The divas of the Starcrossed Universe are powerful, but the mightiest divas rarely fight alone. Those who draw their energy from the same type of crystals often work together, to protect their common interests, and fight for common goals. These groups of divas are called tribes, and when they work in unison their might can be immeasurable

Apocrypha

Of all tribes in the Starcrossed Universe, the Apocrypha are the most solemn. They view the power of the Soul Crystals as inherently spiritual, and believe this power to be a source of guidance through the cosmos. All divas of the Apocrypha tribe, from the mightiest paladin to the humblest hermit, study the wisdom of their ancient teachers, and strive for excellence in body and soul.

In the era when mortals still walked the many worlds the divas touched, high ranking Apocrypha were praised as saints. Followers evicted their gods from their temples, and instead erected monuments to the wisdom and guidance of the Apocrypha masters. Now that the Great Silence has fallen, it is the Apocrypha themselves who must light the fires at their shrines: they view the turmoil ahead as a test of their faith and resolve, and are determined to guide the universe towards a bright and glorious future.

The spirituality of the Apocrypha is more than just belief: they can use their crystals to tap into the very essence of their being, and convert it into raw energy. The energy they produce is often likened to light or fire, but it is much more–it is the soul made manifest. Even among experienced divas, true mastery of this power is rare: not all who can ignite the flame can put it out as easily. This is why the Apocrypha value discipline and ritual so highly. Only those who are at peace within can externalize their fury without being consumed by it.

Amazon

Other tribes fight for what they believe in. The Amazons fight to win. For the Amazons, victory is its own reward. All divas are gifted with vast power, but while others may be humbled by the wonders that other divas can perform, the Amazons view them only as a challenge. To them, if the trait that defines all divas is power, then to exert power must be every diva’s purpose.

The Amazons have always been fearsome enemies, but they are also powerful allies. In ages past, many welcomed the Amazons to their worlds with open arms. After all, the protection of the Amazons almost guaranteed that no one else would ever dare to seek out conflict. Unfortunately the great ambition of the Amazons was also their undoing: over time, separated by countless planets and lightyears, various factions within the Amazon Empire began to splinter off and fight, until they threatened to fall by their own hands. Only now, under the leadership of Ponderosa, are the many regiments of the far-reaching Empire beginning to unite once more, to reclaim the power of a golden age that is now all but forgotten.

The Amazons don’t have time for sorcery and mysticism. They instead use their Soul Crystals as batteries and generators to power their weapons, armor, and machines. Their talent for engineering is unmatched in the universe, and their inventions inspire wonder and terror wherever they are seen. However, to an Amazon, a weapon is no mere tool: it is an extension of herself. Amazons are attuned to the crystals that power their devices so deeply that in the field they function as one. 

Shinobi

While most divas do everything they can to keep the cold darkness of space at bay, the Shinobi view the darkness as their greatest ally. A billion stars may light the night sky, but each is a speck in an infinite void. To the Shinobi, it is a fact of nature that the darkness is the true master of the universe. To deny this would be to fight a battle against fate itself, and a battle against fate is a battle you can’t win.

There are many Shinobi clans, each with its own structure, and its own goals and motivations. Some Shinobi clans deal in politics, others manage trade empires, and others still are simple farmers and builders. The true goals that unite the Shinobi are mysterious and obscure, and their most impactful actions often go unseen. Shinobi warriors rarely march into battle, or challenge an enemy face to face. Instead, they fight when they are least expected, and use any means necessary to vanquish their foes. 

Though their tactics are feared and reviled by other divas, the Shinobi are not without principles. All Shinobi follow a code: just not the same code as their enemies. While they may appear not to value life, they instead believe that life and death are equally sacred. Their attunement with the void of space allows them to tap into the realm of ghosts and shadows. The Shinobi draw their power from the essence of those who have passed, but they also understand that they too must one day pass, and leave their essence in the hands of those who follow. To the Shinobi, this process is sacred, and to attune to the cycle of life and death is to be at peace with the essence of the universe.

Arcadia

For every world a diva has set foot on, there are a thousand more that remain undiscovered. All divas possess power that would humble even the mightiest mortal, but the Arcadians recognize that there are powers in the universe greater than the mightiest diva. The Arcadians thrive on exploration and discovery, as they pursue their mission to embrace the mysterious and illuminate the unknown. Their libraries are open to all, and they are eager to aid all those who call upon them–for a price.

The Arcadians are trusted and welcome in many circles for their eagerness to share the vast knowledge of the cosmos they have accumulated. Few would want to be their enemies, not just because they are clever fighters, but because to lose the favor of the Arcadians is to lose access to the secrets of the universe. Though the Arcadians lack political ambition, it is common for renegade sects to set off on their own, engaging in piracy and insurrection, or fighting alongside other tribes for fun and profit. The rest of the tribe neither supports nor condemns these sects: to the Arcadians, every diva is the master of her own destiny.

The powers of the Arcadians are spectacular and awe inspiring. Their Soul Crystals are attuned to the very fabric of reality: they can manipulate space and time, and can call upon the forces of the primal elements to aid them. They have explored even the most distant worlds, and every new discovery they make is another tool in their arsenal. To do battle with an Arcadian is to do battle with the universe itself.