Gorathadons

Gorathadons are massive bestial war creatures bred and employed by the Wrath Bearers in service to Gardor, the corrupted god of rage and madness. These fearsome beasts combine aspects of both natural evolution and dark pantheon corruption, serving as living siege engines and terror weapons on the battlefields of the War for Eternity.

A Gorathadon breaks through defensive lines during the siege of an outer district

Physical Characteristics

Gorathadons tower over most other war beasts, standing nearly 30 meters tall at the shoulder. Their muscular quadrupedal forms are covered in thick, overlapping plates of naturally-occurring armor that can deflect even direct hits from shard weapons. Multiple rows of spines run along their backs, which can be raised and lowered at will to impale enemies or breach fortifications. Their most distinctive feature is their tri-jawed maw filled with crystalline teeth that can tear through virtually any material.

The creatures' hide perpetually seeps a caustic ichor that burns organic matter and corrodes metal, making them dangerous even to approach. This corruption-tainted substance is theorized by the Cyber Paladins to be a physical manifestation of Gardor's influence, as it induces uncontrollable rage in any being that comes in contact with it. Their eyes glow with an inner fire that pulses in tune with their heartbeats, and they emit a low, subsonic rumble that induces terror in most sapient species.

Origins and Creation

The exact origin of Gorathadons remains somewhat mysterious, though most scholars believe they were created through a combination of genetic manipulation and dark pantheon corruption. According to recovered records from the Razing of the Athenaeum, the creatures appear to be twisted versions of an ancient Lort'zyn war beast, their original form corrupted by exposure to both the death cry of the Ravager and subsequent manipulation by Gardor's followers.

The process of creating new Gorathadons involves ritualistic breeding pits where captured beasts are exposed to concentrated corruption and infused with fragments of Gardor's essence. Only a small percentage survive this process, but those that do emerge as nightmarish engines of destruction completely loyal to the Wrath Bearers. The breeding facilities are heavily guarded by elite Goraths and considered high-priority targets by Theocracy forces.

Deployment and Combat Role

Wrath Bearer forces typically deploy Gorathadons as living siege engines and shock troops, using their massive bulk and natural weapons to breach defensive lines and sow terror among enemy ranks. Their ability to withstand tremendous punishment while delivering devastating attacks makes them ideal for spearheading assaults on fortified positions. A single Gorathadon can tear through reinforced walls, topple defensive towers, and scatter entire formations of troops.

The creatures are often fitted with crude but effective war harnesses that allow Tenebric heralds to ride them into battle, directing their fury toward specific targets. These harnesses also typically mount additional weapons such as siege engines or flame projectors, though the Gorathadons' natural abilities are usually sufficient for most combat situations.

Countermeasures

Despite their formidable nature, several effective countermeasures have been developed against Gorathadons. Vulkatan flamestone has proven particularly effective, as its purifying properties seem to cause them intense pain. The Stone Bulwarks have also developed specialized fortification techniques specifically designed to redirect and trap the creatures, using their own momentum against them.

Additionally, concentrated fire from multiple graser weapons can eventually penetrate their armor, though this typically requires coordinated effort from several heavy weapon teams. The most reliable method of defeating them remains concentrated artillery bombardment from a safe distance, though this is not always possible in the chaotic conditions of battle.

Cultural Impact

The mere presence of Gorathadons has left an indelible mark on the psyche of many Theocracy species. Their image has become synonymous with the horror of corruption and the destructive power of the dark pantheon. Several species, particularly the Vorthen, have incorporated stylized depictions of Gorathadons into their warning symbols and cautionary tales.

See Also

• Inkbound Leeches
• The Stygian Legions
• The Wrath Bearers

References

• "Bestiary of the Corrupted" - Compiled by the Astral Questors
• "Tactical Analysis: Dark Pantheon War Beasts" - Theocratic Navy Strategic Command
• "The Nature of Corruption" - Vitinvesto's Research Compendium