Morningstar
LIBRA01 - No. 2
Geography
The highest plane of the Otherside, Morningstar, is a realm blanketed in an ever-present luminescence. Although illogical, some claim that Morningstar touches borders with the Topside. It is also possible that Lucifer, the Morningstar's simulacrum, found a way to let light seep in from the Topside. Or, perhaps, the light in the Morningstar comes from the other side of the Flipside's sun. The dark side of the Flipside's moon illuminates the Necropolis, so indeed, we can say the same for the Morningstar. Whatever the case, the light from Morningstar radiates throughout the lower five planes of the Otherside while bending around the Ouroboros where no light can enter. Occasionally light from the Morningstar will even leak into the Flipside. This excess light causes a phenomenon known commonly as "light orbs," not to be confused with the optical illusion of "backscatter."
Morningstar is a relatively flat plane with sprawling fields of golden crops and luscious laurel trees. Dotted around Morningstar's domain are gilded marble structures that imitate the Topside's likeness invoking angelic imagery with subtle demonic twists. The most well-known construct of the Morningstar is the House of Heavens, a mythical meeting ground seen only by Lucifer and those closest to her. The Cryptids and Demons who call the Morningstar their home reside in the shimmering city of Aurora. It is the third-largest non-hostile dwelling found in the Otherside, after the Hollows and the Necropolis, respectively. Aurora resembles ancient Mesopotamian cities with modern neo-futuristic architecture typical of the Otherside. The ziggurats and skyscrapers are mostly made from pristine white marble with the odd brass, platinum, or golden exterior or flourish. While Morningstar's light is pure white or a soft golden hue, Aurora's neon lights are a sharp cyan.
Many non-native Cryptids and Demons find Morningstar mostly uninhabitable due to the blinding light and burning heat. Specific protective sigils can mitigate the Morningstar's scorching temperatures and dazzling luster, although they are considered complex even by Demon-standards. Legend has it those who carry the Seal of Lucifer, a figure-eight encased within a triangle, will always find protection in the warmth of the brightest day in our darkest hour. It is unclear if carrying a Seal of Lucifer would forever grant safe passage through the Morningstar or only when "the darkest hours" are at hand. Still, due to the Cafe and Diner's history with Lucifer, we have many workarounds to survive the Morningstar's hostile climate.
History
Lucifer once lived in the Topside along with Bird and His angels and agents of the world. When Bird found out Lucifer was the youngest child of Eve and the Devil, Lucifer was cast from the Topside forever forsaken to reside in the Otherside. The banishing of Lucifer had many side effects. Still, the most tangible side effects were creating the Morningstar and Lucifer's Key to the Gates of Hell, Vainglory. Initially, there were only six Keys to the Gates of Hell guarded by the six bastard children of Eve in the six planes of Hell, otherwise known as the "Mark of the Beast" or the 666. However, because Lucifer was a child of the Devil and Eve, Lucifer had a blood-right to guard the Gates of Hell. It's unclear whether Bird knew this before or after casting out Lucifer—Although such an action did act as a permanent tie-breaker between the Princes in His favor, with Lucifer typically negating the malevolence of Mammon, Satan, and Asmodeus.
Morningstar was the final plane of the Otherside to come into creation as Lucifer pulled at the Topside when she fell. It lies in the alt-space above the Infernus and below the Flipside. For many years the Morningstar remained uninhabited save for Lucifer herself. However, one day a mysterious soul of pure light was born in the waves of radiant light. Then another, and another. It seemed that souls who did not pass on from the Topside but held a special or unique virtue would be reborn into the Morningstar. Aurora acts like a quasi-heaven in the semblance of the Abrahamic concept. During the Soul Accord between the Princes, Lucifer would continue to keep "virtuous" souls in the Morningstar so long as every 777 years she would send tributes to her siblings. The most Chaste soul to Asmodeus, the most Temperate soul to Beelzebub, the most Charitable soul to Mammon, the most Diligent soul to Belphegor, the most Patient soul to Satan, and the most Compassionate soul to Levithan. As for the Humblest soul, Lucifer would sacrifice them at the Altar Between to keep the light of the Morningstar aglow.
Inhabitants & Rulers
The simulacrum of the Morningstar is Lucifer, the Demon Prince of Pride. However, in her absence, the plane of Morningstar has been under the temporary rule of the Great King Purson. Morningstar was also briefly ruled by Mammon, the Demon Prince of Greed, before his imprisonment in gold.
Inhabitants of Morningstar include such customers as Mr. Pedro, Mr. Min, Mr. Trigano, Mrs. Shiels, and Mrs. Berkeley. They are Cryptids and Demons of a unique caliber in that they are mainly harmless and can even prove helpful, such as Mr. Min or Mr. Trigano. That isn't to say there aren't rough customers from Morningstar. Take, for example, Mrs. Shiels, an occasional patron of our establishment. A common theme among Morningstarian Cryptids and Demons is their light blue and white coloration and heavy association with light and "angelic" qualities. Most Morningstar Cryptids and Demons remain unknown to us, as they usually aren't a problem and often don't come to the Flipside.