Review: 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine
Posted by CapnRex101,
The NINJAGO range features some spectacular location-based sets, between cities, mysterious temples and ominous lairs. 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine looks marvellous too, focusing on detail and display value, equivalent to the NINJAGO City series.
However, the model's rural setting is distinctive among large NINJAGO sets and it looks very beautiful, perfecting details from 71795 Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores. In fact, this set reminds me of the lovely 10315 Tranquil Garden, released last year.
Summary
71819 Dragon Stone Shrine, 1,212 pieces.
£104.99 / $119.99 / €119.99 | 8.7p/9.9c/9.9c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
NINJAGO includes some beautiful sets and 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine is among the best!
- Amazing model for display
- High standard of detail
- Well integrated functions
- Some desirable minifigures
- Smaller than I expected, for the price
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Instead of his usual green attire, Master Lloyd wears more formal robes, obviously influenced by his uncle's traditional garb. The same minifigure has already appeared in 71805 Jay's Mech Battle Pack, albeit with additional golden shoulder armour on this occasion. This element works nicely with the chain on Lloyd's torso and I love the minifigure's dark and bright green trim.
The dragon emblem on Lloyd's back looks splendid as well, matching the clasps securing the chain and crackling with metallic gold energy. Master Wu, meanwhile, is dressed in shades of tan, which I appreciate because the two masters therefore seem distinctive. However, I find the transition between Wu's torso and legs jarring, where the shade of tan changes.
Nevertheless, this version of Wu represents a welcome departure from his earlier minifigures, fittingly, given his disappearance during the Merge. Of course, Wu's famed beard remains the same and hides another detail underneath, as this clasp matches those on Lloyd's chest. Both heroes are equipped with staff weapons and Lloyd also comes with a stickered scroll, reading 'invite' in Ninjargon.
The ninja wear specialised climbing suits in most of the new sets, but Kai and Nya sport their standard Dragons Rising robes here. While unique costumes are great, more traditional robes feel more appropriate for an apparently sacred location like the titular shrine. Additionally, these minifigures include hair pieces rather than hoods, complete with dual-moulded headbands.
I think the headbands work well in combination with the shoulder wraps, which also provide a place to store the minifigures' katana. In addition, the designs on the torso and legs look good, particularly on Nya, where metallic silver accents complement the predominant dark azure. The golden monograms on each character are also attractive.
Each minifigure includes their double-sided head from Dragons Rising, which are intended for use with the full hoods, although they look interesting with the hair pieces as well. Kai wields a sword, while Nya is equipped with twin sai. These weapons feature dragon-shaped hilts, similar to Wu's staff, with trans-orange and trans-light blue pieces to represent elemental powers.
Euphrasia is a resident of the tranquil Cloud Kingdom and the new Elemental Master of Wind, following Morro's final demise. It seems the character has now embraced her abilities, wearing bright white and medium azure robes, decorated with lovely cloud-like designs on both sides of the torso and the legs.
Although her attire has been updated since the first season of Dragons Rising, Euphrasia still wears her hood from the Cloud Kingdom. Furthermore, a black hair element is provided as an alternative, which is useful, but this double-sided head is far from ideal because I associate the design with generic characters in LEGO City, where it has normally appeared before.
The young Elemental Master is equipped with a golden staff, making excellent use of a mech finger for decoration. I like to imagine the trans-clear 1x1 round brick on top contains the wind, helping Euphrasia to direct her newfound powers.
Given the peaceful setting, I am somewhat surprised by the presence of a villain, in the form of Lord Ras. Ras has dispensed with his previous Imperium attire, instead leading the Wolf Clan and dressing accordingly, in purple and black robes. This minifigure earlier appeared in 71809 Egalt the Master Dragon and it looks fantastic, featuring metallic silver and dark azure accents to accompany the purple and black.
As is common in NINJAGO, Ras' name appears in Ninjargon on his back, inside an attractive crescent moon. A similar symbol is used by the Wolf Clan and the Dragon Stone Shrine bears an interesting resemblance to these sigils too, given its crescent shape. Perhaps there is a link between the Wolf Clan and this location.
Unfortunately, this version of Lord Ras lacks printed arms, unlike the minifigure produced last year. The head includes some magenta markings though and differs marginally from the 2023 design, now featuring bigger eyes. Ras' original hammer, meanwhile, has been replaced with a heavy axe, but his preference for bulkier weapons clearly remains.
The Completed Model
As expected, the shrine looks magnificent. I love its curved shape and the sculpted details are remarkable, especially where rock and plant life meet. In addition, the model looks stunning as an isolated display piece, partly because its edges gradually taper, rather than finishing abruptly like a diorama. However, it is slightly smaller than I envisaged, only measuring 23cm across at the base and 22cm in height.
Even so, the designer, Chi Wing Lee, has made exceptional use of the limited space available. The pool of water in the middle looks splendid, comprising trans-light blue 1x2 tiles with green and black plates underneath to indicate depth, similar to the NINJAGO City series. The water trickling over the edges and bubbling where the waterfall enters the pool is very effective too.
A unique rock formation stands at one end of the pool, using a variety of slopes and a blend of greys and olive green to create texture. While dramatic, I think the shape seems fairly realistic and I like how the column widens towards the top, allowing room for a couple of minifigures to stand. The flowers are a nice addition too, having fallen from the tree above.
You can control the angle of the platform using a light bluish grey switch, found on the back of this rock formation. Sliding the switch causes the platform to tilt back and forth through a basic Technic mechanism inside, making this structure an ideal venue for either an epic confrontation or meditation when the platform is level, as suggested on the packaging.
The mechanism works smoothly and I am impressed with the disguised switch, which is hardly noticeable among the rocks, topped with a 1x2 half pyramid slope. A simple rotating dial would probably have sufficed and could also be disguised, but it is fun to find something different in a display-oriented set like this one.
Uneven texture continues around the base of the shrine and a little surprise can be discovered inside, with the vaunted Teapot of Tyrahn! This is not really designed for easy access when the model is complete and apparently makes reference to one of the designer's favourite NINJAGO seasons, rather than hinting at Nadakhan's return.
The carved dragon is stunning. I love how it curves and appears to mirror the stone column, as though there was once a complete arch between the column and the dragon's head, before the shrine was created. The use of olive green elements to represent moss is successful and I think the statue looks very natural, giving the impression that it was actually carved from solid rock.
Even though this is a statue, stone has been imbued with life before in NINJAGO and you can move the left arm, as shown below. Personally, I prefer to keep the arm static, but the option is welcome for display. The dragon's other arm is also recognisable by its claws, built into the tree and appearing to rest on the stone pillar underneath.
Wonderful texture continues on the head, which is supported by a Technic pin. The eyes look as though they were really carved into the stone, while the water spout from the dragon's mouth is integrated nicely, connected at the top and bottom of the waterfall. The combination of medium azure and trans-light blue pieces looks great, standing out as the shrine's centrepiece.
A tree is wrapped around the dragon statue and this feels very reminiscent of 71795 Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores, which is hardly surprising, as both sets were designed by Chi Wing Lee. The roots around the base look marvellous and the mixture of reddish brown, dark brown and dark orange pieces is extremely effective, with occasional flowers introducing some colour.
The tree continues around the side and back of the model. The close integration between the tree and the statue is appealing and makes it look like both are ancient, again recalling 71795 Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores. However, I am not entirely convinced by the use of 6x6x2 cockpit elements on the dragon's back, given the far more intricate texture elsewhere.
Fortunately, those large panels are not really visible from the front and I do think they look fine, just not as good as other areas. The tree, on the other hand, is visible from all sides and looks incredible, topped with pink and dark pink leaves. Even the Technic pieces beneath the leaves work well as branches, in my opinion.
Despite repeating similar leaf assemblies several times, I think the tree looks natural from the front, matching the rest of the model in that regard. The printed lantern hanging underneath is also a nice inclusion and another detail shared with 71795 Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores, where this lantern was introduced.
Master Wu has seemingly made a home within the shrine, accessed using the stepping stones across the pond. The mossy floor looks superb and a wooden cabinet has been carved into the base of the tree, containing various colourful scrolls. A statuette and a blue crystal from Legends of Chima are placed on top, which is fitting, since Lord Ras was recently confirmed to originate from Chima.
There are no steps to the upper level, but Wu could undoubtedly climb the tree to reach his tea service. 1x1 round tiles with vertical shafts form teacups and a stickered image is displayed on the wall, depicting an unknown temple with dragons flying overhead. I wonder whether this will be revealed as a future NINJAGO set.
Another sticker is applied inside, showing Wu or perhaps the First Spinjitzu Master retrieving a scroll from a dragon. Again, I believe this will be explained in the animated series or a later set. This room also hides an interesting function, as pressing the books on the bookcase will break open the rockface outside.
This goes some way to explaining the use of 6x6x2 cockpit pieces here, which break off easily to reveal a book inside. The purpose of this book is currently unknown, but its hiding place and the candles on either side must signal its importance. A sticker is placed on the cover, decorated with the Ninjargon number five.
Inside is a Ninjargon number one, under a decidedly sinister figure, surrounded by flames and bearing an intriguing resemblance to Master Wu. Wu was corrupted once before by the Digital Overlord and perhaps Dragons Rising season two returns to the idea of an evil Wu, which may explain the character's isolation at such a remote shrine, if he is aware of this possibility.
Overall
Beauty is certainly the defining feature of 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine. The model is incredibly detailed and looks absolutely amazing on display, surpassing all but the NINJAGO City sets in that regard, within the NINJAGO theme. The carved dragon is impressive and I love the mix of natural colours, particularly across the tree and the pond.
The functions are satisfying too, completely hidden to avoid detracting from the appearance of the model. My only real complaint is that the model is slightly smaller than I envisaged, but this relates more to my expectation for NINJAGO than anything else, as its sets are not normally so densely detailed. The price of £104.99, $119.99 or €119.99 therefore feels a little expensive to me, but I would recommend this exquisite set, nevertheless.
161 likes
36 comments on this article
I'm so happy that instructions for the display baseplate that LEGO sent out to their LAN finally surfaced. I just ordered the parts to build it so I can give this set a proper display.
Very detailed, it reminds me of the Tree Arena from ToE. Ras' lack of arm printing is a minor gripe but I can't help but be disappointed by Euphrasia's head. It only makes me think of Nya from Rebooted until the redesigns.
@Cinnamonbricks said:
"I wonder what the "Invite" scroll is all about. Maybe something to do with the summer wave?"
I imagine so, given the summer wave involves a tournament. Sounds interesting!
@SINTAX said:
"I'm so happy that instructions for the display baseplate that LEGO sent out to their LAN finally surfaced. I just ordered the parts to build it so I can give this set a proper display."
Could you post a link please?
@Mind_the_Brick said:
" @SINTAX said:
"I'm so happy that instructions for the display baseplate that LEGO sent out to their LAN finally surfaced. I just ordered the parts to build it so I can give this set a proper display."
Could you post a link please?"
Just in rebrickable, searching by set number. Made by the amazingly skilled and kind Bricktum
Thanks for the great review. While this is not a theme I collect, the Ninjago designers have once again done so great a job that I’m at least now considering it.
Personally, I don't think this set looks good. The dragon looks so awkward curled up like that.
I may not like Ninjago, but there's no denying this set is spectacular!
This is amazing, but not as amazing as the upcoming March 2024 Speed Champions sets
I love that the designer has taken inorganic material (bricks) and combined them to create an organic form (dragon) created out of an inorganic medium (rocks) and has done so brilliantly. I am not a Ninjago collector, so am considering how to integrate it into a Castle display. In that case, being on the small side may help it fit in better.
I first thought it was a big wolf statue, but a dragon is also cool. If i’ll buy it i use it as a werewolf sanctuary.
When Zelda becomes a theme this set is a nice one to display Link in i guess.
I dont like this set. Its what I say Overdesigned. Too much bricks go for texture that IMO make this set messy. It feels like unfinished moc, not a fun playset.
Disappointing head or not, I can’t help but hope that Euphrasia will be available in another set and/or as a Magazine gift. I really don’t care for Minifigure exclusivity, particularly when said exclusive characters are part of a “set”-in the sense of a group, rather than the meaning usually associated with Lego-that people may be looking to complete.
@Mind_the_Brick said:
" @SINTAX said:
"I'm so happy that instructions for the display baseplate that LEGO sent out to their LAN finally surfaced. I just ordered the parts to build it so I can give this set a proper display."
Could you post a link please?"
https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-174118/Bricktum/original-influencer-baseplate-for-71819-ninjago-dragon-stone-shrine/
@lordofdragonss said:
"I dont like this set. Its what I say Overdesigned. Too much bricks go for texture that IMO make this set messy. It feels like unfinished moc, not a fun playset."
I agree. This is TOO GOOD of a set. We deserve crappier stuff! WhyDoesLegoHateFans
@lordofdragonss said:
"I dont like this set. Its what I say Overdesigned. Too much bricks go for texture that IMO make this set messy. It feels like unfinished moc, not a fun playset."
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but this is not really supposed to be a play set. Texture and detail was clearly a priority.
Great set, Now the question is what to get Dragon stone shrine or wolf mask dojo?
Oh and just wondering if we could possibly get a review for the wolf mask dojo?
I feel like we're burying the lead, here.
Ras is from Chima? So the two worlds co-exist?
@CapnRex101 said:
" @lordofdragonss said:
"I dont like this set. Its what I say Overdesigned. Too much bricks go for texture that IMO make this set messy. It feels like unfinished moc, not a fun playset."
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but this is not really supposed to be a play set. Texture and detail was clearly a priority."
I think I can understand their criticism. To me it also looks too busy or "messy". If you get in real close it looks intricate and beautiful, but from a little further away it looks like a jumbled mess to me too. I can't really describe it all that well, but somehow it feels uglier than it objectively is.
@andygott said:
" @lordofdragonss said:
"I dont like this set. Its what I say Overdesigned. Too much bricks go for texture that IMO make this set messy. It feels like unfinished moc, not a fun playset."
I agree. This is TOO GOOD of a set. We deserve crappier stuff! WhyDoesLegoHateFans"
Winner!!
@yellowcastle said:
"Thanks for the great review. While this is not a theme I collect, the Ninjago designers have once again done so great a job that I’m at least now considering it."
Lucky!
I remember being in that position. Then, there was an incredible discount on 70751 right before it retired. (BTW, that set has apparently been forgotten by our good Cap'n in his review's superlatives).
Still, I insisted it was a one-off. Then, came Lego Ninjago movie and the City sets. Then, I picked up one of the regular sets, and was amazed at how much design, detail, and figs Lego puts in NJ sets.
Now, I'm full-on hooked. I give thanks for every car or redundant jet. That way, my wallet gets a bit of a break.
This set is incredibly fantastic! I can't wait (but will) for a sale or GWP.
I see that LEGO once again stole an Ideas submission without crediting, let alone paying, the designer. Shameful.
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/e3f1a834-cdc6-4056-84fa-f62aea57c960
@andygott said:
" @lordofdragonss said:
"I dont like this set. Its what I say Overdesigned. Too much bricks go for texture that IMO make this set messy. It feels like unfinished moc, not a fun playset."
I agree. This is TOO GOOD of a set. We deserve crappier stuff! WhyDoesLegoHateFans"
Cute overreaction.
You can make set look great without overusing small pieces. Look at the Friends Botanical garden. It has propper space to play.
It looks great.
It has unique pieces and figures
Its not overpriced.
This looks even better after the review. Not just a display piece, which I think is great.
I've recently finished building 71795 which has a remarkable number of play features and yet also looks good on display. Even had some visitors remark how good it looks.
Chi Wing Lee is designing some really good stuff.
@DoonsterBuildsLego said:
"This looks even better after the review. Not just a display piece, which I think is great.
I've recently finished building 71795 which has a remarkable number of play features and yet also looks good on display. Even had some visitors remark how good it looks.
Chi Wing Lee is designing some really good stuff. "
The funny thing about 71795 is that the designer himself sold me on getting it with his description in his Brickset Designer list. The set appealed to me, but I thought I could do without it because of others I already owned (71767 and 70751). His comments convinced me otherwise.
@Zordboy said:
"I feel like we're burying the lead, here.
Ras is from Chima? So the two worlds co-exist?"
Since 2015!
@StyleCounselor said:
" @DoonsterBuildsLego said:
"This looks even better after the review. Not just a display piece, which I think is great.
I've recently finished building 71795 which has a remarkable number of play features and yet also looks good on display. Even had some visitors remark how good it looks.
Chi Wing Lee is designing some really good stuff. "
The funny thing about 71795 is that the designer himself sold me on getting it with his description in his Brickset Designer list. The set appealed to me, but I thought I could do without it because of others I already owned (71767 and 70751). His comments convinced me otherwise. "
Funny, I bought 71795 explicitly to complement 71767.
I never got into the Ninjago lore but this it's really a line that produce really stunning sets like this one that makes me want to buy. This one is a bit expensive for my liking but it looks gorgeous
@yellowcastle said:
"I see that LEGO once again stole an Ideas submission without crediting, let alone paying, the designer. Shameful.
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/e3f1a834-cdc6-4056-84fa-f62aea57c960"
100% not even close to the same.
@Boettner_Builds said:
" @yellowcastle said:
"I see that LEGO once again stole an Ideas submission without crediting, let alone paying, the designer. Shameful.
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/e3f1a834-cdc6-4056-84fa-f62aea57c960"
100% not even close to the same.
"
Not to be rude, but I think it's a joke :/
@SpaceNinjaWarrior said:
" @Boettner_Builds said:
" @yellowcastle said:
"I see that LEGO once again stole an Ideas submission without crediting, let alone paying, the designer. Shameful.
https://ideas.lego.com/projects/e3f1a834-cdc6-4056-84fa-f62aea57c960"
100% not even close to the same.
"
Not to be rude, but I think it's a joke :/"
I surely hope so!!
At least twice as expensive as it should be priced!
@SINTAX said:
"I'm so happy that instructions for the display baseplate that LEGO sent out to their LAN finally surfaced. I just ordered the parts to build it so I can give this set a proper display."
Where?
You know, Euphrasia’s robes kind of give off a Sky Folk vibe, similar to Vania’s attire from 71722
@SINTAX said:
"I'm so happy that instructions for the display baseplate that LEGO sent out to their LAN finally surfaced. I just ordered the parts to build it so I can give this set a proper display."
The instructions moved to Gumroad:
https://bricktum.gumroad.com/l/71819baseplate
Excellent review. This set was a day 1 purchase and today finished building it. What a joy to build. The end result is stunning. Although the year is still young this is on my top list for 2024!