The pinnacle of the genre, not a video game but a masterpiece of modding: European Warfare

From Age of Empires to European Warfare: A Journey Through Historical RTS Games

My passion for historical real-time strategy (RTS) games began with the original Age of Empires. Like many, I was captivated by its blend of city-building and ancient warfare, and this obsession only grew with Age of Empires II. 

I played it so much that I practically burned out, but my love for the genre didn’t wane.

I vividly remember flipping through a gaming magazine and stumbling upon an announcement for Cossacks: European Wars. The promise of massive armies, well beyond the 200-unit limit of Age of Empires II, left me awestruck. Officers and drummers to organize formations? The ability to rotate formation fronts? It was revolutionary! I dove headfirst into Cossacks, playing every expansion up to Back to War. I still recall the thrill of seeing Prussians introduced in Art of War, the only faction with musket reloading animations. Details like the ponytails on Saxon musketeers and grenadiers made the experience unforgettable. In fact, I specifically chose Saxony because I wanted my soldiers to have those iconic ponytails, which added a unique charm compared to the units of other nations.

Discovering American Conquest

When American Conquest was announced, it promised to take my RTS experience to a whole new level. Spanning from the Discovery of America to the War of 1812, it covered two of my favorite conflicts: the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. To pass the time while waiting, I played Conquest of the New World, losing hours in its chessboard-style battles.

American Conquest introduced innovative mechanics like morale, where units could break formation under heavy losses. But as with Age of Empires, my enthusiasm eventually faded. I began craving something deeper.

Enter European Warfare

My search for more led me to the Hawks Masters of the Field community, a group of history enthusiasts who transformed American Conquest with incredible multiplayer maps and, eventually, the groundbreaking European Warfare mod. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the mod brought a wealth of new features and a far richer gameplay experience.

At the time, I only played the single-player version, but even then, it was a breath of fresh air. The ability to build redoubts and fortify positions became one of my favorite aspects. It felt like a true evolution of the genre, blending strategy, tactics, and historical authenticity.

A Fresh Update for December 2024

Fast forward over a decade, and I’m thrilled to share that a new version of European Warfare has just been released this December. You can download it now at ModDB.com.

The latest version includes revamped single-player missions and an enhanced multiplayer experience. If you want to make the most of it, I highly recommend joining the Hawks' Discord community. The multiplayer matches are where this mod truly shines. A special thanks to Nappy, who welcomed me into the group, patiently explained the mechanics, and always invited me to join their games—it’s been an absolute pleasure.

If you’re a fan of historical RTS games, do yourself a favor and check out the new European Warfare. It’s a labor of love from the Hawks community, and I guarantee it’ll reignite your passion for the genre.

I’m also thrilled to share some exciting news: in the coming months, the updated version of European Warfare 2: The Age of Reason will be released! This mod shifts the focus from the Napoleonic Wars to the Seven Years' War, and perhaps even the French and Indian War. I absolutely can’t wait to experience it!

Find more players and information on the Hawks' Discord and start your journey into one of the most immersive RTS mods ever created.

AoE 2 DE Custom Multiplayer Scenario: Broken Lances (Lanze Spezzate) 1vs1

 Broken Lances (Lanze Spezzate): A Mercenary Clash Inspired by Renaissance Warfare

The Renaissance era, a time of great cultural and military evolution, saw the rise of professional mercenary companies that redefined warfare in Europe. Among the most renowned were John Hawkwood (Giovanni Acuto), an English captain leading the White Company in Italy, and Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, the last great Italian condottiero who epitomized the courage and strategy of mercenary captains. These figures serve as an inspiration for Broken Lances, a scenario that brings the treacherous and tactical world of mercenary bands to life in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.

A Battle Between Rival Mercenary Companies

In Broken Lances, two mercenary bands compete for supremacy: The Scoundrels, led by Captain Ale, a diverse company of adventurers primarily from Italy, and Kratos’ Band, commanded by the formidable Teutonic Knight Kratos. The latter embodies the discipline and might of the Germanic lands, drawing on their history of well-organized mercenary forces. These companies mirror the historical rivalries of the Renaissance, where mercenaries like Hawkwood or Giovanni dalle Bande Nere were not only military commanders but also political tools, hired to tip the balance in Italy's fragmented power struggles.

Immersive and Unique Gameplay

This scenario introduces a fresh approach to gameplay. As a mercenary captain, your objective is to eliminate the rival company, earning rewards and maintaining your dominance.

• Restricted Construction: Players cannot build freely but are limited to essential structures for their encampments.
• Resource Management: Utilize mule carts and mills to gather resources. Mills provide farms and livestock like cows, pigs, and goats, essential for sustaining your army.
• Army Expansion: Build army tents to increase your population cap and recruit additional soldiers.
• Village Alliances: Six neutral villages are scattered across the map. Trade with these villages using trade carts, or bring your captain inside to receive 1,000 gold, food, and wood every two minutes.

Strategic Depth and Challenges

The historical condottieri thrived on cunning strategies, and Broken Lances encourages the same.

• Defense and Ambushes: Build palisades, barricades, or ambush enemy trade routes to hinder your opponent’s progress.
• Critical Stakes: Each player starts with one town center, a church, and a market. If these are destroyed, they cannot be rebuilt, raising the stakes of every battle. The loss of your captain results in instant defeat, symbolizing the disintegration of your company.
• Unique Units: While both bands share most units, Kratos’ Band has exclusive access to Teutonic Knights, reflecting their martial heritage.

A Tribute to Renaissance Warfare

This scenario is more than a battle; it is a homage to the mercenary tradition that shaped Europe’s military and political landscapes. Figures like Giovanni Acuto, who mastered both negotiation and battlefield tactics, and Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, who brought innovation and valor to his campaigns, remind us of the complex interplay of loyalty, ambition, and strategy that defined this era.

Broken Lances challenges players to think like true condottieri, balancing resourcefulness, aggression, and strategic foresight. Are you ready to step into the boots of a mercenary captain and carve your legacy in the annals of warfare?

Creating this scenario was a journey in itself, and I owe a special thanks to Alkhalim. His detailed videos on trigger mechanics in the Age of Empires II editor were instrumental in bringing this vision to life. If you’re ready to step into the boots of a mercenary captain and prove your worth, Broken Lances awaits!

12/26 Update: New Version of the Broken Lances Scenario

I’ve made some updates to the Broken Lances scenario for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition after identifying inaccuracies in the previous version. Thanks to the feedback I received, I was able to fix several key issues affecting the triggers for Player 2.

Key Fixes:

• Self-destruction of palisade walls: A trigger was incorrectly set to add instead of set, causing the walls' health points to increase by 1,000 per second, which led to their self-destruction. This has now been corrected.
• Incorrect unit creation: Villagers for Player 2 were being recruited from the monastery. This has been fixed.
• Building restrictions: Player 2 could still construct the mining camp and lumber camp, which are replaced by the mule cart in this scenario. This issue is now resolved.

After running several tests, I can confirm that the updated version functions as intended.

How to Download and Install the Updated Scenario

You can download the updated scenario here
To install it, simply copy the file into the Scenario folder of your Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition directory. Once copied, the scenario will appear in your game under the Custom Scenario menu.

Upload Issue on the Official Website

I attempted to upload the new version to the official Age of Empires II mods website. Unfortunately, the page freezes during the loading process, preventing me from sharing the updated version there. I’ll keep trying and will update you once it’s successfully uploaded.

What’s Next?

In the next update, I plan to include a short guide on how to fully enjoy the scenario in multiplayer matches.

Thank you again for your feedback and support—I hope you enjoy the improved version of Broken Lances!

Lego Custom Knights with a twist!

Here are some photos from a recent experiment combining Lego knights with paper accessories. For this setup, I used medieval and Renaissance tents, along with a few from the American Civil War, all designed by Peter Dennis.

To adapt them for Lego, I modified Peter's files by scaling them up for better compatibility. While working on the tents, I also added the Black Monarchs logo to a few for a personal touch.

I believe it’s possible to create the support structures for these tents using Lego pieces with some minor adjustments—I’ll update you as I explore this idea further.

You might have noticed that my dioramas are no longer photographed outdoors. This is due to the logistical challenges of setting up outdoor shoots, even for small scenes. Additionally, the colder weather makes outdoor work less practical. So, I’ve started experimenting with indoor dioramas, focusing on how to optimize artificial lighting for the best results.

Lego BlackFalcons with Brickperium and Brickwarriors custom items

 

Grudgebringers

The Grudgebringers are one of my favourite mercenary companies from the Warhammer Fantasy universe, made famous by the classic strategy video game Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat.

For this Playmobil diorama, I wanted to recreate something different from the usual battlefield: a rare moment of peace in the daily life of a company of mercenaries.

Instead of charging cavalry or clashing armies, the scene depicts soldiers resting at their camp, preparing food and taking care of their equipment.

An Indoor Warhammer Fantasy Diorama

Unlike most of my Little Carpet Wars projects, which are photographed outdoors using natural landscapes and sunlight, this diorama was created entirely indoors.

I used a large sheet of blue cardboard as the background, creating a simple setting for the figures, trees and camp equipment.

The ground is covered with small stones and gravel, giving the miniature encampment a rough and realistic appearance.

Building the Medieval Tent

The tent is the central feature of the scene. I built it using cardboard and paper, experimenting with the materials to recreate the appearance of folded fabric.

I wanted the tent to look like a practical military shelter rather than a decorative building, something that could be packed up and transported during a campaign.

A small banner flies above the entrance, while soldiers stand nearby with their shields and weapons.

Life in a Mercenary Camp

The scene represents a quiet moment between battles, when even the most experienced mercenaries need time to rest, eat and prepare for the next march.

A knight leads his horse on foot. Sausages and hams hang from the saddle, suggesting supplies gathered during the journey, perhaps through foraging.

Nearby, an infantryman looks inside the tent, possibly bringing news to an officer or reporting on the company's situation.

Other soldiers remain close to their equipment, surrounded by shields, helmets and weapons.

A cooking pot hangs above a small campfire, while a rack of weapons stands nearby. These details help create the atmosphere of a temporary military encampment.

I particularly like the contrast between the cooler light illuminating the camp and the warm glow of the fire.

Playmobil Grudgebringers Diorama

The Grudgebringers mercenary camp: a Playmobil diorama inspired by Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat.

Inspired by Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat

Released in 1995, Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat is a fantasy real-time tactics game set in the Warhammer world.

Players command a mercenary army led by Morgan Bernhardt, whose Grudgebringers become involved in a much larger conflict.

The game's atmosphere, distinctive military units and sense of adventure have remained a source of inspiration for my miniature projects.

With this diorama, I wanted to capture a different side of that world: not the clash of swords or the thunder of cavalry, but the everyday moments that might take place between battles.

Sometimes a handmade tent, a campfire, a few soldiers and a horse carrying provisions are enough to tell a story.

Diorama and photography: Little Carpet Wars
Inspiration: Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat

Custom Barding

 

The Frontier

Deep in the forests of colonial North America, a small frontier homestead stands isolated at the edge of the wilderness. The silence is broken by the approach of armed men emerging from the trees.

A detachment of European soldiers, possibly Hessians, advances cautiously alongside a group of Native American allies. Their intentions remain uncertain. Are they searching for supplies, pursuing an enemy, or preparing to attack the isolated settlement?

Inside the house, a colonial family watches their approach with growing anxiety. The husband stands beside the window, gripping his musket and keeping his eyes fixed on the figures outside.

Behind him, his father-in-law tries to protect the man's wife and her younger sister. The younger woman has seized a kitchen knife from the dining table, determined to defend her family if the strangers prove hostile.

For a brief moment, nobody moves. The soldiers continue their approach, the family waits in silence, and the fate of the homestead remains uncertain.

The Frontier – a Playmobil historical diorama set in colonial North America.

A Family on the Edge of the Wilderness

Life on the colonial frontier could be marked by uncertainty, isolation and the constant possibility of conflict. In this scene, I wanted to capture the tension of an encounter whose outcome is still unknown.

The family has little time to decide what to do. Should they remain hidden, attempt to negotiate, or prepare to defend their home?

Inspired by John Ford's Frontier Films

The inspiration for this diorama comes from the frontier films of director John Ford, particularly Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) and The Searchers (1956).

I have always been fascinated by the way these films portray isolated settlements, vast wilderness landscapes and the suspense of encounters between different groups of people.

Although the scene is fictional, I imagined it taking place in the middle of the 18th century, during a period of colonial rivalry and conflict in North America.

A Story Without an Ending

What interests me most about this scene is the uncertainty. The approaching soldiers may be enemies, or perhaps they have come for an entirely different reason.

For the family inside the homestead, however, the danger feels real. Every movement outside the window could be the beginning of a tragedy.

I wanted this Playmobil diorama to capture a single moment of suspense, leaving the viewer to imagine what happens next.

Lego Imperial Guards

A company of LEGO Imperial Guards marches through a wooded landscape, led by its officer and standard-bearer. Perhaps they are heading towards a distant colonial outpost, or preparing for another encounter with the pirates who threaten the Empire's possessions.

Inspired by the classic LEGO Pirates theme of the late 1980s and 1990s, this miniature scene recreates the appearance of a marching regiment, complete with its commanding officer, soldiers and regimental colours.

LEGO Imperial Guards on the march, led by an officer and a standard-bearer carrying a custom regimental flag.

A Custom Flag for the Imperial Guards

One of my favourite details is the regimental flag, which I made using fabric and decorated with the iconic Imperial Guards emblem.

Rather than leaving the flag looking brand new, I deliberately gave it a weathered appearance. Its worn fabric suggests a long military history, as though the regiment has already fought countless battles against pirates.

I have always enjoyed imagining the Imperial Guards as a proper military force, with officers, standards and organised formations, rather than simply individual LEGO minifigures.

Behind the Photograph

To photograph the marching company, I used a woodland image displayed on a television screen as the background. The photograph was captured in RAW format, allowing me greater flexibility when editing the final image.

I also added real soil in the foreground to create a more convincing transition between the miniature soldiers and the woodland scenery behind them.

Another view of the Imperial Guards company, photographed against a woodland backdrop.

Original LEGO and Compatible Parts

The company combines original LEGO pieces with compatible accessories purchased from AliExpress. I enjoy mixing different components to expand my regiments while preserving the classic appearance of the LEGO Pirates theme.

My aim is to recreate the feeling of the old LEGO Pirates adventures, but with larger military formations and additional custom details inspired by historical armies.

More Knights

The collection of five photos captures Playmobil knights with heraldry inspired by both Game of Thrones and LEGO factions. First, we have a Playmobil knight bearing the heraldry of House Bolton, with its sigil of a flayed man, embodying the brutal and ruthless nature of the house. Alongside him is another Playmobil knight, this time with the sigil of House Frey.

In the next image, a group of Playmobil knights proudly display the Bull's Knights emblem. Complementing the display are two Playmobil knights sporting the heraldry of the LEGO Crusaders.

Finally, in the last photo, a Playmobil knight with the Fright Knights emblem adds a dark and eerie contrast to the other figures. The Fright Knights, known for their sinister aesthetic.

This collection serves as a tribute to both the storied factions of Game of Thrones and the bold and imaginative world of LEGO, blending medieval symbolism with the craftsmanship of Playmobil figures.

Point d'argent, point de Suisses

"Point d'argent, point de Suisses" — "No money, no Swiss." This famous expression, traditionally associated with Swiss mercenaries, reflects the important role played by Swiss soldiers in European armies over the centuries.

In this miniature diorama, I wanted to recreate a small formation of Swiss infantry serving the French Crown during the 18th century, using customized LEGO-compatible minifigures.

From Napoleonic Grenadiers to 18th-Century Swiss Infantry

The figures were purchased on AliExpress and are unofficial, LEGO-compatible minifigures. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and detail of these little soldiers.

They were originally designed to represent grenadiers of the 1st Swiss Regiment in Napoleon's Grande Armée, around 1805, complete with their distinctive fur caps.

However, I wanted to portray an earlier period, when Swiss regiments served the French monarchy throughout the 1700s. To achieve this, I replaced their original fur caps with tricorne hats.

This simple modification gave the figures a different historical appearance and allowed me to use them in an 18th-century-inspired formation.

Swiss Regiments in the Service of France

Swiss soldiers had a long tradition of military service abroad, particularly in France. Their regiments became known for their discipline, professionalism and distinctive uniforms.

For this project, I drew inspiration from René Chartrand's Louis XV's Army: Foreign Infantry and Artillery, as well as the beautiful historical military illustrations of Eugène Lelièpvre.

These references helped inspire the appearance and atmosphere of my miniature Swiss formation.

Handmade Swiss Regimental Flags

One of my favourite details in this diorama is the pair of handmade fabric flags carried by the soldiers.

The first features a white field decorated with golden fleurs-de-lis, representing the French monarchy. The second is a colourful Swiss-style flammé regimental flag, with its distinctive flame-like pattern surrounding a white cross.

I made both flags using my usual fabric-transfer technique. First, I printed the heraldic designs onto special transfer paper. I then transferred the images onto real fabric.

This technique allows me to create miniature military standards with a visible fabric texture, rather than using ordinary printed paper flags.

Custom LEGO-compatible Swiss infantry, converted with tricorne hats and carrying handmade fabric flags inspired by 18th-century Swiss regiments in French service.

Photographing the Miniature Formation

I photographed the scene indoors, arranging the soldiers on a miniature grassy surface against a softly coloured background.

By positioning the camera close to the figures' eye level, I wanted to make this small formation appear more like a real infantry unit advancing together.

The low perspective also emphasizes the muskets, bayonets, tricorne hats and colourful regimental standards.

A Small Tribute to the Swiss Regiments

This project combines my interest in 18th-century military history with my enjoyment of customizing miniature soldiers.

Sometimes a relatively small change, such as replacing a hat and adding handmade flags, is enough to give an existing miniature an entirely different character.

Point d'argent, point de Suisses!

House Swyft of Cornfield

Meet Sir Tyler Swyft, a custom Playmobil knight inspired by House Swyft of Cornfield, one of the noble houses from the world of Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire.

The house's heraldry features a bold blue bantam rooster on a yellow field, accompanied by the fitting motto "Awake! Awake!" — a perfect choice for a vigilant knight standing guard over his lands.

For this miniature, I wanted to capture the atmosphere of a medieval nobleman, combining a classic Playmobil figure with customised heraldic details. I crafted the tabard and shield with the emblem of House Swyft, giving Sir Tyler the distinctive appearance of Cornfield's champion.

Sir Tyler Swyft, a custom Playmobil medieval knight displaying the blue rooster heraldry of House Swyft of Cornfield.

The name Sir Tyler Swyft is also a playful modern cultural reference, but this knight takes his duties seriously. With his horse waiting nearby, he stands beneath the trees, ready to defend and uphold the honour of his house.

The Golden Swan Knight and the Black Baron

In childhood, the Golden Swan Knight and the Black Baron were characters that seemed alive in the vivid world of Playmobil, representing ideals of knighthood and rivalry. For years, I imagined epic battles and chivalrous quests, where the Golden Swan Knight’s noble grace was pitted against the Black Baron’s mysterious darkness, especially in that catalog scene where they faced off near the Black Baron’s fortress, a captive damsel just visible in the background.

In the first photo, I’ve highlighted the Golden Swan Knight with unique elements—a custom caparison, shield, and banner crafted to match his signature iconography. In the second, the Black Baron stands with his loyal knights, each bearing wyvern-emblazoned standards in shades of deep purple, painted and designed to capture their ominous presence. The personal touches here echo the nostalgic memory of that Christmas when my father gifted me a play set with the knight’s tournament tent, alongside a beautiful illustrated book of King Arthur by Howard Pyle, igniting my lifelong fascination with medieval lore.

LEGO Black Monarchs Heraldry on Playmobil Knights

In the first image, you’ll see a close-up of a Playmobil knight proudly wearing a tabard that I created, featuring the iconic logo of the LEGO Black Monarchs faction. In the second image, there are three knights in full armor. Two of them carry shields with an alternative Black Monarchs logo, and one knight holds a lance adorned with a Black Monarchs banner. In the background, you can spot a large banner leaning against the wall, also displaying the Black Monarchs emblem.

For those unfamiliar with the LEGO Black Monarchs, they’re one of the classic medieval factions. 

They were a formidable presence in LEGO's medieval universe, ruling with authority and strength. Their designs were simple yet powerful, and they’ve always been one of my favorite LEGO factions.

What I really enjoy is combining LEGO and Playmobil heraldry. There’s something special about using LEGO knight designs on Playmobil figures and vice versa. It allows for a crossover between these two iconic brands, blending their styles in a way that feels both nostalgic and creative.

And let’s be honest, being able to use both #LEGO and #Playmobil in the same image is pure joy for me! Personally, I’ve never seen them as rivals where one excludes the other. For me, there’s no Team LEGO or Team Playmobil—they complement each other, and both offer endless possibilities for creativity.

LEGO Knights Jousting Duel – Custom Heraldry and Accessories

This scene captures the intense moment of a duel between two custom LEGO knights. In the foreground, one knight is seen from behind as his horse rears up, kicking up dirt, ready to charge with his lance aimed forward. In the background, the opposing knight has already lowered his lance and is rushing toward his opponent in full charge.

What makes these knights special are the custom details. The knight in the foreground wears a cape and barding that I made myself, featuring the heraldry of the Scaricamazza family. If you're into heraldry, I highly recommend checking out Dario Scaricamazza’s work on Instagram. His designs were a great inspiration for this.

As for the knight in the background, his barding and shield feature one of my favorite heraldic designs from the 90s Playmobil knights—a yellow wyvern on a purple background. It’s a nostalgic nod to one of the factions I grew up with, and I really enjoyed recreating this iconic design for LEGO.

Other accessories in the scene include armor and lances from Brickwarriors, which add a lot of authentic medieval flair to the figures. Finally, the knight in the background sports a beautiful bascinet helmet that I found on AliExpress, and it really completes his armored look.

It’s always fun blending custom-made heraldry, classic LEGO elements, and accessories from different sources to create something unique. This duel scene feels like a real clash of knights from two different worlds—the Scaricamazza legacy meets the Playmobil faction from my childhood, all brought together in LEGO form!

Imperial Guard of Krieg Diorama with Custom LEGO Minifigures

Through the green haze of a ruined Imperial palace, a squad of Death Korps of Krieg soldiers advances across the battlefield. Armed and ready for combat, these grim warriors of the Warhammer 40,000 universe march beneath their regimental banner, surrounded by the remains of a once-mighty Imperial stronghold.

I've always been a fan of the Death Korps of Krieg, so I decided to recreate them in a miniature diorama, but with a twist. Instead of traditional Warhammer miniatures, I used unofficial LEGO-compatible minifigures purchased on AliExpress.

Custom Death Korps of Krieg Minifigures

At first, I was a little sceptical about the quality of these figures, but I was pleasantly surprised. The details are impressive, and their helmets, equipment and weapons capture the distinctive grimdark appearance of the Krieg soldiers.

The squad is shown emerging from the ruins of an Imperial palace, with the sergeant leading the advance. In the background, a Commissar watches over the men as they move through the devastated landscape.

Death Korps of Krieg LEGO-compatible minifigures advancing through the ruins of an Imperial palace in a Warhammer 40K diorama.

The Commissar and the Krieg Regiment

Unlike many other Imperial Guard regiments, the Death Korps of Krieg hardly need a Commissar to inspire courage. Their loyalty to the Emperor and willingness to sacrifice themselves are already legendary.

In fact, the Commissar's role can be quite different: preventing the soldiers from becoming too zealous and throwing away their lives in unnecessary acts of self-sacrifice. Their grim determination is one of the most fascinating aspects of the Krieg regiments.

A Handmade Regimental Banner

One of my favourite details is the standard-bearer, standing near the Commissar and carrying a regimental banner that I made by hand using fabric.

I wanted the banner to feel like a genuine military standard, something that would belong to a regiment marching through the ruins of an Imperial world. It adds a personal touch to the scene and helps give the miniature soldiers a stronger sense of identity.

The handmade regimental banner rises above the Krieg soldiers, with the Commissar watching over the squad in the background.

Unofficial LEGO-Compatible Figures

I know that unofficial minifigures purchased from platforms such as AliExpress can be controversial, particularly when it comes to intellectual property and copyright. These are not official LEGO products, and I understand the importance of supporting original creators.

At the same time, custom and LEGO-compatible figures can offer interesting possibilities for collectors and diorama builders, especially when recreating unusual subjects such as the Death Korps of Krieg.

Overall, I'm really pleased with how this diorama turned out. It combines the grimdark atmosphere of Warhammer 40,000 with the creative possibilities of building miniature scenes using LEGO-style figures.

Brickperium’s “Cuirass of The Silver Lilies” & “Sallet” Helmet Review – A Must-Have for LEGO Knights!

In this post, I’m excited to share my review of some amazing LEGO-compatible accessories made by Brickperium. In the image, you’ll see a knight wearing the Cuirass of The Silver Lilies and the Sallet helmet, both by Brickperium. The knight also wields a cavalry lance from Brickwarriors, another fantastic brand.

I personally painted the armor and helmet, applying a subtle weathering effect to give them a more realistic look. I also created the caparison for the horse and the banner, featuring the emblem of the LEGO faction Dragon Masters.

I highly recommend Brickperium’s accessories, which have just become available. They add a stunning level of detail and realism to your LEGO knights. I'm also a huge fan of Brickwarriors, having used their products for nearly 10 years! The only minor issue I’ve encountered is that the Sallet helmet is a bit too tight on LEGO minifig heads, making it hard to remove.

Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate these accessories a solid 9. 

They look fantastic and bring your LEGO knights to life! Be sure to check out Brickperium’s wide range of accessories on their website.

Stay tuned! In the coming weeks, I’ll be releasing a video tutorial on how to create your custom banners, flags, and capes using fabric.

Back on the open sea

Here we go again, I managed to get back to the beach, and this time I decided to bring not one, but two galleons: 

the Imperial Flagship and the Bluebrixx Brigantine. 

The plan was to take some photos of both ships together, but I couldn’t find a good way to capture a nice shot! I’ll try again. 

I also had to wait until the evening for the beach to clear out a bit, as it was really crowded! 

My camera probably works better with stronger light, but I really like the rosy evening glow. Flags made by me