Lingchih,
Give it a go. I noticed the same issue with Sauromatia as well btw, so if it is going to go on the hot list, we may want to get it verified so it can be fixed for all nations as I think Sauromatia and MA Pythium use different hydras than LA Pythium.
If it works in the single player game, and I imagine it should as I think the issue was a missing #firstshape command or two, then the next step will be for the server to be patched with the change. Then you should see the desired effect on your in game hydras. Of course I hope to have your hydras killed before then
.