When last we saw intrepid minifig explorer Rafael, he was visiting the magnificent library of Barqa, where a statue was stolen. It turns out this was just the start of an epic journey envisioned by builder  Marcel Veit for the Brickscalibur contest’s many categories. Soon, Rafael found himself on the way to the Kingdom of Khalamat by way of these impressive jungle ruins. The howdah atop the elephant is beautifully constructed from a mix of brown woodwork and cloth pieces. Vibrant ruins incorporate light blue, sand green, and yellow details. What I love most about this scene is the contrast between big elements like the huge molded elephant, bushy leaves, spikey vines, and large square tile, and intricate detail in the cheese slopes and minifig hands. It’s so clean and deceptively simple.

Rafael’s elephant ride doesn’t last long as soon he must go back on foot to try and cross the dangerous Honey Falls. It’s quite the sticky situation when, like a kid in Wonka’s factory, he falls into the sweet morass. The tiered rock landscape is impeccable, with the sugary trans orange a fun alternative to blue water. Fir trees needled with wolverine claws in green are perfect. The piece de resistance though, is the CMF elf bard’s headpiece used for a heron’s body, the pointy ears jutting out as wings. So clever!

Finally, let’s take a moment to appreciate Marcel’s minifig designs. On the left are Rafael and his allies, Hakim and Samira. On the right, the Sultan Khalim with his son, guards, and advisor, along with the mysterious stolen statue.