Films: Gaurdian of the Palace (2020)

Alias: None

Type: Mystical

Location: Haunted home

Height/Weight: That of an average bus.

Affiliation: Neutral

Summary: When you raid an ancient temple, expect the very worst in security. As in, the worst possible ways to die. This may not be the most sadistic historical contingency plan, but you wouldn't want to meet a two-headed serpent, now would you?

History: Long ago, the golden land of Heishui Country was swallowed up by the Chinese deserts. Since then, countless empires have tried to raid its hidden palace for the moon gem within, only for their armies to disappear. This was mainly due to its guardian, a monstrous two-headed snake that protected the moon gem located on one of her (their?) heads with vigor. It didn't stop some modern explorers from trying, though. At least these folks wanted to prevent a plague from wiping out their home with the gem's help.

Notable Kills: Nothing special.

Final Fate: Our heroes meet the guardian, and naturally, it's a hostile first impression that gets many killed. However, a descendent of one of the old royalty's advisors brings the beast's rampage to a screeching halt. Upon realizing the group's noble intentions, the serpent allows them to take the moon gem before she dissipates into gold, her duty fulfilled.

Powers/Abilities: The guardian is impervious to all weaponry, and can telepathically communicate with royal descendants.

Weakness: Only when her purpose is fulfilled can she rest.

Scariness Factor: 3.5-Not only is this gargantuan twin-headed viper ornate and somewhat convincing, she's devastatingly powerful, able to take out entire squadrons with just a flick of her tail. However, she's not totally unreasonable, and is simply protecting a sacred treasure from the evils of man. And even she knew that while her home is gone, the people that succeeded it matter more than restoring the past.

Trivia: -Looking at the guardian's design, it is possible that it is based off of the Mangshan pit viper, also known as the ironhead viper. A fitting title for such a venomous snake. It mainly hunts by wiggling the bright tip of its tail, imitating a struggling worm in order to lure prey in a strategy known as caudal luring.

-Two-headed snakes, and two-headed animals in general, are not uncommon, though the former is more recognized. It is believed to be a result of what usually gives rise to conjoined twins. The Greek term for this is polycephaly.