey, and red colors as the original, applied more deliberately. Instead of solid red, the rooftops use a gradient or orange/red shades. Even the original set’s yellow printed details are recreated around the door to the elevated keep. I love the subtle use of slopes throughout the castle, especially the parapets made from attic ridges.
The dragon-shaped cave entrance is a showstopper. Castle builders take note of the angles and colors on this dramatic base. Tan rocks are broken up by dark orange and brown layers, and topped with yellowish-orange moss, making the base dynamic and easier for the eye to parse. Atop the cave, two strong minifigs work the winch to raise the gate, a nice play feature. Inside is the hatchery, where dragon eggs are warmed by the heat of the blacksmith’s forge.
Outside the front gate, a wagon approaches filled with meat to feed the hungry dragon fleet. Sparse shrubbery makes use of green antlers, a technique we’ll see more of as the newly recolored element makes its way into more sets. Inquisitor lightsaber hilts make for excellent torches.
Dragon Master knights train in the castle courtyard using halberds made from ninjago dragon hilts, a thematic technique the builders credit to fantasy minifig wiz elden_bricks.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Dragon Master castle without the maestro of magic, Majisto. The wizard gets upgraded with an impressive Sith-infused staff, and a new wardrobe stolen from the Inn Plain Sight. (Perhaps Majisto plotted with fellow dragon-loving wizard Ervan Soulfallen?) Majisto’s platform is perhaps my favorite part of the build and gives the wizard a perfect view of his dragon horde. Speaking of dragons…
What a wonderful brick-built design Chris and Wes came up with to update the original’s molded green dragon. Perfectly sized for minifig riders, the dragon appears in three color variations and is highly-poseable. Wes is no stranger to dragons, having designed several in official sets, as well as this divine beast.
What do you think of Chris and Wes’ epic update to the Fire Breathing Fortress? It certainly has me feeling nostalgic for Dragon Masters. But where are the mustaches? I guess this Majesto has different hygiene standards for his forces.
