Ouroboros
LIBRA04 - No. 2
Geography
The Ouroboros is the absolute center plane of the Otherside. It is the most enigmatic of the classical Otherside planes, as demons and mortals cannot enter it without Belphegor’s express permission and protection. If a mortal or demon were to enter the Ouroboros, they would become immediately stuck in a paradoxical time loop, effectively freezing them in place forever. Though what can be observed about the Ouroboros from the outside is that it appears to be entirely devoid of light as if it were a black hole. In fact, its gravitational pull is so strong that all light in the Otherside bends around the dense Ouroboros.
From various accounts, the Ouroboros is a plane of exceptional beauty for those who can enter it. It is often described as a sprawling lush garden full of slithering snakes and ancient ruins. There are few known structures in the Ouroboros, though it has often been assumed there is one central ruin in which Belphegor resides. The most notable known structure of the Ouroboros is The Gates of Hell. The barrier between the Otherside and the prison which holds the Devil. The Ouroborian Demons who live within the Ouroboros are not known to have a particular dwelling, instead simply living amongst the overgrown plants and dotted ruins. Additionally, the Ouroboros is alleged to be the smallest of the seven classical planes, with an area roughly the size of Iceland.
Of course, it must also be said that according to various legends, the Ouroboros is the remains of the mythical (once-mythical?) plane of Eden. By some, it has even been described as a “snakeskin” of sorts to Eden. As such, what is known of Eden could very well stand for the Ouroboros, and its description of a splendorous garden does match up. Though the accuracy of this claim is still dubious at best—there is an undeniable link between the Ouroboros and Eden.
History
The Ouroboros is a rather complex plane to assemble a coherent history of. As it exists acyclically and outside of time, it is one of the oldest locations. It is often said that the Ouroboros was the first plane of the Otherside. Though by some accounts, the Skald was first, and the Ouroboros only appeared after the fall of Eden. Though, many of the Princes of Hell claim to remember the Ouroboros always existing, even before the fall of Eden. Additionally, if rumors are to be believed that Belphegor orchestrated the fall of Eden, the Ouroboros would have to have existed before or at the same time as Eden. It's not my place to say what the true and accurate history of this mysterious plane is, as I doubt anyone truly knows beyond Bird and Belphegor herself.
Following Eden's fall and the Devil's imprisonment, Belphegor was tasked with guarding the Gates of Hell. It is assumed Belphegor was the forger of the Keys of Hell, hers being known as Dejection. The remaining Keys became soul bound to her siblings, except for Lucifer, until she fell from the Topside. Due to the nature of the Ouroboros and the desire to keep people out, Belphegor waived all interest in gathering souls during the Soul Accord. Most recently, the Ouroboros was used to temporarily shift Eden back into existence, though the results were disastrous at best, leaving Eden in a quasi-state of semi-existence.
Inhabitants & Rulers
The ruler of the Ouroboros is its simulacrum, Belphegor, the Demon Prince of Sloth. Due to the unique nature of her plane, it has always been ruled by Belphegor as no other could take her place.
While it is true no normal Demons, Cryptids, mortals, and even Elders can enter Belphegor’s plane, it is home to the rare breed of Demons known as Ouroborians. All Ouroborians are the children of Belphegor and share unique blood known as the Blood of Serpents. Ouroborians are not Elders though they do exhibit Elder-like qualities in that they do not age. Still, they are mortal and can be killed, though it is rare.
Ouroborians range from snakes, dragons, lizards, lindworms, wyverns, and other reptilian creatures. Known Ouroborian customers include Mr. Kansai and Mr. Three. Generally, Ouroborians are friendly if a bit mischievous and lazy. The more fearsome dragons tend to stay within the Ouroboros, assuming they have no immediate reason to leave.
There has never been a humanoid Ouroborian documented, though there is another known group of inhabitants to the Ouroboros: the Witches of Belphegor. While Belphegor generally dislikes anyone entering into her plane, she does, on rare occasions, make pacts with human mortals to act as her researchers, servants, and confidants. Though being a full witch of Belphegor is not required to enter the Ouroboros, it is the most reliable way of getting there.