LEGO LotR - general discussion

[Captain Settle]

I doubt we'll get prologue battle packs. They play such a small role in the movies compared to Gondorians or Rohan soldiers.

[Alcarin]

I just keep wishing we get Generic Tower Guard, Gondor Soldier, Ithilien Ranger Haradrim and Mumakil set....

Actually as long as I get a smaller set (max 30-40$ with 2 gondor soldiers and 2 shields Ill be happy and hoard the set forever :P

[naf]

Does anyone think we'll see the nazgul in any possible future LotR sets? Attack on Weathertop is retired, and is kind of expensive to get it just for the nazgul included. If they do a prancing pony set, they could appear there on horses. Other than that, it'll probably only be one (which king perhaps), on a fell beast.

[AFOLguy1970]

I think the possibility of having the Witch King on a fell beast facing off against Eowyn and Merry is reasonable. A lot of posters on this board and others have stated their hope for such a set. I think it would appeal to kids for playability and action as well as collectors for the iconic scene. It would be hard to make a MOC of the head nazgul because his face armor is rather unique. Nothing exists right now in Lego form that looks like that.

A Prancing Pony would be great, but doubt it would show up if there is only one more wave left. I could see doing a two level build with the tavern, the bedroom upstairs, a couple of hobbits, Strider, Barliman Butterbur, and one or two Nazgul. Perhaps they could do the gate with the man sized and hobbit sized "peep" holes. The gate would also have a collapsing function as the nazgul arrive.

[Fives]

So there has been some talk over in the LOTR/The Hobbit 2013 discussion thread about this rumour that there will be no more LOTR sets. This is of course just a rumour, with no actual evidence or sources; just one person who claims to have heard it from a reliable source.

While the thought of there being no more LOTR sets at all seems terrible, I wouldn't be so upset if LEGO didn't make a third wave of sets, but rather one final, epic exclusive.

I'm talking about a Minas Tirith set the same size as the Death Star. With a price point $500 (in Canada at least), piece count of nearly 4000, and over 20 minifigs, the Death Star is by far the best playset LEGO has ever produced.

So if LEGO is actually considering the idea of not releasing a third wave of LOTR sets, they could at least give the franchise the farewell it deserves. Rather than release 4-5 smaller sets that won't all guarantee to be profitable successes, they could go full out on a massive exclusive fill up many of the gaps currently in the theme.

I can imagine a Minas Tirith that has two levels: the first level, with the main gate, that curves to make half circle of possibly one and a half A size baseplates, and stands at a height of four minifigs tall. Then the second level would include the huge triangular rock that juts out into the city, with the White Tree at the top, along with the throne room and the Tower of Ecthellion. This could stand at a height of eight minifigs tall, and have numerous rooms hidden in the back, much like the back section of Helm's Deep.

To accompany the large fortress (which on its own is only good as a display set), there could be numerous siege weapons for both teams. I think one siege tower, one catapult, and Grond (obviously scaled down so maybe orcs can push it rather than trolls), as well as two trebuchets that could be moved and positioned at four different locations along the first level of the city. Along with this, we could get a Fell Beast, either brick built or moulded (like its shown in the video game).

All of this would need a nice collection of minifigs. So this is my list of necessary figs:

1. Gandalf the White - sure, we already got him, but he is integral to the scenes at Minas Tirith. And it could be a chance for an official Shadowfax.
   
2. Denethor - while omitted from the story of the video game, they still made him a playable character. Just use that same design and we're good.
   
3. Faramir - I'd want him in his ranger outfit. Even though his most famous moment at Minas Tirith is when he tries to retake Osgiliath and he's all decked out in armour, his ranger outfit is more iconic, and he does spend a lot of time in the city wearing it. Include a Gondor breastplate for him, and you've got it covered.
   
4. Merry and Pippin in armour - we got both Hobbits in the first wave in their travelling clothes from FOTR and TTT, but I think we need them in their armour as well, much like how we got Aragorn in his King outfit at the Black Gate. Plus it just makes sense.
   
5. Eowyn in armour - I know plenty of people also want her in one of her gowns, but I think her in her armour is far more important. Again, just copy the design from the video game.
   
6. The Witch-King - to go with the Fell Beast. Including Eowyn and the Witch-King in this big set would mean that we at least get the scene in LEGO, even if it isn't its own set (and this way makes more sense to me anyways). Like before, just use the video game design.
   
7. Theoden - we already got him, but he's an important part of the battle.
   
8. Gothmog - he is the orc leader, plus he's just plain friggin awesome! Maybe use the same design as the game, but change some of the colours. He had red on him that looked a bit weird and out of place.
   

So that list covers the first 9 figs in the set, which, if the fig count will be the same as the Death Star (24), we have 15 left. These could all be soldiers. I'd break it down like this:

x5 Gondor Soldiers: each with their own breastplate pieces like the Uruks, with the Tree printing. Also, new helmets and shields (shields similar in size to the CMF Roman shield, but held like the classic triangle shield). There could be assorted weapons in an armoury area of the set, with spears, swords, bows and shields for each soldier.

x5 Orcs: I know so many people want new versions of orcs, and perhaps this is where LEGO could give us a treat. Its obvious LEGO had plans to make alternate orcs (based on the prelims of the Black Gate and Corsair Ship), so they could bring those designs back and give us those orcs.

x1 Battle Troll: as seen in the video game. They could use the same mould as the Cave Troll, but to achieve the armour I think a new mould is needed.

x4 Rohirrim: again, a chance for LEGO to give us some exclusive soldiers. They could make the Royal Guards that are seen in TTT and ROTK, with the long silver scale-mail outfits and black horse hair on their helmets. All that is needed in a new helmet.

Along with these figs, we could get horses and Wargs. I'd think Shadowfax, Snowmane, Eowyn's horse, horses for each Rohirrim, one reddish-brown Warg for Gothmog, and obviously the Fell Beast.

So thats my idea if LEGO decides to end this theme. Sure, we won't have gotten the Balrog (which kinda sucks) or Treebeard (although we did get an Ent with Orthanc), but at least about 50% of the events and characters of ROTK won't go ignored.

Plus, if you look at this idea from a financial standpoint, I think it makes sense in the long run. Having a wave of 4-5 sets is nice, but like I said before, not every set is gonna be a bestseller. Take the Attack at Weathertop set for example. It hadn't been out for even a year before there was news popping up that it was being retired. Obviously, this set didm't sell as well as the others in the wave. It may have had to do with it price per piece ratio, but whatever it was it warranted LEGO to stop its production sooner than the other sets.

If we look at the second wave of LOTR, it too has some sets that kinda missed the mark. The Council of Elrond is a great set for fans, but I doubt it sold well with kids. And the Corsair ship, while cool looking and fun to play with, is not very noteworthy when you put it next to some of the more iconic parts of the films. I remember watching the designer video on the LEGO LOTR site, and they said they thought it would be a good set to make because kids like pirate ships. If LEGO has to make an LOTR set because it might be more appealing to a younger audience rather than to the fans who know the story well, they obviously were trying to stretch the age range of the theme far too wide. I've read countless posts from people on this site saying how they likely won't buy the ship, but will get the King and Soldiers of the Dead from elsewhere. I think LEGO lost money on this wave, even with the Orthanc set. Orthanc, while beautiful, lacked figures, which made a lot of people unsure about the purchase. If there had been more exclusive figs, or just more figs in general, I bet it would have been flying off the shelves.

All of this boils down to the fact that a huge, epic exclusive that caters to what the fans are craving, yet still is a great playset on its own, would be a wise choice. A large set that costs $500 that includes a bunch of characters and soldiers that so many fans are wanting, all crammed into a set based on one of the most iconic locations and scenes from the films, would be brilliant. LEGO fans would see it as a jackpot for castle pieces, LEGO LOTR collectors would snatch it up because it offers so much, non-LEGO LOTR fans would (perhaps) buy it because of their overall love of the story, and think it would look great next to all their other LOTR collectibles, and kids/teens who are fans of the films and books would save money or beg for it for birthdays or Christmas. All these different demographics would be hit and the result would likely be a guaranteed profit from one set. It would remove the risk of the hit/miss quality of releasing multiple sets, and would make the effort and money put into new moulds and prints for one set worthwhile.

Now I'm at the point where I almost wish this was the direction LEGO plans to take this theme. I know I would spend $500 on a set this amazing and fulfilling.

Sorry that this kinda became a rant, but I kinda feel like it was necessary when discussing the future of a theme which everyone wants to see more of, but we have no surety of its lifespan.

[Mutant Orc]

It was a very structured rant!

It does sound very nice that idea, but I rarely can convince myself, let alone my family even to spend that much money in one go..!

Smaller/Cheaper sets appeal to me slightly more as I can pace the purchases, lessening the destruction to my bank account, and making it is less noticeable!!!

[LegoThomas]

I'm talking about a Minas Tirith set the same size as the Death Star. With a price point $500 (in Canada at least), piece count of nearly 4000, and over 20 minifigs, [...]

Now that's what i'm talking about.

That would just be awesome. Although it seems like a dream. I like the idea of a minas tirith the size of death star or even ewok village. Hope TLG reads your post. Nicely worked out set description. Lego-guys, just do it!

Let's keep on dreaming.

[Fives]

Now that's what i'm talking about.

That would just be awesome. Although it seems like a dream. I like the idea of a minas tirith the size of death star or even ewok village. Hope TLG reads your post. Nicely worked out set description. Lego-guys, just do it!

Let's keep on dreaming.

I may actually submit my outline to LEGO. I know that they rarely take suggestions or outside influence, especially when it comes to licenses (due to the fact that the license owners have a say in the sets made), but I still think they appreciate ideas from fans. Plus, it gives them a sense of what fans want.

On a related note, I follow Jordan Scott on tumblr (he designed Mirkwood Spiders and part of Orthanc), so I asked him if he knows anything about the future of the theme, and whether or not we should put any credence in the rumour of the theme not getting a third wave. No response yet, and I doubt he'll be able to say anything definitive, but perhaps he might hint towards the truth. So I may send my idea to him and perhaps he could get it to the right person.

[deskp]

I may actually submit my outline to LEGO. I know that they rarely take suggestions or outside influence, especially when it comes to licenses (due to the fact that the license owners have a say in the sets made), but I still think they appreciate ideas from fans. Plus, it gives them a sense of what fans want.

On a related note, I follow Jordan Scott on tumblr (he designed Mirkwood Spiders and part of Orthanc), so I asked him if he knows anything about the future of the theme, and whether or not we should put any credence in the rumour of the theme not getting a third wave. No response yet, and I doubt he'll be able to say anything definitive, but perhaps he might hint towards the truth. So I may send my idea to him and perhaps he could get it to the right person.

Lego takes feedback, not ideas unless its through cuusoo, for a bunch of legal reasons.

[Fives]

Lego takes feedback, not ideas unless its through cuusoo, for a bunch of legal reasons.

Yeah. A few years back I sent an idea for an updated SW Cantina set, and I got a letter back saying that they were pleased by my enthusiasm, but that they aren't able to use ideas outside of the company. But that doesn't change the fact that if I could get my idea straight to the LOTR design team, they could take some of the ideas into consideration if/when they tackle a Minas Tirith set.

[Deathleech]

I really like the idea. I would try to get it closer to $400 though and instead make an additional $30 set that goes along with it and includes extra orcs and Gondor Soldiers, as well as brick pieces to bulk up the walls. Pretty much a Gondor Version of the Uruk-hai Army set. That way people have an option to army build and add on if they so wish. I also would include 2 exclusive Fountain Guards in the main Minas Torith set and get rid of a Gondor, Rohan, and/or Orc Soldier. That just gives it more appeal with exclusive characters and they totally make sense.

While I really like the idea I am not sure it would be as big of a hit as you imagine, strictly because of the price point. That's a lot of money in one go ($100 more than the already über expensive Death Star). I don't think a lot of teens or kids would be able to get it. They would most likely lose interest long before the set is released, or opt to buy several smaller sets for cheaper where they get way more minifigures and perceive more value. It would also be unobstainable for a number of adults on tight budgets.

I think you should make it into a really polished Cuusoo ide as that probably has the best chance of getting Legos attention. Showing them something and having 10,000 people backing the idea goes a lot longer ways than simply writing them a letter explaining the idea.

Edited September 30, 2013 by Deathleech

[Fives]

I really like the idea. I would try to get it closer to $400 though and maybe instead make an additional $30 set that goes along with it and includes extra orcs and Gondor Soldiers, as well as pieces to bulk up the walls. Pretty much a Gondor Version of the Uruk-hai Army set. That way people have an option to army build and add on if they so wish.

While I really like the idea I am not sure it would be as big of a hit as you imagine, strictly because of the price point. That's a lot of money in one go ($100 more than the already über expensive Death Star). I don't think a lot of teens or kids would be able to get it. They would most likely lose interest long before the set is released, or opt to buy several smaller sets for cheaper where they get way more minifigures and perceive more value. It would also be unobstainable for a number of adults on tight budgets.

I think you should make it into a really polished Cuusoo ide as that probably has the best chance of getting Legos attention. Showing them something and having 10,000 people backing the idea goes a lot longer ways than simply writing them a letter explaining the idea.

I would love to submit it to CUUSOO, but I don't have the pieces or skill in LDD to create any sort of visual representation of the idea, and that sorta thing goes a long way when getting votes.

As for the price of the set, I say $500 because that is what the Death Star costs here in Canada. In the US, it'd be $400.

[Faefrost]

Yeah. A few years back I sent an idea for an updated SW Cantina set, and I got a letter back saying that they were pleased by my enthusiasm, but that they aren't able to use ideas outside of the company. But that doesn't change the fact that if I could get my idea straight to the LOTR design team, they could take some of the ideas into consideration if/when they tackle a Minas Tirith set.

Chances are sending it in like that absolutely guarantees that the design team would never ever see it. Most companies like TLG go to great lengths to try and firewall their actual designers from any such outside idea stream to avoid legal issues or bad publicity. Just look at what that poor designer of the Haunted House went through.

If you want to offer a suggestion for what you would like to see made, be very very general. Minimal specifics (ie no minifig lists, etc) and send it directly to the marketing research department, not the designers.

[LegoThomas]

[...] Just look at what that poor designer of the Haunted House went through. [...]

What happened to him? And why?

[Infernum]

I'd like a big one, but not $400 big. . I'd go $250. Great ideas otherwise!

[kermit]

I'd like a big one, but not $400 big. . I'd go $250. Great ideas otherwise!

I highly doubt that we will see a $400 one mainly because it wont be as popular as for example the death star for reference.

[Lego Spy]

I'm looking at $250 too... because I can't afford $400 sets.

[Fives]

My idea for the $400-500 Minas Tirith is only if LEGO decides to not make a third wave, and instead do one last epic "farewell" set.

But if they do make a third wave (and it is bigger than this years'), then this is what I think they need to focus on.

Minas Tirith - $200 CAD (roughly $180 USD)

• Minifigs included - Gandalf the White, Pippin in armour, Denethor, Gothmog, x2 Tower Guard, x2 orcs, x1 Battle Troll
  
• Set includes main gate with curved walls (similar to Helm’s Deep but in a wider arc), back sectioned includes large triangular rock that juts out into the city, with the White Tree, courtyard, and entrance to the throne room. The back of this is open to reveal a single floor, much like Helm’s Deep, which has the throne and Denethor’s dinner table. Along with this is one trebuchet that sits in between the first and second sections of the fortress, as well as Grond.
  

Siege at the Wall - $50-$60 CAD

• Minifigs included - Faramir (ranger outfit), x2 Gondor soldiers, x2 orcs, x1 Easterling
  
• Set includes a section of the curved wall of the city, which can be attach to either side of the larger set to help expand the fortress. Also included is either a Mordor catapult or siege tower. I think the tower would be cooler.
  
• This set would be the Gondor equivalent to Uruk-Hai Army. Multiples of Faramir could easily be turned into Ithilien rangers.
  

Fight with the Witch-King - $35-$40 CAD

• Minifigs included - Eowyn in armour, Merry in armour, the Witch-King, Theoden, x1 Haradrim
  
• Set includes a Fell Beast and one of the battle towers from an Oliphaunt’s back. The tower would be the main build, and have Merry battling the Haradrim near it after he and Eowyn were knocked off their horse. Could have a function to launch Haradrim off the tower towards Merry.
  

The Bridge of Khazad-Dhum - $25 CAD

• Minifigs included - Gandalf the Grey, and either x2 Moria orcs OR Sam and Frodo
  
• Set includes a brick built Balrog, made roughly the same height as the Ent. Also included is a small bridge with a collapsing function.
  

The Mirror of Galadriel - $16 CAD

• Minifigs included - Frodo and Galadriel
  
• Set includes a small set of steps with a tree and the Mirror
  
• This set is only necessary if we don’t get Galadriel from any Hobbit sets
  

[AFOLguy1970]

Minas Tirith - $200 CAD (roughly $180 USD)

• Minifigs included - Gandalf the White, Pippin in armour, Denethor, Gothmog, x2 Tower Guard, x2 orcs, x1 Battle Troll
  
• Set includes main gate with curved walls (similar to Helm’s Deep but in a wider arc), back sectioned includes large triangular rock that juts out into the city, with the White Tree, courtyard, and entrance to the throne room. The back of this is open to reveal a single floor, much like Helm’s Deep, which has the throne and Denethor’s dinner table. Along with this is one trebuchet that sits in between the first and second sections of the fortress, as well as Grond.
  

This seems reasonable. It is expensive, but not out of this world like the Death Star. I think the door should have some sort of function similar to the exploding wall of Helms Deep where you could drive Grond through it. A troll would be great, because you could also use it in the Black Gate set. The interior should have both the steward's chair as well as the empty throne of Gondor with steps leading up to it.

Siege at the Wall - $50-$60 CAD

• Minifigs included - Faramir (ranger outfit), x2 Gondor soldiers, x2 orcs, x1 Easterling
  
• Set includes a section of the curved wall of the city, which can be attach to either side of the larger set to help expand the fortress. Also included is either a Mordor catapult or siege tower. I think the tower would be cooler.
  
• This set would be the Gondor equivalent to Uruk-Hai Army. Multiples of Faramir could easily be turned into Ithilien rangers.
  

I think the seige tower would be best. It could be rolled and it would have the ramp coming down to release the orcs. If they do make this, I can imagine lots of LOTR Lego fans buying multiples of this.

Fight with the Witch-King - $35-$40 CAD

• Minifigs included - Eowyn in armour, Merry in armour, the Witch-King, Theoden, x1 Haradrim
  
• Set includes a Fell Beast and one of the battle towers from an Oliphaunt’s back. The tower would be the main build, and have Merry battling the Haradrim near it after he and Eowyn were knocked off their horse. Could have a function to launch Haradrim off the tower towards Merry.
  

With absolute certainty (at least to me), this set has to be made. The Witch King on the Fell Beast is what everybody wants. Only problem with the battle tower and Haradrim is, you and I both know people will rant about the absence of the oliphaunt, even though we know it will drive the cost very high. I envision a set similar to Shelob Attacks, with the creature build being the main part of the set. I think it should be Witch King, Merry, Eowyn with helmet and hair options, and maybe Theoden and Snowmane.

The Bridge of Khazad-Dhum - $25 CAD

• Minifigs included - Gandalf the Grey, and either x2 Moria orcs OR Sam and Frodo
  
• Set includes a brick built Balrog, made roughly the same height as the Ent. Also included is a small bridge with a collapsing function.
  

This would be another build mainly devoted to the creature. The only thing I really dislike is that we get yet another Gandalf, but he is essential. He should have a staff and sword. I think instead of using the plain brown stick, they need to put a clear gem mounted on top to simulate the light. Give the Balrog his big flaming sword and whip. The collapsing bridge function is also essential. I would definitely rather have more Moria orcs than repeat fellowship members. After all, the Mines of Moria set has it where Legolas could shoot both of those orcs even before they got through the door! At least one should have a bow.

The Mirror of Galadriel - $16 CAD

• Minifigs included - Frodo and Galadriel
  
• Set includes a small set of steps with a tree and the Mirror
  
• This set is only necessary if we don’t get Galadriel from any Hobbit sets
  

Why it wont get made: no action sequence. Gandalf Arrives sold well until there were other ways to get him, then it sort of collected dust on the Walmart shelves. Riddles for the Ring is also not doing so well, at least from a shopper's perspective. Wizard Battle is great because you have action as well as some very nice pieces. I do hope they make a Galadriel in either LOTR or Hobbit. I do think that somehow the small set would have Frodo, because you need one last chance to get him and the Ring. Maybe they can do a small Mt. Doom set or even a Buckleberry Ferry setup with another mounted Nazgul.

Great ideas, I hope we see at least some of these next year.

[legofreak86]

Judging by what has been said about the hobbit:dos I would imagine she would appear with the white council vs the necromancer(Dol Guldur battle) in the next wave of hobbit sets.

Edited October 9, 2013 by ZCerberus
No need to quote a long post for this type of reply

[Fives]

Judging by what has been said about the hobbit:dos I would imagine she would appear with the white council vs the necromancer(Dol Guldur battle) in the next wave of hobbit sets.

And if that's the case, they could do The Cracks of Doom. Small set that depicts the entrance and rock ledge where Frodo stands. Includes Frodo and Sam, both in dirty clothes.

[SheepEater]

I'd say bring on a large $500 Minas Tirith set! Even if it replaces an entire wave :excited:

[Mr Breden]

I'd say bring on a large $500 Minas Tirith set! Even if it replaces an entire wave :excited:

I doubt TLG would make such a set for anything else than Star Wars, we can dream though I think I would be perfectely happy With something like this: http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/36275

[SMC]

The problem with lego exclusives is they are very hard to get on sale so a £300 exclusives costs a lot more than a £300 wave.

[Lego Spy]

I'd say bring on a large $500 Minas Tirith set! Even if it replaces an entire wave :excited:

What? I can't agree on that.

And am I the only one who's a little tired of Minas Tirith talk. I personally wouldn't mind not getting one. I think "deskp" mentioned this same thing about 10 pages ago.

Edited October 5, 2013 by Lego Spy