Amphisbaena Creature (CR +2)[3pp]

An amphisbaena is a creature with a head on each end. More specifically, an amphisbaena consists of two sets of forequarters of a creature conjoined in the middle. Each head of the creature is independent, but they share a close bond that enables them to coordinate attacks and movement.

Bipedal amphisbaena creatures have two sets of arms. One set of arms is used for attacking and manipulating, while the other set is used for locomotion. Which set of arms is used for which purpose doesn’t matter to a humanoid amphisbaena; they can easily switch positions.

Creating an Amphisbaena Creature

“Amphisbaena Creature” is an inherited template that can be applied to any creature with a definite head (referred to as the “base creature”). It retains all the special abilities of the base creature, except as noted here.

CR: Same as the base creature +2.

Type: Animals and vermin become magical beasts, and humanoids become monstrous humanoids, but otherwise the type remains unchanged. The amphisbaena gains the augmented subtype if its type changes. Do not recalculate the creature’s base attack bonus, saves, or skill points.

Hit Dice: Same as base creature +3. Animals and vermin that become magical beasts change their HD type to d10s.

Defensive Abilities: An amphisbaena gains cold resistance 10 and the following defensive abilities:

All-Around Vision (Ex)

An amphisbaena sees in all directions at once. It cannot be flanked.

Split (Ex)

Each of the amphisbaena’s heads functions independently of the other. An amphisbaena that is cut in half by 10 or more points of slashing damage from a single attack for a Tiny creature, 20 or more points of damage for a Small or Medium creature, 30 or more points of damage for a Large creature, 40 or more points of damage for a Huge creature, 50 or more points of damage for a Gargantuan creature, and 60 or more points of damage for a Colossal creature continues to function normally (each with half its current hit points) and reattaches its body together in 1d2 days. An amphisbaena that has been split cannot be split again until it reattaches.

Attacks: An amphisbaena retains all the attacks of the base creature, except those which originate from the hind quarters. Each head, however, can make use of any attack that originates from the forequarters. Although a bipedal amphisbaena has two sets of arms, it can only attack with one set; the other set are used for balance and movement.

Special Attacks: An amphisbaena retains all the special attacks of the base creature, except those which originate from the hind quarters. Each head, however, can make use of any attack that originates from the forequarters. For example, an amphisbaena red dragon gains an additional breath weapon and bite attack (for the other head), but loses its tail slap. Increase the save DCs of any special attacks due to the base creature’s increased HD and increased ability scores.

Abilities: Str +4, Dex –2, Con +2.

Feats: An amphisbaena gains additional feats as normal from the increase in HD when applying this template.

Skills: An amphisbaena gains additional skill points from the increase in HD when applying this template. Amphisbaena have a +4 racial bonus on Perception skill checks.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Amphisbaena Creature from the Tome of Horrors Complete, Copyright 2011, Necromancer Games, Inc., published and distributed by Frog God Games; Author Erica Balsley.

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