Difference between revisions of "Hydra"

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(updated; might be other recommended methods for dealing with hydras (I know I don't know much about Summons myself))
(upd 0.25, saw it in tournament, no change)
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''For a list of all dragon-like creatures, see [[list of dragons#Dragon-like creatures|list of dragons]].''
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''For a list of all reptiles, see [[list of reptiles and amphibians]].''
<!--monster-bot-begin-->
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{{monster info}}
{{monster
 
|name=hydra
 
|glyph={{LightGreen|D}}
 
|tile=[[File:Hydra.png]]
 
|flags={{Cold blood flag}}<br>{{Regenerates flag}}
 
|resistances={{Poison resistance}}, {{Drown resistance}}, <br>{{Water resistance}}
 
|vulnerabilities=None
 
|max_chunks=8
 
|meat={{Poisonous corpse}}
 
|xp=976
 
|holiness={{Natural}}
 
|magic_resistance=52
 
|hp_range=54-91
 
|avg_hp=72
 
|armour_class=0
 
|evasion=5
 
|habitat=Amphibious
 
|speed= 10 (swim: 60%)
 
|size={{Big}}
 
|item_use={{Uses nothing}}
 
|attack1=18 ({{Bite type}}: {{Plain flavour}}) per head
 
|attack2=
 
|attack3=
 
|attack4=
 
|hit_dice=13
 
|base_hp=3
 
|extra_hp=5
 
|fixed_hp=0
 
|intelligence={{Reptile intelligence}}
 
|genus=hydra
 
|species=hydra
 
}}
 
{{Flavour|A great and nightmarish lacertilian beast. It has many heads, and the potential to grow many more!<br>
 
<br>
 
Hitting it with any cutting weapon bigger than a dagger or a quick blade risks lopping a head off, which, considering hydra's unique biology, is not what you want unless the blade is hot enough to cauterize the wound. Even a troll's claws may be enough to rip hydra heads.}}
 
<!--monster-bot-end-->
 
  
 
==Useful Info==
 
==Useful Info==
[[Hydra]]s are notoriously dangerous melee monsters found most often in [[the Lair]] and [[the Swamp]]. They begin life with 4-8 heads, but grow two more and heal significantly whenever they lose one. This usually happens when a player or trap deals slashing damage to it. Careless use of [[claws]], [[axes]], [[long blades]], [[short sword]]s, and [[cutlass]]es can result in prolonged and deadly combat. Any such attack that deals 1-3 damage has a 50% chance of removing a head, while 4+ will always do so.
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[[Hydra]]s are notoriously dangerous melee monsters found most often in [[the Lair]] and [[the Swamp]]. They begin life with 4-8 heads, but grow two more and heal significantly whenever they lose one. This usually happens when someone deals slashing damage to it. Any such attack that deals 1-3 damage has a 50% chance of removing a head, while 4+ will always do so. Careless use of [[claws]], [[axes]], and [[long blades]] can result in prolonged and deadly combat.
  
Fortunately, there are ways to hurt them without them growing stronger. Blunt and piercing weapons injure them as normal, and [[flaming]] edged weapons will remove heads and cauterize the wound, preventing the normal regrowth. Ranged weapons and spells also function without issue.
+
Fortunately, there are ways to hurt them without them growing stronger. Blunt and piercing weapons injure them as normal, and [[flaming]] edged weapons will remove heads and cauterize the wound, preventing the normal regrowth. Ranged weapons and spells also function without issue. Note that the rules about edged weapons, flaming edged weapons, and blunt weapons apply to everyone who attacks a hydra, including summons and all other monsters.
  
 
Hydras cannot [[fly]], but they swim quickly through water. Lava will effectively stop them, however.
 
Hydras cannot [[fly]], but they swim quickly through water. Lava will effectively stop them, however.
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*The [[Summon Hydra]] spell lets you call a friendly 4-9 headed hydra to fight for you, but only for a brief time.
 
*The [[Summon Hydra]] spell lets you call a friendly 4-9 headed hydra to fight for you, but only for a brief time.
 
*They have [[poison resistance]], so [[poison]] and [[Mephitic Cloud]] won't work.
 
*They have [[poison resistance]], so [[poison]] and [[Mephitic Cloud]] won't work.
 +
*Hydras are [[cold-blooded]], so [[cold]] damage (either from a weapon of [[freezing]] or [[Ice Magic]]) has a chance to slow them. Do not use an edged freezing weapon, however, as cold damage won't prevent head regrowth.
 
*If attempting to escape, remember that hydras cannot open doors nor [[see invisible]].
 
*If attempting to escape, remember that hydras cannot open doors nor [[see invisible]].
 
*Here are some tips for edged-weapon users:
 
*Here are some tips for edged-weapon users:
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**Use a non-edged weapon of the same skill, such as:
 
**Use a non-edged weapon of the same skill, such as:
 
***[[Maces and Flails]]: Not an issue.
 
***[[Maces and Flails]]: Not an issue.
***[[Short Blades]]: Use a [[Quick blade]] or [[dagger]]. Fighting a hydra with a dagger is still not recommended unless you have [[Stabbing]] bonuses. [[Invisibility]] is quite useful here, since they neither see nor sense it.
+
***[[Short Blades]]: All short blades deal piercing damage. Fighting a hydra with a dagger is still not recommended unless you have [[Stabbing]] bonuses. [[Invisibility]] is quite useful here, since they neither see nor sense it.
 
***[[Polearms]]: Use a [[spear]], [[trident]], or [[demon trident]].
 
***[[Polearms]]: Use a [[spear]], [[trident]], or [[demon trident]].
 
***[[Staves]]: Use a [[quarterstaff]] or enhancer staff.
 
***[[Staves]]: Use a [[quarterstaff]] or enhancer staff.
***[[Axes]] and [[Long Blades]]: There are no safe options. Use spells, [[wand]]s, or a weapon you aren't skilled in (only recommended with high [[AC]], [[berserk]]ing, or other buffs).
+
***[[Axes]] and [[Long Blades]]: There are no safe options. Use spells, [[wand]]s, or a weapon type you've [[crosstrain]]ed with. (High [[AC]], [[berserk]]ing, and other buffs also help.)
***[[Unarmed Combat]]: Only characters with [[claws|Claws 3]] are at risk of severing heads. [[Ghoul]]s and [[Felid]]s only have one level of claws, but [[Troll]]s will have to find another way.
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***[[Unarmed Combat]]: Only characters with [[claws|Claws 3]] are at risk of severing heads. [[Ghoul]]s and [[Felid]]s only have one level of claws, but [[Troll]]s will have to find another way. A [[potion of lignification]] can work well.
 
**[[Invocations]]:
 
**[[Invocations]]:
 
***[[Makhleb]]: Greater Servants can easily kill hydras.
 
***[[Makhleb]]: Greater Servants can easily kill hydras.
***[[Beogh]]: [[Smite]] works, but at a high [[piety]] cost.
+
***[[Beogh]]: [[Smite]] works, but it costs [[piety]].
 
***[[Elyvilon]]: Hydras are natural beasts, and can be pacified easily.
 
***[[Elyvilon]]: Hydras are natural beasts, and can be pacified easily.
 
***[[Lugonu]]: With high Invocations, you may be able to send hydras to [[the Abyss]].
 
***[[Lugonu]]: With high Invocations, you may be able to send hydras to [[the Abyss]].
 
***[[Qazlal]]: Blasting hydras with Upheaval works, though it chews through piety quickly.
 
***[[Qazlal]]: Blasting hydras with Upheaval works, though it chews through piety quickly.
 +
***[[Trog]]/[[Berserker]]: Summoning one or two Ogres to pound them to a pulp is a perfectly viable option, and even the high [[HD]] Trolls can usually kill them in a few shots regardless of their heads.
 
**[[Spell]]s:
 
**[[Spell]]s:
***[[Conjurations]]: Most level 3+ Conjurations can kill a hydra in 3-6 hits, and even level 2's can soften them up significantly with enough time. Hydras leave poisonous corpses, so [[Ignite Poison]] will hurt it effectively and reliably.
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***[[Conjurations]]: Most level 3+ Conjurations can kill a hydra in 3-6 hits, and even level 2's can soften them up significantly with enough time.
 
***[[Summonings]]: 4-7 [[ice beast]]s can easily kill a hydra, though a hydra with a high number of heads may require more.
 
***[[Summonings]]: 4-7 [[ice beast]]s can easily kill a hydra, though a hydra with a high number of heads may require more.
***[[Transmutations]]: Use [[Ice Form]] or unarmed [[Statue Form]]. [[Spider Form]] does not remove heads, but is generally less effective than Ice or Statue Form.
+
***[[Transmutations]]: Use [[Ice Form]] or unarmed [[Statue Form]]. [[Spider Form]] also does not remove heads, but is generally less effective than Ice or Statue Form.
**Wands: Even at low [[Evocations]], a [[wand of fire]], [[wand of cold]], [[wand of draining]], or [[wand of fireball]] can usually kill a hydra in 2-5 hits. This is a safe course of action for most characters.
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**Attack [[wand]]s: Even at low [[Evocations]], a [[wand of iceblast]] or [[wand of acid]] can usually kill a hydra in 2-5 hits. This is a safe course of action for most characters. [[Wands of scattershot]] are particularly effective, as hydras have 0 AC.
  
 
The following methods do not work:
 
The following methods do not work:
*[[Polymorph]]: Hydras have high HD, and often turn into even toughter monsters. [[Storm dragon]]s are a particularly common result.
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*[[wand of polymorph|Polymorph]]: Hydras have high HD, and often turn into even tougher monsters. [[Storm dragon]]s are a particularly common result.
*Low-Skill Archery: Hydras regenerate quickly; any method which relies on whittling down its HP will likely fail.
+
*Low-Skill Ranged Weapons: Hydras regenerate quickly; any method which relies on whittling down its HP will likely fail.
 
*[[Escaping_from_(and_avoiding)_trouble#Leading_them_up|Stair dancing]]: Climbing up or down stairs next to a hydra will give it a few free hits, which is possibly all it needs to kill you.
 
*[[Escaping_from_(and_avoiding)_trouble#Leading_them_up|Stair dancing]]: Climbing up or down stairs next to a hydra will give it a few free hits, which is possibly all it needs to kill you.
 
*Berserk With an Edged Weapon: While you may be able to deal more damage than the hydra can heal per hit, its damage output will be growing, and ending your berserk slowed and wounded next to an even stronger hydra than you started with is not ideal.
 
*Berserk With an Edged Weapon: While you may be able to deal more damage than the hydra can heal per hit, its damage output will be growing, and ending your berserk slowed and wounded next to an even stronger hydra than you started with is not ideal.
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==Undead Hydras==
 
==Undead Hydras==
Hydra corpses that are raised as [[zombie]]s or [[skeleton]]s will have the same number of heads as the corpse; zero-headed corpses cannot be raised this way. Hydra [[simulacrum (monster)|simulacra]] may have more or less heads. In either case, you can slice their heads off as with normal hydras, but they will never grow back, even if a non-flaming weapon is used. Note that hydra simulacra can have horrifyingly high damage output if you lack cold resistance: +13-38 cold damage per head.
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Hydra corpses that are raised as [[zombie]]s, [[skeleton (monster)|skeletons]], or [[simulacrum (monster)|simulacra]] will have the same number of heads as the corpse; zero-headed corpses cannot be raised in this way. In any case, you can slice their heads off as with normal hydras, but they will never grow back, even if a non-flaming weapon is used. Note that hydra simulacra can have horrifyingly high damage output if you lack cold resistance (+13-38 cold damage ''per head'').
  
 
Spectral hydras created with [[Death Channel]] will have the same number of heads as the hydra when it died, but these can't be cut off.
 
Spectral hydras created with [[Death Channel]] will have the same number of heads as the hydra when it died, but these can't be cut off.
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==History==
 
==History==
Prior to [[0.12]] hydras were not [[cold-blooded]] creatures, except [[the Lernaean hydra]].
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*Prior to [[0.20]], the [[Captain's Cutlass]] dealt slicing damage and chopped hydra heads.
 +
*As of [[0.16]], short swords and rapiers deal piercing damage, meaning they no longer remove heads.
 +
*Prior to [[0.12]] hydras were not [[cold-blooded]] creatures, except [[the Lernaean hydra]].
  
In [[0.16]], all Short Blades will do piercing damage, meaning short swords and rapiers will no longer remove heads.
+
==See also==
 +
* [[Hydra Form]]
  
[[Category:Crystal Ball Articles]]
 
 
[[Category:Featured_Article]]
 
[[Category:Featured_Article]]

Revision as of 22:19, 27 June 2020

Version 0.25: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

For a list of all reptiles, see list of reptiles and amphibians.

hydra DHydra.png
HP 47-96
HD 13
XP 972
Speed 10 (swim: 60%)
AC 0
EV 5
Will 60
Attack1 18 (bite: plain)


Resistances rPois+
rDrown
Vulnerabilities None
Habitat Amphibious
Intelligence Animal
Uses Uses nothing
Holiness Natural
Size Giant
Type hydra, hydra
Flags Cold-blooded
Regenerates
A great and nightmarish lacertilian beast. It has many heads, and the potential to grow many more!

Hitting it with any bladed weapon bigger than a short blade risks lopping a head off, which, considering hydras' unique biology, is not what you want. Even a troll's claws are long enough to do the same. Only a weapon branded with flame will cauterize the wound and prevent more heads from growing.


“On the other hand, Confucius is made to say to his disciples, ‘I know how birds can fly, how fishes can swim, and how animals can run. But the runner may be snared, the swimmer may be hooked, and the flyer may be shot by the arrow. But there is the dragon. I cannot tell how he mounts on the wind through the clouds, and rises to heaven. Today I have seen Lao-tsze, and can only compare him to the dragon.’”
-Life of Confucius

“This Dragon had Two furious Wings
Each one upon each Shoulder;
With a Sting in his Tail as long as a Flail,
Which made him bolder and bolder.
He had long Claws, and in his Jaws
Four and forty Teeth of Iron;
With a Hide as tough, as any Buff,
Which did him round environ.”

-“An Excellent Ballad of a most dreadful Combat, fought between Moore of Moore-Hall, and the Dragon of Wantley”, retold by Ambrose Philips, _A Collection of Old Ballads. Corrected from the Best and Most Ancient Copies Extant. With Introductions Historical, Critical, Or Humorous_. 1723.

Useful Info

Hydras are notoriously dangerous melee monsters found most often in the Lair and the Swamp. They begin life with 4-8 heads, but grow two more and heal significantly whenever they lose one. This usually happens when someone deals slashing damage to it. Any such attack that deals 1-3 damage has a 50% chance of removing a head, while 4+ will always do so. Careless use of claws, axes, and long blades can result in prolonged and deadly combat.

Fortunately, there are ways to hurt them without them growing stronger. Blunt and piercing weapons injure them as normal, and flaming edged weapons will remove heads and cauterize the wound, preventing the normal regrowth. Ranged weapons and spells also function without issue. Note that the rules about edged weapons, flaming edged weapons, and blunt weapons apply to everyone who attacks a hydra, including summons and all other monsters.

Hydras cannot fly, but they swim quickly through water. Lava will effectively stop them, however.

While exploring the bottom floor of the Swamp, beware the Lernaean hydra. This unique hydra is much more lethal than normal.

Tips & Tricks

  • Hydras with additional heads only get more attacks per turn, not more HD, XP, or MR.
  • Hydras max out at 20 heads, at which point they get 20 individual melee attacks per turn. Don't let this happen.
  • If you manage to get a hydra to 0 heads, it dies instantly regardless of how much HP it had left.
  • The Summon Hydra spell lets you call a friendly 4-9 headed hydra to fight for you, but only for a brief time.
  • They have poison resistance, so poison and Mephitic Cloud won't work.
  • Hydras are cold-blooded, so cold damage (either from a weapon of freezing or Ice Magic) has a chance to slow them. Do not use an edged freezing weapon, however, as cold damage won't prevent head regrowth.
  • If attempting to escape, remember that hydras cannot open doors nor see invisible.
  • Here are some tips for edged-weapon users:
    • Use a flaming weapon to not only avoid regrowth and healing, but to reduce the hydra's damage output with each hit. Generally, faster weapons work better for this purpose, as they give they hydra less time to gnaw on you between swings. However, most characters are unlikely to have found multiple flaming weapons by the time they reach the Lair -- use whatever you have.
    • Use a non-edged weapon of the same skill, such as:
    • Invocations:
      • Makhleb: Greater Servants can easily kill hydras.
      • Beogh: Smite works, but it costs piety.
      • Elyvilon: Hydras are natural beasts, and can be pacified easily.
      • Lugonu: With high Invocations, you may be able to send hydras to the Abyss.
      • Qazlal: Blasting hydras with Upheaval works, though it chews through piety quickly.
      • Trog/Berserker: Summoning one or two Ogres to pound them to a pulp is a perfectly viable option, and even the high HD Trolls can usually kill them in a few shots regardless of their heads.
    • Spells:
      • Conjurations: Most level 3+ Conjurations can kill a hydra in 3-6 hits, and even level 2's can soften them up significantly with enough time.
      • Summonings: 4-7 ice beasts can easily kill a hydra, though a hydra with a high number of heads may require more.
      • Transmutations: Use Ice Form or unarmed Statue Form. Spider Form also does not remove heads, but is generally less effective than Ice or Statue Form.
    • Attack wands: Even at low Evocations, a wand of iceblast or wand of acid can usually kill a hydra in 2-5 hits. This is a safe course of action for most characters. Wands of scattershot are particularly effective, as hydras have 0 AC.

The following methods do not work:

  • Polymorph: Hydras have high HD, and often turn into even tougher monsters. Storm dragons are a particularly common result.
  • Low-Skill Ranged Weapons: Hydras regenerate quickly; any method which relies on whittling down its HP will likely fail.
  • Stair dancing: Climbing up or down stairs next to a hydra will give it a few free hits, which is possibly all it needs to kill you.
  • Berserk With an Edged Weapon: While you may be able to deal more damage than the hydra can heal per hit, its damage output will be growing, and ending your berserk slowed and wounded next to an even stronger hydra than you started with is not ideal.
  • Haste, when in the Swamps: Hydras' speed advantage in water will mean you probably cannot outrun them.

Undead Hydras

Hydra corpses that are raised as zombies, skeletons, or simulacra will have the same number of heads as the corpse; zero-headed corpses cannot be raised in this way. In any case, you can slice their heads off as with normal hydras, but they will never grow back, even if a non-flaming weapon is used. Note that hydra simulacra can have horrifyingly high damage output if you lack cold resistance (+13-38 cold damage per head).

Spectral hydras created with Death Channel will have the same number of heads as the hydra when it died, but these can't be cut off.

Any of these undead hydras can be found as enemies throughout the dungeon, especially in the pestilence ending of the Swamp.

History

See also