Hydra
Huge Monstrosity · · CR 8
- Monstrosity
- Huge
- Tier 2
Hydra, CR 8, fills the huge monstrosity role with unaligned disposition. Encounter regions: swamp. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 8
- Type
- Monstrosity
- Size
- Huge
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Swamp
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Hydras are reptilian monstrosities of fetid swamps and stagnant lakes, growing from juvenile forms with three heads to adults with five or more. They eat constantly, requiring food equal to their body weight weekly. Their regenerative biology is unique: damaged tissue regrows almost instantly, and severed heads sprout twins unless the wound is cauterized. Some regional variants have nine, eleven, or even thirteen heads.
Behaviour
Mindless apex predators, Hydras attack anything that enters their territory. Each head functions semi-independently, snapping at different targets. They communicate among themselves in coordinated hisses, settling disputes over food by simultaneous biting. They rarely leave their lair waters, preferring to ambush prey from hidden positions. They fear fire, the only thing that prevents head regrowth.
Origin
Legendary first Hydras were spawned by the gods of monsters or by Tiamat's lesser servants. Modern Hydras breed naturally in remote swamps, with mothers laying clutches of eggs that hatch into tiny three-headed predators. Heroes sometimes claim Hydra-slaying as proof of valor, and tales of the Lernean Hydra spawn cultural variants in many fantasy worlds. Their blood is poisonous, prized by alchemists and assassins alike.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Hydra
- What is the challenge rating of Hydra?
- The CR on Hydra is 8. That CR fits well-established adventuring parties.
- What type of creature is Hydra?
- By creature type, Hydra is a monstrosity, huge size.
- Where does Hydra live?
- Hydra's listed habitats include Swamp.