Hydra

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The hydra is a monster that exists in both SLASH'EM and SpliceHack, but is implemented very differently in both variants.

SLASH'EM

In SLASH'EM the hydra is one of two non-dragons to use the D glyph, the other being the wyvern. True to its source mythos, it has a large number of bite attacks. It cannot, however, grow new heads when attacked with a sword.

Strategy

These should not pose a problem by the time one encounters them; they are somewhat slow, do only a moderate amount of damage, and have no particular special attacks. They do have a large amount of hit points and a decent AC, though, in addition to resisting stoning.

SpliceHack

In SpliceHack the hydra uses the : glyph and can grow new heads.

Mythos

The hydra is of course the monster from Greek mythology. It's full name being the Lernaean Hydra (Λερναῖα Ὕδρα). It is a large, snake-like monster, with multiple heads, that Heracles fought, which would grow two new heads for every one chopped off.

It may also be a reference to the same monster in Crawl, which also uses the D glyph. It is one of the more notable monsters in Crawl, as it does have the ability to regrow heads, and will do so whenever attacked with a non-flaming edged weapon.

See also