Hydras

Basic Information

Anatomy

A Hydra is a reptilian magical beast that has anywhere from five to twelve heads. And very rarely may even have up to fifty heads.

Genetics and Reproduction

A pregnant hydra preparing to give birth will build a nest for this purpose. It digs a pit beside a pond or body of water, then lines it with sticks and weeds.

Ecology and Habitats

Hydras are typically found in the marshes of regions with a temperate climate.

Behaviour

A hydra is not very intelligent, about as much so as an animal. Hydras are usually neutral in alignment.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Enterprising farmers and hydra-hunters developed a number of useful agricultural products from the body parts of the hydra, as follows:
1. Hydra teeth can be used to fashion almost-unbreakable blades for hoes, plows, and saws.
2. A hydra's hide can be dried and made into warming covers for raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries maintaining the air around the plants at 21 °C, extending the growing period deep into autumn. The hides break down when the temperature droppes below freezing for two days in a row. Hydra hides are only effective on these three types of berry bush, not on people, beasts, or other plants.
3. Dried hydra tongues can be used to predict the weather when hung in the wind like a flag. If the tongue turns red, then the temperature was expected to rise by 5.6 °C in the next 24 hours. If the tongue turns green, then the temperature is likely to fall to freezing. If the tongue turns black, then rain is expected the following day.
4. Ground, powdered hydra bones are an excellent desiccant. Added to a small grain bin, a pound of ground bone will absorb all moisture and stop rot and mold.
5. A mixture of hydra fat and cornmeal make for an oddly useful rat poison. It is irresistible to rats, and they grow so fat they can hardly walk, and are easily caught or prey upon.
6. Finally, the head itself, when mounted on a pole in a field, will scare away birds and small mammals. It can be preserved for up to six months.

Facial characteristics

Eye color: Amber

Average Intelligence

Animal or beneath human

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

A hydra is an especially deadly monster, since every time a head is severed, two new ones grew in its place.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dragons

Origin/Ancestry

The Misty Swamps

Lifespan

500 years

Average Weight

1,800 kg

Average Length

6.1 m

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin colors: Gray-brown to dark brown

Geographic Distribution

• The Misty Swamps