Gnosis

gnosis_symbol.png|Gnosis Symbol</br> gnosis_monk.png|Gnosis Monk

Gnosis is an ancient and powerful force known by a secretive monastic order believed to have formed before recorded history. Its origin remains unknown, but its power is said to surpass any natural force known to humanity. The monks tasked with mastering and safeguarding Gnosis generally live apart from the world, often dwelling in remote deserts, mountain ranges, jungles, or other isolated locales.

The order has even established secret sanctuaries on Mars, using their mastery of Gnosis to create temporary gateways allowing them to travel the cosmos undetected. These wandering monks have been encountered in various parts of the galaxy, typically arriving unannounced and carrying out self-defined missions before vanishing just as mysteriously.

The Nature of Gnosis

The source of Gnosis is unclear, but its effects are the subject of awe and debate. It is not so much a force that can be controlled as it is a self-amplifying energy. Those who come into contact with Gnosis find their own inherent traits, natural abilities, and even desires amplified.

Beneficially, Gnosis can unlock hidden potentials, bestow incredible abilities, and allow the creation of new technologies by focusing this energy. Its destructive potential, however, cannot be ignored – should a person be dominated by their worst impulses, weaknesses, or fears, Gnosis could break down the very fabric of their mind, potentially leading to ruin.

Further complications arise from the fact that Gnosis cannot be tamed or controlled in the traditional sense – it is a force that will always reflect the true nature of its wielder, for better or worse. Yet despite its inherent risks, countless individuals across space and history have sought to harness it, convinced that its power can bring about ultimate mastery of the universe.

Wars of Gnosis

Inevitably, civilizations and empires have attempted to use and abuse Gnosis to fulfill their desires. As a result, wars have erupted over its control, with ruined cities and devastated planets as testament to the consequences of tampering with Gnosis. Some factions pursued the monks for the secrets of harnessing it, while others sought to erase all traces of Gnosis in the belief that such power was too volatile and unpredictable to exist anywhere but under the order's care.

Some stories tell of tyrants or conquerors who managed to unlock Gnosis's power, and for a time they became nearly invincible, only to crumble when their self-aggrandizement and greed took over. Controlling Gnosis requires a delicate balance, and it seems in some respects, a form of enlightenment – for the ego, the desire for power, or the pursuit of truth must always dictate its use, be it for noble or nefarious purposes.

The Makings of a Master

Given the dangers, few monks, if any, have ever succeeded in fully unlocking Gnosis, as even under the tutelage of the order, its mastery of Gnosis requires an impassioned pursuit. Yet that pursuit is said to be a journey into the soul, where self-awareness, unflinching honesty, and a natural curiosity for the mysteries of reality lead one to understand the thoughts and emotions that drive their actions within the greater flows of the cosmos.

This understanding requires being entirely "present" in the moment, as thoughts of the past and future are distractions from the here and now. In such a state, a monk can harness Gnosis by becoming its conduit – through their very nature, they can shape this force to their will.

Legacy of the Order

Although the monks are hidden, and their secrets jealously guarded, their actions have not gone unnoticed by the wider galaxy. To humanity, their presence is like a whisper from a forgotten past, reminding them of the forgotten truths, the things left unsaid, and the power hidden in the heart of things.

The true heart of the Gnosis lies in understanding, a self-aware, natural pursuit of enlightenment with a passionate vision. This journey towards wisdom is central to the order, and their presence across the planet and across the stars often serves as a touchstone for inquisitive minds, recalling a long-lost era of spiritual growth and startling, hidden forces.

No matter the era or the intentions of its seekers, the power of Gnosis remains a constant reminder of the hidden potential within the universe, a force that could bring about unimaginable progress or unthinkable destruction. Thus, the order continues to protect this mysterious force, shielding its secrets from those with reckless ambitions while guiding their own initiates towards understanding, compassion, and wisdom.