Ouroboros

This article is about the remake. For the corresponding location in the original flash game, see Desert Bandit.

The Ouroboros are a group of characters in Phoenotopia: Awakening. Here, they are separated from the hostile enemies Axe Bandits and Ninja Bandits, and are specifically referred to the non-aggressive NPC found around Ouroboros Hideout, who all don't have their masks on. These people can be talked to without being attacked, which sometimes provide insight of the Ouroboros clan and useful hints towards completing the trials for Ouroboros Proofs as well.

History

After the Great War, the Ouroboros tribe was not among the people staying inside the hibernation pods according to Oracle. This may be related to their nomadic tradition that Astrid mentions when talking about the Lunar Compass. Evidently, the Ouroboros lived on during the period where Earth was inhabitable.

Fast-forward to modern days, tales of the Ouroboros used to depict them as noble thieves and protectors of the poor and unfortunate, which even inspired some to become knights. However, after over a decade of keeping to themselves, the Ouroboros resurfaced and destroyed both the South Castella Bridge and Kingdom Bridge, instructed by Birdy the new chieftain. Now the Ouroboros are known as a fearsome gang of bandits instead.

Main Story

In exchange for her childhood friend Lisa's freedom, Gail agrees to capture Birdy who is responsible behind the bridges' destruction. With the Bandit's Flute obtained and Song of Ouroboros learned from Zeke the exiled prince, Gail manages to infiltrate the Ouroboros Hideout where the tribe is currently residing.

On account of the flute from the exiled prince, Gail is allowed to take on the guardian's trials and challenge Birdy. While Gail is not formally accepted by the Great Drake as the new chieftain, Birdy is captured and brought to prison regardless, leaving the tribe without a leader for now. As such, Atri decides to temporarily retake the mantle while Gail continues with her journey.

Characters

Birdy

Main Page: Birdy
Birdy is the tribal chieftain of Ouroboros. Originally partnering with Zeke the now exiled prince, Birdy is behind the destruction of both the South Castella Bridge and Kingdom Bridge, and she is the current biggest bounty target in Atai Town before being finally captured and brought to the prison there.

Atri

Main Page: Atri
Atri is the guardian of the "Trial of Combat", and later the new chieftain after Birdy is captured. Her trial involves passing through 3 enemy gauntlets (which players can exit and save the progress mid-way) consisting of Ninja Bandits, Axe Bandits, and Sand Drakes. Defeat her at last in hand-to-hand combat to obtain an Ouroboros Proof.

Atri senses Gail's potential right when they first meet in the entrance, and is satisfied with her capability through hand-to-hand combat as well. As the new chieftain, she tasks Gail with retrieving Ouroboros Scrolls in exchange for teaching her Technique and Songs.

Lihu

Lihu is the current guardian of the "Trial of Stealth", appearing from a puff of smoke each time you pass his trial. His trial involves passing through 3 rooms without being seen by the Ninja Bandits and Axe Bandits watchmen, where an Ouroboros Proof is presented at the end. After Birdy is captured, he expresses great respect to Gail, and would give her a Singed Fruit each time she visits.

Rala

Rala is the current guardian of the "Trial of Obstacle", known as the "Lighting Bolt" and her (self-made) trophies that testify to her speed. Her trial involves passing through 2 rooms with numerous dart traps, which requires Gail to dodge nimbly or block with metal crates in order to pass through unscathed. Complete the obstacle race at the end within time limit to obtain an Ouroboros Proof.

Balo

Balo was a former guardian before losing his foot to the Great Drake when challenging for the chieftain's mantle, and now he is hosting "Break the Boxes" challenges at the end of hallway past the storage and prison rooms. Completing his two trials reward Gail with an Energy Gem and Heart Ruby respectively.

Snake

Guarding the passage between the Ouroboros Hideout and the underground entrance from Sand Drift Ruins, Snake would be so kind to let Gail pass through if she can "persuade" him with a bit of RIN. Alternatively, taunting him or returning after capturing Birdy will have Snake summon two Axe Bandits and Ninja Bandits for a forced battle more challenging than the Trial of Combat.

Melody

Main Page: Melody
Melody is an ambitious dancer who aims to live a dancer's life outside the hideout, if only she is not that short of funds. When Gail offers a generous donation of 100 RIN, Melody thanks her wholeheartedly with an Ouro Guard Key before moving out.

Generic Members

There also exist various other members who would provide informations when talked to, such as "During Rala's obstacle race, Birdy once got intentionally devoured by the Dragon Snare while carrying a Stink Root to skip about half of the race."

Relation with Sand Drakes

While a griffin was used as the Ouroboros insignia long ago, Sand Drakes are used nowadays instead as the Ouroboros now share special bonds with them, The drakes can sometimes be seen fighting alongside Axe Bandits and Ninja Bandits as well. In addition, the current ritual of deciding the new chieftain of the Ouroboros involves "consulting" the Great Drake after obtaining 3 Ouroboros Proofs, which some among the Ouroboros doubt the reliability of this tradition.

Gallery

Various early character designs

New designs of the bandits from the original game

Trivia

• There are several Ouroboros rules mentioned by Birdy:
  • Rule 5: Always seize an opportunity
  • Rule 8: Repay your debts
• People in the Ouroboros would sometimes sneak into Atai Town, possibly through the underground rail car.
• There exist various rumours behind the Ouroboros tribe's recent attack on the bridges and Daea Region:
  • "The hunt on Sand Drakes over their tails as cuisine has incurred their wrath since they worship the Sand Drakes." This is true to some extent since not even Birdy has tasted any tail before, and she sees the drakes as friends rather than food.
  • "The Ouroboros are hired by Rhodus as mercenaries in order to reclaim Atai, since Atai was once part of Rhodus until its defect after the Castellan princess married with Neri the Fifth, Mayor's father."
• The Ouroboros in real life is an ancient symbol depicting a serpent or dragon eating its own tail
  • This is referenced by Zeke when he mentions how Sand Drakes would eat their own tail when starved