EB Community Castle Build: Discussion Thread

[randomparrot]

I'm assuming it's too late to join?

[Thrash]

I'm assuming it's too late to join?

I don't think it's too late. There are still lots of unclaimed structures to be built...just tell us what you want to do and I'll put your name by it on the list!

I'm a bit worried that our medieval city is quickly losing it's focus. I mean, some of the buildings on that list don't really belong to that era... They're more "Wild West"-stuff, such as the undertaker, the mad scientist's laboratory and the bank. Maybe these could be replaced with a graveyard, an alchemist's house and a tax collector's house?

I still think there should be more floors and rooms in the keep itself, but I understand that Trash's map is just a guideline that we shouldn't follow blindly. Thanks heaps to Trash for modifying it according to my whims, though!

The layout is by no means meant to be only 1 story at each spot. If you can come up with enough rooms to fill another story of the keep, on the next version of the layout I'll add a part for the second story keep.

It was fairly easy to modify, so it wasn't a problem. I'm going to try to not modify it very much, but your hallway idea really caught my eye. And I also edited it for the Dragonator, since I really look forward to seeing what he can do with a 64x32 gatehouse.

As for your comments about the buildings being out of place, here was my reasoning for each:

Undertaker: I had thought about adding this to the list oringally, but decided not to. Then, someone, Lasse D I think, said that they had a cool idea for an undertaker, so I figured why not let him go for it?

Mad Scientist Lab: This one was in there only because I figured it would lead to a really cool creation. I figured that some crazy people in the middle aged probably liked science.

Bank: I was wavering between this and tax collector when I made the original list. Since the first bank was in 1406 in Genoa, I figured that it fit the time period. I ultimately chose the bank over the tax collector because I wanted to see what someone could come up with for a medieval vault.

That being said, I think you're probably right that those three things might not be the most appropriate. As a result, I've made the following changes:

Bank to Tax Collector

Mad Scientist Lab to Alchemist

Undertaker to Brothel

If you guys think the Brothel is inappropriate, I'm open to other suggestions. In fact, even if you like the idea of the Brothel, keep other suggestions coming about structures that would be good to have!

~Thrash

[randomparrot]

I don't think it's too late. There are still lots of unclaimed structures to be built...just tell us what you want to do and I'll put your name by it on the list!

The layout is by no means meant to be only 1 story at each spot. If you can come up with enough rooms to fill another story of the keep, on the next version of the layout I'll add a part for the second story keep.

It was fairly easy to modify, so it wasn't a problem. I'm going to try to not modify it very much, but your hallway idea really caught my eye. And I also edited it for the Dragonator, since I really look forward to seeing what he can do with a 64x32 gatehouse.

As for your comments about the buildings being out of place, here was my reasoning for each:

Undertaker: I had thought about adding this to the list oringally, but decided not to. Then, someone, Lasse D I think, said that they had a cool idea for an undertaker, so I figured why not let him go for it?

Mad Scientist Lab: This one was in there only because I figured it would lead to a really cool creation. I figured that some crazy people in the middle aged probably liked science.

Bank: I was wavering between this and tax collector when I made the original list. Since the first bank was in 1406 in Genoa, I figured that it fit the time period. I ultimately chose the bank over the tax collector because I wanted to see what someone could come up with for a medieval vault.

That being said, I think you're probably right that those three things might not be the most appropriate. As a result, I've made the following changes:

Bank to Tax Collector

Mad Scientist Lab to Alchemist

Undertaker to Brothel

If you guys think the Brothel is inappropriate, I'm open to other suggestions. In fact, even if you like the idea of the Brothel, keep other suggestions coming about structures that would be good to have!

~Thrash

Thank's for the information, I'll think about one i could make.

[Thrash]

Thank's for the information, I'll think about one i could make.

No problem.

Theres a lot of variety with the different structures on the list, so I'm sure you'll be able to find something that suits you! Also, don't be shy if the thing you want to do already has a name next to it. A little competition is a good thing!

~Thrash

[Sandy]

The layout is by no means meant to be only 1 story at each spot. If you can come up with enough rooms to fill another story of the keep, on the next version of the layout I'll add a part for the second story keep.

That's nice to hear, thanks!

Since the first bank was in 1406 in Genoa, I figured that it fit the time period.

See, that's the problem with it! By 1400, the Middle Ages were almost over. So a bank really isn't something you would have found in a typical medieval city.

If you guys think the Brothel is inappropriate, I'm open to other suggestions. In fact, even if you like the idea of the Brothel, keep other suggestions coming about structures that would be good to have!

I don't think a brothel is inappropriate per se, but again, it's not really medieval. Sure, there were prostitutes - there always has been - but I don't think they worked openly in their own building in the strictly religious Middle Ages... Please, correct me if I'm mistaken about this.

But I don't see a graveyard in your layout. Shouldn't there be one?

[randomparrot]

No problem.

Theres a lot of variety with the different structures on the list, so I'm sure you'll be able to find something that suits you! Also, don't be shy if the thing you want to do already has a name next to it. A little competition is a good thing!

~Thrash

Yeah i like the fact there's lots of different Structures, I would probably go for the guest bedroom or the Fletcher Hopefully i don't make some Major Mistake involving the layout of all the structures.

[Thrash]

I don't think a brothel is inappropriate per se, but again, it's not really medieval. Sure, there were prostitutes - there always has been - but I don't think they worked openly in their own building in the strictly religious Middle Ages... Please, correct me if I'm mistaken about this.

But I don't see a graveyard in your layout. Shouldn't there be one?

That's a good question about the graveyard. Maybe we can put one right out front (or somewhere near) the chapel. How does that sound?

You bring up a good point, but surprisingly enough I was able to find this:

The ambivalence towards the brothel - the simultaneous urge to license and to regulation - continued into medieval times. Prostitution was tolerated because it was held to prevent the greater evils of rape and sodomy. No lesser figures than St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas argued that prostitution was a necessary evil: a well-ordered city needed brothels just as it needed good sewers. The medieval brothels were under the authority of the state, city or prince.

(reference)

Who would have though that some Saints supported prostitution?

Yeah i like the fact there's lots of different Structures, I would probably go for the guest bedroom or the Fletcher Hopefully i don't make some Major Mistake involving the layout of all the structures.

I'll put you down for both...no worries though if you decide not to do one of them or change your mind.

~Thrash

[randomparrot]

That's a good question about the graveyard. Maybe we can put one right out front (or somewhere near) the chapel. How does that sound?

You bring up a good point, but surprisingly enough I was able to find this:

(reference)

Who would have though that some Saints supported prostitution?

I'll put you down for both...no worries though if you decide not to do one of them or change your mind.

~Thrash

Thank you

[Lasse D]

Undertaker: I had thought about adding this to the list oringally, but decided not to. Then, someone, Lasse D I think, said that they had a cool idea for an undertaker, so I figured why not let him go for it?

I have some good ideas for it, but I'm afraid they will fit much better into a Wild West theme than Castle.

If it is going to take up the MISC-slot, I would prefer an inn for visitors. I don't have any great ideas for an inn, but I'm sure somebody else has.

[Thrash]

I have some good ideas for it, but I'm afraid they will fit much better into a Wild West theme than Castle.

If it is going to take up the MISC-slot, I would prefer an inn for visitors. I don't have any great ideas for an inn, but I'm sure somebody else has.

I assumed that the tavern will also double as an Inn...but who knows. If whoever does the tavern doesn't include an Inn in it, then we can always add one in somewhere else

~Thrash

[Stol]

I assumed that the tavern will also double as an Inn...but who knows. If whoever does the tavern doesn't include an Inn in it, then we can always add one in somewhere else

~Thrash

I agree with this. When i think of classic tavern i feel like there are always extra rooms whether it be for an Inn or brothel doesnt matter

[I Scream Clone]

Some good discussion people, the brothel is a sticky one at the moment, though im not opposed to it. As for the bank, I feel a tax collector would be more time appropriate.

I'm assuming it's too late to join?

You are in Team Beta, so post your creation there for your team and come critique others in both teams

Cheers and welcome aboard.

[Guss]

randomparrot is in team beta ?

[Thrash]

Some good discussion people, the brothel is a sticky one at the moment, though im not opposed to it. As for the bank, I feel a tax collector would be more time appropriate.

What are we doing about the walls? As I expressed earlier, I’m worried that moving the walls back and making the catwalk 4 wide will cramp the 16x16s too much, so I proposed building the walls on 16x6 plates and then having those attach to the outside of the 16x16s. I think that we need a final decision about the walls before we build too many of the components.

I noticed that you updated the lists in the beta thread, but didn’t update the picture. This might cause some confusion since the new layout has a few more components.

I hope you don’t mind me updating the layout, answering questions, and adding people to the lists when they make requests. Hopefully all of that is helpful for you in keeping this whole thing organized. If you ever want to overrule the ongoing list or have input for the layout, let me know!

Regarding the bank/tax collector, I’ve already changed that on the ongoing list I’ve been keeping on page 13 of this thread. Since I can’t edit the list in any of your posts, that’s the one that I’ve been making updates on whenever I see someone make a new request or change a previous request.

~Thrash

[Sandy]

Whoopsie!

I have to apologize to Adam now, since I took on building the Wizard's Tower, but now that I spent half the night building it (boy it was fun and the outcome is marvelous if I do say so myself!), I noticed Adam's name on the list next to the Wizard's Tower.

Honestly, I looked at one of the many lists about this project, and there weren't any reservations for the tower, so I just assumed it was available. So again, Adam, I'm sorry if it seems I stole your building, but I just looked at the wrong place, apparently. But my version of the Wizard's Tower (that attaches to the castle, not the outer wall) is now ready and I will post pictures of it tomorrow.

This leads me to request an update to the first post of this thread. There's just too much going on and too many organizers! And it's really my fault for just jumping ahead without permission, but I hope my half a night's work won't be in vain, and you guys still let me build with you.

Edited October 21, 2008 by Sandy

[Stash2Sixx]

Well, we need to remember that more and more people are showing interest in this, so we need to keep it simple and easy to (theoretically) join up. If the wall is only going to be 4 studs deep, and we are starting on the 2nd stud back from the edge, then we should have no problem creating a four wide catwalk (not including the 5th row of studs which will host the upper wall).

I still need a little bit if clarification, and a map or picture would be great. For the modules that are 32 x 32, stable, how far back do we make the pins for the rest of the wall to join up with? I noticed that the 32 x 32 section juts out a bit from the rest of the castle. I just need to know where to put the 1 x 2 technic bricks for my wall to connect to the rest of the castle.

And Sandy, anyone can really build whatever they want. When the two, or three, builders are finished, we can compare the modules and vote on the best one to be included in the layout.

And yes, this is quickly becoming a walled city!

Edited October 21, 2008 by stash2sixx

[Erdbeereis]

I think I'll just wait to start with my builds until we figure out the exact specifications, as that gives me a general idea of how it should look.

Is this alright with everyone? I apologize for not adding too much input on the design, but unfortunately I'm not a castle design expert and I think it would be wise of me to let the pros show me how it's done.

Of course if I ever do come out with a great idea, I'll be sure to share it!

[I Scream Clone]

With the massive interest in this build, it was bound to get confusing. In an effort I will delete lists from the Alpha and Beta groups. I appreciate the redesign of the list Thrash, but feel I should be in charge of it, and as such from now on the only list for reference purposes will be in the first post of this topic. To be honest I was getting sick of editing three topics all the time.

As this is quickly turning into a walled city, I would like thoughts on the wall design from you guys, as there is some conjecture on what I have designed, do we just want to skip the wall for the time being and merely build our structures first, or do you have alternate suggestions for the wall.

Say 12 high, technic pins at 1, 6, and 11. Catwalk only 3 wide, base 4 wide with slopes incl built right on the end of the baseplate to remove any confusion

Sandy as Stash said, more than one person can build the selected item if they have there heart set on it.

Cheers All.

Unwieldy topic on!

randomparrot is in team beta ?

Guss, what was the point of this post? People want to build so they get put into one of two groups and start building. If you want to build say the word and you are in.

Edited October 22, 2008 by I Scream Clone

[Thrash]

With the massive interest in this build, it was bound to get confusing. In an effort I will delete lists from the Alpha and Beta groups. I appreciate the redesign of the list Thrash, but feel I should be in charge of it, and as such from now on the only list for reference purposes will be in the first post of this topic. To be honest I was getting sick of editing three topics all the time.

As this is quickly turning into a walled city, I would like thoughts on the wall design from you guys, as there is some conjecture on what I have designed, do we just want to skip the wall for the time being and merely build our structures first, or do you have alternate suggestions for the wall.

Say 12 high, technic pins at 1, 6, and 11. Catwalk only 3 wide, base 4 wide with slopes incl built right on the end of the baseplate to remove any confusion

No problem. I just had some free time so I figured I would go for it. You're welcome to reject or accept anything that I come up with. I didn't expect people to be using my list as a reference, it was more just to keep everything organized until you updated the first post. I assumed that they would just go off of your post on the front page. You are in charge, after all.

I think it will be good for the wall to be built onto the 16x16 baseplate, especially if we're going to go with the dimensions listed above.

As for putting names on the list, maybe we should just put people's names on the list with a link to their MOC once they've finished. That way people would feel a lot more free to build things and not shy away from building things because someones name is already next to it. Also, it would make this a lot easier to organize.

I think what really needs to be done is a layout and wall specifications need to be set in stone and any creation that doesn't meet the specifications won't be allowed unless altered to meet the requirements. Otherwise it's going to be chaos keeping up with every person's request for layout changes, wall heights, etc. If we don't do this, people are going to be afraid to spend time making entries knowing that the requirement might change randomly.

Personally, I think we should go with layout V4 (in the first post of this thread). This layout is very much like V3 that the community voted on, but accounts for all of the requests made by participants up to this point. If you want, I'll tweak it however you want and write "FINAL" at the bottom so people get the point. I'm not trying to stunt creativity, but this things only going to come together if the plans are set from the beginning and won't change.

~Thrash

Edited October 22, 2008 by Thrash

[I Scream Clone]

Alright I will keep an eye out for any wall suggestions, and then knock up the final wall version for all to see tonight. Give or take 8 hours I guess with all the different timezones to take into account.

Version 4 will do for now Thrash. I will put it into the Alpha and Beta topics.

[Stol]

Not to question anything that has already been done.... but what exactly is the point of splitting up into two groups? It seems as though everyone builds what they want until its all done, then we just vote on the best MOC for each category. So where do the two seperate teams come into play? I think it may be easier for you (I Scream Clone) if we abadon the groups and everyone then just deal with this one thread rather than the three.

Just a suggestion

Also I agree with your wall proposal I Scream Clone, I think we need to set well defined sizes and your suggestion seems to make the most sense

~Stol

Edited October 22, 2008 by Stol

[Sandy]

I support that the surrounding high wall would be it's own module that could be attached to the main buildings where wanted, so it wouldn't take space from the buildings itself.

As for the walls of the actual castle keep, I've been doing them 7 bricks high, with 1x2 pinholes in 1st and 6th bricks on the outer side. In the inner wall that has the hallway, there's only 1x1 pinhole bricks on the 1st level because of arches. Like this (the hallway module is placed on top in this picture):

Hope you guys are okay with this format!

[I Scream Clone]

Final, and I repeat final wall design is up, you have all spoken and I have listened. Specs are located in the first post. Please if you are building a section along the wall of the castle include this in your build. You may add features to the wall like alcoves, windows etc so we can all see some creativeness but the dimensions are final.

Though I sound grumpy, I merely wanted to put this to rest so we can clear up any confusion and get onto the fun part of building.

Cheers

ISC.

Edited October 22, 2008 by I Scream Clone

[KimT]

Final, and I repeat final wall design is up, you have all spoken and I have listened. Specs are located in the first post. Please if you are building a section along the wall of the castle include this in your build. You may add features to the wall like alcoves, windows etc so we can all see some creativeness but the dimensions are final.

Though I sound grumpy, I merely wanted to put this to rest so we can clear up any confusion and get onto the fun part of building.

Cheers

ISC.

Super.

One question: Is the wall meant to be primarily light or dark grey?

It would look strange having a primarily dark section next to a grey section.

So I think a decision on that would be very useful.

Fairly sure we'll go for light grey - just checking

When we decide to do EB Community Castle Build II, I suggest the organizers have decided such things beforehand. Just to ease the build.

Great work ISC trying to keep up with the vast amount of posts and comments.

[Thrash]

Final, and I repeat final wall design is up, you have all spoken and I have listened. Specs are located in the first post. Please if you are building a section along the wall of the castle include this in your build. You may add features to the wall like alcoves, windows etc so we can all see some creativeness but the dimensions are final.

Though I sound grumpy, I merely wanted to put this to rest so we can clear up any confusion and get onto the fun part of building.

Cheers

ISC.

Excellent work ISC. I love the wall plan you've created, and now we can all get building.

~Thrash