''If you were looking for the 40k vehicle, see [[Chimera Transport]]''
[[File:Chimera statue.png|right|300px]]
[[File:Chimera statue.png|right|300px]]
The '''Chimera''' is a monster from Greco-Roman mythology, described as a tripartite fire-breathing beast with the forequarters and head of a lion, the hindquarters and head of a goat, and a serpentine or draconic tail with a dragon's or snake's head. Exactly how that works out depends on the artist; perhaps the most iconic of real-world art depicts it as having a lion's head on its neck, a goat's head [[what|growing straight up out of the middle of its back]], and the reptilian head replacing the tip of its tail, but the most common modern depiction has the three heads sharing the same neckstump. What doesn't vary, strangely enough, is that even though the original Chimera was female, it ''always'' has a mane (beard) on the lion, even in period art depicting it as a unique creature. It ravaged the land with its fiery breath until Bellepheron killed it by using [[Pegasus]] to fly out of range of the fire whilst carrying a lance with a big block of lead on its tip; [[awesome|he threw this at its mouth and the flames melted the lead so it poured down Chimera's throat and killed it]]. In the centuries since, the word chimera has gained a second more broad meaning, referring to any sort of weird mishmash between two or more different things Frankensteined together.
The '''Chimera''' is a monster from Greco-Roman mythology, described as a tripartite fire-breathing beast with the forequarters and head of a lion, the hindquarters and head of a goat, and a serpentine or draconic tail with a dragon's or snake's head. Exactly how that works out depends on the artist; perhaps the most iconic of real-world art depicts it as having a lion's head on its neck, a goat's head [[what|growing straight up out of the middle of its back]], and the reptilian head replacing the tip of its tail, but the most common modern depiction has the three heads sharing the same neckstump. What doesn't vary, strangely enough, is that even though the original Chimera was female, it ''always'' has a mane (beard) on the lion, even in period art depicting it as a unique creature. It ravaged the land with its fiery breath until Bellepheron killed it by using [[Pegasus]] to fly out of range of the fire whilst carrying a lance with a big block of lead on its tip; [[awesome|he threw this at its mouth and the flames melted the lead so it poured down Chimera's throat and killed it]]. In the centuries since, the word chimera has gained a second more broad meaning, referring to any sort of weird mishmash between two or more different things Frankensteined together.
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==In [[Warhammer 40000]]==
[[File:Chimera.gif|350px|right]]
<i>Maybe you were looking for [[METAL BOXES|METHUL BAWKSES]]?</i>
The '''Chimera''' Armored Transport is the [[Imperial Guard]]'s main troop carrier, capable of transporting troops on the battlefield and giving them fire support.
Unlike the [[Rhino Transport]] of the [[Space Marines]], the Chimera is no mere APC. Instead it is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle, meaning that it both carries a squad while ''also'' functioning as that squad's principal weapons system. To this end the Chimera is rather heavily armed for something that isn't actually a tank, having about as much firepower as 2 heavy weapons teams combined, depending on loadout. Because it adds both survivability and flexibility to an army that otherwise tends to be sluggish, the Chimera is a ubiquitous presence that finds a home in many Imperial Guard Army Lists. If a Soviet BMP, a Mark IV tank, and a Bradley engaged in a steamy three-way, the Chimera would be the offspring.
===Overview===
The Chimera is one of the most important vehicles in the Imperial Guard's arsenal: it is a fast moving, amphibious vehicle capable of traversing terrain that even a [[Leman_Russ_Battle_Tank|Leman Russ]] would find impossible to cross (swamps, marshes and even the occasional river). When the enemy neglects to defend these positions because of their perceived inaccessibility, they can [[Creed|expect a squadron or two of Chimeras in their flanks]] or [[anal circumference|rear.]]
In all seriousness, the Chimera is a fantastic asset with several uses. Most of the time it functions as a heavily armed, armored taxi, moving troops to and from hot points and/or objectives. If needed they can serve as moving barriers, blocking lines of sight while they engage the enemy. A third use is that they can just [[DISTRACTION CARNIFEX|forget about all that maneuvering and focus on engaging targets at medium and short range]] as their infantry squads [[Metal_Boxes|throw even more firepower into the mix.]]
The Chimera can mount a variety of weapons to support the squads they carry. The most common and famous weapon associated with the Chimera is the [[Multilaser]], a rapid-firing heavy weapon that is very effective against infantry and light vehicles. This weapon can be replaced with either a [[Bolter|Heavy Bolter]] or [[Flamer|Heavy Flamer]]. Meanwhile, the standard hull-mounted [[Heavy Bolter]] can also be replaced with a [[Heavy Flamer]]. Forge World gives the Chimera even more blasty power with the ability to replace the main gun with an [[Autocannon]], turning it into a different breed of threat altogether and according to the 40k wiki (not lexicanum, the other one), the Kronus schenanigans in Dark Crusade resulted in the discovery of how to mount a Predator turret with Predator autocannon on a Chimera. Each side of the tank features a row of three Lasgun turrets that embarked passengers may fire at enemy squads. The top of the passenger compartment can open, too, so the rest of the squad can join in the merry shooty fun (no longer true in 8th). For added punch against vehicles it can mount a Hunter-Killer Missile, though this option is rarely taken due to the BS of 4+. Finally, the Chimera can choose from either an auxiliary Heavy Stubber or a Storm Bolter for only 2 points for either option. Because the Chimera tends to move around a lot while fighting close to the enemy the Storm Bolter is probably the slightly better option, and due to the low cost there really isn't any reason not to take one.
The Chimera is not without weaknesses. Assembly instructions show its tow hook mounts right to the door in the back. Either this is a load bearing door or the Chimera isn't able to tow more than a ford focus without tearing itself a new one. Its Heavy weapons suffer -1 to hit when the vehicle has moved, and to be fair, Chimeras generally move a lot. It is also poor in melee combat, having only 3 S6 melee attacks that hit on a 6+. Finally, while the Chimera is a very well-rounded vehicle, a wise commander must realize that the Chimera is ''not'' a tank or close assault vehicle, and should take steps to ensure that it does not bite off more than it can chew.
The Steel Legions of [[Armageddon]], one of the chief manufacturing planets for the Chimera, are fully mechanized and can move across the ash wastes of their home world at frightening speeds. Like most other Imperial vehicles, the Chimera can be built with a wide variety of powerplants utilizing virtually any common energy source. Generally described as having two electric engines, one in each side, which allows for more transport space and the ability to provide extra armour for the crew.
In 8th Edition a 73-point Chimera is tougher than a 70-point [[Taurox]], it can carry 2 more models, and it can also take items from the Vehicle Equipment list; meanwhile the Taurox is faster and its weapons are punchier. Both vehicles have their place, so whether you choose one or the other largely comes down to a matter of [[Skub|preference]].
The other major use the Chimera finds is as a command vehicle; officers embarked inside can still issue orders. Unfortunately in 8th Edition this is no longer as straightforward as it once was, and requires the use of the 1-CP Mobile Command Vehicle stratagem in each round you wish to do this. Even so, when used effectively this serves the dual purpose of increasing your order radius (since the Chimera is obviously larger than the man shouting orders from the hatch) and also keeping your HQ alive, since Guard HQs are notoriously squishy.
One common trick with Chimeras is to form them into hunting packs after unloading their passengers (Soviet Bronegruppa IN SPACE) and have them roam around the battlefield pissing off targets of opportunity. With two long-ranged, rapid-fire weapons and surprising durability, they can dish out some serious damage, and your opponent will be forced to allocate a disproportionate amount of force to stop them (and in doing so, he is hopefully ignoring even more important targets in your army). Shoving a wall of properly supported Chimeras into your enemy's flank and saying, "Have fun with that!" will be sure to rattle all but the steadiest of opponents.
The [[Hellhound]], [[Devil Dog]], and [[Bane Wolf]] are all closely related to the Chimera, and may or may not be either Chimera variants or a different mark of vehicle, depending on who you ask. Back in the days of the old [[Epic]] wargame, the Chimera had a few additional variants (details can be read below). Unfortunately, these more obscure variations have yet to be translated to the 40k tabletop. It would be nice if the Imperial Guard had a few more IFVs in their arsenal.
===Variants===
====Chimerro====
[[File:Chimerro.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Chimerro]]
The <s>camaro</s> Chimerro is a variant of the standard Chimera and is by far, the most basic modification. Armed with an auto-loading hunter-killer missile and a multi-laser. It is used by the Astra Militarum and Skitarii.
As aforementioned, the Chimerro assault vehicles mount a standard [[Hunter-Killer Missile|hunter-killer missile tube]] with an [[Awesome|autoloader on the side]] of the standard multi-laser turret. This addition gives the Chimerro a powerful long-range weapon, while the multi-laser still allows it to support its disembarked infantry by mowing down enemy troops.
The Chimerro maintains the full transport capacity of the Chimera and thus can be used to replace Chimeras on a one-for-one basis in Imperial forces. Chimerros can also be organized into Chimero Assault Squadrons, which are then attached to various infantry detachments.
The variant has been tested and approved by veteran regiments of the Astra Militarum and Skitarii, yet GW has not made a up-to-date model for it to be used in a new Edition.
====Chimerax====
[[File:Chimerrax.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Chimerax]]
The Chimerax is a more heavily modified assault version of the Chimera utilized by the Astra Militarum and Skitarii, providing Imperial assaults with protection against enemy flyers and troops. It is armed with four [[autocannon|autocannons]] making it the poor man's version of the [[Hydra Flak Tank]].
Because the Chimerax are easily recognizable due to their upgraded turrets that mount four light autocannons, it makes the Chimerax somewhat vulnerable to be spotted and singled out by enemy forces. Nevertheless, these guns allow the Chimerax to lay down a curtain of fire; highly effective at keeping infantry, light skimmers and flyers at bay. However, unlike the Hydra, the Chimerax does not carry the complex tracking and ranging sensors that would make it truly effective at anti-aircraft.
The Chimerax maintains the full transport capacity of the Chimera and thus can be used to replace Chimeras on a one-for-one basis in Imperial forces. Chimerax can also be organized into Chimerax Assault Squadrons, which are then attached to various infantry detachments.
The variant has been tested and approved by veteran regiments of the Astra Militarum and Skitarii, yet GW has not made a up-to-date model for it to be used in a new Edition.
====Chimedon====
[[File:Chimeddon.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Chimedon]]
The [[Leman Russ Battle Tank#Thunderer Siege Tank|Thunderer Siege Tank]] of Chimeras. The Chimedon assault vehicle is the most heavily armed version of the Chimera, destroying enemy vehicles that stand in the way of Imperial advances. It is fielded by the Astra Militarum and Skitarii.
Chimedons have a strengthened turret, allowing it to mount a short-barrelled [[Battle Cannon]], similar to the cannon carried by the [[Stormhammer]]. The shells fired by the Chimedon are armor-plated, and can damage enemy tanks and [[Wat|even Titans]] at medium range.
The Chimedon maintains the full transport capacity, maneuverability and sturdiness granted by its Chimera hull, giving it superb tactical flexibility. However, it always lacks defensive bolters, making the Chimedon vulnerable to infantry assaults. Despite this, [[Derp|the actual model seem to discount the fluff and mounts one anyway.]] Due to this, Chimedons are not often used to spearhead assaults.
The Chimedon can be used to replace Chimeras on a one-for-one basis in Imperial forces. Chimedons can also be organized into Chimedon Assault Squadrons, which are then attached to various infantry detachments.
The variant has been tested and approved by veteran regiments of the Astra Militarum and Skitarii, yet GW has not made a up-to-date model for it to be used in 8th Edition. However, if your FLGS is okay with homerules, consider suggesting a Chimera with a Taurox Battle Cannon as a [[Counts As|counts as]] Chimedon.
A notable coincidence is that the former medium tank of the Imperial Guard was called the [[Aurox_Armoured_Transport#Carnodon|Carnodon]], thus, as the Chimedon is effectively to the Chimera as the Razorback is to the Rhino, it could easily be named as a combination of 'Chimera' and 'Carnodon'.
====Pegasus====
''For main page, [[Pegasus Amphibious Assault Vehicle|see here:]]''
The even ''more'' aquatic version of the Chimera, but one so modified that it requires its own page. The Pegasus has a really bizarre history/relationship with a couple of vehicles which can be further explained in the main page.
===Faction Specific Aspects===
====Genestealer Cults====
With the latest release of the new revamped [[Genestealer Cult]], it seems that [[Brood Brothers|certain generations]] of [[Genestealers]] was able to successfully [[Pretend|infiltrate]] even the commanding office of the [[Imperial Guard]] (How the upper Imperial authorities and local Imperial [[Paranoia|paranoia]] [[Fail|failed]] to locate ''THAT'' kind of [[Heresy]] is unknown), and are thus, able to [[Blood Ravens|steal]] some Chimeras and hoard it in the gigantic sewers of an Imperial underhive. A Genestealer Chimera functions the same as a regular Chimera only with Genestealer insignia.
====Inquisition====
The Inquisition can take chimeras for ten points cheaper, but they lose the mobile command vehicle rule. Loses some of the Imperial Guard vehicle options, but can purchase psybolt ammunition instead to make its heavy bolter(s) and storm bolter more powerful. They look normal from the outside, but open up to something that no one expects.
===Rules of Note===
There are actually written rules that say this particular Metal Box is also a boat. Its Amphibious rule allows it to move across water terrain. This would mean that it could ram an [[Ork Submersible|Ork Submersible]], or tank shock a [[Saharduin]] squad. Sadly, since nobody uses water terrain, plays apocalypse, or has more than one Saharduin model, Amphibious is a totally useless rule.
Another rule of note is the one that lets you use orders whilst riding in a chimera. This one's actually pretty useful.
===Weaknesses===
The Chimera's front armor is durable, but its side and rear armor are much more flimsy. While it's generally tougher than a Rhino, it also tends to be a bigger target since the Chimera's weapons are often too big for armies that rely on light armor ([[Dark Eldar]], [[Orks]], etc) to ignore, whereas a Rhino tends to be less of an obvious target. It also has only a single small access point (its rear door), which is such a glaring issue that it gets its own separate subsection.
====The Rear Door Paradox====
The Chimera's only access point is its (comparatively tiny) rear door. Embarking rules state that every unit about to board a transport has to be within 2 inches of an access point, which means [[Derp|it's very hard (if not impossible) to fit more than 6 or so models into a Chimera during an embarking phase, when the Chimera has room for 12]]. This is a problem that the [[Rhino Transport|METAL BOX]] and [[Land Raider|GIANT METAL BOX]] just don't have, either because they have multiple doors, or because their access point is so big it makes the issue [[Moot|moot]].
This doesn't preclude larger units from starting the game already loaded in the Chimera, nor does it stop smaller units from using the damned thing like they pretty much always have, but it does mean that taking an [[Armored Fist Squad]] of 10 soldiers can quickly turn into a wonderful impersonation of when a fa/tg/uy tries to unpack and then repack a suitcase. You're generally not getting a larger unit back into the Chimera it disembarked from, so it's probably better for the Chimera to drive off and make new friends while the unit camps the objective. On the other hand, if you're willing to make the sacrifice, you can split your team members of the armored fist (or other) between two or more Chimera. This has its own obvious benefits and costs. But hey, you can always just rely on a Guardsman’s life expectancy to fix the issue for you.
Note that as of 8th edition, embarking only requires models to be within 3" of the '''vehicle''' rather than an access point. As a result, the rear door problem isn't a problem any more.
Wait...Chimera have a hatch along the top of their troop hold.
The Chimera is a monster from Greco-Roman mythology, described as a tripartite fire-breathing beast with the forequarters and head of a lion, the hindquarters and head of a goat, and a serpentine or draconic tail with a dragon's or snake's head. Exactly how that works out depends on the artist; perhaps the most iconic of real-world art depicts it as having a lion's head on its neck, a goat's head growing straight up out of the middle of its back, and the reptilian head replacing the tip of its tail, but the most common modern depiction has the three heads sharing the same neckstump. What doesn't vary, strangely enough, is that even though the original Chimera was female, it always has a mane (beard) on the lion, even in period art depicting it as a unique creature. It ravaged the land with its fiery breath until Bellepheron killed it by using Pegasus to fly out of range of the fire whilst carrying a lance with a big block of lead on its tip; he threw this at its mouth and the flames melted the lead so it poured down Chimera's throat and killed it. In the centuries since, the word chimera has gained a second more broad meaning, referring to any sort of weird mishmash between two or more different things Frankensteined together.
In Fantasy Gaming
Chimeras show up in a lot of fantasy games. Weirdly, they tend to have wings and be fliers (though admittedly they're usually very clumsy at it), despite the fact that the original Chimera was landlocked and this played a huge role in its defeat.
They are particularly prominent in Dungeons & Dragons (and thusly Pathfinder), where they are capable of speech, but usually not very bright. All the ego of a Red Dragon and none of the brains, essentially. The unique awnsheigh in Birthright, the Chimera, is essentially a were-creature, a half-elf who sometimes explodes into a hideous and ever-shifting monster form that goes on feral rampages.
Chimeras also appear in Warhammer Fantasy and Age of Sigmar, where they are creatures of Chaos and so usually show up as mounts for the Chaos Lords.
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Star Wars
The Chimaera was introduced as Thrawn's flagship in Heir to the Empire and would quickly become one of the most prominent ships in the EU. This is despite it being a mere Imperial II class when many other Imperial warlords had Super Star Destroyers or some manner of super weapon. The Chimaera had a cloaking device... which was deemed useless without an allied force user because you can't see where you're going when cloaked without the force and all non-force base communications were blocked.
Star Wars doesn't have Greek mythology, but it was assumed to refer to genetic Chimeras or, at least, some mad science hybrid beast since Star Wars has genetics advanced enough to produce human clones.
Chimera monstergirls are a rare breed, mostly because designers struggle with how to incorporate the three heads and tripartite body into one design.
In the Monster Girl Encyclopedia, the "Chimaera" belongs to the small family of "Demon Beasts", and has the form of a lion-girl with goat's horns and legs, a serpent for a tail, a leonic paw for a right arm, a draconic paw for a left arm, and pauldrons reminiscent of a lion and a dragon's heads. Extremely powerful and destructive, it has a bad case of split personalities, with one persona for each of the four beasts that work as a team to support her in her goal of finding and keeping a lover.
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