I would note that the magic likely slows or does SOMETHING to the target, because in the books it would always cause paralysis or something along those lines.
Dragongirl, there are 3E versions of the snake-whips that drow clerics use. They can be found on page 5 of the web enhancement for City of the Spider Queen which can be downloaded from here: http://wizards.com/dnd/files/Spider_Queen_enhance.zip
Note that there is an error in the statistics for the viper heads. They are listed as causing 1d2-2 points of damage. That would be true if their Str score was used to determine additional damage. However, the heads have the Weapon Finesse feat, and so should add their Dex bonus. The correct damage listing is 1d2+3.
For the record, the Tentacle Rods and the Scourge of Fangs (snake-head whips) are totally separate items that drow clerics use.