Laval - Royal Armor
loc074 · Legends of Chima
Lion Tribe / Season 2 · 2014 - Debuted in the set 70144 Laval's Fire Lion
Figure ID
loc074
Theme
Legends of Chima
Year Released
2014 - Debuted in the set 70144 Laval's Fire Lion
Rarity
Uncommon. While not a limited promotional figure, this specific 'Royal Armor' version with the blue chest plate was only found in two sets during the peak of the Chima theme.
Head
Features a unique molded Lion head headpiece in reddish brown with dark brown and tan detailing, including a golden crown. The face piece underneath (head) is tan with two expressions: determined and angry, featuring white fur printing and large cat-like eyes.
Torso
Dark blue torso with 'Royal Armor' printing. Design features a large blue Chi orb in the center, golden chains, and intricate metallic blue and gold plating. Back printing continues the armor detail. Arms are reddish brown with white hands.
Legs
Reddish brown legs with elaborate printing on the front and hips. Features golden armor plates, blue fabric details, and paw-print 'toe' detailing at the very bottom of the feet.
Accessories
Usually paired with a 'Valious' sword (built from multiple translucent blue and gold pieces) or a shield; however, the figure in the image is missing its handheld accessories and translucent back-mounted armor wings.
Color Scheme
A regal palette of Dark Blue, Reddish Brown, Gold, and Tan, accented by 'Trans-Light Blue' for the Chi elements.
Printing Details
High-density pad printing across the torso, hips, and legs. The level of detail on the lion-head molding and the metallic sheen on the armor are characteristic of the high-budget Chima production era.
Variants
Standard Laval (loc001), Fire CHI Laval (loc081), and many others. This 'Royal Armor' variant specifically refers to the blue-vested version loc074.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include the gold printing on the crown of the headpiece chipping and the 'toes' print on the feet fading. The neck joint of the lion mask can become loose over time.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00 USD. New/Mint: $12.00 - $18.00 USD. The value is relatively stable as Chima has a dedicated but niche fan base.
Price (New)
Directly available in sets retailing between $15.00 (70156) and $50.00 (70144). It was not sold as a standalone CMF bag.
Compatible Sets
70144 Laval's Fire Lion, 70156 Fire vs. Ice Speedorz.
Character Background
Laval is the Prince of the Lion Tribe and the primary protagonist of the Legends of Chima series. He is known for his friendship with Cragger the Crocodile and his quest to maintain balance in Chima through the power of CHI.
Design Notes
The Chima line pushed the boundaries of dual-molded headpieces. Laval's mask is designed to sit over a standard minifigure head while still showing the face through the mouth/jaw opening, a significant design feat at the time.
Similar Minifigures
Lagravis (Laval's father), Li'Ella, and other Lion Tribe members like Longtooth or Lennox.
Collectibility
Moderate. Collectors of 'Animal Kingdom' or anthropomorphic figures seek these out, but the Chima theme overall does not command the high premiums of Star Wars or early Ninjago.
History
Launched in 2013 to replace Ninjago (which was later revived), Chima ran for three years. This 2014 version represents the evolution of the character's gear as the story progressed into the Fire vs. Ice arc.
Interesting Facts
The Lion Tribe's vehicles and armor were designed to look like the animals they represent; this figure's breastplate intentionally mimics the look of a lion's mane made of energy armor.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed on a rocky terrain MOC with other tribe leaders. Use transparent blue studs or 'Power Burst' elements to simulate the glowing CHI energy aura.
Modification Potential
The headpiece is highly sought after by MOC builders for creating custom fantasy 'tabaxi' or cat-folk characters for Dungeons & Dragons themes.
Overall Assessment
A solid, highly-detailed figure from a unique era of LEGO. While the theme is discontinued, the figure remains a great example of LEGO's excellence in specialized molding and complex torso printing.