Ceradons are imposing primeval beasts that roam the dense jungles inhabited by the lizardmen. These massive creatures have played a vital role in the history of the seraphon, serving as powerful weapons of war. Their sheer size and strength make them formidable opponents on the battlefield, and their natural aggression makes them a fearsome sight to behold.
Ceradons are massive quadrupeds, covered in thick, leathery hide. They sport enormous bony plates along their backs, which provide natural armor and are often adorned with warpaint or other dedications to the seraphon gods. Their most distinctive features are their large, downward curving horns, capable of impaling and lifting even the largest foes.
Ceradons are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, feasting on vegetation and small prey alike. However, they are also territorial and highly aggressive. They seldom retreat, often choosing to stand their ground and face foes head-on. Their primary mode of attack is charging, using their massive bulk to trample enemies or impale them with their horns. Their armored crests can deflect incoming attacks, making them challenging to land a counterattack against.
The seraphon have long utilized ceradons in warfare. Skink crews equip these massive creatures with war howdahs, turning them into mobile fortresses. These howdahs often come equipped with giant blowpipes and ballistae that fire poisoned-tipped bolts, allowing the skinks to rain death upon their enemies from a relatively safe position. Occasionally, a howdah may be equipped with an engine of the gods, an ancient relic with arcane properties that skinks can channel to unleash devastating effects on the battlefield.
As ceradons age, they grow even larger and more powerful. The ancient ceradons are the most revered among their kind, their once fiery temper cooling with age. This makes them easier for skink crews to handle, and they are less prone to rampaging uncontrollably. Ancient ceradons are often equipped with the most elite and powerful howdahs, reserved for only the most critical battles.