Centuries have passed since the Squidlord awakened the Dawn-kraken and a dark cloud fell upon the Inkwash Isles. Amazingly, the Squidlord somehow survived his encounter with this tentacled monster, having cut short its eternal slumber. However, what truly defies explanation is that he somehow befriended the otherworldly beast. Together, they took up arms and subjugated the entire region, laying waste to countless settlements and fortresses.

Alas, the Squidlord was mortal, whereas his cephalopod companion existed beyond the boundaries of time. The Squidlord aged and died, leaving the kraken bereft. In a final act of friendship, the colossal creature bore the Squidlord's body to a rocky island, housing the ruins of an ancient castle. There, the Squidlord's followers laid his body to rest. Over many decades, the castle was restored and rebuilt by the Squidlord's descendants, becoming a magnificent monument to his exploits. The Dawn-kraken, meanwhile, embraced a life of solitude, grief and menace.

Time passed, and the Squidlord's legacy declined. The castle is now a sanctuary for the last of the Squidlord's descendants, a mysterious sea witch, and her eccentric family. Few have been foolish enough to attack the castle in recent years, and none have succeeded in plundering the Squidlord's treasure. Those who have tried return with tales of a great Dawn-kraken effigy that spews cursed ink, and a young girl with formidable swordcraft.

These stories may be mere fabrications, but there can be no doubt that a magic power is grasping forth from Squid Island Castle, and that magic is increasing every day. Do the occupants just want to be left in peace, or are they looking to ally themselves with the monster?

Overview:

'Squid Island Castle' includes 9 minifigures, a rowboat and a double-hinged castle with keep and bailey. A cat, a bat, a rat, two pigeons and three chickens also call the castle their home.

The double-hinged design provides versatility of display and allows for a closed model that looks great from every angle!

Notable Locations:

The Sea Cave

The only entrance to the island is by boat, passing through a working portcullis before occupants make an offering at the shrine to the Dawn-Kraken.

The Squidlord's Tomb

Somewhere within the sea cave lies the final resting place of the Squidlord himself, as well as his many treasures. These are said to include a giant golden shield and trident, which legend has it he wielded in battle.

The Dungeon:

Visiting boats dock at an underground mooring, besides which the cave forms a natural dungeon for uninvited guests. Rumour has it that there's a secret escape, for those who know where to look.

The Bailey

The cave emerges through a mouth lined with ferns and a low ceiling into the spacious and grassy castle bailey. Here the groundskeeper raises chickens and pumpkins to supplement the family's seafood diet and a small apple tree keeps the occupants supplied with fresh fruit.

The Ramparts

Steps lead up from the bailey to the ramparts, which are perfect for a spot of fishing, picking hard-to-reach apples, or gazing mysteriously out to sea.

The Kraken's Embrace

Steps cut into the rock lead up to the castle entrance, where the menacing gatehouse features a giant effigy of the Dawn-kraken. This terrible squid spews magical 'boiling ink' down upon would-be attackers.

The kitchens

Here the castle's resident cook prepares fresh fish and fine apple juice. A curving staircase leads behind the oven and up to the battlements.

The Dining Room

The resident family live in luxury, with a sumptuous banquet awaiting them in the dining room.

The Outlook

A small balcony looks out over the sea, ensuring any trespassers are easily turned back before they reach the sea gate.

The Living Quarters

From the battlements, an extravagant door with a tentacle motif leads into the family's living quarters, adorned with the finest artwork and magical artefacts.

The Towers

Here, the sorceress plies her magic and prepares the cursed ink that fuels the Kraken's Embrace.

Play features:

- Sea cave and working portcullis
- Cave dungeon with secret escape
- Lever activates boiling 'Ink', which sprays from beneath kraken's beak above entrance.

Dimensions

Open

Width: 24.0cm / 9.4 Inches
Length: 70.3m / 27.7 Inches
Height: 37.5cm / 14.8 Inches

Fully Closed

Width: 36.6cm / 14.4 Inches
Length: 36.4cm / 14.3 Inches
Height: 37.5cm / 14.8 Inches

Thank you for your interest in our submission to Series 9 of the Bricklink Designer Program. If you like the design or would like to offer any feedback, please leave a comment below. All feedback is greatly appreciated!