Introduction

Hidden deep among dense forests and jagged cliffs, the formidable Stormcairn Fortress looms over the land, its shadow stretching across the valleys below. Raised upon the ruins of a far older stronghold, the fortress has remained in the hands of its founding line for generations, its unyielding defenses rendering it all but unconquerable. Encircled by a torrent of a moat, sheer cliffs, and towering battlements, Stormcairn has repelled every attempt to breach its walls.

Within its halls, the lord and lady of Stormcairn plot the expansion of their dominion across the wider realm, aided by nobles whose loyalties are as treacherous as they are concealed. The question that lingers over the kingdom is simple yet dire: what will be their next move?

Key features:

A defensive barbican - a feature seen in larger European medieval castles, this would often be an external tower or gatehouse providing additional defense to the main castle. The one you see here has plenty of its own defenses, with a door you can barricade, arrowslits and more! Also who doesn’t love a castle within a castle…?!
Large main circular tower - not often seen in LEGO form, but again very common in the medieval ages. This prominent tower houses the dungeon, several rooms and includes some very fun building techniques!
Working drawbridge and portcullis - to keep attackers at bay. This model boasts working defenses controlled by gears on the roof of the main castle
Moat and landscape - Stormcairn Fortress is encompassed by a moat created by the cascading waterfalls surrounding the castle
Feast hall and stain glass window - one of the highlights of the interior of the model is the large feast hall for entertaining the lords, ladies and noble guests of the castle, adorned with a huge stained glass window
A working mangonel - located at the top of the circular tower, the mangonel provides siege defense for the inhabitants of the castle - you might want to think twice before attacking it!
Huge interior and tons of rooms - Stormcairn Fortress hosts many rooms, from an astronomy tower, armoury, kitchen, and much more. In the map room you may notice some familiar designs in micro scale, as the lord and guileful guest plan their conquests together. There are a huge amount of easter eggs and details to discover... what can you find in the pictures?
Two secret entrances / escape passageways - both located in the base of the main castle, one escape route leads out under the waterfalls and cliffs and the other from the dungeons at the base of the main tower

Dimensions (...it’s big!)

Fully closed

Width: 44cm / 17 inches
Depth: 41cm / 16 inches
Height: 38cm / 15 inches

Fully open (both the barbican and main castle)

Width: 77cm / 30 inches
Deep: 41cm / 16 inches
Height: 38cm / 15 inches

The inspiration for this design drew from several sources. I set out to create something formidable and imposing, a fortress worthy of the new castle factions released this year. From the outset, I envisioned features that are seldom seen in LEGO builds: waterfalls, a moat (which I made far too big in the early iterations!) and a fully realised barbican to strengthen the defenses. I also wanted to break away from the familiar light-grey palette, instead looking to the rugged strongholds of Scotland for architectural inspiration. The result of these choices is the Stormcairn Fortress you see here.

Please comment with your thoughts and feedback and best of luck to all the designers!