For LEGO fans who crave epic adventures, the Dungeons & Dragons: Red Dragon's Tale set is a dream come true. This behemoth, born from the imaginations of LEGO Ideas fan, Lucas Bolt and brought to life by the masterful minds at LEGO, isn't just a collection of bricks – it's a portal to the fantastical world of Dungeons & Dragons.
Building the Adventure
The build itself is a delightful journey. With over 3,745 pieces spread across numerous numbered bags, the excitement builds as you delve deeper, each step revealing a new section of this sprawling landscape. The modular design allows for section-by-section construction, making it perfect for tackling in manageable chunks. For seasoned LEGO builders, the techniques are engaging without being overly complex, offering a satisfying balance between challenge and pure building joy.
Iconic Locations Brought to Life
The centrepiece of the set is undoubtedly the magnificent red dragon, Cinderhowl. Entirely brick-built and boasting an impressive wingspan, Cinderhowl captures the essence of a fearsome D&D foe. LEGO's creature-building prowess shines here, with clever articulation techniques allowing for a variety of dynamic poses.
But Cinderhowl isn't the only star of the show. The accompanying tavern scene is bursting with details that will evoke a sense of nostalgia for any D&D veteran. The two-story tavern features a cosy interior complete with a roaring fireplace, a well for refreshing weary adventurers, and of course, a well-stocked bar. The attached marketplace bustles with activity, with stalls overflowing with weapons, armour, and bubbling potion bottles, just like you'd expect to find in any bustling D&D town.
Hidden Treasures and Characterful Minifigs
For those who enjoy a good puzzle, the set also includes a hidden treasure room, adding a touch of adventuring spirit to the build. The room's design is a clever use of space, tucked away beneath the tavern, and serves as the perfect place to imagine your party's hard-earned loot being stored.
The set wouldn't be complete without a diverse cast of minifigures to flesh out your D&D adventures. Here's the official lineup:
- A valiant elf wizard, wielding a powerful staff.
- A stoic dwarf cleric, clad in heavy armour and carrying a mace and healing potion.
- A nimble gnome fighter, armed with a crossbow and dagger.
- A cunning orc rogue, ready to strike from the shadows with a sword and shortbow.
- A charismatic dragonborn bard, with a lute slung across their back.
- A friendly human barkeep, ready to serve weary adventurers.
Each minifigure is meticulously designed, capturing the iconic look and feel of their respective Dungeons & Dragons classes. The details are fantastic, from the elf wizard's flowing robes to the orc rogue's menacing green skin.
A Set for All Types of Builders
Whether you're a seasoned LEGO enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of D&D, the Red Dragon's Tale set offers something for everyone. For LEGO fans, it's a chance to flex your building muscles and create a truly impressive display piece. D&D enthusiasts will find it to be a beautiful recreation of iconic locations and characters, perfect for sparking roleplaying sessions or simply reminiscing about epic adventures.
A Minor Hiccup
It's important to note that the set isn't without a minor flaw. The sheer size and weight of Cinderhowl can cause the tail section to droop slightly, especially when posed atop the completed model. This can be easily remedied with some creative brick placement or minor adjustments, but it's worth mentioning for those seeking absolute structural perfection.
The Verdict: A Must-Have for Enthusiasts
Despite this minor quibble, the Red Dragon's Tale set is a triumph. It's a masterfully designed and executed collaboration between LEGO and the world of Dungeons & Dragons. The sheer size, intricate details, and iconic characters make this set a true collector's item and a guaranteed conversation starter. So, if you're ready to embark on a legendary build and unleash your inner adventurer, then the Red Dragon's Tale set is an absolute must-have.