MAPSNAKE - TIMELINE #130884535

(Timeline Tuesday #172)

Mapsnakes are a species of reptile from a nearby timeline. In many ways they are similar to the snakes of our reality, featuring a long, slender body in various shades of green and brown. They are covered in scales and sport a ribbed belly, and they move across the ground by undulating their body in a rhythmic, slithering pattern.

The main difference, however, is the creature’s head. Instead of the usual face one might expect from a natural snake, this species has adapted a large, flat surface. This surface is thin and rectangular, with a variety of colorful markings that can shift over time, similar to the hue changes of a chameleon. The mouth, eyes, ears and nose of a mapsnake are a part of this surface, but they are small enough that they blend into the page, and can only be seen with particularly careful observation.

While the symbols can often be abstract, most observers recognize the face of a mapsnake to be a treasure map. Incredibly, in many ways it functions as one.

Mapsnakes have the incredible ability to sense precious metals in the earth around them. While this is sometimes nothing more than a few pieces of loose change, it has also lead to massive deposits of gold. When one of these reptiles finds a habitat it will start to bloom with a brand new map, and while the snake itself has no value for previous metals, others certainly do.

The evolutionary purpose of a mapsnake’s face is debatable, although most believe it is a way of imparting goodwill to the humanoids around it. This is, in fact, the functional result of their talents, as these creatures are highly protected and valued. When a mapsnake is sad or sick its body will not produce a new map, which means those discovered in the wild are simply cared for and fed, but rarely captured or harmed.