Hydra
| Hydra | |
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 Hydra, from Ultima VII manual | |
| First appearance: | Ultima IV |
| Last appearance: | Ultima VII |
This article is about a type of three-headed dragon. For the carnivorous plant which appears in Ultima VI, see Hydra (U6).
Hydras 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[edit]
Hydras 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, hydras have been known to hold conversations amongst their various "selves," and disagreements among their three heads may provide a canny adventurer with an opening for a preemptive assault.
Lore[edit]
| “ | Beware the evil breath of the multi-headed Hydra! The massive fireballs can fry most members of thy party. – from The History of Britannia (Ultima IV)
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| “ | This creature is a type of dragon that possesses three heads. Like the dragon, a hydra can also fly and breathe fire. – from The Book of Fellowship (Ultima VII)
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Notable Examples[edit]
- 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[edit]
- It is claimed in Batlin's Book of Fellowship, that hydras are capable of flight, although the creatures do not appear to have this capability in either Ultima IV or Ultima VII.
- Hydras were to be included in the canceled Ultima X. For more information see: Planned monsters for Ultima X § Hydra.
Gallery[edit]
Conversation with the Hydra in Ultima VII
Ultima X concept art
