Hydrae

Hydrae are large reptilian beasts, similar in power and intelligence to dragons, but unique in that each hydra sports three separate heads - each with a distinct personality of its own. These creatures appear in Ultima IV and Ultima VII.

Description
Hydrae are generally believed to be a sub-species of dragons, and certainly possess both magical and physical prowess similar to that of their single-headed counterparts. Often found lurking within the depths of the cavernous dungeons, hydrae often hold conversations amongst their various "selves," and disagreements between its three heads may provide a canny adventure with an opening for a preemptive assault.

Lore




Notable examples

 * Shandu, Shanda and Shando: a lone hydra which may be found on the lost isle of Ambrosia during Ultima VII; its three heads are prone to lengthy disagreements, leading to quite a lot of dialogue before it will deign to engage the Avatar

Trivia

 * It is claimed in Batlin's Book of Fellowship, that hydrae are capable of flight, although the creatures do not appear to have this capability in either Ultima IV or Ultima VII.
 * Hydrae were to be included in the canceled Ultima X. For more information see: Planned Monsters for Ultima X: Hydra.