Species
Hydras are an extraordinary species. A lot has been uncovered about their biology, but so many questions are still unanswered.
Hydras
Prodigium hydraneous (commonly referred to as Hydras) is a species in the genus Prodigium. Prodigium hydraneous and Homo sapiens share various characteristics, including bipedalism and exceptional cognitive skills. However, Hydras have multiple unique anatomical features, including a complex organ called a Panacea.
Panacea is located in the lower left of the rib cage, opposite a Hydra’s singular kidney. The Panacea uses ferromagnetic and diamagnetic forces to control various bodily processes, including the movement of Pandorium metal and the creation of Vectors. The Panacea is also responsible for Philosopher Protein production, magnetism control, regeneration, physiological responses, stem cell production, etc.
Pandorium metal is produced in the Panacea. The digestion of high-protein and iron-rich food aids internal cultivation. During Vector production, with the aid of the Panacea’s control of magnetism, Padorium metal is carried through organic vessels to the Vector Plates to be extracted as Vectors blades. Pandorium metal is also used to shield the Panacea when danger is perceived as sensitive to injury.
Philosopher proteins originate in the Elixir, a pouch center of the Panacea. They are sent to various areas in the body to mutate DNA and improve the overall performance of the specimen. Mutations are typically not noticeable but can be after an extended period. The significance of the mutations over time is debatable.
Vectors are additional tentacle-like limbs that sprout from the Vector Plates in a Hydra’s lower back. They are created by stem cells provided by the Panacea, and regular Hydras can make four Vectors in total. The tips of the Vectors often have Pandorium blades, the metal for which is also provided by the Panacea. Vector synthesis is the process by which Vectors can be formed. The formation of Vectors may or may not happen during Vector synthesis, depending on the specimen’s control over the process. Vector synthesis can escalate the fight-or-flight response, increasing speed, strength, and endurance. Vector Plates are located in the lower back and are the site for Vector formation. Organic vessels carry stem cells to the Vector Plates to initiate the formation of Vectors. Once there, stem cells are turned into specialized cells to be used in the production of Vectors. Pandorium metal may follow to produce Vector blades.
Horus Dilation and Ra Pigmentation are hig-arousal responses that create changes to the face. Horus Dilation includes the spread of the iris across the sclera and reshaping of the pupil, creating Horus Eyes. Ra Pigmentation includes the formation of dark streaks that run down the eyes. The black streaks are called Ra Pigment. Horus Dilation can also be activated as a physiological response to other occasions other than danger. For example, sexual escalation/orgasm. Ra Pigment is typically an aggressive response. It is used to appear intimidating to the perceived threat as well as to help with glare from light sources. Hydras are obligatory carnivores, meaning their diet is mostly composed of animal products. There are even Hydras that consume humans or other Hydras.
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Wendigos & Metahydras
Wendigos are Cannibalistic Hydras. Cannibalism introduces diverse Philosopher Proteins to a Wendigo’s body and Panacea, causing significant mutations. These mutations often improve Panacea performance, thus increasing the rate of regeneration, elevating Pandorium metal production, and boosting both speed and strength. They also improve a Wendigo’s magnetic capabilities, allowing them to create Magnes Vectors. Wendigos are generally more aggressive and can experience addictive symptoms when they first start cannibalizing.
Magnes Vectors are semi-transparent Vectors formed by magnetic fields. They are more versatile than standard Vectors, and some Wendigos and Metahydras are able to shape them in different ways. Magnes Vector formation also activates Vector synthesis and can amplify the sympathetic response.
Metahydras (Prodigium hydraneous metahydraneous) are the offspring of Wendigos and are a Hydra subspecies. The changes caused by cannibalism are passed on and enhanced, so Metahydras and their descendants surpass Wendigos in strength, speed, and their rate of regeneration. Some Metahydras cannibalize for social purposes (power, status, etc.), and others under the belief that further cannibalizing will lead to enhanced Panacea performance. The claim is unsupported. The survival rate for a Metahydra is lower compared to the average Hydra due to their association with cannibalism and desirability by black market and organized crime entities.
Multi Metahydras have a lineage of three or more Metahydras generations. Though not considered a subspecies on its own, there is reason to suspect that there’s a significant change in Panacea performance depending on generation.
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