Laval - Royal Armor
loc034 · Legends of Chima
Lion Tribe · 2013-2014. First appeared in set 70010 The Lion CHI Temple (2013). This was the peak period of LEGO's original big-budget 'Big Bang' themes with substantial media tie-ins.
Figure ID
loc034
Theme
Legends of Chima
Year Released
2013-2014. First appeared in set 70010 The Lion CHI Temple (2013). This was the peak period of LEGO's original big-budget 'Big Bang' themes with substantial media tie-ins.
Rarity
Uncommon. While the character Laval is common, this specific 'Royal Armor' variant appeared in only three sets and featured more intricate printing than the standard versions.
Head
Double-sided Tan head with Lion printing: determined expression on one side and aggressive/roaring face on the other. Features a specialized brown and Dark Blue mane/headpiece mold.
Torso
Tan with Dark Blue, Gold, and White printing representing ornate plate armor. The torso in the image is covered by a Pearl Gold chest armor piece with a CHI orb socket.
Legs
Tan with Dark Blue and Gold printing. Features Lion-themed loincloth detail, armor plating on the knees, and white lion claws printed on the toes.
Accessories
The figure is pictured with the Pearl Gold Lion Armor (part 11097). It originally comes with a Valious sword (transparent blue and gold) and a shield, which are missing from the image.
Color Scheme
A regal combination of Tan, Dark Blue, and Pearl Gold, accented with small white details for the muzzle and claws.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head, torso (front and back), and legs. The 2013 Chima figures were notable for introducing highly detailed, layered prints spanning from the torso down to the toes.
Variants
Standard Laval (no armor cape), Laval with Cape, Fire Chi Laval (red/orange), and Laval with various armor pieces. This loc034 variant is distinguished by the specific torso pattern under the gold plate.
Condition Notes
Common wear includes 'cracking' on the torso sides and loose arm joints. The Pearl Gold armor is prone to light scuffing. The mane piece can lose paint on the ear tips over time.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8 USD. New/Mint: $12 - $15 USD. The depicted figure is missing the left arm and hand, significantly reducing its value to approximately $2-$3 for parts.
Price (New)
The primary set 70010 (Lion CHI Temple) retailed for $119.99 in 2013. This figure was also in a smaller $15 set (70115).
Compatible Sets
70010 The Lion CHI Temple, 70115 Ultimate Speedor Tournament, and 30250 Laval's Royal Fighter (polybag).
Character Background
Laval is the main protagonist of the Legends of Chima series, the prince of the Lion Tribe, and sworn friend (later rival, then ally) to Cragger the Crocodile.
Design Notes
The Chima character designs pushed LEGO's molding technology for animal heads and armor, creating a bridge between classic minifigures and the more specialized Bionicle/Hero Factory aesthetic.
Similar Minifigures
Lagravis (Lion King), Longtooth, Leonidas, and various other Lion Tribe members that share the mane mold but have different face prints.
Collectibility
Moderate. Chima has a dedicated cult following. While not as valuable as classic Star Wars, main characters like Laval in full armor remain desirable for completionists.
History
Launched in 2013 as a successor to Ninjago's hiatus, Chima introduced the world of anthropomorphic animals fighting over a resource called CHI, revolutionizing LEGO's fantasy art style.
Interesting Facts
The CHI orb on the chest armor is designed to hold a 1x1 round trans-blue tile. In the lore, this armor allows Laval to harness the power of CHI for increased strength.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside other tribe leaders (Cragger, Worriz, Eris) on a stepped baseplate to represent the Council of Elders at the Lion Temple.
Modification Potential
High for 'Lion Knight' MOCs. The mane and headpiece are frequently used by customizers to create anthropomorphic fantasy races in Dungeons & Dragons style builds.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2013-era action figure. While the specific item in the photo is damaged (missing an arm), Laval remains the iconic face of the Chima era and a great example of LEGO's detailed printing evolution.