Amphisbaena

Large monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 39 (6d10+6)
Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft., swim 20 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	19 (+4)	13 (+1)	1 (-5)	12 (+1)	2 (-4)

Saving Throws Int-3, Cha-2
Skills Acrobatics +6, Athletics +3, Perception +3, Stealth +7
Damage Resistances poison
Condition Immunities petrified, prone
Senses passive Perception 13
Challenge 3 (700 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Dual Mind. The amphisbaena has two brains, so for all mind-affecting attacks it counts as two separate creatures. If a spell or effect can only affect one of the creature’s heads (such as a hold monster spell, which affects a single target) the unaffected head takes control of the entire body. In these situations, the affected head becomes inert for combat purposes (losing its second bite attack), and the creature temporarily loses its Multiattack and Dual Reflexes abilities. Even if one head is charmed or dominated, the creature does not attack itself or split its attacks between its normal opponents and those chosen by its controller. In effect, mind-affecting attacks must affect both heads in order to achieve the normal result.
• Keen Smell. The amphisbaena has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The amphisbaena bites twice.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.

REACTIONS

• Dual Reflexes. The amphisbaena has advantage on initiative checks and can take two reactions each round.

ABOUT

The reclusive amphisbaena is a dreaded viper with a head at either end of its thick, serpentine coils. It travels in a strange, undulant crawl akin to that of a sidewinder, looping the coils of its long body back and forth and keeping both of its heads at the alert. Amphisbaenas are said to have formed from the blood of medusas, and while such stories are highly suspect, the creatures possess a natural immunity to petrification, which make them favored pets of medusas or other creatures with the petrification ability.

Adult amphisbaenas can grow up to 14 feet in length and weigh as much as 250 pounds.

While their thick coils twitch and ripple with muscle, amphisbaenas are not constrictors; their attacks rely on speed and their deadly venom. Most amphisbaenas have dark red scales with lighter bands or bellies; however, they can be encountered in a variety of colors appropriate to their habitats. The amphisbaena’s two heads can act independently, and the creature can move freely in either direction. In combat, it uses this ability to its utmost advantage, constantly spinning about to change up the direction of its strikes and guarding against enemies attempting to sneak closer or flank it. Unlike most snakes, amphisbaenas are aggressive, attacking anything that enters their territory. While they prefer smaller prey, they have been known to hunt gnomes, halflings, and other small humanoids, and will sometimes attack larger foes if they’re starving or preparing to shed.