Snakes

Description
Snakes rely on stealth. The normal adventurer won't notice them, until it is too late. The bite of a snake is very poisonous, and usually ends deadly. Physically however, Snakes are no challenge for even the weakest adventurer.

Snakes can be found either near swamps, in deserts or in dungeons.

Lore
''The venom of a Britannia python is highly poisonous. These non-evil constrictors can spit their foul venom a full eleven paces, and should be treated with the utmost respect.''

- from "The History of Britannia", Ultima IV

''Extremely poisonous and quite accurate when shooting their poison even from a distance, snakes are otherwise relatively harmless. They are easy to destroy, once engaged directly.''

- from "Book of Lore", Ultima V

''Emerging from their rocky lairs at the first morning light, these reptiles spend their days basking in the sun, warming their cold-blooded bodies so they can strike swiftly at their unsuspecting prey. They can even spit poisonous venom from several yards away with accuracy that is both horrifying and deadly.''

- from "Compendium", Ultima VI

''This creature spends the night coiled among the cool rocks and comes out into the sun during the day. This warms its blood, enabling it to strike more quickly. The creature is venomous and can even spit venom from several yards away.''

- from "Fellowship", Ultima VII

''Serpents are large, predatory snakes. Their lightning reflexes permit them to strike quickly, usually killing their targets with little effort.''

- from "Beyond the Serpent Pillars", Ultima VII/2

Evolution in the series

 * First appearance: Ultima IV


 * Last appearance: Ultima VII/2

Snakes stayed the same after their introducion in Ultima IV, with no changes at all (not that there was a lot to change in the first place).

Notable examples
Nate the Viper in the ruins of Magincia in Ultima IV. Nate gives The Stranger hints where to search for the rune of Humility and the Black Stone, before attacking, and dying in the process.