Hydra

Description

Slithering and vile Hydra are known to dwell within marshland and swamp, bringing a foul toxic wake wherever they reside. Resembling a bulbous serpent Hydra are known for their regenerative abilities and are famed for their appearance in the Myth of Hercules. Hydra are considered to be highly dangerous and should be treated with extreme caution if encountered.  

Morphology

Hydra are most commonly compared to a large serpent and it's easy to see why given their long slender and writhing bodies. Much like non anomalous serpents Hydra primarily use their whole bodies to slither across boggy terrain and swim within marshy waterways. Most Hydra are around 9 metres in length, with a bulbous body around their centre length. This bulbous body houses organs one would expect from an amphibious creature. Many have compared the Hydra to a smooth toad or frog with the head and tail of a python. Though appearing mostly serpentine upon this bulbous body one can find small vestigial limbs. These limbs appear similar in form to that of a salamander or other small amphibian.What many would consider to be the neck of the Hydra is an extension of its body, giving the entity the appearance of a large snake after a meal. This is further seen in the head of a hydra which greatly resembles that of a constricting snake like a python or boa. Furthermore their mouths are lined with teeth that surround a forked serpent tongue. Similarly the eyes of a hydra appear to be serpentine with a slit and added translucent skin that allow the hydra to see whilst submerged. The sides of the Hydra's head along with beneath its lower jaw are crested with frills similar to that of some lizard species. These frills extend when threatened, their placement and orientation is often sub-species specific. In colour Hydra can vary greatly, most are shades of brown, green, or tan though some more dangerous sub-species are coloured vivid reds and oranges. Instances with a deep black colouration have also been observed along with rare instances of albinism.  

Growth and Creation

Hydra are a creation of the ancient Titans, birthed to serve as pets, beasts of war, and creatures to populate their grand lands. Modern Hydra are descendants of these creatures, with almost all encountered in our realm being expats from Mythica. Some have been able to survive within our realm for centuries, undisturbed by humans. The majority however still dwell in their homeland, stalking the swamps and marshes, devouring any denizen foolish enough to encroach on their land.   Hydra reproduce in a similar way to non-anomalous serpents, laying eggs that hatch over the course of several months. These eggs are often identical to that of a large serpent, with hydra birthed from them being around ⅕ the size of a fully grown instance. A Hydra grows rapidly, reaching full size in little under two years. This makes multiple expat Hydra incredibly dangerous as their numbers could rapidly swell if undiscovered.  

Hydra Mucus and Skin

Hydra produce a layer of viscous and pungent mucus that coats their bodies that keeps their skin hydrated when out of water. This is similar to non-anomalous amphibians though in the Hydras case this mucus is extremely odorous. So much so that it acts as a passive defence keeping mortal humans and wildlife at bay. Again similar to non-anomalous amphibians the Hydra will on occasion shed its skin in order to renew itself. This is done almost immediately however, leading to pieces of skin shedding off independently when in need of regeneration.  

Abilities

Hydra are famed for their regenerative abilities that are considered to be almost second to none. Though many anomalous entities possess a degree of anomalous regeneration the Hydra are capable of regenerating lost limbs almost immediately. In turn their ability to spit a toxic venom as well as weaponize their own odorous mucus makes Hydra extremely dangerous.  

Hydra Regeneration

Famously Hydra are able to regenerate from decapitations, uniquely when done the Hydra will double what limb has been lost. Though all Hydra are born with a single head and tail the older in their species will often have two or more heads and forked tails. There seems to be no limit to the number of limbs a hydra can regrow with instances being recorded as having up to 50 heads. These heads are able to all act entirely independently from one another and dependent on where they have sprouted can pose a substantial threat. This often leads to a Hydra being more like fighting a group of snakes than a single beast. Though independent these new heads will act entirely in tandem, seeking to slay and consume whatever prey has wandered into their marsh. This regeneration is as mentioned also present in the hydra's tail, leading to many instances having a multitude of tails. Much like other regenerative entities this ability can be stopped if the path of regeneration is somehow obstructed. Classically this has been done with fire as it prevents the ongoing regeneration from being completed. It is important to note that a Hydra can regenerate a lost head in a matter of seconds. Strikes against the body of the Hydra often fail to slay the beast as even critical organs regenerate instantly unless obstructed.   This effect is also present in the vestigial limbs on the hydra's body though their regeneration offers little in the way of offensive or movement capabilities. Terrifyingly though if bisected a Hydra will regenerate from both halves, with each becoming its own independent entity. This effect is present when the hydra is rendered into quarters. Again this ability causes Hydra to be extremely dangerous if not engaged correctly.  

Hydra Toxicity

Hydra are known to be extremely toxic, even touching a Hydra can lead to a painfully slow end. Their blood, mucus, and saliva are all considered to be highly poisonous, so much so that a mortal human will perish in minutes if ingested. This toxicity is used to great effect by the hydra as instances have been known to spit their viscous mucus into the face of their prey. This often permanently blinds victims and can cause death if said mucus enters the bloodstream of the individual. This high toxicity is often exploited by heroes of myth to produce highly deadly arrows and weapons.  

Hydra Mucus

The thick mucus that covers a hydra acts as a passive line of defence for the entity, being toxic enough to ward off any predator foolish enough to attempt to hunt the beast. Though where this mucus shines is in its foul noxious odour that permeates the air around the Hydra. Many have compared its smell to rotting flesh mixed with bile, its stench is strong enough to cause immediate nausea in the majority of mortal humans. So potent is this vile odour that many are left debilitated and some even unconscious after prolonged exposure. This smell alone is enough to keep any wandering trespassers and wildlife at bay.  

Hydra Attack

Though possessing a veritable arsenal of abilities Hydra are often crude in their method of taking down prey. Using their teeth and body a Hydra will attempt to wrap their prey much like a serpent whilst biting at exposed vital areas such as the neck, arms, and inner thigh. This will often lead to prey being entirely overwhelmed. If engaged in marshland Hydra will often attempt to drag their prey down beneath the water or into deep mud in order to drown their prey.    

Behaviour and Psychology

Hydra are no smarter than a serpent, leaving them to be little more than a beast with staggering regeneration abilities. Hydra are incredibly territorial, slaying and consuming any prey or traveller foolish enough to wander near to their homes. Though only beasts Hydra are intelligent enough to lay in ambush for passing prey as well as lure prey into water in which it has the advantage.  

Habitat & Diet

Hydra dwell exclusively in marsh, swamp, and bogs, revelling in their deep mud and murky waters found in such places. Many Hydra will make their dens within fallen trees or partially submerged caves. These places offer protection and camouflage for the Hydra as well as a place to wait in ambush. Primarily Hydra subsides on local fauna, small amphibians, serpents, and birds are the Hydras choice of prey. Lager fauna such as deer, boar, and lost cattle act as a delicious though rare option for hydra to consume. With Hydra being primarily carnivorous it's no wonder that they will attempt to consume any and all that enter their swampy homes.  

Combat & Containment

Given that Hydra are so dangerous it is recommended that even if Field Agents suspect the presence of such an entity that they contact Overwatch for Response Agent Support. Underequipped field agents stand little chance against a hydra, even if they bare blade and torch like in myth. It is recommended that Field Agents immediately retreat from whatever wretched swamp in which the Hydra reside to firm ground.   Response Agents will often find such a skirmish trivial as use of flamethrowers and armoured vehicles render a Hydra little more than a durable serpent. High explosives are not recommended as in the past this has led to unintended duplications of Hydra instances. Aircraft though preferable are often unable to lend assistance due to the habitat in which Hydra dwell. In most cases Response Agents will be expected to enter marshland on foot or onboard water craft armed with flamethrowers and incendiary munitions. Agents should be equipped with rebreathers or gas masks to combat the noxious fumes produced by a Hydra. Though the Hydra will obviously not be decapitated by flames alone this method proves useful as with directed effort Response Agents are able to render a Hydra into a smouldering mass of flesh. Though difficult to accomplish, Agents have in the past been able to render a hydra defenceless by causing hundreds of regenerations to the point of hindrance. Conventional firearms are considered to be of little use against Hydra though are capable of keeping instances at bay.  

Subspecies and Variants

A small number of Hydra Subspecies are known to exist, it has been debated that there could indeed be more that roam within the swamps of our realm, undisturbed for centuries.  

Common Hydra

- The common form of Hydra encountered, found across our realm thriving in swamps and marshes.  

Great Hydra

- Larger than its cousins the Great Hydra is only found in large and undisturbed swamplands.  

Black Hydra

- Black as night these Hydra are known to be especially deadly if encountered, capable of accurately spitting their toxic mucus at great distances.  

Blood Hydra

- The Mucus of a Blood Hydra is a deep crimson colour and far more poisonous than its cousins.  

Toxic Hydra

- Dwelling in foul waters and wretched disposal grounds the Toxic hydra is often bright yellow or orange and deadly to the touch.  

Mythic Hydra

- The Mythic Hydra is the largest of its cousins and found primarily in the realm of Mythica. Some instances have been said to be hundreds of metres in length, thankfully they are rarely encountered in our realm.  

Myths, Legends and Incidents

Hydra have appeared in a number of myths and legends, being famed for their regenerative abilities and multitude of serpentine heads.  

The Twelve Labours of Hercules

Perhaps the most famous tale of a Hydra is that of Hercules’ twelve labours. The ancient hero is tasked with slaying a Hydra that resides in the lake of Lerna. With help from his cousin and by wielding a burning torch Hercules is able to decapitate and then cauterise the heads of the Hydra.  

Verified Incidents

There are currently no available incidents involving this entity.  

Legendary & Famous Instances

Are there any legendary or famous instances involving this entity?  

Lernaean Hydra - Legendary Hydra that poisoned lake Lerna with her stench, slain by the hero Hercules.