[NOTE: This entry starts with some categorical descriptions of reptiles in general, then snakes, and finally narrowing to cobras. I haven't had reason to describe many reptiles, but this current series has a few. The more general introduction will cover them all, and I won't have to repeat myself. I also make these writings to help me understand the needs for the illustration, so it is useful to have thought about the reptile character before drawing those related entries.]

REPTILES

Long lived by mammalian standards, reptiles share a unique perspective on life. Whereas mammals might encounter the world and change it or themselves (no more so than those most mammalian creatures, monkeys), the reptile succeeds through devotion to the old ways and proven, ancient understandings that have not changed in ages. The primary trait of difference between the reptile and the mammal is that the reptile grows stronger with age, whereas the mammal merely dies.

This mentality comes with a wide array of benefits and challenges. They make excellent historians, often recounting events from first-hand experience. They will never forget a name, nor a face, nor an owed favor - but this also means reptiles can hold a grudge for eternity, nurturing a list of personal offenses typically forgotten by mammals. Revenge is a common underlying motive for almost all reptilian ventures of significance. It is unwise to insult a reptile in jest.

As cold-blooded people, reptiles are most comfortable and often seen in warm climates. When in cooler regions, reptiles are known to be slower and more sedentary homebodies, more thickly bundled than most. Travelers in the company of reptiles, if making a long journey across varying temperate zones, or climbing through snowy mountain passes, will note their scaled companions can seem like sharply different people, depending on the chill in the air.

SNAKES

Of all the reptiles, snakes are the most esoteric; unique even among their own reptilian kind. Limbless, without many natural tools, snakes are often born into difficult childhoods, learning survival through cunning - and learning the lesson that life can be fundamentally unfair. Those snakes that prosper do so bitterly through soft power and the mastery of others.

It is a common symbol of power among snakes to wear simple knotted strings and ribbons, as such would indicate some level of pampering and the ability to manipulate others who must clearly be grooming them.

Perhaps understandably, a snake is not often encountered alone, but in the company of a loyal assistant or devoted lackey. To see a solitary snake is to be blind to the capable hands waiting nearby in the shadows.

However, this "helplessness" is largely an affectation; one of the first things a young snake learns is to cultivate underestimation in others, even among allies. Many duels of honor against snakes have ended in surprised defeat, if not lopped limbs. It is a frequently fatal misconception that a snake cannot wield a blade.

Snakes struggle to understand the kindness of strangers. A snake does not easily trust love, and will not love what cannot be used. Snakes make bitter rivals and jealous mates. This is because the average snake is deeply, profoundly, and privately insecure. All snakes can recall some childhood memory of complete helplessness at the hands of another. And that person may then define a whole category of prejudice and mistrust; targets for lifelong revenge.

Snakes might not survive long in the world - adolescent snakes are commonly brimming with self-loathing and angst - but those that see adulthood commit to the ambition to never, ever be helpless again. In a world that has given them so little at birth, the snake feels nothing wrong with taking what they can. Ethics are a practical, situational matter for snakes.

Snakes only truly make sense to other snakes.

COBRAS

Perhaps because of their ability to suddenly shift and flare, seeming larger and more powerful, cobras exhibit a tendency for narcissism. Cobras often wear highly symbolic decorations and jewelry that not only show power but connections to noble or holy traditions, making such glamorous displays beyond reproach.

And so the cobra is not just inwardly vain, but outwardly broadcasting that they are meant for higher things. They look down upon other snakes as a lesser kin, but cobras can pass as generic, unflared serpents to the untrained eye. They are venomous creatures, and can spit their toxins at considerable distance with accuracy. But this is considered a faux pas among proud cobras: a base act done secretly, or as a last resort when cornered.

It is not unusual to find a sly cobra as the charismatic heart of a cult, a rebellion leader, or heading some school of arcane philosophy. Cobras are ambitious, tenacious survivors, unwilling to accept loss or small victories. A cobra is never defeated the same way twice, and it is not enough for the cobra to prosper; others must fail.

Cobras do very well in organized religions and politics, particularly those long in tradition and influence. Cobras are not content with a single sucker to manipulate, but will maintain an entourage of bodyguards, assistants, groupies and social parasites to service their needs. They are skillful at psychology, knowing full well how to puppet the vulnerable psyche, and to play the needs of others.

As with any reptile, the cobra grows more powerful in time, perhaps not physically as the boa or crocodile, but in the accumulation of tactics, experience, followers and favors. The old cobra also grows more weird. They are able to simulate change, but only superficially - cobras are unable to reconcile feeling special above all snakes but still trapped, as a snake, in a world of cruel hands and trampling feet. They become increasingly warped over time, with small quirks developing into perversions and lifelong obsessions.

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Depicted is a venerable cobra leading a late night sermon to cult members and true believers.