Shadow Knights Brave Warrior / Soldier
cas267 · Castle
Knights Kingdom II · 2005 - Released during the peak of the Knights Kingdom II era, which transitioned LEGO Castle from medieval realism to a more colorful, action-figure-oriented fantasy style.
Figure ID
cas267
Theme
Castle
Year Released
2005 - Released during the peak of the Knights Kingdom II era, which transitioned LEGO Castle from medieval realism to a more colorful, action-figure-oriented fantasy style.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While he appeared in several sets, he was a 'grunt' soldier, meaning many were produced, but finding them in 'new' condition today is becoming more difficult due to the age of the theme.
Head
Yellow head with black angry eyebrows, a small scowl, and a distinctive silver/grey scar over the left eye. This head (part 3626bpb0163) was primarily used for Shadow Knights and rogue characters.
Torso
Black torso featuring a silver and grey tattered tunic or leather armor print. The design includes a prominent weathered skull on the chest and a belt with a buckle. The arms are yellow and the hands are black.
Legs
Plain black legs without printing. These are standard 3678b parts used to keep the focus on the detailed torso and helmet assembly.
Accessories
The figure is wearing a Black Minifigure Visor Pointed (part 30215) and a Black Helmet Neck Protector (part x167). Note: The image shows the visor pushed up or misaligned. Typically, he would also carry a shield with a skull emblem or a notched sword.
Color Scheme
A striking contrast of High-Contrast Yellow and Black, with metallic Silver/Grey printing for the armor details. This palette was the signature of the 'Evil' faction in the Knights Kingdom II line.
Printing Details
Pad-printed torso with high detail for the era, including tattered 'edge' effects on the skull graphic. The head printing is limited to the front. No leg or arm printing is present on this specific version.
Variants
Variants of Shadow Knights exist with different helmet styles (some with large pointed visors, others with flat visors) and varying facial expressions, but the skull-print torso remains the constant identifier.
Condition Notes
Common wear includes 'play-wear' on the skull print, stress marks on the black neck protector, and loose hinges on the visor. Black plastic is prone to showing scratches and dust quite easily.
Estimated Value
$4.00 - $7.00 USD for a used complete figure. New/Mint condition versions can reach $10.00 - $12.00 depending on the specific visor condition.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $10.00 (Small Battle Packs) to $100.00 (Vladek's Dark Fortress). As a standard soldier, his individual retail value was approximately $2.50 at the time.
Compatible Sets
8873 Vladek's Siege Engine, 8874 Battle Wagon, 8877 Vladek's Dark Fortress, and 8822 Gargoyle Bridge.
Character Background
These warriors served as the soulless, or at least highly disciplined, undead-inspired army for Lord Vladek in the kingdom of Morcia. They represent the primary antagonists that the colorful knights (Jayko, Danju, Santis, and Rascus) fought against.
Design Notes
The use of the 'Neck Protector' piece combined with the pointed visor was a unique design choice meant to give the grunts a more 'robotic' or 'inhuman' look compared to the hero knights who had open faces.
Similar Minifigures
Lord Vladek (cas264), Rogue Knight (cas269), and later Castle skeletons or Fantasy Era Orcs.
Collectibility
Moderate. There is a strong nostalgia market for Knights Kingdom II, and collectors often look for these in bulk to 'army build' Vladek's forces.
History
Knights Kingdom II was a departure for LEGO, introducing large-scale figures and a heavy focus on individual character lore. The Shadow Knight remains one of the most iconic 'bad guy' grunts of the 2000s.
Interesting Facts
The skull on the chest is designed to look like a 'ragged' or 'ghostly' print rather than a clean emblem, heightening the dark fantasy aesthetic of Vladek's faction.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in ranks of 3 or 5 behind a Lord Vladek minifigure. Using a dark grey or 'lava' themed baseplate enhances their villainous appearance.
Modification Potential
The head is frequently used by customizers for 'tough guy' or 'biker' characters due to the scar. The black neck protector is a popular part for sci-fi or post-apocalyptic MOCs.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2000s-era LEGO bad guy. While not incredibly valuable individually, its design is cohesive and nostalgic. A high-quality 'army builder' figure for any Castle enthusiast.