When a creature that can see the sepia snake's eyes starts its turn within 30 feet of the sepia snake, the snake can force it to make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw if the sepia snake isn't incapacitated and can see the creature. On failure, the creature is frightened for 1 minute. Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it can't see the sepia snake until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at the sepia snake in the meantime, it must immediately attempt the save. While averting its eyes, any attacks on the sepia snake are done at disadvantage.