Followers of the Way of the Cobra hold three ideals as their creed.  Strike first.  Strike hard.  No mercy.  The Way of the Cobra is a path of brutality and strength, the power to take the hardest life throws at you, the power to press through adversity, the power to strike with violence, and know your strength.

Venom Soul

Starting when you choose this tradition at 3rd level, you have committed to the Way of the Cobra, learning all the strengths and secrets of the tradition.  You gain the following new ki features and unlock more at higher levels:

• Serpent's Grace (Level 3): When making a Dexterity check or saving throw, you may spend a ki point to gain advantage.
• Fanged Strike (Level 3): When you make a successful melee attack, you may spend a ki point to channel you ki into venomous energy.  The target must make a Constitution saving throw or become poisoned.  You may spend additional ki points to apply 1d6 poison damage per ki point.  This effect lasts the amount of rounds equal to your proficiency modifier.
• Merciless (Level 6): When you use Flurry of Blows, you may spend a additional ki points to make more unarmed strikes with the same bonus actions, one per ki point spent.
• Sweep the Leg (Level 11): You may spend a ki point to make a specialized unarmed attack that knocks the target prone on a hit.

Strike First

At 6th level, you have mastered the first ideal of the Way of the Cobra: strike first.  Whenever you roll initiative, add your proficiency bonus.

Strike Hard

Beginning at 11th level, you have mastered the second ideal of the Way of the Cobra: strike hard.  All unarmed attacks or attacks made with your monk weapons deal an additional amount of damage equal to your proficiency bonus.

No Mercy

At 17th level, you have mastered the final ideal of the Way of the Cobra: no mercy.  You have advantage on attacks against enemies at or under half hp.