First I have to say this set is better than my wildest expectations. I would like to say that it left me speechless... but I got better. (no I was not turned into a newt

) However, as I am now over that... there is just too much to talk about so here goes...
I see several other pieces (not mentioned already) that I have never seen before. Maybe they are parts from non-castle sets, as I collect mostly castle stuff I don't really know. Please let me know if I am mistaken and what type of part they are. The part holding the waterwheel together. I do not recognise it. The tubes holding up the roof on the market stand and next to the windows in the tavern. These look like they are a hand held telescope.? Lastly the arch over the entrance and windows to the tavern. I think it may be a vehicle fender but I have never seen these except maybe on a box cover?. If those are Choco brown tiles they are new as well.
This is a MOC builders dream set. All of the animals are incredible. The peasants are unbelievable! (somebody pinch me) I never would have believed they would come out with 4 new peasant torsos this year. 2 female and 2 male. I am including the blacksmith as it looks very useful as well. This set has so many small accessories, brush, knife, plate, cheese wedge, whole turkey, apples, carrot, barrels in choco brown, the signs, etc. These are the usually very expensive items that make MOCs stand out.
The new plumes look better than the old ones in my opinion. They make great looking flames. The old long thin flames are fine for magic and such but too large for a small fire. I often thought the old plumes would have made great flames if made in a transparent color. I guess TLC thought so too. I just hope the new plumes eventually come out in plenty of colors.
Look at the number of windows included in this set. It is insane! There are an incredible number of brown slopes and arches for tree building. I'm not talking about the tree itself but all of the extras used in the buildings. I can now make a nice forest without going broke on bricklink. Lots of black slopes, tan and bley brick for castles. Brown log type bricks for supports and wooden buildings. Please someone stop me before I melt down.
I imagine I will ge getting atleast 5 of this set and likely more.
In conclusion this is the best thing to happen to Lego castle ever. This makes me much happier than when I first saw the incredible chess set. I love my classic castle sets but they don't even hold a candle to this. Bravo Lego... Bravo!
Holy samolians! They just noted on Eurobricks that the peasant torsos are printed on both sides!

Here is the photo.
http://flickr.com/photos/billward/2912147393/in/set-72157607737304921/