hydra
A hydra is a multiheaded, reptilian beast distantly related to dragons, and combining many features of both dragons and crocodiles. Most common varieties of the hydra, particularly the Lernean hydra, live in or near lakes, swamps, and wetlands, but the various subspecies may be found in treacherous, remote areas around the world. The best-known trait of the hydra is its ability to grow back severed heads unless the stump is cauterized with fire or acid.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A hydra is a reptilian quadruped with a sleek body, webbed claws, a muscular, rudder-like tail, and thick, armored scales on its body that range in color from dull green to murky brown. Additionally, the average adult hydra possesses five heads on long, serpentine necks, though specimens have been found with up to twelve heads. Each head has its own awareness, making the beast difficult to ambush, even while it is sleeping, as one head is always awake at any given time.
A hydra's eyes possess a nictitating membrane that covers and protects the eye underwater, and its lung capacity is such that it can hold its breath for over an hour.
Ecology and Habitats
Hydras typically live in swamps and wetlands, subsisting on fish and animals as large as deer to sate its hunger. It will choose a large, deep cave as its lair, and the back of such a formation will often be littered with bones, alongside the belongings of some hapless traveler. Because of their great size, hydras tend to be territorial, chasing away any rival hydras to protect their food source.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Hydras are ambush predators and obligate carnivores, lying in wait for its prey either concealed in the underbrush or mostly-submerged in a large body of water. When it attacks, its multiple heads work in concert to corral and subdue its prey. Anything not eaten on the spot is dragged or carried back to its lair for later consumption. Hydras favor large meals, after which they may not need to hunt for three or four days. However, unlike true reptiles, hydras do not go into torpor when digesting a large meal.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
A hydra's senses of sight, smell, and hearing are excellent, as befits a large predator, and its multiple heads allow it to observe its surroundings in a 360-degree field when it is awake.
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