Hydrask

Wyverns aren't the only fearsome beasts someone may have the missfortune of crossing paths with in the dense jungles of Eastern Mahador. An even more numerous and dangerous monsters are Hydrasks, large, multi-headed reptillian beasts resembling a large serpent slittering around the tropical jungles of the eastern coast of mahador, and the titular Hydrask isles, just to the east.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Body

Hydrask are best described as serpent-like beasts, as they possess a long and thick body. In fact, it is about as thick as the height of an average man. It is covered in hard gliscening green scales that are inpervious to most attacks. However, unlike a true serpent or snake, they also possess 4 powerful limbs, adapted to both land and sea travel. They have large and sharp claws as well as webbing between their toes, which helps them swim better and faster. This webbing is particulary pronounced on their hind paws, while the front paws have larger claws.

The Many (Fake) Heads

But their most shocking feature is most definetly their multiple heads. Most Hydrask possess 3 heads, but the number varies and some individuals have been seen with as many as 12 heads. Each one is able to act individualy from one another, like the beast's other limbs, and are each able to see, hear, eat and vocalize. They have red eyes, much like their Wyvern cousins and possess mouths that are able to stretch enough to swallow a baby elephant whole, and possess sharp fangs that deliver a very potent venom when they bite. They are also able to shoot that venom across a short distance. As it makes contact with air, it thickens and becomes corrosive, enough to eat through wood, stone and metal as well as melt flesh.

The Tail, AKA, the real Head

However, none of those heads contain the brain of the creature, as that organ is located inside its tail, enclosed in a hard squeletal structure ressembling a shell that is attached to the tail bone. The shell is surounded on the outside by a large number of sharp horns, resembling blades.

Ecology and Habitats

Hydrasks are semi-aquatic animals, meaning that they live on both land and in water throughout their life. However, they seem to slightly prefer terrestrial living. They usualy stay by the shoreline and in the coastal waters nearby.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Hydrasks hunt in both the water and on land. They eat anything small enough to fit their giant mouths. Most large herbivors and carnivores in the region are prey to the Hydrask. The Hydrask's only predator is the Wyverns who's main habitat in the Xejukan Wilds overlaps slightly with the Hydrasks.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Hydrask can be found in the north-east of Mahador, mainly located along what is called by Arrosians the Basilisk Coast, as well as the Hydrask Isles further to the east and including the waters surounding both reagions, with the notable exception of Mount Kimali and the Calderus Sea, probably due to the lack of prey and awful climate of the region. They have also been spotted in the numerous rivers flowing through the Xejukan Wilds, probably since many of them empty themselves along the Baslisk coast.

Average Intelligence

While Hydrask have a reputation of being very dangerous apex predator, much like their rival the Wyverns, they aren't as smart. They are easily distracted and confused by bright light sources, such as fire, as well as loud sounds, which can allow their prey to escape, as long as they are also able to mask their smell.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Hydrask have poor vision and mediocre hearing, both of which get marginaly better in the water. Where they really become dangerous is with their sense of smell, which is extremely sharp in the water and especialy on land.

Lifespan

Around 50 years

Average Height

Around 10-15 metres, depending on age and sex.

Average Length

20 to 30 metres on average

Geographic Distribution

• Continent of Mahador
• Hydrask Isles
• Xejukan Wilds

Cultural Impact

Hydrask are ferocious beasts, and for many cultures living in territories near their habitat, they represent a source of cautionaly tales.

How many has it killed?

A common belief in the Kingdom of Asderaan is that the number of heads a Hydrask possesses represents the number of Warriors it has killed before.

How would you Kill a Hydrask?

In the Ak'aaran Confederation, a saying goes as follows: "How would you kill a Hydrask", which is a rhetorical question meant to be answered with: "with someone else". That second person's role would be to distract the Hydrask's many head, so that the first person can sneak around and cut off their tails