Python Parson

**Python Parson** is a resident of Lower Duck Pond.

## **Biography**

*Python Parson, more commonly just known as Python is the owner of a shop called The Emporium, which is described as 'selling everything you need and anything you don't'. They have lived in Lower Duck Pond for the entirety of their life, but only opened shop in 2022. They spend most of their days lurking around the shop, dusting old items or taking care of their 17 snakes. When not inside, they can typically be found shopping or out eating.*

### **Early life**

Python was born on the 23rd of September, 1994. As a child, they were always quiet and preferred the company of animals - taking in all sorts of stray or homeless animals including cats and dogs. When they were 15, they went to a fair and watched a sideshow, instantly falling in love with the captive boa constrictors. Python smuggled both the baby snakes away in their jacket. They raised the two snakes, Bessie and Nathan, for several months before the police showed up at the door. Python stopped trusting the police, insisting they had saved the previously weak and malnourished snakes. Regardless, the snakes were taken and Python was made to serve a short prison sentence. When they returned, Python left home, leaving a small family behind, and met up with Kodiak Egorov. Kodiak was a travelling naturalist who lived in the building which would later become The Emporium. At 16, Python began to study all forms of reptiles, taking on a new name and identity. They spent a lot of time bonding with Kodiak's kingsnakes, Mudge and Tiny. Python eventually recovered Bessie and Nathan at 17.

### **Adult life**

On Python's 18th birthday, Kodiak left to go travelling again. He left the house to Python, encouraging them to turn the house into something they loved. With a fraction of the money Kodiak left them, they bought five more snakes - Red and Bowie the kingsnakes, and Jackpot and Trojan the garter snakes. Python spent the best of five years staying inside, rarely going out unless it was for necessities. They isolated themselves and only remembered to eat when the snakes would bring them pieces of their food. Eventually they got back on their feet, 'rescuing' four more garter snakes; Zap, Killer, Dreamweaver and Sir Charles. They began to socialize more to the point where they could happily go to social functions without being overcome by anxiety. They spent years perfecting the house - before they decided in 2018 they were going to open a shop. They began to collect all sorts of items, finding Damon, Azul, Sunshine and Abner the corn snakes along the way. After setting up shelves, decorations, a counter, a back room where they sleep and overhead vines and branches for their pets, the shop was ready to open in 2022. Determined to make Kodiak proud, they dedicated the majority of the funds towards animals - caring for their snakes, donating to reptile-related causes and putting it towards research. They keep a fraction for themself - spending it on takeouts or new decorations. The rest they keep in an envelope under the counter, ready to give to anyone who needs it, hopefully Kodiak. More recently they adopted a baby corn snake called Tacklehorror, bringing the total to 17.

## **Personality**

Python prefers to be alone, though they're known to enjoy the company of animals and their customers. They tend to not show any strong emotions, maintaining a gentle frown unless it regards their chosen family or their pets. Despite coming off as aggressive, they are actually very caring and nurturing, having a soft spot for children or their neighbours. Their one wish is for Kodiak to return, and they spend many days staring at the door, wishing for him to return.

## **Appearance**

Python has tanned skin and brown eyes. Their hair is generally dyed some colour such as pink, green, or the more tame black or brown. It's usual length is a few inches past their ears, though occasionally longer - but never shorter. They typically wear a black button-up shirt and black trousers, but their signature item is a faux snakeskin trenchcoat in many different colours. They often wear tinted glasses and decorate themselves with strange accessories such as heaps of bracelets and necklaces, sticks and leaves in their hair or rocks in their pockets. They often wear extravagant, exaggerated makeup.

## **Hobbies**

Python enjoys learning about and caring for animals. Their one dream was to educate people on snakes, reptiles and feared animals - they want to break down stereotypes surrounding these animals. However, they enjoy running The Emporium and it is likely they will continue to run it for years to come.

## **Trivia**

* Python is rumoured to not own a bed - a rumour which has been proven as true. Instead of a house, or even an apartment above the shop, they sleep on the sofa in front of the TV due to personal choice.
* They are known to order a takeout and watch American Horror Story every Saturday, a never-broken tradition.
* Multiple times, they referred to Kodiak as 'dad', claiming it was a joke or a term of endearment - though they secretly love the father-child relationship the two have.
* They claim that they 'try to not spoil their snakes' but when one is sick, injured or just tired, they will pamper them; letting them sleep on the sofa, hand feeding them and wrapping them up in blankets on top of pillows. Along with that, whenever one of the snakes is affectionate, they will do the same, never one to say no to a cuddle. The snakes are also free to roam anywhere in the shop or garden, often jumping out at customers or climbing onto them.
* They endearingly refer to many people as 'lovely', 'darling' or similar nicknames.