It seems the new Kingdoms line is much more reminiscent of the Castle sets of the 80's and 90's than it is to the Fantasy theme of the last few years.

As such, it contains strictly human-to-human factions with a few fantasy elements thrown in (like dragons) but is nonetheless not going to contain the classic Tolkien factions (dwarfs, elves, orks etc.)

So, it makes one ponder; what kind of additions will this theme receive in the new factions department? Will they be other 'classic' knights with different coat of arms and color schemes or will the Lego Group make things more interesting?

Since these are crusader-era knights it may be plausible to think of a new cultural aspect; perhaps a far eastern faction, or a middle eastern faction with unique accessories and design to match. (Yes there is a lot of politics in pinning culture against culture but it still can be done tastefully) Or perhaps we will enjoy a bit of an offshoot into the area of unorganized bands of robbers/pirates or forest-men that still wield a coat of arms but aren't held up behind castle walls.

What do you think, and more-so what do you hope Lego will do with expansions on this theme which so far only contains very classic knights and very classic architecture?

I like to hope than there will be a bit more to offer than just a reintroduction of a new "blue" faction or a new "yellow" faction, but we shall see!

Ideas????

I'd personally hope for a third faction that could be fit in like the Forest Men were in time of yonder. Perhaps an eastern faction, and you're right it would have to be tastefully done. What I would really like though is for more stressing on the village aspect of the Kingdoms line. I have all of these castles but I have no real peasant characters yet, and the Medieval Market Village is not in my budget right now. I have no problem building them shops but that still leaves me with a lack of people to populate them with, or livestock. How about just brigands in general? You could feature either faction in with fighting off brigands.

A third "bandit" faction would be great. Be it a "wolf pack" resurrection or a "forestmen" redux.

But what I would like to really see is a Japanese Sengoku period come back. Samurais and ninjas. Now that would be great.

Forestmen/bandits would be great.

I'd like to see those barbarians from lego battles:

Some may think it's cheesy to jump on that "Retro"-bandwagon, yet I would definitely like to see the first five castle factions to do cameo-appearances in modern sets. These could and most likely SHOULD be updated versions of the original heraldry and colour-schemes.

Why cameos? And how? Think of the usual joust set. It would not be difficult to imagine one participant coming from one of the "core-factions" of a current line (like the lion- or dragon-knights for "Kingdoms") while the other would be a "foreigner". They could even spruce this up majorly by introducing some kind of randomness into the game: As you know you are getting a joust set and you know you are getting a knight of the "core-faction" the other would be a random one out of 5, perhaps. Each would come completely armed, with horse and fitting barding, but each having his very own heraldry and colour-scheme. Buying multiples would then function as an army builder for one faction, and a collector's item for the others.

As for new factions I'd like updated crusaders (?), with that crossed halberd emblem, and an actual knightly faction with a green/silver stag-heraldry. For a baddies-faction I'd like to see a fox-emblem consisting of a brown, grey, red colour-scheme with a one-off black knight as a companion having a wolf-emblem and a black, dark blue, silver colour-scheme. I think a black knight should be a solitary occurrence...

Edited May 16, 201014 yr by Cutty

I would like to see factions like the Templar knights and Teutonic knights. Especially the last ones can be interesting, with their unusual helmets. Although I don't think TLG will create a new helmet mold for just one faction.

I'd personally hope for a third faction that could be fit in like the Forest Men were in time of yonder. Perhaps an eastern faction, and you're right it would have to be tastefully done. What I would really like though is for more stressing on the village aspect of the Kingdoms line. I have all of these castles but I have no real peasant characters yet, and the Medieval Market Village is not in my budget right now. I have no problem building them shops but that still leaves me with a lack of people to populate them with, or livestock. How about just brigands in general? You could feature either faction in with fighting off brigands.

I agree there seems to be a lack of peasant characters; this is kind of counter-intuitive to the idea of a feudal system (so far we've mostly seen the lords and very little of what would be 90% of the population ) but I could see how these will not really appeal to kids who want the shiniest, cleanest, most-powerful looking set possible. There is a ton of possibilities in making them look like jolly farmers though; not all peasants need to look gloomy and oppressed.

And yes I would still love to see a whole bunch of Western "classical" knight armies but I don't simply want to see a new color scheme and body printing; if there is an army of lets say redesigned Wolf Pack, I would expect a run down kind of look to them, not a whole bunch of shiny swords and armor. Something with the consistency of the troll architecture and weapons of the last series would go quite nicely; (Imagine a sword made of that Rusty metal!! )

As far as crusaders, I don't see Lego doing any (despite the time period being perfect) it is not a line based on Historic events, and there are still elements of fantasy and lore, like wizards and dragons. Besides, I really can't see Lego ever putting a cross on a mini figure unless it is a licensed set.

But because this series follows the classic Castle lines of the past we can kind of anticipate what we will see; there definitely will be at least two more heavy armor, chivalry-draped, mounted knights with unique shield and banners. I hope to see a new color scheme from them perhaps something in deep purple, or even an 'orangey' red.

Now I just wonder how they will approach dragons; they have little ones so far, but they will surely bring in new ones as soon as the next group of sets comes out; I wonder if they will use the huge dragons from fantasy, the classic dragons from the 90's or a brand new cast that's in the middle!

I agree that some sort of forestmen or outlaws would fit Kingdoms well as an impartial faction. Of course, more kingdoms with different colors and crests are possible, but they'd be quite redundant, too.

Well, in the past LEGO did succeed in making cool civilian sets like the Guarded Inn, that still appealed to children I think.

If there were to be another Knightly faction that was not forestmen/outlaws, I think it would be great if LEGO would design building that were clearly a bit different than the standard castle for them. If LEGO were to recreate the Falcon knights, say, it would be awesome for them to live in more Manor-y type places instead of the normal grey castles. I'm sure LEGO could think of a unique style for their buildings, or at least different from the Lion Knights' castle, and then the new faction would be worth it.

Really, as long as the sets were clearly designated for the faction, I wouldn't mind if it was a third set of Knightly people.

I can see a forestmen or wolfpack comeback as great too, and Barbarians is also a nice idea.

I don't think LEGO will ever bring in Middle Eastern knights as a faction. It's never happened before, and I don't think it ever will in the Castle theme. The core Castle theme has always been centered on Medieval Europe with fantastical elements, and I don't think kids would even understand really why their knights in shining armor were fighting these turbaned guys in robes. I think the only way we will ever see more Eastern factions is if LEGO decided to do a Middle East Castle offshoot, just as Ninja was a Japanese Castle offshoot. For now, I think you'd have to stick to Prince of Persia for a Middle East faction fix.

Forestmen would have to be my choice, But I would like to see the Black Falcons return as well.

The figies I have of the old versions of the factions aren't actually mine, Lego drop-downs from family and such, but I still love to factions and am hoping to see them return one day!

Some may think it's cheesy to jump on that "Retro"-bandwagon, yet I would definitely like to see the first five castle factions to do cameo-appearances in modern sets. These could and most likely SHOULD be updated versions of the original heraldry and colour-schemes.

Why cameos? And how? Think of the usual joust set. It would not be difficult to imagine one participant coming from one of the "core-factions" of a current line (like the lion- or dragon-knights for "Kingdoms") while the other would be a "foreigner". They could even spruce this up majorly by introducing some kind of randomness into the game: As you know you are getting a joust set and you know you are getting a knight of the "core-faction" the other would be a random one out of 5, perhaps. Each would come completely armed, with horse and fitting barding, but each having his very own heraldry and colour-scheme. Buying multiples would then function as an army builder for one faction, and a collector's item for the others.

As for new factions I'd like updated crusaders (?), with that crossed halberd emblem, and an actual knightly faction with a green/silver stag-heraldry. For a baddies-faction I'd like to see a fox-emblem consisting of a brown, grey, red colour-scheme with a one-off black knight as a companion having a wolf-emblem and a black, dark blue, silver colour-scheme. I think a black knight should be a solitary occurrence...

i would think of one of the cameos would be if there was a prison set. there would be a dragon knight in a prison. he would maybe have a new decal and a helm. that would be REALLY COOL!

Forestmen or Wolfpack all the way. But I doubt it, something tells me that this time around castle will have only 2 factions.

I'm also going for the Forestmen. I was dissapointed when Lego didn't release the elves for Fantasy Era, so I'd be happy to get any forest dwelling faction.

Forestmen all the way. They would add a nice variety while adding a third knight faction would seem rather pointless, as it would just be more of the same.

If they want to do something completely new, they could add some Barbary-ish pirates as a faction (which could at the same time perhaps also appease the fans of the Pirate theme, who now lack new sets). I always felt the Castle themes could use some more ships, anyway.

Outlaws or Forestmen.

Aside from the obvious Wolfpack/brigands I would like to see a castle faction with blue that is evil. I don't like the idea of having realistic themes such as teutonic knights though, and would rather have a unique, lego-made theme.

~Insectoid Aristocrat

Forestmen all the way. They would add a nice variety while adding a third knight faction would seem rather pointless, as it would just be more of the same.

If they want to do something completely new, they could add some Barbary-ish pirates as a faction (which could at the same time perhaps also appease the fans of the Pirate theme, who now lack new sets). I always felt the Castle themes could use some more ships, anyway.

Absolutely! Very good solution for everyone's wants and needs. I can kind of picture a sea-ferrying Wolf Pack faction with large medieval galleys and a port town. These can be something like this:

It's highly probable we'll see a forest men army; the name of the theme is Kingdoms (as opposed to just Knights, or Castle) so even from the prelims it was clear there will be many different groups.

I also like the idea of a knights army based on manors and wealthy houses as opposed to fortifications.

I was also thinking; why not add a Spanish faction; it was pretty solid as a player in European affairs, and has the Eastern feel without the culture clash. We could finally see a lot of that conquistador helmet!

I know the next item to add to the list of sets (besides a proper Dragon Knights castle) will be a new force, and I can't wait to see what kind of curve ball they'll throw at us! Either a gang of poorly-armed ruffians, or an archery based forest army will be next. I can't wait to see what they will add to that force is it is released; it seems every army gets a wizard, so here comes the green wizard with the forest dwellers and the power of the woods haha

I'm all for the return of Vikings!!!!

VIKINGS!!!

Forestmen and Wolfpack are kinda meh to me. I would prefer a barbarian faction, they can just use the facdes and torsos of the Viking line.

Well, my vote always goes out for a revamped Black Falcons in these types of discussions. They were my favorite of the older factions. I think they would be nice with updated flags/torsos, and their colors (primarily black and blue with a bit of yellow) aren't being used by the two Kingdoms factions so they will stand out as different. Maybe they could actually get some king/queen/princess/prince/wizard types this time too. I hope it would also be a sign of other old ideas getting a new life like peasants. The tournament idea is a good way to reintroduce some older factions.

If it isn't them, then I would like Forestmen (or Wolfpack). If the former, the forest/tree sets could be good and definite peasant potential. If the latter, hopefully they are still robber types but maybe with an outpost or ship or something.

If it's something more original, maybe a faction modeled after the armored unicorn shield design from KK (can't recall which guy had it).

Crusaders!

...with great LEGO UCS Technic Trebuchet (over 1.000 parts)

...and Jerusalem (Muslim-architecture, inklusiv "Prince of Persia" elements)

@ Sirens-Of-Titan: Thanks for this picture! This sailing ship is brilliant for a Crusaders-theme. King Richard Lionhart is comming to conquer Jerusalem again.

This theme give us many possibilities: (some muslim-examples)

Caravan (trader), tent-camp, village, harem , menson, mosque...

-Top Saracen-soldiers with bright colours: bronze-black armor with ruby bobe and turban, bronze helmet and oval ruby targe, bronze saber and speer

Believe me. This theme would be awesome!

I agree with having a Wolfpack/ Forestmen type faction. Just as long as it has plenty of dark brown pieces.

I'd also like to see a purple crown faction, similar to the red and green ones we already have. Mostly because I want more pieces in that color, but also because purple is regal.

I agree with having a Wolfpack/ Forestmen type faction. Just as long as it has plenty of dark brown pieces.

I'd also like to see a purple crown faction, similar to the red and green ones we already have. Mostly because I want more pieces in that color, but also because purple is regal.

I can attest to that!

I agree that dark brown would have to be a color in whatever theme comes next, and Wolfpack is a great way to do it! Forestmen is not a likely theme to come soon as the Robin-hood fig was put in the minifig series, and those are supposed to be "unique" figs--at least for a while.

~Insectoid Aristocrat

Birdmen.

Sort of based on mountainous terrain, with eagles/falcons as their symbol. Of course, I'd like giant eagles for them to fly on, but that would only have happened in Fantasy.