Hydras are three-headed amphibious beasts native to both Azeroth and Outland. Each head appears to display a level of independent behaviour. The forms of hydras vary somewhat between the two worlds.
Azeroth Hydras
Hydras in Azeroth are found along the coasts of Darkshore, Ashenvale and Dustwallow Marsh, and were also found in Azshara before the Shattering. Some seem to be intelligent and might be the favored pets or servants of the Old Gods. They are reportedly difficult to kill, both because their wounds heal quickly and, when another creature would die from similar wounds, they split into two smaller hydras. This phenomenon is not observed in World of Warcraft, however. Some savage creatures discover ways to use hydras as guardians, though these creatures are by no means domesticated.
Monster Guide description
This is outdated, but verbatim.
Hydras are three-headed beasts that dwell in marshes and in damp underground areas. They are notoriously difficult to kill, both because their wounds heal quickly and, when another creature would die from similar wounds, they split into two smaller hydras. Some savage creatures discover ways to use hydras as guardians, though these creatures are by no means domesticated.[1]
Hydras are fearless, because they know they are tough customers. They charge with little intelligence or tactics. Multiple hydras (such as those created when a large hydra becomes two smaller hydras) use flanking tactics and attempt to overwhelm a single opponent before moving on to the next.[1]
Outland Hydras
Outland hydras have a more alien appearance. The outer two of their heads are small and have horns growing out the sides, several small eyes on each side, and no visible lower jaw. The middle head is larger and is notable for a single eye in the center of its face. They are commonly found in the lakes and pools of Zangarmarsh, such as the famous Ghaz'an, a boss in the Underbog.
In Netherstorm's Ethereal Eco-Domes, there is a single hydra called Markaru whose natural growth has been accelerated by the Ethereal technology. Aurine Moonblaze, an envoy of the Cenarion Expedition that was sent to investigate the technology, tasks you with retrieving its heart for study.
Elemental nobles
Water elemental members of the Abyssal Council have been known to appear in hydra form, namely The Duke of Fathoms and Lord Skwol.
The Frigid Lieutenant is also an elemental.
Notable hydras
- Aku'mai
- Spirit of Atha
- The Duke of Fathoms
- Frigid Lieutenant
- Gahz'rilla
- Kai'ju Gahz'rilla
- Gahz'ranka
- Gesharahan
- Ghaz'an
- Hetaera
- Lord Skwol
- Markaru
- Mragesh
- Trigore the Lasher
- Vorsha the Lasher
Hydra species
- Bittertide Hydra
- Fenclaw Thrasher
- Gahz'rilla Spawn
- Leviathan
- Mire Hydra
- Mystlash Flayer
- Mystlash Hydra
- Parched Hydra
- Strashaz Hydra
- Thessala Hydra
- Wavethrasher
- Young Wavethrasher
- Great Wavethrasher
- In Manual of Monsters Appendix Three a creature called Savant Hydra is described however the validity of the source is disputed.
Other meanings
The term hydra may also refer a player character being controlled by another player who is controlling two or more characters at the same time. See Dual box.
References
- ^ a b Blizzard Entertainment. Monster Guide, 89-90. ISBN 9781588469366.