| Snakes | |
|---|---|
 Snake, from Ultima VII manual | |
| Also known as: | Viper, Python |
| First appearance: | Ultima I (as Viper) |
| Last appearance: | Serpent Isle |
Snakes rely on stealth; an unaware adventurer often often won't notice a snake until it is too late. The bite of many snakes is very poisonous, and often deadly. Physically however, snakes are usually no challenge for even the weakest adventurer.
Various breeds of snakes can be found either near swamps, in deserts or in dungeons.
Lore[]
Since before the dawn of civilization, the race of serpents hath roamed the land. From the most harmless garden snake to the giant constrictors, these legless creatures have always inspired fear in the human race. In the case of the Viper, this fear is well-founded. These vicious reptiles strike fiercely and frequently at all who stray too closely. Their venom-laden fangs bring a swift yet painful death.
- from The First Age of Darkness (Ultima I)
The venom of a Britannian 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 The Book of 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 Part Two)
Notable examples[]
Nate the Snake 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.