Crusaders of the Constellations

Epithet
 Alignment
 Founder
 Established
 Specialization
 Roles
 Type
 Affiliation
 Theme

## Info

Somewhere in the space between dimensions, there is a strange realm where the various dimensional warriors holding the power of the stars reside. The domain, known as the Aether world, is the base of operations for the Crusaders, warriors from various dimensions chosen to protect their home world's from the forces of evil. These warriors once saved the universe and were rewarded with the energy emanating from the 88 constellations in outer space to use and become stronger. Some of them gained the powers of the planets of the Solar System (Earth included) instead and became leaders of the Crusaders. Two warriors gained the powers of the sun and moon and became the joint rulers of the Planetary Guardians and the Crusaders of the Constellations.

## History

A long time ago, a great evil tried to conquer the galaxy. The leader of the Aether world handpicked various fighters and warriors from a variety of dimensions and trained them on how to defend their home-worlds from the dark forces swarming the galaxy. The warriors stormed the enemy's castle in the dark side of the universe, freed the prisoners within and subdued the evil leader of the dark forces. During the battle, the chosen ones, remembered by the residents of the worlds saved from the darkness. They implored the stars to help them and lend the heroes their power. The fighters were about to give up the fight for their homes and the universe until the constellations and planets in the sky shone with brilliance. They shot out light rays to these warriors and gave them their power. The warriors then transformed into the Crusaders, who used their newfound skills to defeat the villain threatening to conquer the worlds finally. They went to the Aether world to continue fighting evil and training recruits to defend the dimensions from evil.

Now, the same evil defeated by the Crusaders of the Constellations is stirring from its sleep, while its followers are plotting to make it rise...the Crusaders, and the other warrior groups must work together to ensure that it must be stopped again.

## Common Powers

Stellar Empowerment and Constellation Empowerment - All Crusaders have powers from a constellation and the stars that they are made of. Similarly, the 28 Knights of the Lunar Mansions and the 108 Stars of Destiny also gain powers from the stars. A glyph that represents the Crusader's theme constellation appears every time they use their Moves, Special Moves and Hyper Moves, with variations depending on their power level.

Super Mode - Some Crusaders have the natural ability to change forms at will. But they all have one thing in common with their fellows: In the heat of battle, they can use their star power to assume an alternate form, mostly an anthropomorphic animal form for human Crusaders. Bestial Crusaders gain an upgrade to their anthro form, in which their physical abilities are enhanced by the power of the stars. A few don't have anthro animal forms, but they are just as majestic yet terrifying as the others.

## Unique Abilities

* Stellar Bonds (•): As constellations are groups of stars, Crusaders in a group, such as an Asterism, can draw strength from the bonds they forged with each other and even non-Crusaders.
	+ Synchronicity(+•): The bonds between Crusaders can be strong enough for them to feel each other's pain. When a Crusader feels the pain of his fellows, he gains more resolve to defeat evil.
* Star Cluster Attack (••): This ability activates when an Asterism faces a group of monsters or the Devourer's minions. When the monsters are knocked down, all Crusaders in the Asterism can attack all of them at the same time. It can occur in the middle of a battle or as a finishing blow. An individual Crusader can't trigger a Star Cluster Attack on his own, he needs someone beside him to trigger it.
* Net of Heavenly Justice (•••): This ability can be used in a Rescue Mission or a Dimensional Cleansing Mission. An Asterism of Crusaders activates a net of stellar energy from their Celestial Constellawatches to ensnare enemies or to save civilians.
* Astral Navigation (••••): Stuck in a dimension and nowhere to find your fellow Crusader? This ability's useful for that. The Crusader activates it by first stating a destination that's either specific or vague, whether the user is familiar with it or not. As long as the location is physically reachable, the Crusader can look at the skies and note the patterns of the star(s) in the sky marked by a shine to guide him there. Thing is, not only the user can see these stars, anyone good or bad can see them, and end up following the patterns too, and there's no indication of what the user may face on the way there since the stars point the most direct route. But as long as he can follow them, he can reach the destination.
* Constant as the North Star (•••••): Note that the North Star of Earth doesn't move. While the other stars are dancing around it, it stands still, serving as a point where you can navigate land and sea, and track the heavens. The user of this ability glows with stellar energy from his theme constellation and becomes a guide for the lost. Any allies around them are linked with the user until the duration set by the user. Under this ability's effects, anyone around this ability's user is unable to leave the battle, and if they are separated, they can easily find the user. This is useful in Rescue Missions.

## List of known Crusaders

* The Chained Maiden, Andromeda
* The Cycle of Winds, Antlia
* Keeper of the Gates of Paradise, Apus
* The Cupbearer of the Clouds, Aquarius
* Eagle of the Storm, Aquila
* The Priest of Oaths, Ara
* Head Shepherd of Fates, Aries
* Travelling in the Pathways of Dawn, Auriga
* Herdsman who guards the Wild, Bootes
* Engraver of Heaven, Caelum
* Lance of the Savannah, Camelopardalis
* Dark Sign of the Sun's Gate, Cancer
* Dogs of War, Canes Venatici
* The Celestial Watchdog, Canis Major
* The Celestial Lapdog, Canis Minor
* Twisted Horn of the Mountains, Capricorn
* Sailor of the South Pole, Carina
* The Spinning Queen, Cassiopeia
* Cunning Horseman, Centaurus
* Starry King, Cepheus
* Sea Monster who Dives into Chaos, Cetus
* Earl of Deception, Chamaeleon
* Golden Circle, Circinus
* Dove that Brings Love, Columba
* The Adornment of the Princess, Coma Berenice
* Golden Crown of the Archer, Corona Australis
* Silver Crown of the Castle, Corona Borealis
* Omen of Death, Corvus
* Grail of Wonder, Crater
* Jewel of the Sky, Crux
* Swan of the Ethereal Song, Cygnus
* Dancing in the Seven Seas, Delphinus
* Golden Sword of the Pearlscale, Dorado
* Guardian of the Sky Sanctum, Draco
* The Swift Runner of a Thousand Miles, Equuleus
* Flowing to Amber Treasure, Eridanus
* Roaring Furnace of Heaven, Fornax
* Dual Fortune and Sorrow, Gemini
* Joyful Sentry of Longevity, Grus
* Strongman of Heroes, Hercules
* Keeper of Time, Horologium
* The Regenerating Serpent of Many Poisons, Hydra
* Hidden Water Snake, Hydrus
* Chief Anointed by Wisdom, Indus
* Shadow of Desert and Forest, Lacerta
* Golden King of Beasts, Leo
* Brave Prince of Beasts, Leo Minor
* Swift Steward of the Moon's Medicine, Lepus
* Balancing the Scales of Justice, Libra
* The Predator that Devours the Stars, Lupus
* Glowing Thousand-Mile Eyes, Lynx
* Angel of Music, Lyra
* Table of South Africa, Mensa
* Examining the Scope of Small Things, Microscopium
* Rushing Lightning Knight, Monoceros
* Swarm of Pestilence, Musca
* The Angle of Order, Norma
* Reflecting Friend of the Navigator, Octans
* The Serpent-Bearer who is the Doctor, Ophiuchus
* The Wandering Hunter of the Sky, Orion
* Multicoloured and Multi-eyed Sentinel, Pavo
* Horse of Flying Thunder, Pegasus
* Bane of the Gorgon, Perseus
* Flames of Rebirth, Phoenix
* Blank Slate of Inspiration, Pictor
* Double Fish bound by Fate, Pisces
* That which Swallows Calamities, Pisces Austrinus
* Captain's Vanguard on the Ocean, Puppis
* Way-finder of the Stars, Pyxis
* Eye of the Accurate View, Reticulum
* The Comet Arrow of Doom, Sagitta
* The Sagacious Archer with Iron Hooves, Sagittarius
* Poisonous Treasure of the Desert, Scorpio
* Shaper of Clay and Stone, Sculptor
* Tortoise Guardian with the Diamond Shield, Scutum
* The Agony that Heals, Serpens
* Seeker of the Measurement of Stars and Time, Sextant
* Great Bull of Heaven, Taurus
* The Eyes of Many Distances, Telescopium
* Point of Heaven, Triangulum
* The Thorn of the South, Triangulum Australe
* The Duke with the Painted Beak, Tucana
* Great Brown Warrior Roaming the Woods, Ursa Major
* Guardian of the Pole Star, Ursa Minor
* Sails of the Winds, Vela
* The Maiden of Splendor and Purity, Virgo
* Swimming in Sky and Sea, Volans
* The Magician Wearing many Faces, Vulpecula

## Divisions

**Ecliptic Zodiac Generals** - 12 Warriors based on the constellations of the Zodiac who serve as elite Guards to the Golden Griffin Warrior of the Blazing Sun. They were rumored to govern the fates of mortals. But they know that such rumors are not true.

**The Heavenly Sea Brigade** - A group composed of Crusaders whose constellations are themed after water. Their members are Cetus, Delphinus, Eridanus, Hydra, Piscis Austrinus, Puppis, Carina, Vela, and sometimes, Crater. Aquarius, Capricornus, and Pisces are the joint leaders of this division. Their duty is to protect the Realm of Neptune, Aether World's waters and 'seas', and to assist in Rescue Missions.

**Big Dipper Scouts** - This division of Crusaders consists of: Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, Canes Venatici, Boötes, Coma Berenices, Corona Borealis, Camelopardalis, Lynx, and Leo Minor. They patrol the forests of Aether World, and the members assist in all mission types.

**Perseus Group** - This division of Crusaders specializes in Dimension Cleansing and Stars of Hope Missions, members being Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Andromeda, Perseus, Pegasus, and Cetus. Auriga, Lacerta, and Triangulum joined the group at King Athos's request. When not travelling dimensions with their fellow Crusaders, this group patrols the Realm of Mercury.

**Hercules Group** - Like the Perseus Group, this division specializes in Dimension Cleansing and Stars of Hope Missions. Their members are: Hercules, Sagitta, Aquila, Lyra, Cygnus, Vulpecula, Hydra, Sextans, Crater, Corvus, Ophiuchus, Serpens, Scutum, Centaurus, Lupus, Corona Australis, Ara, Triangulum Australe, and Crux. When not travelling dimensions with their fellow Crusaders, this group patrols the Realm of Jupiter.

**Orion Group** - This division specializes in either hunting down criminals threatening the dimensions or assisting search and rescue teams in Rescue Missions to help find lost victims. Orion, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Lepus, and Monoceros are members of this group.

**Bayer Circle** - This division serves as scouts in unknown dimensions, gauging the strength of any enemy encountered, to ensure that other Crusaders know what they're fighting against. After their scouting, the group splits up to join Asterisms sent by the king to other dimensions for assistance. Known members are: Hydrus, Dorado, Volans, Apus, Pavo, Grus, Phoenix, Tucana, Indus, Chamaeleon, and Musca.

**La Caille Circle** - This division is good at research in technology, so their members travel in Asterisms to help collect resources and aid in support from the shadows. They get along with Bayer Circle. Their members are: Mensa as the leader, Norma, Circinus, Telescopium, Microscopium, Sculptor, Fornax, Caelum, Horologium, Octans, Mensa, Reticulum, Pictor, and Antlia.

## Affiliates

### The Planetary Warriors

Eight Planetary Warriors who work with and command the Crusaders of the Constellations. They are the Bronze Rooster Warrior of Swift Mercury, the White Swan Warrior of Bright Venus, the Green Cow Warrior of Abundant Earth, the Red Boar Warrior of Wild Mars, the Purple Eagle Warrior of Soaring Jupiter, the Black Snake Warrior of Gloomy Saturn, the Sky Blue Dragon Warrior of Clear Uranus, and the Aqua Horse Warrior of Tempestuous Neptune.

### The Warriors of the Sun and Moon

They are the joint leaders of the Planetary Warriors, and the Crusaders, the 28 Knights of the Lunar Mansions, and the 108 Stars of Destiny.

* Ranald De Gol Griffward, bearing the title of The Golden Griffin Warrior of the Blazing Sun, Ra
* Maya De Silva, bearing the title of The Silver Deer Warrior of the Changing Moon, Mayari

## Hierarchy

King Athos is served by all of the warriors. While all 88 Crusaders of the Constellations serve the 8 Planetary Warriors, the Silver Hind Warrior of the Moon and the Golden Griffin Warrior of the Sun, most of the time, the Crusaders directly report to the 8 Planetary Warriors, who in turn report to the Golden Griffin Warrior of the Sun. The Silver Deer Warrior has her groups of warriors, the Four Guardian Beasts, her own Zodiac Generals who are called the Terrestrial Branches, and the Knights of the 28 Lunar Mansions (Based on Chinese astronomy). The Golden Griffin Warrior of the Sun also has his warriors, the 108 Stars of Destiny. It is currently unknown if the Dark Hound Warrior of Pluto has his warrior group, but if so, he ain't telling.

## Rivalries

The Crusaders who serve the Planetary Guardians have rival groups in the form of the Knights of the 28 Lunar Mansions and the 108 Stars of Destiny. While the Crusaders are meant to watch over the dimensions and protect them from evil forces, the Knights of the 28 Lunar Mansions are a group formed to protect Earth during the night awake or asleep, and the 108 Stars of Destiny protect Earth during the day and Dreamland during the night. When individual Crusaders go in groups, they are called Asterisms.

If anything, their collective duties are connected to the day and night cycle. During the day, the 108 Stars of Destiny perform their assigned duties such as patrolling the Earth for evils such as supervillains and nightmare monsters who have slipped into reality by escaping someone's cloudscape while balancing their mundane lives. When night comes, the Knights of the 28 Lunar Mansions come out to patrol the Earth and in the darkness, attack nightmare monsters and spirits and foil the plans of villains before the sun rises while the Stars of Destiny prepare for the next day, and of course, bedtime.

After that, the Stars of Destiny and the Knights of the Lunar Mansions fall asleep, and in their dreams, go to the bases of their leaders: the former meet at Zenith Castle for training and socializing while the latter meet their Dimensional Mates in Dreamland before heading to the Realm of the Moon for training, exploring, and socializing with fellow Knights or, when trouble arrives, going on mission briefings before descending on Earth with their partners to protect people from evils that lurk in the shadows. Sometimes in the Star of Destiny's dreams, Ranald sends them on missions such as traveling to cloudscapes of sleeping people to cleanse them or guarding Dreamland and places of Earth where dreams are being made.

Meanwhile, in space, the Crusaders of the Constellations protect the other dimensions as guardians and peacekeepers and would only intervene on Earth only if there are matters there deemed to have interplanetary consequences. As part of their duties, they would also capture dimensional criminals and seal them away in prisons such as the Dark Hound Warrior's Floating Fortress, the Frozen Moon Dungeon and Tower of Polar Night at Fort Buwan, and the Eclipse Prison of Fort Corona.

## Trivia

The glyphs that appear on the pages for individual Crusaders are derived from: https://www.suberic.net/~dmm/astro/constellations.html