Saturday, 31 May 2014

Grenadier Fantasy Lords box set 6004 Monsters of Mythology M1 Chimera


The Chimera was, according to Greek mythology, a fire-breathing creature composed of the parts of three animals – a lion, a snake and a goat. It is usually depicted as a lion, with the head of a goat arising from its back, and a tail that ended in a snake's head. 

Next from the Lead Mountain was this gem by John Dennett. Initially I was a bit underwhelmed - it looked a bit ridiculous to be honest, and I have always thought a Chimera was a weird idea for a monster anyway. You can see why a lion or a snake would be feared, but a goat!?!

As soon as I started to paint this up, I appreciated what a well sculpted figure this is – lots of detail, which really came to the forefront with a wash and then highlighting. The figure itself was a pleasure to paint – yellows and browns for the lion, a red and yellow design for the snake, and grey with white highlights for the goat. Simples!

I was really pleased with the final product – it’s a great figure, one of Grenadier’s best IMHO – very dynamic, and for once it gives an idea of how the Chimera might work as creature in D&D. You have the fire breathing lion with claws and teeth to drag down and savage adventurers, whilst the snake watches out for any one trying a stealth attack at the business end of things!

And the goat? The goat acts as a lookout whilst the lion and snake sleep - as soon as it sees or hears anything, it bleats and wakes them up!

Very pleased with the way this one turned out!
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9 comments:

  1. Mr Papafakis31 May 2014 at 08:26

    Yeah, it looks great.

    Good point about the goat, his just there as a look out.

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    1. Caliburn31 May 2014 at 11:01

      Thanks for the kind comment! And I *like* the goat - it looks like it has a sneer on its face for anything unfortunate to come up against it!

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  2. Warlord Paul31 May 2014 at 08:27

    I had a great time painting this model too, it now makes regular appearances in my 3rd edition army to the consternation of my foes.

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    1. Caliburn31 May 2014 at 11:03

      It was a great figure to paint, really enjoyed it (as opposed to some of the earlier Grenadier pieces I've done). Makes me realise just how far sculpting came in the 80's!

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  3. Finch31 May 2014 at 15:54

    Outstanding job.

    John Dennett's Grenadier stuff stands the test of time. It compares well to contemporary work.

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  4. Caliburn1 June 2014 at 02:28

    Thank you for the kind comments! And i agree with you about Dennett's work - the best of it still hold up, nearly 20 years after it was done!

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  5. stormbringer7221 June 2014 at 13:49

    very nice work! love to see someone else has a love for old Grenadier.

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  6. Caliburn26 June 2014 at 14:13

    Thanks for the comments! I do enjoy working with Grenadier figures, even the old ones, which are frankly a bit of a challenge when they get brought out of the heap of lead waiting to be painted...

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  7. Unknown24 March 2015 at 06:12

    man, that is one silly looking figure, but your right, it's a very well sculpted silly looking figure, that goat's head is what give it the charm indeed.

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