Snakes

Owner:

Wisp

Solution:

MEDUSA

Partial Answers

N/A

GC Notes:

GC to update day-of-game.

Presentation:

Teams will get a "Snake Species Identification Field Guide" booklet and 33 rubber snakes.

Walkthrough:

The black "bands" on each snake correlate to a morse code letter, with the width of each band distinguishing between the dots and dashes.

Each color of snake correlates to a specific species. So the letters of each group of similarly colored snakes spell out the name of the correlated species:

Red - PRIME

Orange - ENIGMA

Yellow - RAD

Green - MANNEQUIN

Blue - LEXIS

Violet - ROYAL

In addition each species has a set of characteristics which are spelled out in the guide book:

ENIGMA:

  • Orange

  • Light head

  • Otherwise solid

LEXIS:

  • Blue

  • Bands all same width

  • Alternating between 2 colors

MANNEQUIN

  • Green

  • Unique

  • >1 bands

  • Dark spot on head

PRIME

  • Red

  • Prime amount of bands

  • Darkened stripe

  • 6-8 inches long

RAD

  • Yellow

  • Flat head

  • Multiple shades

ROYAL

  • Purple

  • Diamond pattern

  • >10 inches long

  • <= 3 bands

Only one snake will meet all the criteria for each species. Putting these snakes in ROYGBV order and taking their morse letters spells out the answer: MEDUSA

Hinting:

  • The number of snakes correlates to the number of letters of all the species names

  • The amount of each color snake is not consistent, nor is the length of the species names

  • Only one snake will fit ALL criteria for a given species

    • Is true in the subset of each color and out of the set of all the snakes

  • The bands on the snake have two widths ==> looks a lot like morse yeah?

Data:

The 6 page (plus cover page) guide book contains descriptions for each species as follows:

A.R.T.I.F.A.C.T. SNAKE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION FIELD GUIDE

Important information for when you’re dashing to on-site assignments and encountering the fauna dotting the earth

ENIGMA SNAKE

Indigenous to the Western European continent, Enigma Snakes are most active in autumn, using fallen leaves as camouflage. Enigma Snake meat is highly toxic to humans, and many villagers inadvertently poisoned themselves by killing and eating Enigma Snakes while preparing for winter. Enigma Snakes have heads which are a lighter shade than their body, and can be easily distinguished from less toxic snakes because apart from their head and dark bands they are a single color, while other species native to the region have various color patterns.

LEXIS SNAKE

The Lexis Snake is a sea snake which has been found in every ocean on earth. While Lexis Snakes can have any number of bands, the width of the bands on any given snake is consistent. Possessing a unique ability to survive without air for days at a time, Lexis Snakes are often confused with blue eels upon first sighting. However, the regions between the bands of a Lexis Snake always alternate between two colors, which can help to make a quick identification while underwater.

MANNEQUIN SNAKE

Deep in the rainforests of South America, the Mannequin Snake is the king of the forest. Much like snowflakes, no two Mannequin Snakes are alike. All Mannequin Snakes have multiple bands and it is theorized that the characteristic darkened head spot helps individual Mannequin Snakes identify each other. As ambush hunters, Mannequin Snakes rely on matching the surrounding rainforest greenery in order to successfully catch their preferred prey.

PRIME SNAKE

The Prime Snake is a rare species of venomous snake native to inland wooded North America, renowned for their vibrant crimson coloration. So called because they always possess a prime number of bands, Prime Snakes are often kept as pets by number theorists. Prime Snakes can also be identified by their darkened dorsal stripe which runs from their head down the length of their body. The Prime Snake is a relatively small species, with full grown specimens averaging between 6 and 8 inches in length.

RAD SNAKE

The Rad Snake is a popular species often found in children’s petting zoos. Native to the deserts of Africa, their flattened heads help with temperature regulation. Another evolutionary adaption, Rad Snakes vary in shade, helping the snake’s movement blend in with the color and motion of blowing sand. Initially domesticated during the hippie movement of the 1960's, the Rad Snake typically has a sweet and friendly personality, and there have been no documented cases of a Rad Snake bite. In fact, a popular urban legend is that Rad Snakes don’t even have fangs!

ROYAL SNAKE

The Royal Snake is a famous species known for its detailed patterning and regal color. A favorite at zoos, Royal Snakes feature a diamond design running along the length of their bodies. Royal Snakes are unique in that they hatch from their eggs fully grown, and stay that size throughout their lives. As such, no Royal Snake has ever been spotted which is less than 10 inches long. Royal Snakes never have more than three dark bands, which helps to showcase their unique coloring.

PHOTO EXAMPLES OF THE 🐍

Prime

Enigma

Rad

Mannequin

Lexis

Royal