Copper Eyes are a small species of snake which live in
The Hollow Expanse and across the desert.
Description
They get their name from the distinctive copper colour of their scales and the eye like pattern along their length. Small and quick, they burrow into the sands to avoid predators and to camoflage themselves so their prey doesn't see them.
Habitat
They burrow under the sands to stop themselves burning from the sun, so most of the time they are submerged. Only the tip of their tongue flicking in the air to indicate their position.
During the harshest winds, they shelter in cracks between the rocks in the outskirts of the mountains, or other rocky protrusions. There large groups can gather to sleep away the time when the winds are at their worst. Snake hunters used to target these groups, braving the weather themselves to capture bagfuls of snakes.
Diet
Their main diet are the smaller mammals and lizards who live in the desert. They prefer to ambush their prey, hiding under the sand until one approaches close enough for them to bite.
While a copper eye bite isn't poisonous, because of the strength of their jaws, it is often cause for the loss of limbs from humans, horses or other domesticated creatures. Though the snake will only attack such larger creatures if it is in fear for its life as it prefers to leave them well alone when it can. A confrontation with a larger creature, especially a human, is generally fatal to the snake.
Use
The copper eye was seen as a lucky omen by the original tribes which roamed the Hollow Expanse. Their shed skins were used for armour as they were flexible and strong. The meat was also roasted as an easy meal full of protein.
Roasted Copper Eye
After
Horaeri, The First Emperor formed the
Fenixian Empire the use of copper eyes became seen as old fashioned and simple. The power from
Crystals negated the need for them as armour, and eating them became seen as a sign you were in dire financial straits. While still eaten in the provinces, it is seen as servants' food at best.
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