This is a tribute to the beloved Pirates subtheme, The Islanders!

🏴‍☠️🦜🏝️

A question remains unanswered for almost 30 years… Were the Islanders and Pirates allies or were they enemies? And where do the Imperials fit into this trio?

I tried to incorporate design elements from as many Islanders sets as possible. You will see inspiration from the following: Enchanted Island, King Kahuka’s Throne, Forbidden Cove, Islander Catamaran and more. I also reimagined the pirate’s sloop with design elements from the incredible Skull’s Eye Schooner and Renegade Runner!

One of the most important design features I included was the ability to build this model in stages. This allows you to share the build experience with friends or family or just build at your own pace.

This MOC encourages play and storytelling. There is hidden treasure in a cave covered by foliage. There is a drum, fire with fish to cook, weapons, and boats for all factions. I modernized the deity statue with a prison in the back. The bridge is another major play feature where unsuspecting adventurers can fall into the dangerous water below. There is more hidden treasure in a cave accessible by a huge carved stone figure as well as many other statues scattered throughout the islands. You can imagine endless scenarios from friendly encounters to treachery and plunder!

I made a brick-built version of King Kahuka’s iconic mask. The sails are brick-built with stickers to resemble the original cloth sails. The shields are also stickered since printed elements have been discontinued for many years.

I include a nod to the Pirate’s original adversaries. Since Blue and Red Imperial soldiers are not available, I combined the two into a new “Purple Coat” variant.

My first introduction to BDP was seeing one of my favourite sets from my childhood reimagined with modern building techniques and current elements. This set was the Castle in the Forest which was a modern take of Forestmen’s River Fortress. I would love for the Islanders to receive this type of makeover, and you can help that happen with a vote for one of my MOCs!😍